Known as the 'Athens of the North', Edinburgh boasts many attractions and draws millions of visitors each year from all over the world. The city has impressive modern and classical architecture, many cultural events and dramatic scenery. It also plays host to numerous international sports events and is renowned for its great night life and good food.

During the summer the city plays host to the Edinburgh Festival when five festivals coincide to make the city the cultural centre of the world. Comedians, film stars, musicians, theatre companies, authors and street performers can be seen in Edinburgh. The five festivals are:

Edinburgh Art Festival

Edinburgh Fringe (comedy)

Edinburgh International Festival (theatre, dance, music, opera)

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Kingsway Guest House is located close to numerous Festival venues including the Festival Theatre, Queens Hall, Speigletent, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Park, the Pleasance and many more.

Other Edinburgh highlights include:

• Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish crown jewels.

• Holyrood Park and Palace

• Scottish Parliament

• Princes Street shopping and gardens.

• The Royal Botanical Gardens

• Edinburgh Zoo

• Art galleries including the Portrait Gallery and National Gallery of Modern Art.

• National Museum of Scotland

• Dynamic Earth

• Royal Yacht Britannia

• Edinburgh Film Festival

• Excellent shopping including George Street boutiques, designer stores at Multrees Walk such as Harvey Nicholls, and the picturesque Ocean Terminal overlooking the Firth of Forth.

For sports fans , Edinburgh is home to the Scottish international rugby stadium and two Scottish Premiership football teams - Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian FC. A number of venues play host to international boxing bouts and Murrayfield ice rink is home to Elite ice hockey team the Edinburgh Capitals.

If you prefer to take part in activities , there are many walking routes in and around Edinburgh including at Holyrood Park, just five minutes walk from Kingsway Guest House. A number of marathons are held throughout the year, often starting in Holyrood Park, such as the BUPA Great Run and the Edinburgh Marathon. There are several excellent public golf courses including Craigmillar Park , Silverknowes, Braid Hills and Prestonfield . Guests can also visit the Commonwealth swimming pool and gym nearby, public tennis courts and Murrayfield ice rink for a spot of skating.

If you have other interests and would like to know about specialised events in Edinburgh, please contact us or check out an event guide