Edinburgh is one of the great European cities, with a distinctive architectural heritage, the famous International Arts Festival and the added status of the arrival of the Scottish parliament. This pocket guide gets under the skin of the city, covering it area by area, with critical reviews of restaurants, hotels, bars, cafes and pubs, including "Five of the Best" ratings, as well as the festivals, from the world's greatest arts festival to the biggest New Year's Eve party in Europe. The book also covers: shopping - how to get the most out of retail therapy; watering holes - where to enjoy the city's liberal licensing laws; top music venues - the low-down on vibes from folk to flava; and accounts of all the sights from the castle to Leith.

Packed with enthusiasm. The Sunday Times

Alan's first attempts at busking at the Edinburgh Festival may have put paid to any lingering hopes of a career in music, but at least it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship with the city. Alan is also author of Footprint's popular Scotland, Glasgow, and Scotland Highlands & Islands Handbooks.