Edinburgh

Dramatically sited on top of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle is steeped in history. Take a tour and discover its secrets, enjoying spectacular views across the city - make sure you see Scotland's Crown Jewels too.

The Gallery of Modern Art is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside London. It offers a thought-provoking programme of temporary exhibitions and workshops. Work by local and international artists is displayed.

The Burrell Collection is one of the largest singularly owned collections of art with over 9000 different pieces. They range from medieval art, tapestries, alabasters, European works by artists like Degas and Cezanne, together with an important collection of Islamic art and sculpture. The collection is located on the outskirts of the city, in the tranquil setting of Pollok Park.

This unique museum explores the importance of religion in people's lives across the world and across time. Every major religion is represented with the aim of a more harmonious outlook on the world.

The Gallery of Modern Art is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside London. It offers a thought-provoking programme of temporary exhibitions and workshops. Work by local and international artists is displayed. Major biannual projects address contemporary social issues. Since it opened in 1996 the Gallery of Modern Art has enthralled and inspired several million visitors, and is constantly evolving. The contemporary art collection is housed in an elegant, neo-classical building in the heart of Glasgow city centre. Workshops and artists talks are held in the dedicated Education and Access studio.

Compass Gallery has a tradition of impartial selection of graduates, who seem to have a special creative living quality, found by the directors while visiting the Scottish Degree shows. This serious contemporary gallery reflects the much greater sources of inspiration using a broader range of new media. Each year the New Generation Show presents a varied quality of graduate work. This reflects the creative ideas, energy and skills of those on the threshold of their future career and can be a stepping stone for today's young graduates to become tomorrow's solo exhibitors, lecturers and curators.

This intimate gallery established in 1983, is an informal place for art enthusiasts, corporate collectors, British curators and first time buyers to browse through an exciting collection of works. The large selection includes prominent 19th and 20th century British artists, the Glasgow School, the Scottish Colourists, 20th century Scottish masters, the Bloomsbury Group, the St Ives School and Modern British artists.

Since it's inception in 1983 Transmission has become the centre for a diverse and increasingly high profile art scene. A place where artists can meet, talk and exhibit along with local and international peers and influences. The Transmission Gallery is sponsored and supported by the Scottish Arts Council. Transmission is run by a committee of volunteers who serve for up to two years. The regular changes ensure the gallery maintains a broad perspective on contemporary culture, keeping its engagement challenging and current.

Through its collections, this much-loved museum brings together the cultures of Scotland and the world. It unites art, science and natural history, and celebrates human invention and creativity. For almost 150 years, the museum has inspired millions of local people and visitors to Scotland's capital.

Focusing on some of the less savoury aspects of Edinburgh's past. This enjoyable tour includes live actors to maximise the experience (watch out for 'jumper-ooters!')There's also a ride with state of the art interactive effects to take the visitors deep into the heart of Edinburgh's long and fascinating history.

House Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyrood house in Edinburgh is The Queen's official residence in Scotland. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyrood house is closely associated with Scotland's turbulent past, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here between 1561 and 1567. Successive kings and queens have made the Palace of Holyrood house the premier royal residence in Scotland. Today, the Palace is the setting for State ceremonies and official entertaining, hooray for Holyrood!

Art lovers are in for a treat in Edinburgh. Not only do these five impressive galleries showcase some of the best Scottish and international art in the world, but entrance to all of them is free. World-class exhibitions come to town frequently so check what's on when you're here.

Visit the new Scotch Whisky Experience for a sensational journey! Take a swirling, bubbling barrel ride through a replica distillery as you become part of the whisky making process. Along the way you'll hear the stories behind this magical craft, with expert tour guides and whisky advisors with you every sip of the way. The visitor will discover the aromas and flavours that leads you to the perfect single malt whisky! Tours include a dram of Scotch Malt Whisky, a Glencairn whisky tasting glass to take away plus a discount voucher for our shop (Under 18's are given a soft drink, guided tours are available in fifteen languages.