Visit the film location: Edinburgh

As one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Edinburgh, with its year-round calendar of festivals, events and attractions has long enticed visitors from across the globe, who come to stroll through its history-saturated streets and marvel at the stunning city from atop the legendary Arthur's Seat.

With a rich and colourful past that can be traced back to the Bronze Age, Edinburgh, with its medieval lanes and world-famous castle, manages to meld the old with the new as home to the internationally renowned Fringe Festival and Jazz and Blues Festival, as well as its Military Tattoo and Hogmanay celebrations, making it a destination for all seasons.

For soaking up the history of the city, the best place to start is also probably the most famous - Edinburgh Castle. Perched on the volcanic Castle Rock, entering the imposing structure, which traces its roots back deep into the mists of time to the 12th century, is like being pulled through a time portal into the past, thanks to its cannon-marked stone walls, portcullis gates, chapel, palace and halls, all making for the perfect way to spend a morning. And unsurprisingly for a country that's been dubbed the ‘Most haunted in Europe', Edinburgh Castle boasts its fair share of phantoms, including a ghostly piper, a headless drummer and even a canine spirit, who haunts the dog cemetery within the grounds. And if the spirits don't make you jump, then the One o'Clock Gun, heard across the city at 1pm precisely each day -a tradition dating back to 1861 as a time signal forships languishing in the Firth of Forth - certainly will.

When August rolls around, the Castle plays host to the world famous Military Tattoo, which attracts over a quarter of a million visitors each year who come to catch the parades and performances, along with the spine-tingling lone piper performance on the castle battlements, playing in memory of fallen comrades.

Better by miles

For a stroll that'll assail your senses with every step, the Royal Mile should be top of your agenda. Stretching from the Castle to Holyrood Palace, here you'll find buildings steeped in so much history that it's well worth booking a tour to enjoy an in-depth hour or so of fascinating facts. On the Royal Mile, you'll pass the wonderfully named Goose Pie House, Lady Stair's House, Morocco Land, Mercat Cross and The High Kirk of St Giles. But if you only have time for a couple of things, make sure you veer off for the Camera Obscura and Outlook Tower, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city. And reaching Holyrood Palace, you'll find regal interiors to jaw-drop over - all high ceilings and intricate carvings - as well as the apartments which once housed Mary, Queen of Scots.

Shopping and  stopping

Spend an afternoon shopping on Princes Street, one of the busiest areas in the city and situated in the New Town. Here you'll find all the high street classics from which to fill up your suitcase, as well as the likes of Edinburgh shopping institution, Jenners - one of the finest department stores in the world and, come Christmas,a wonderful place to pick up some gifts. For more native-to-Edinburgh stores, head to the West End, Stafford Street and William Street - with Ark Angel and Sam Thomas standout shops for esoteric buys; or head to Stockbridge where you can browse the antique stores and galleries.

Step away from the bustle into Princes Street Gardens, where you'll find perfectly manicured grounds, a floral clock, and an art fix in the shape of the Royal Scottish Academy, an imposing neoclassical structure at the foot of The Mound. And of course, no visit to Edinburgh is complete without a climb up to the top of Arthur's Seat, which, legend has it, was the location of King Arthur's Camelot, and from atop the 823-foot peak you can enjoy sweeping views across the city.

Fringes, Festivals and Festive Season

The August Fringe Festival sees an international throng descend on the city to catch one of the thousands of shows that are held in venues that range from grandto simple rooms over pubs. But location has no bearing on quality here, and if you're lucky you could find yourself watching the next Eddie Izzard, Stephen Fry or Jude Law - all of whose careers owe a debt to their humble beginnings on the Fringe circuit. From street performances to comedy, musicals, art-house and kids' shows, there are events to suit all entertainment palates.

For a much less hectic event, try the Snowdrop Festival which runs across February and March, and where you can enjoy the blooms in the stunning setting of the 150 acres surrounding Hopetoun House, a short drive out of the city. And then there's Hogmanay, one of the world's great New Year's celebrations. Spilling across December 30 to January 2, join the hundred thousand-odd people who take to the streets to ring in the New Year witha torchlight procession and awesome fireworks display.

Trip notes:

The Witchery By The Castle

Stop for a bite at this Edinburgh institution, which has been serving up hearty, locally-sourced dishes for over 25 years. Located right at the Castle gates, enjoy Scottish lobster the oak-pannelled setting in winter, or delicious bites in the Secret Garden in summer. www.thewitchery.com

Scotch Whisky Experience

When in Rome… Take an hour-long tour which delves into the history of the renowned Scottish beverage, along with an exhibition and ride through the ins and outs of the drink. And you can even pick up a bottle of 40-year-old Dalmore - a snip at Dh8,550 a bottle. www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk  

Royal Week

Usually taking place around the end of June, Queen Elizabeth II formally resides at Holyrood Palace, and visitors can overdose on tradition with the Ceremony of the Keys, State Opening of Parliament and plenty of other events in and around the city.

Filmed there

One Day, Chariots of Fire, Burke and Hare, Trainspotting

Fly there

Emirates Airlines fly to Glasgow, from where you can hop on a train or coach to cover the 67 kilometres to Edinburgh. Visit www.emirates.com 

Stay here

Luxury

Hotel Missoni

Perfectly placed on the Royal Mile, this uber-chic offering from the Italian design house is all clean lines, amazing interiors and clutter-free rooms. With a range of rooms and suites on offer, it's the bar, Bar Missoni, and the spa - featuring Eve Lom and Natura Bisse treatments - which truly makes this a standout accommodation option. And the on-site restaurant, Cucina Missoni, serves up traditional Italian fare with a menu devised by Giorgio Locatelli of Locanda Locatelli fame. www.hotelmissoni.com

Mid-range

The Macdonald Roxburghe

Style and luxury rule at the Roxburghe, situated in the heart of New Town. With a spa, 120-metre indoor pool, sauna and steam room, in which to rest your aching feet after a hard day's pavement pounding, choose between the Melrose Lounge Bar and Consort Bar in which to enjoy a ‘wee dram' at the end of the day. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Budget

The Point Hotel

This modern hotel is just a short walk from all the main tourist attractions, includingthe Castle and Princes Street. Housedin a building which dates back to 1892, book into your en-suite room, or choose a Superior room with a view of Edinburgh Castle. The Monboddo Bar is open until 1am, and you'll find great eats at their Bread Street Brasserie, including tempting Scottish beef dishes. www.pointhoteledinburgh.co.uk