Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1995, the centre of Edinburgh is a fascinating combination of medieval and classical harmony. The Old Town, built around a castle on a volcanic plug where the first defensive settlement was founded over 2,000 years ago, contrasts with the New Town where order and harmony prevail within the largest area of Georgian architecture ever visualized. 

Edinburgh's Old Town includes the castle, Royal Mile and the mediaeval heart of the city. Highlights are the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles Cathedral with its crown spire, and the underground city at Mary King's Close, Greyfriar's Kirkyard and the newly built Scottish Parliament Building. Along with the New Town, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The lower New Town has Georgian architecture, as well as the main shopping district along Princes Street. Main attractions include the Scott Monument, National Gallery of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Leith is the port area to the north of the city, home to Ocean Terminal Mall and the Royal Yacht Britannia.