Edinburgh is made up of two contrasting halves: Old Town is an austere medieval city constructed along the ridge of a rocky crag, while New Town comprises a network of elegant Georgian streets, crescents and squares. In between is a dramatic ravine spanned by North Bridge. During the 18th century, Edinburgh played host to the Scottish Enlightenment, when its inhabitants included philosopher David Hume and economist Adam Smith. Today, Scotland’s capital remains lively, prosperous and picturesque.

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