ChatGPT, a new world of artificial intelligence, has taken the world by storm recently with its remarkable human-like responses and capabilities such as answering questions and writing responses to certain scenarios.
But, how well does the program know Edinburgh as a city and the people who live in the capital? We put AI to the test and asked it what the ten best things are about Edinburgh as a whole.
Collecting data based on search history and news coverage, the program returned ten locations, events and buildings which, in according to artificial intelligence, sums Edinburgh up.
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As well as having the capabilities to answer questions, ChatGPT can also produce documents and write articles, with several users on social media going viral in recent weeks for 'real-life' resignation letters produced by the system and fake conversations between family members which pass off as real.
With that in mind, here is what ChatGPT told us about Edinburgh and what is represents.
Edinburgh Castle
Up first, it will be no surprise to locals to see the castle popping up as the number one result. Known all over the world, the landmark continued to be one of the most popular visitor attractions in the whole city.
Explaining their reasoning, ChatGPT wrote: "Edinburgh Castle: This iconic castle perched on a hill overlooking the city is one of Scotland's top attractions, and it has a rich history that spans centuries."
As well as this, the system also clarified that it does not have any personal opinions or experiences, but its findings are based on information available online.
The Royal Mile
Another popular thoroughfare in Edinburgh's Old Town, The Royal Mile is often awash with locals and tourists. The mile is actually made up of several streets: Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate and Abbey Strand.
A thriving tourist strip, you’ll find it packed with restaurants, bars and buskers. It is also one of Edinburgh’s most popular shopping streets and, along with the wool and cashmere stores, you’ll find that many target the thousands of visitors who flock here annually - especially when the Fringe is full swing.
Arthur's Seat
With a familiar pattern occurring, the popular landmark Arthur's Seat finds itself in third on the list.
Covering an area of around 650 acres, Arthur's Seat is at the centre of the park, with the cliffs of Salisbury Crags to the west and the ruins of Anthony's Chapel on the hillside. There are also three lochs available to visit; St Margaret's Loch, Dunsapie Loch and Duddingston Loch.
Forming the centrepiece of Holyrood Park, Arthur's Seat is one of the best landmarks to climb and watch the sun set or rise in the summer, although you may find yourself queuing to get the perfect picture at the summit.
Festivals
Many who think of Edinburgh will automatically cast their minds to the world's biggest arts event - the Festival Fringe. Thousands of performers flock to the capital each year to perform, with hundreds of thousands making to trip to soak up the atmosphere.
After a Covid-hit three years, 2022 saw the Festival Fringe in full swing and helped the economy recover from a damning period. The festival is expected to attract even more visitors and performers in 2023, with local hotels and short-term lets already booked up for the month of August.
Barring the Fringe, the world-famous Military Tattoo also attracts huge crowds nearly every day it is performed in August, many of those taking the opportunity to attend while in the city for the Fringe.
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo features a pipe band and Scottish Highland dancers in full flow, backed by a phenomenal fireworks display, lighting up the capital sky in a captivating show.
Scottish National Gallery
Perhaps the one surprise inclusion on the list, the Scottish National Gallery is, according to AI, one of the most well-known attractions in Edinburgh. Located in the heart of the capital and featuring a collection of work by Botticelli, Van Gogh and Monet, the gallery is worth a visit if you find yourself at a loose end.
The Architecture
I'm sure nobody who lives in the city or has visited can argue that it is one of the most aesthetically-pleasing in Europe. With a great mix of Georgian and Victorian buildings in the New Town and the medieval structures of the Old Town, it's no surprise tour operators making a living from showing tourists around the capital every day.
As well as the historic buildings throughout the city centre, a new wave of modern developments have begun to sprout such as St James Quarter and the Granton Waterfront Regeneration.
Food and Drink
Surprisingly, the capital's food and drink scene does not find itself ranked higher on the list. With new eateries, cafe's and bars opening every month, locals often find themselves spoiled for choice when it comes to grabbing a bite to eat.
Edinburgh does offer a great blend of fine dining and comfort food options, however. In the words of ChatGPT: "Edinburgh has a thriving food and drink scene, with everything from traditional Scottish dishes to international cuisine and a variety of local beers and whiskies."
The city is home to several Michelin Star restaurants and swish cocktail bars. Some of the world's biggest food chains are also chomping at the bit to secure a premises in or around the city centre.
You can of course check out the What's On section of the site for all the latest food and drink news.
The People
One thing I'm sure we can all agree on is that the people make Edinburgh, and it's nice to know that artificial intelligence agrees.
In the words of ChatGPT: "Edinburgh is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are proud of their city and always happy to share its history and culture with visitors.
History
Tying in with the inclusion of the city's architecture, Edinburgh has a rich history that is unrivalled. Whether it's the secrets of the Old Town, forgotten buildings or historical moments, we will never be done reminiscing.
Luckily for tourists, some of Edinburgh's top historical moments, artefacts and individuals can be explored in the form of museums, monuments and landmarks.
Similar to food and drink, you can also check out our history section on the site if you fancy a trip down memory lane.
Natural Beauty
Last but not least is the city's natural beauty. Tied in with the aforementioned architecture, the city centre is not the only area of Edinburgh and the Lothians famous for its aesthetics.
Outwith the city, the Pentland Hills are one of the country's top hiking destinations and cover both Edinburgh and Midlothian. The jaw-dropping Firth of Forth is also an incredibly satisfying location to explore from South Queensferry or further up the coast towards East Lothian.
The city is of course filled with walks that help blow the cobwebs away on the weekend such as Calton Hill, Blackford Hill, Dr Neil's Garden in Duddingston and the Water of Leith.
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