For any newcomer, arriving in Edinburgh, or even for someone who is not particularly familiar with Edinburgh the first port of call has to be the Tourist Information Centre.  Located just by Waverley Station and on Princes Street, it is ideal for those arriving either by train or by plane.  If you have arrived by the latter means of transport and you have taken the airport shuttle bus into Edinburgh then you will be just down the road from here.  From the stairs onto Princes Street leaving Waverley station, turn left and you shall soon see it slightly set back from the road and heralded by a small paved square.  For those trying to find it from elsewhere, your best chance of success would be to ask directions or follow signs to Waverley station and go from there.\n\nYou may wonder why I've been so specific about directions in a review - it is because this is the best place for finding a map.  The first time I arrived in Edinburgh to scout the town out I arrived without any idea of where to go and how to get around and it took me a while to find the Tourist Information Centre, but once I found it everything was alright.  This is because, although this is a great place for getting leaflets and finding out information about attractions, its most important role is as a provider of maps.  I've seen few other maps round town and most places tend to run out, but here you can get a map for free that will guide you on your travels.  This fact alone makes this in my opinion one of the most important places in Edinburgh for visitors.