Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile

Lovers of literature should visit the Writers’ Museum, a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Occupying a wealthy 17th-century merchant's house, the museum honours the work of three of Scotland's best known writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. The writers' portraits are on display alongside manuscripts, books, a printing press and personal effects. Admission is free.

The Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a quarter of an hour's walk from the hotel, hosts a vibrant programme of live music, comedy and blockbuster musical theatre productions. Occupying an imposing former cinema dating from the 1920s, the theatre can accommodate more than 3,000 people, making it one of the largest in the UK in terms of seating capacity.

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without exploring Edinburgh Castle, the dramatic hilltop fortress overlooking the city. Most of the complex dates from the 16th century, although some structures, such as St Margaret's Chapel, were built in the 12th century. Be sure to visit Mills Mount Battery, where you can watch a 105mm field gun fire at 1pm every day of the week, except Sundays.

With Edinburgh's unpredictable weather, it's always a good idea to have an umbrella and a warm sweater with you. When it comes to getting around the city, Lothian Buses are the main transport network. You can buy single tickets when boarding the bus. Just tell the driver the ticket you want and put your money into the red fares box. Be sure to have the correct money as drivers don't carry change.