Scotland is a land that has seen more than its share of history and has done a wonderful job of preserving it for future generations to study and enjoy. The capital city of Edinburgh is one of the best places at which to experience that history. This is not to say that Edinburgh is stuck in the past; far from it. There are areas in town that cater to modern life as well. The diversity found in this beautiful city provides plenty of things to see and do whilst visiting.

One of the first attractions visitors should place on their itineraries is the Edinburgh Zoo. Known formally as the Scottish National Zoological Park, it is the first zoo in the world to contain penguins. It is also the only zoo in Britain in which koalas may be seen. Animals are not the only items on display in Edinburgh, as there are numerous libraries and museums found in the city. The National Library of Scotland, the Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Museum are all of special note. Many historic objects are found within their walls.

While visiting Edinburgh in the late summer, travelers may enjoy the Edinburgh Festival. It is actually the simultaneous occurrence of many festivals that celebrate arts and culture from the area and from the rest of the world. From August until September, the festival is in full swing, and the most recognizable is likely the Edinburgh International Festival. It was established upon the end of World War II and was meant to revel in the human spirit by way of the performing arts. The celebration is still hugely popular today, and presents the best in music, theatre, opera, and dance from the four corners of the globe. The Edinburgh International Film Festival was once a part of Edinburgh Festival, but is now held in June and is a movie lover’s dream.

Edinburgh also maintains an active nightlife. Around the areas of Grassmarket and Lothian Road, visitors can quench their thirst and get something to eat at a traditional pub or restaurant. George Street and New Town will appeal to those looking for the glitz and dancing found in a nightclub, as these locales have grown rapidly in recent years. Shoppers will find their fix in Princes Street, a location that features numerous souvenir stores and chains that create the ultimate retail experience.

As much as it may sound as though Edinburgh, Scotland is full of contrasts, it is more about history and modernity sitting easily beside one another. The museums and nightclubs simply add variety to the wonderful town. There is plenty to do for visitors of Edinburgh, from having a pint in a quaint pub to viewing the koalas at the zoo.

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Birmingham in England might be the second largest city in the country, but it often gets a bit neglected in terms of attention. Seen as something of an industrial city in decline, it?s actually a vibrant, exciting, multicultural place with lots to see and do. One of the best attractions in the city is the extensive canal network. Birmingham has more canals than Venice, and lots of them are lined with great restaurants, shops and other attractions that tourists and locals alike are sure to love.

There are also some great cultural attractions in Birmingham. For example, Birmingham Museum has a celebrated collection of pre-Raphaelite art. There?s also the Symphony Hall, which is one of the best classical music venues in the country. Here you can regularly see the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in performance and also take in some great free jazz concerts, which are put on regularly in one of the bars. The nearby Hippodrome theatre also has lots to offer in terms of theatrical delights.

One of the most famous attractions of Birmingham, England, is the historic Jewelry Quarter. This is one of the economic hubs of the city and, as the name suggests, it?s largely dedicated to jewelry. Pay a visit here and you will find street after street of jewelry shops, making it a great place to go shopping. There?s also a cultural trail that you can follow around the Jewelry Quarter, rediscovering long-lost landmarks and learning more about the heritage of the city.

One of the things that Birmingham and its surrounding areas are most famous for are the fantastic curries and other cuisines on offer. Sometimes referred to as the ?balti triangle?, it really is a brilliant place to go out and try lots of different types of food. In this multicultural city, you?ll find lots of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian curry houses and other restaurants, as well as food from many other nations. This includes the Chinese Quarter, which is named after the large Chinese population.

Lastly, it?s always a good idea to go out and explore the countryside that surrounds Birmingham: it might be a large city but there is a lot of green space around it, making it a good base for exploration. For example, hop on a forty-five minute train ride and you can be in Stratford upon Avon, the home of Shakespeare. This is well worth a trip, as are some of the nearby properties that are owned by the National Trust, such as Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House.

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