Perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city, this should be a must-see on your list of places to visit in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle houses important Scottish artefacts, such as the Honours of Scotland - which are the oldest crown jewels in the UK - and The Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy.

The Scott Monument was built in 1832 to commemorate the death of one of Scotland's best loved writers, Sir Walter Scott, and is decorated with carvings of characters from his novels. The Gothic spire stands at the eastern end of Princes Street Gardens and is the largest memorial to a writer in the world, standing at just over 200 feet high. Climb the 287 steps to the top for beautiful views of the city and visit the Museum Room inside the monument, which holds an exhibition on Scott's life and work.

At the Palace of Holyroodhouse, visitors can explore magnificent historic and State Apartments, the beautiful ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and remarkable royal gardens, all with a complimentary multimedia tour in 10 languages. Best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Palace was the setting for many dramatic episodes in her short reign. Today, the State Apartments are used regularly for State ceremonies and official entertaining.

Also on the Royal Mile, why not pop into St Giles' Cathedral and marvel at some of Edinburgh's most impressive architecture? As well as Victorian stained glass windows and Gothic style stonework the stunning Thistle Chapel's magnificent ceiling is a sight to behold. Further down the Royal Mile, look out for Dunbar's Close Garden, this Edinburgh hidden gem is laid out like a 17th century garden, tucked away down an alley just off the main street.

The famous Royal Mile, and neighbouring Grassmarket, are must-sees when visiting Edinburgh. As the historic heart of the capital, the Royal Mile runs down the Old Town and connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse via a mile of cobbled street. Happen upon one of the many hidden closes and discover its secrets, or head down picture-perfect Victoria Street to the vibrant Grassmarket where you can see the castle in all its glory.

One of the best free things to do in Edinburgh is to explore its pretty quaint streets. Just a short walk from Princes Street, you'll find the oasis that is Dean Village. Nestled into the banks of the Water of Leith, this quiet residential area appears to be untouched by time. Once home to many water mills, its industrial past can still be seen in the unique architecture and remains of stone plaques decorated with baked bread and pies. Be sure to take a camera with you as this hidden gem is one of the city's most photogenic areas.

The district of Leith rests on the shores of the Firth of Forth, at the mouth of the Water of Leith. Having served as the port of Edinburgh for hundreds of years, the area’s original harbour dates back to the 14th century and has been visited by many travelling kings and queens, including Mary Queen of Scots and King George IV.

Today, Leith is a vivacious area jam-packed with delicious delis, chic drinking spots, and top restaurants boasting some of Scotland’s finest chefs. The district asserts a jovial attitude and hosts an eclectic mix of people and cultures, making each a visit a unique experience.

For outstanding views, get up early and climb to the top of Calton Hill to enjoy the sunrise over the city. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a collection of historic monuments, most notably the National Monument, which was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.

Perhaps one of the most iconic places to go in Edinburgh is Arthur's Seat, located within Holyrood Park. This ancient volcano sits 251m above sea level and offers 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians. You can see the medieval remains of St Anthony's Chapel or feed the ducks and swans on Duddingston Loch.

If you happen to get caught in the rain, you might be wondering what to do in Edinburgh. Visit the National Museum of Scotland, one of the best indoor attractions in Edinburgh - and entry is free! With over 20,000 unique artifacts to see, there's something for everyone and fun for all the family. Spend the day learning about the catacombs of Egypt, the wonders of nature and even modern-day technology.

A trip to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art won't leave you disappointed - whether you're an art lover or not. Comprising two impressive buildings, this top Edinburgh attraction contains masterpieces from the 1900s to present day. Admire art by Matisse, Picasso and Emin, as well as Scottish contemporaries. The landscaped grounds of the galleries feature sculptures by Tony Cragg and Barbara Hepworth, amongst others.

Dedicated to the lives and work of Scottish literary figures, and one of the many free museums in Edinburgh - The Writer's Museum is a great place to visit for literary fans or those interested in Scottish history. Celebrating the work of greats such as Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, there's so much to see and do. Be amazed by the collection of rare books, manuscripts and personal possessions - including Burn's writing desk and the printing press on which Sir Walter Scott's first novels were produced.

Greyfriars Kirk was founded in 1620. Greyfriars has played a key role in the Scottish reformation movements and its story is one of enlightenment for over 400 years. This small museum is packed with exhibitions to tell our stories. It not only explains the story of the kirk's role in the Scottish reformation but also that of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who kept vigil over the grave of his owner in the graveyard outside for 14 years.

Looking to add a bit more sweetness to your trip? Just off the Royal Mile you’ll find The Edinburgh Chocolatarium, a place dedicated to all things chocolate. Enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of the chocolate-making process before making your very own chocolate bar where you’ll have lots of toppings to choose from. To finish off, head to the chocolate Tasting Room where you’ll taste a variety of Scottish and international chocolates.

No trip to the Royal Mile is complete without a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience for a dram of fine Scottish whisky. The attraction offers a range of tour experiences that will suit first timers and whisky lovers alike. Take a tour of the virtual distillery and learn about the distilling process, then discover the art of whisky blending in a guided sensory presentation.

Some of the carriages of 'The Jacobite' are those used in the 'Harry Potter' films. So, come and travel to Mallaig along the line used in the films, see the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, an unmistakable landmark for all Harry Potter fans.

The train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan. Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. You may alight at Arisaig by request to the guard. From here, on a clear summer's day, you can see the "Small Isles" of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films "Highlander" and "Local Hero".