Edinburgh is a cosmopolitan city that is bursting with beauty, grandeur and a plethora of exciting things to do. The atmospheric Old Town with its vennels (ancient alleyways), medieval tenements and winding streets is a wonderful contrast to the grand majesty of the Georgian New Town. It positively explodes with culture in August when the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe Festival are running, when it is possible to see anything from international opera stars to drag queens and vampires and everything in between. Whatever time of year you are visiting these are just a few of the many things you could be doing with 48 hours to spend in Edinburgh. If you're here during the festival why not book tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is held in the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.