Old Town is the name given to the oldest part of Edinburgh stretching away from the castle towards the south. It is the heart and soul of the city.

The area is dominated by 16th Century buildings which follow the original medieval street pattern of the old city, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. The Old Town boasts some fine examples of early high-rise living, as overcrowding in the city led to its citizens becoming the first to construct dwellings up to five stories high as far back as the start of the 16th century, making it a sort of reformation era New York. 

St Giles Cathedral is situated here, a place of worship for over 900 years, as well as the Law Courts and The Royal Museum of Scotland. Those of you coming to Edinburgh to really appreciate its place in world culture will be keen to pay a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience (354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile EH1) where you can take a trip through 300 years of whisky tradition before visiting the adjacent Amber Restaurant whisky bar for a few drams from the 300 or so whiskies on display.

Following on from your whisky experience the chances are you’ll be in the mood to visit one of the areas many comedy clubs, which are open all year round.  You’ll find the Edinburgh Comedy Room (The Tron, 9 Hunter Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1QWE) on hand to provide the laughs.

Those of you more interested in high culture visit the City Arts Centre (No.2 Market Street, EH1) which is a very modern exhibition centre focussing on accessible and contemporary art.

Edinburgh Writer’s Museum (Lady Stair’s House, Lady Stair’s Close, Edinburgh, EH1) is a fascinating place, found half-way up Edinburgh old town hall, a building worth visiting just for the architecture itself. Objects on display include Robert Burns' writing desk and other personal items celebrating the city’s rich literary past.

John Knox House (43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR), located next to the Scottish Storytelling Centre) is a museum celebrating the life of the leader of the Protestant Reformation and the site of some fine art works.

Nightlife

There are many pubs, bars and clubs to be found in and around Old Town, many of which will be new and many as old as the cobbled streets themselves.

The best way to find one that suits you is to go for a wonder and see where you end up. There are venues found in ancient cellars below street level and others half-way up the sides of buildings, making Old Town one of the most interesting parts of Edinburgh to exp-lore by night.