Royal Mile, Edinburgh

At the upper end of the Royal Mile, or Castle Hill, stands Sir Patrick Geddes' Outlook Tower (1853) and Camera Obscura.On display inside are a series of old photographs of Victorian Edinburgh and some examples of holography, three-dimensional designs produced with laser technology. Handicrafts and holograms are sold in the Obscura shop.The magnificent panoramic view from the top of the building should not be missed.

The Tolbooth-St John's Highland Church was completed in 1844 and it boasts the tallest church tower in the city.

Set back a little on the left-hand side of Lawnmarket stand James' Court, the former residence of the philosopher David Hume ca. 1760, and also Gladstone's Land, which was built in 1631 by Thomas Gladstone. The six-story merchant's house has been restored by the National Trust for Scotland. One floor with its pretty ceiling paintings and original furniture accurately reflects life for the gentry during the Middle Ages.

The small museum in the Lady Stair's Close (1622) displays manuscripts, portraits, etchings, and memorabilia of the poet Robert Burns and the writers Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Riddle's Court (16th century) with a remarkable stair tower and Brodie's Close named after the artisan Francis Brodie face the Lady Stair's Close museum. Both are well worth a visit. The double life of Brodie's son Deacon William Brodie inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write the novel "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" although the author did move the story to London. Brodie's crimes resulted in him meeting his death on the same gallows that he had designed for the city.

A heart-shaped mosaic of granite stones on the pavement in front of the main portal of St Giles marks the spot where the Old Tolbooth, immortalized by Scott in his "Heart of Midlothian", stood for over 400 years. According to Scottish custom, it brings good luck to spit into the heart.

What was previously the cemetery opposite St Giles is now Parliament Square. The militant reformer John Knox was probably buried here in 1572. The equestrian statue of Charles II in the middle of the square is one of the oldest lead statues in Great Britain.

The Parliament building was constructed between 1632 and 1640, but underwent a number of major alterations in 1808. Until union with England in 1707 it was the meeting place for the Scottish parliament. The 122ft/37m long hall is decorated with a beautiful Neo-gothic hammerbeam roof and a series of Raeburn portraits. One of the statues in the room represents Sir Walter Scott who was the senior court official from 1806 to 1830. This hall and the adjoining rooms are used partly by the Scotland's highest court. The Seal Library is also situated here and its Upper Library (1822) designed by William Stark is regarded as an architectural masterpiece.

During the Middle Ages, heralds read out royal proclamations here. It was also the site of public executions.

The City Chambers on the other side of the High Street have been the seat of the city council since 1811. Outside the chambers stands the cenotaph, built as a memorial to the dead from the two world wars.

The Scot Ian Begg designed the Scandic Crown Hotel which was opened in 1990. Its facade is broken up with various roof levels and different building materials - blocks of sandstone, red and beige plaster - so that it fits in well with the nearby historic buildings.

Patrick Murray opened the Museum of Childhood over 30 years ago. Old toys including model railroads, fruit machines, dolls and games from all over the world are displayed over five floors.

Opposite in Chalmers Close the restored section of the old Trinity College (1460) houses a comprehensive collection of brass replicas. Brass signs can be made to order.

The town house at no. 45 was built in 1490 but has been extended. During his term as the parish priest of St Giles, John Knox lived here and in two other houses. A museum in this building recalls the life of the great reformer and a facsimile of his principal work "History of the Reformation in Scotland" and as well as his tirade against "The Monstrous Regiment of Women" are on display. Contemporary prints and writings provide background information on the reformation in Scotland.