Edinburgh (Gaelic: Dùn Èideann) is the capital of Scotland located in the Central Belt region of the country. With a population of approximately 450,000 (1 million in the city region), "Auld Reekie" (Edinburgh) manages to combine both ancient and modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere. Watched over by the imposing castle, the symbol of the city, Edinburgh combines medieval relics, Georgian grandeur and a powerful layer of modern life with contemporary avant-garde. In Edinburgh, medieval palaces rub shoulders with the best of modern architecture, Gothic churches with amazing museums and galleries. Scotland's throbbing night-life centre, Edinburgh, "the Athens of the North", is also a feast for the mind and the senses, playing host to great restaurants, shops and an unequaled programme of city festivals throughout the year. Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year, kicks off the festivities, which culminate in the high summer with the Tattoo, the International and the Fringe, amongst many others.
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1995. In 2004, Edinburgh became the first member of the UNESCO Creative Cities initiative when it was designated a City of Literature.In a 2009 poll by YouGov, Edinburgh was voted the most desirable city to live in the UK.
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Edinburgh
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a succession of streets which form the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of the city of Edinburgh in Scotland. As the name suggests, the Royal Mile is approximately one Scots mile long, and runs between two foci of history in Scotland, from Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Castle Rockdown to Holyrood Abbey. The streets which make up the Royal Mile are (west to east) Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand. The Royal Mile is Edinburgh Old Town's busiest tourist street, rivalled only by Princes Streetin the New Town.
Today, the Royal Mile is an eclectic mix of tourist shops and eateries as well as pubs and historical attractions, as well as forming a major focal point for the annual Edinburgh Festival. It also serves as the heart of Scotland's legal system, being the home of both the High Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session.
Local Amenities
Going left along London Road takes you to Meadowbank Shopping Park, which has a selection of retail outlets and also a large Sainsbury's supermarket. If you're heading into town, it's a 15 minute walk to the St James Centre. Nearby is Harvey Nichols, Jenners and the many temptations within Princes Street .
Eating, drinking and night life
It's worth noting that Edinburgh has more bars per square mile than any other European city. Ranging from the ancient watering holes where our past Kings and Queens had a few ales, to the exclusive and chic bars where our future King hangs out.
Only a short 10 minute walk along London Road, towards Princes Street, located next to the Playhouse Theatre is the Omni Centre. The new place in town for the hip, young and seriously cool. Boasting a variety of loud n' lively bars, cinema, health club, night club, Jongleurs Comedy Club, restaurants and fast food for when you get the munchies .
