Monuments and Tourist attractions
If you already know Edinburgh's museums and galleries, now is the perfect time to get to know the other tourist attractions that the city offers. Discover the best Edinburgh has to offer.
Although for many people Edinburgh is a stop-off on the way to the Highlands and Scotland's other visitor attractions, the city has plenty to offer tourists. Here are some of the must-see sights in Edinburgh.
Three of Edinburgh's definitive attractions
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is approximately 1.81 km long and is the most popular part of the Old Town.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands high on the Castle Rock, overlooking all the city and is the most popular attraction in Edinburgh. Discover it!
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse has been the Queen’s official residence in Scotland since the 16th century and up to this day. Discover its secrets.
Other things to see in Edinburgh
St Giles’ Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral was built on an old sanctuary dating from the ninth century and was dedicated to Saint Giles, the patron saint of the lepers.
Scott Monument
A Gothic style monument built to commemorate the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. The tower offers the best views of Edinburgh.
Royal Yacht Britannia
The Queen and the Royal Family’s vessel for over 44 years, the Royal Yacht Britannia has become one of the most famous yachts in the world.
Camera Obscura
Holograms, optic illusions, concave mirrors, visual effects and a curious periscope from which visitors can see the city. Discover the Camera Obscura.
Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby is Scotland’s most loyal dog. This Skye Terrier guarded over his owner's grave for 14 years.
Dean Village
The Dean Village is a pleasant village located on the Water of Leith. Founded during the twelfth century by the Canons Regular of Holyrood Abbey.
Two houses to transport you back in time
Georgian House
Located in the heart of the New Town, the Georgian House portrays the lifestyle of the wealthiest citizens of Edinburgh during the eighteenth century.
Gladstone’s Land
Gladstone’s Land is a seventeenth century house belonging to a wealthy merchant, offering a vision of how life was 400 years ago in the Old Town.
Other sights
Scottish Parliament
The new Scottish Parliament building represents the recovery of the legislative power by the Scots after three centuries of merge with the rest of the UK.
Mary King’s Close
The Real Mary King’s Close is one of Edinburgh’s oldest and most famous closes. It lies under the buildings of the Royal Mile. Discover its secrets.
Scotch Whisky Experience
The Scotch Whisky Experience shows its visitors the making process of whisky and tutoring sessions of the various types of whisky available.
Around Edinburgh
If you want to get to know other parts of Scotland, the best option is to do some of the more popular excursions: to Loch Ness and the Highlands, Rosslyn Chapel and the Lowlands, the west highlands lochs, or Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.