Combining a mix of the traditional and the cosmopolitan, Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, contains such a variety of attractions that there has to be something to do for everyone who visits this charming and attractive city. And millions do every year, because the city is one of the biggest tourist attractions not only in the UK, but in all of Western Europe.

Located on the River Forth in the Lothian region of eastern Scotland, Edinburgh has a history that dates back thousands of years, and the tourist attractions prove it.
Regarded as one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities in the country, Edinburgh’s character and history are on display as soon as you set foot in the city centre. The “old town” is characterized by an interlocking collection of architectural styles dating back through the ages. To give an indication of the depth of interest in Edinburgh as a historic landmark, within the Old Town there are over 4,000 buildings that have been listed as being of historic interest.

The focal point of Edinburgh’s Old Town is the Royal Mile which contains such famous and historic buildings as St Giles’ Cathedral, the Scottish Law Courts, the Royal Museum of Scotland and more. Looking down over ‘Old Town’ is the world famous Edinburgh Castle looking down over the whole of the city centre, and over all that is both old and new in Edinburgh.

Situated in the “old town” is another important historical landmark, Arthur’s Seat at Holyrood Palace, a former seat of the Scottish kings.

You must never forget that Edinburgh is a city of contrasts. It is a city long known for its culture and joie de vivre.

Every year in August, Edinburgh is filled with entertainment and festivities when it hosts the annual Edinburgh Festival. During that time, visitors flock to the “old city” from around the world, and its permanent population of around 400,000 is estimated to double during these four weeks. Many of them take advantage of Edinburgh car rental to travel around the city and its surroundings during their stay.

There’s so much going on in Edinburgh that it’s hard to keep up during Festival month. The most famous of the events during the festival is the Military Tattoo. Anyone who has ever attended this spectacular event, held on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle, will have experienced shivers of excitement as pipe bands march in close formation to the sound of their bagpipes.

At the same time, it runs the Edinburgh Fringe Theatre, where artists from every country on the Globe descend on the city to display their talents in the widest range of artistic modes imaginable. The “fringe” is still considered the largest performing arts festival and is held in conjunction with the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Renting a car can be a cheap way to travel in and around Edinburgh, and some companies offer discounts for rentals of three days or more. Car hire in Edinburgh normally comes as an ‘all inclusive’ package which includes unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, passenger indemnity insurance and third party cover, fire and theft, but does not usually have excess insurance. To hire a car anywhere in the UK you need to show a full driver’s license and a credit card in the driver’s name. Cars are usually rented to customers between the ages of 21 and 70. Many people are reluctant to rent cars and drive around city centers. However, central Edinburgh can be congested and parking can be a problem.