Location: Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
Countries
Top 10 Architectural Buildings in Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Newliston
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. The Reid memorial Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Scottish Poetry Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
The SPL is one of three poetry libraries in the UK, but the only one to be independently constituted and housed, with a collection that covers 45,000 items. It is the only poetry house in the world to have an extensive lending library at its core. It is housed in an award-winning building. A magical experience for anyone interested in Scotland's literature.
Reviewed By 227ianc - London, United Kingdom
One of the joys of exploring cities which you think you know is discovering something new. I once lived in Edinburgh and used to visit quite frequently after that, but I only discovered the Scottish Poetry Library on my latest visit when I was walking up from Holyrood Road to the Royal Mile through a narrow close which also contains the offices of the Scottish National Party and the European Union in Scotland. What an asset! A traditional library, full of books, but here focused on poetry, and Scottish Poetry in particular, set in a light spacious inviting new building where visitors are invited to explore, relax and enjoy poetry, old and new. It also holds a number of events in its upstairs space and has spaces designed for younger readers. The staff were very friendly and welcoming in this unique asset for Edinburgh and Scotland.
4. Well Court
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
Well Court was commissioned in the 1880s by Sir John Findlay.The building was originally intended to give accommodation for local workers in the Dean Village area.In 2007 Edinburgh World Heritage and the owners of the building funded a major restoration of Well Court.The place is picturesque. The buildings are amazingly beautiful. I appreciate the place as a place of it's own beauty and charm .Nice hidden place in the middle of Edinburgh.
5. Milne’s Court
6. Greyfriars Kirk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,399 reviews
Welcome to Greyfriars Kirk, a church, historic building and event venue in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. We are a welcoming, inclusive community, and respond to local needs in a variety of ways. The Kirk is a major venue for the arts and classical music, a tourist destination and through the Grassmarket Community Project, a supporter of Edinburgh's most vulnerable citizens. Our Kirkyard boasts, among many others, the graves of Joseph Black, James Hutton, Mary Erskine and most famous of all, Greyfriars Bobby. In addition, it also house the grave of a certain Tom Riddle - J K Rowling's inspiration for the character of Lord Voldemort. Opening hours shown are for the summer months (April to October).
Reviewed By 237tedm - Scottsdale, United States
Greyfriars Kirk is a very peaceful, beautiful place, in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. The cemetery itself has an interesting past, in that at one point it was a pit where plague victims were anonymously buried. There are several very old tombstones, and several family crypts to view. If you enjoy strolling through peaceful, old-world cemeteries, you will love this place.
7. Castle Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
This massive rock towering over Edinburgh is the setting for Edinburgh Castle and serves as one of the most defining symbols of Scottish history.
Reviewed By pasowine - Paso Robles, United States
What a rock - no wonder the Castle was so strategic! An absolute must see in Edinburgh. In fact, the rock dominates the skyline from just about everywhere in Edinburgh. So much to see and do, from the moment you start walking up the Royal Mile to the Castle at the top of the Castle Rock. Don't miss the included guided tours and audio self-tour at the Castle as well.
8. Craigmillar Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 923 reviews
The castle grounds are open (free of charge) and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking tickets in advance is essential, find out more at restarthistory.scot. The castle of Craigmillar is one of the most perfectly preserved castles in Scotland. Even today, the castle retains the character of a medieval stronghold. Building began in the early 15th century, and over the next 250 years the castle became a comfortable residence surrounded by fine gardens and pastureland. The castles history is not only closely involved with the city of Edinburgh, but plays an important part in the story of Mary Queen of Scots who fled to Craigmillar Castle following the murder of Rizzio. It was in the castle where the plot was hatched to murder Marys husband, Lord Darnley. Built round an L-plan tower house of the early 15th Century, Craigmillar was much expanded in the 15th and 16th Centuries.
Reviewed By Spanishtrucker123 - Lincoln, United Kingdom
We’ve visited a lot of Historic Scotland properties, and this one has to take first prize for the amazing number of spiral staircases and little rooms tucked away. We spent quite a time exploring the nooks and crannies of this castle. It made for a very interesting visit. Wonderful views across Edinburgh and the Firth were an added bonus. Helpful staff too.
9. General Register House
10. George Heriot's School
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
George Heriot's School is recognised as an important and outstanding example of Scots Renaissance architecture. It is guarded by a gatehouse, in the middle of urban central Edinburgh. It was established in 1628 as George Heriot's Hospital, by bequest of the royal goldsmith George Heriot, and opened in 1659. The school is a turreted building surrounding a large quadrangle, and built out of sandstone. The main building of the school is the work of William Wallace. The north gatehouse onto Lauriston Place is by William Henry Playfair and dates from 1829.The main building was the first large building to be constructed outside the Edinburgh city walls. The school has its charm.
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