Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is situated in a striking location on the country’s eastern coast, in the Lothians. The city itself is perched atop rocky crags and extinct volcanic cones. This unique, dramatic location has been continuously inhabited longer than most other parts of northern Europe.
 In addition to its setting and historic attractions that draw tourists, Edinburgh has also become a leading European centre for business, education and finance. In fact, after London, it’s the most important of the UK’s financial centres.
 The city is more conservative than other urban areas in Scotland, but it still offers plenty of stimulation for visitors. It is the centre of Scottish culture and history, and home to numerous, significant museums and art galleries. There’s an active theatre scene and a year-round calendar of well-established events and festivals. Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage site, largely owing to its combination of historical attractions including its 12th century castle, medieval Old Town and 18th century Georgian-style New Town. Visitors will find large expanses of green space in the city’s gardens and parks as well.
Edinburgh sees most of its tourists in the summertime, from July to September, and especially in August during the internationally-famous Edinburgh Festival. Running concurrently with the mainstream festival are the Fringe Festival and the Book, Film and Jazz festivals, which are equally as popular. This is the most crowded time of the year for the city and accommodation options are often booked months in advance.
Edinburgh offers a complete range of chain hotels and deluxe accommodation options, but it’s important to book well in advance if you’re planning a summer visit.
 The other popular time to visit is around New Year, when all of Scotland celebrates elaborately during the traditional Hogmanay Festival. For those seeking a quieter time and easier access to attractions and eateries, the spring and autumn are a good choice.
History
 There are indications that the Castle Rock site was inhabited as early as 1500 BC, and in the 7th century AD a Celtic tribe called Gododdin (meaning ‘hill fort’) established itself here. During the 1400s, the Scottish royals affiliated themselves with Edinburgh, adding to its status and bringing increased attention to it, in good times and bad. The city became a target of English armies during the ages-old struggle for dominance between the Scots and the English and was also the scene of uprisings and some dramatic moments in history. Mary, Queen of Scots, ruled here through turbulent times, and Bonnie Prince Charlie staged a failed attempt to seize the Scottish throne in 1745.
After the Act of Union was passed in 1707, power shifted from Edinburgh to London as the parliaments of Scotland and England were combined. The focus of attention away from Edinburgh allowed the city to concentrate on its social problems. By the mid-18th century, disease and overcrowding had escalated to dangerous levels, and the city government was forced to expand, providing more living space for its residents in an area now known as New Town, which boasts splendid examples of neo-classical architecture.
 During the 18th and 19th centuries, Edinburgh developed into an important centre for academic pursuits as well as for study in law and medicine. By the 20th century, this development expanded to other fronts, including tourism and business.In 1947, the city created an event that would draw participants and visitors from around the world. The Edinburgh Festival and the more edgy Fringe firmly established Edinburgh as a leading centre of art and culture internationally.
 In more recent years, Edinburgh has become an important financial centre for Europe. After three centuries, in 2004, the Scottish Parliament was re-established, and opened in September of that year in the capital’s new parliament building.
Weather
 Although Scotland has a reputation for wet and dreary weather, the average annual temperature is actually only three to four degrees lower than London’s and the rainfall isn’t all that heavy. Located on the country’s east coast, Edinburgh’s average rainfall is similar to that of New York, Frankfurt or Rome.
From spring through early autumn, or the months of April to September, temperatures are mild and quite similar to what other European capitals experience. It does get quite cold and rainy in the winter, however, when a raincoat becomes essential.
 If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, the best times to visit are May to June and then September to October. The weather is typically dry and the days are sunny and relatively warm. All major attractions of interest are open, but not as crowded as the generally are during the summer.
July and August are not ideal months for a visit as UK schools are closed for the summer holidays, meaning that the city is more crowded. Rainfall is heavier than in the spring and autumn months as well. If the reason for your visit is to take in the world-famous Edinburgh Festival in August, then you'll need to take the crowds in your stride.
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