Laid out across volcanic hills, with its jagged skyline topped by craggy Edinburgh castle, the Scottish capital has a dramatic impact that few European cities can match. The cobbled medieval closes, steep stairways and hidden courtyards of the labyrinthine Old Town, along with the wide avenues and grand Neoclassical facades of the New Town together constitute a Unesco World Heritage Site that is also the heart of a working city. Edinburgh's compact centre, its August Festival, the waterside seafood restaurants in Leith are just aspects of a city that is richly rewarding to visit.

Edinburgh DIRECTIONS has all you need to get the most out of your stay: the best-value hotels and restaurants, whatever your budget; the most interesting pubs and clubs; the finest shops §and galleries ... in short, the best the city has to offer.

Browse the full-colour ideas section for a wealth of things to do, 24 hours a day if you like. Then flip to the places section to explore the city, with every sight, restaurant, bar, club and shop located on our easy-to-use maps.

It's like having a local friend plan your trip.