Edinburgh is the perfect city for sightseeing on foot or by bike. But beware the hills, and with so many cobblestones sensible shoes are a must. To get your bearings, or if you need a rest, why not hop on to one of the open-top sightseeing buses.

You can purchase an Edinburgh Pass that includes entry to some attractions and travel on buses - there is no underground system.

For information about the Edinburgh Festivals see: www.edinburgh-festivals.com and www.edfringe.com.

Here are 10 ways to spend an active afternoon in Edinburgh:

1. Wander around Edinburgh Castle, which is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the city's most popular attraction. At peak times, queues are long. Adults £9.80, children £3.50. For details see: www.visitscotland.com.
   
   
2. Visit the National Gallery complex, which is the city's top free-of-charge visitor attraction. For details see: www.nationalgalleries.org.
   
   
3. Learn about Scotland's 'turbulent and troubled past' beneath the paving stones at the Edinburgh Dungeon. For information and to purchase advance tickets (Adults £10.95) see www.thedungeons.com.
   
   
4. If the horror becomes too much, relax on a tour of the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. Adults £8.50, under 17s £6.40. Before you go, get a voucher for a complimentary dram of malt whisky: www.whisky-heritage.co.uk.
   
   
5. Step back in time again at the Real Mary King's Close The street, which is now underground, is said to be haunted by the people who used to live there. For details see www.realmarykingsclose.com.
   
   
6. If you haven't had your fill of ghosts and gore in days gone by, snooze in the afternoon and in the evening take a walking Witchery Tour. Adults £7.50, under 15s £5. For times see: www.witcherytours.com.
   
   
7. Had enough of ghosts and gore? Join a walking Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour. For details see: www.edinburghliterarypubtour.co.uk.
   
   
8. Or design your own ramble. With plenty of open spaces in and around the Scottish capital, it is ideal for scenic strolls or long-distance treks. See Visit Scotland.
   
   
9. Find a route at www.cyclingscotland.com, which says that the area surrounding Edinburgh not only offers good mountain biking on the Pentland Hills, but also good road riding along the coast towards Dunbar.
   
   
10. Head out of town for a day out at North Berwick's Scottish Seabird Centre, a 30-minute train ride from Edinburgh. Adults £6.95, under 15s and senior citizens £4.50. See: www.seabird.org.