Location: Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
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What to do and see in Edinburgh, Scotland: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
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. Scott Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,739 reviews
A 200-foot spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish poet.
Reviewed By Andrew081 - St. Albans, United Kingdom
One cannot fail to be impressed by the 61m high Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scot (his books included Rob Roy and Ivanhoe) Completed in 1846 the monument, on Princes Street, is blackish in colour giving it an eerie beauty. The spire is decorated with 64 figures representing various characters from the writer’s novels. In contrast to the blackened construction, the white marble statue of Sir Walter Scott, with his dog Maida, that shines. The monument is split into four levels, but there ere are 287 steps up to the top (cost £8).
2. Royal Mile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,301 reviews
Stretch of road connecting Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, the Queen's residence in Scotland.
Reviewed By BarryE308 - Lake Stevens, United States
This is an unbeleivable place to see people. The shops and historic places are all fantastic, but is is the interplay of thousands of visitors that ebb and flow about the walk that makes it special. You can be in a flowing sea of street performers, bagpipes and excitement, then step down a narrow Close and find yourself in a secret garden with lovely flowers and only the chirping of birds, Wonderfull..
3. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,564 reviews
The Botanics offers visitors peace and tranquility amongst its stunning 72 acres in Edinburgh city centre. Founded in 1670, the Garden is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the world.
Reviewed By N8766KRmarkh - Chippenham, United Kingdom
enjoyed a leisurely stroll with friends who were visiting from the south west. it was a lovely day which helps. Free to enter, really well maintained, lots to look at , easy access, coffee at east gate, food in the restaurant across the gardens which offers a visitor centre and shop that sells plants (which are probably superb but a little pricey!)
4. Calton Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,229 reviews
Historic neighborhood lined with monuments dating back to the Enlightenment.
Reviewed By eamonnr2015 - Skerries, Ireland
Well worth the climb up to the top whether you go up Jacobs ladder or around by the Ai Road and then up, you can spend some time here taking in the views, well worth the hike up with historical interests here
5. 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.
6. The Real Mary King's Close
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,429 reviews
Hidden beneath the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret: a warren of hidden ‘closes’ where real people lived, worked and died. For centuries they have lain forgotten and abandoned…until now. Visit Edinburgh's most famous Close, which makes Edinburgh's Hidden History unmissable.
Reviewed By plutomad
We found this attraction by accident, and this made our Edinburgh trip unforgettable. We didn’t know what to expect but this place is fascinating. My only warning would be that the attraction is very dark, there are many stairs and low ceilings, sloping and cobbled floors which makes this attraction almost impossible for those with mobility issues. However if you can manage the physical restrictions you are in for a real treat. You are guided through these underground streets by a well versed guide who helps to emerge you in the history and who in our case was happy and capable of answering all questions. There is no photography inside the attraction which was really disappointing, and you can Of course pay to have an official photo taken, we didn’t bother, but have not stopped telling people about this attraction it was amazing.
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. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,500 reviews
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen. Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The Queen when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
Reviewed By mvidro - Washington DC, United States
We bought the "Royal Tour" entry, which entitled us to see Holyrood itself (with excellent headset guides and in-room docents for additional questions), a garden tour (EDWARD, our guide was great), and the Queen's Gallery around the corner (showing "Russia, Royalty & the Romanovs"). We spent roughly five hours touring the facility, including lunch in the cafe. Holyrood was one of the highlights of Edinburgh -- don't miss it!
10. Forth Road Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,132 reviews
Reviewed By SteveWalsh29 - London, United Kingdom
Start at the 3 Bridges Viewpoint and Walk across the Old Road Bridge from the South Shore, it has amazing views of the new bridge on one side, and when you walk the other side on the way back of the amazing Rail Bridge. The way the bridge moves when a Bus goes past is not something I would recommend if you have vertigo.
