Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Cowgate, Scotland

June 10, 2021 Madelene Haan

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. Edinburgh Vaults

South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1QR Scotland
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Edinburgh Vaults

Reviewed By Wonderlust1992

Amazing tour! Great tour guide Patrice :) Was so good the best tour I’ve been on And I have found scratches on my back Would recommend to anyone if they dare

2. Tweeddale Court

Tweeddale Court 14 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TE Scotland
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
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0%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Tweeddale Court

3. St Giles' Cathedral

High Street Historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RE Scotland +44 131 226 0674 [email protected] http://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,424 reviews

St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed crown spire it stands on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen). Please do not book any tours through TripAdvisor, as they are not endorsed by the cathedral.

Reviewed By laurabW3205XC - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

From outside it's only a church more, but from inside it's hughe. Photo permit costs around £2. There's a shop and a cafeteria inside, children's space and a wee secret place at the very end, it's a must see!

4. Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh EH1 Scotland +44 7112 018604 http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/old-town-and-new-town-p918411
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15,961 reviews

Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh's oldest neighborhood, dating back to medieval times: these small streets are lined with wool shops, pubs and historical monuments.

Reviewed By annemacmillan

When in Edinburgh you must visit The Old Town, .. See the Old Tenement Buildings.. Feel the History of this old Historical Town, with its cobbled streets....Take a walk along the Royal Mile, from the Castle to Holyrood Palace.. You can easily feel what it must've been like living in "Auld Reekie" centuries ago.. and hearing the words being shouted from the tenement windows "Gardy Loo" ..the warning that Waste was going to be thrown out the window...Visit Grassmarket.. and the weekend Farmers Markets... If you looking for souvenirs to take home you will definitely find them here, from the array of shops to choose from,.. if your looking for Cashmere, Whisky., Tablet or some nice Edinburgh Rock..You will find it all in the Old Town and much more.

5. Magdalen Chapel

Magdalene Chapel 41 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JR Scotland +44 131 220 1450 http://www.scottishreformationsociety.org/the-magdalen-chapel
Excellent
53%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
6%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Magdalen Chapel

Reviewed By Margo7850p

I spotted this chapel as I walked down Cowgate towards the Grassmarket. I am really glad that I noticed it and it was open to visitors. The Magdalen Chapel is a 16th century chapel located almost beneath the George IV bridge in the Cowgate in the Old Town of Edinburgh. The chapel was built between 1541 and 1544. It was bequeathed by Michael MacQueen and also his wife Janet Rynd who is buried within. A semi-circular wooden platform was installed at the east end around 1615 and the layout of the Chapel was altered. The tower and spire were added about 1620. The stained glass in the middle window of the south wall features the Royal Arms of Scotland and the Arms of Mary of Guise. It is the only intact pre-Reformation stained glass window in Scotland. The Victorian façade obscures the ancient stonework. An inscription over the door reads 'He that hath pity upon the poore lendeth unto the Lord and the Lord will recompence him that which he hath given''. Architects Simpson and Brown undertook a major restoration programme in 1992/93. It is now the headquarters of the Scottish Reformation Society. A small but really interesting chapel worth seeing.

6. Riddle's Court

Riddles Court 322 Lawnmarket Patrick Geddes Centre, Edinburgh EH1 2PG Scotland +44 131 510 8789 [email protected] http://www.riddlescourt.org.uk
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
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4.5 based on 33 reviews

Riddle's Court

Riddle's Court is a unique survival, a 16th Century courtyard House set behind the Royal Mile, just a stone's throw from Edinburgh Castle. The property contains significant architectural features documenting its 400 year history. Many aristocratic, influential and creative people have lived here or been associated with this building including King James VI, Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, Sir David Hume and Sir Patrick Geddes. Riddle's Court is the historic jewel in Edinburgh's Old Town. Hidden away until recently, it is a beautiful and atmospheric building making it a unique venue for exceptional events, conferences and spectacular entertaining. Riddle's Court also houses the Patrick Geddes Centre which hosts learning events, study days, lectures, live music and tours; tickets are available at Eventbrite.co.uk.

Reviewed By Margo7850p

Full of history and charm it is a real gem in the heart of Edinburgh's old town. A picturesque merchant's house, situated close to the Edinburgh's famous castle. Sixteenth century courtyard house which just has been wonderfully restored. A visit here is like stepping back in time. It is little tucked away, but including exquisite painted ceilings, authentic working fireplaces and panelled rooms. Definitely worth a visit.

7. Memorial Duke of Buccleuch

Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF Scotland http://www.edinburghguide.com
Excellent
50%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
6%
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0%
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4.5 based on 18 reviews

Memorial Duke of Buccleuch

Reviewed By Y8837LLgabriela - Ploiesti, Romania

The monument is situated in the Parliament Square, Edinburgh, on the Royal Mile. This is a tribute to an important Scottish conservative politician, and it was erected in February 1888. This memorial is placed in front of St Giles Cathedral.

8. Greyfriars Kirkyard

Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ Scotland +44 131 664 4314 http://greyfriarskirk.com
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 786 reviews

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Reviewed By johnnyjohn68 - Cumbria, United Kingdom

Visited the Greyfriars cemetery as part of our underground ghost tour, We had an ideal night for it as it was a cold, clear, full moon lit night. As someone who doesn't scare easily I must admit that there is a spooky feel to the place, good for fans of Harry potter as the school that Hogwarts is based on is right next door to the cemetery and you can see several of the names used for the characters such as Tom Riddle.

9. William Henry Playfair Statue

Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF Scotland
Excellent
38%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
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4.5 based on 8 reviews

William Henry Playfair  Statue

Reviewed By anoomk

This statue is outside the National Museum of Scotland. William Henry Playfair is considered one of the greatest architects of the 19th century and is the brains behind many of Edinburgh's neo-classical landmarks.

10. The Quaker Meeting House

7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2JL Scotland +44 131 225 4825 http://www.equaker.org.uk/
Excellent
67%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
33%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

The Quaker Meeting House

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