Edinburgh is packed with fun activities. No other place is quite like it due to its stunning architecture, meandering lanes, and magnificent castle built on a dormant volcano.
Starting in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where major tourist sites like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are located, is a great way to become acquainted with the city’s many historical and architectural highlights. Discover the city’s hidden gems on a themed tour, then relax at a local café to people-watch. You cannot decide where to go first among Edinburgh’s numerous attractions.
Numerous stores and some of the city’s finest eateries can be found in the New Town of Edinburgh. If you’re daring, you may even reach the peak of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that overlooks the whole city.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill, near the eastern end of Princes Street in Edinburgh, is one of the many historical landmarks that make up the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. On top of the hill stands the city observatory, a Greek-style temple that also serves as Scotland’s national monument.
Right in the city’s heart, Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh’s most prominent hills. The breathtaking vistas from Calton Hill are the finest part. Located in St. Andrew’s House on Calton Hill is the Scottish Government.
Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament Building are located nearby on the hill. The National Monument of Scotland, designed to evoke the Athenian Parthenon, is one of the most impressive structures atop the hill. Beltane, also known as the Festival of Fire, takes place every year on the final day of April.
Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey
The Queen’s official home in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse (or Holyrood Palace), has often been at the heart of Scottish history. Built-in 1678, it hosted the weddings of James II and James IV, the coronations of James V and Charles I, and the court of “Bonnie Prince Charlie” in 1745.
The public is allowed in during the 51 weeks of the year while the Queen is abroad since she only visits for “Royal Week” in the summer. The State Apartments and Historic Apartments, formerly Mary Stuart’s private quarters, are open to the public during certain events.
Portraits of historical and mythological Scottish monarchs adorn the walls of the Great Gallery. Opening in 2002 for the Golden Jubilee, the Queen’s Gallery features rotating displays from the Royal Collection. King David, I also established the nearby Holyrood Abbey in the 12th century.
Take advantage of the Family Room’s costume selection if you’re travelling with kids. If you have time, spend more time than usual in the delightful café enjoying authentic English afternoon tea. There are options for guided visits.
Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is one of the seven hills that make up Edinburgh and provides stunning views of the city below. Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and the New Town can all be seen here.
Among Edinburgh’s several hills, Arthur’s Seat is the highest point. Located in Holyrood Park. The hill, located right in the middle of town, soars to 250 metres and offers breathtaking panoramas. The hill can be climbed relatively easily, making it a popular spot for brisk hikes. The last recorded activity at this volcano was about 300 million years ago. Easy enough for youngsters, trekking in this park is a must-do.
Stroll the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a stretch of streets in Edinburgh that connects the Castle with the Holyroodhouse. This beautiful street is perfect for a leisurely walk because of its abundance of stores (including kiltmakers), inns, museums, cafés, and restaurants, as well as its picturesque setting among old mansions, churches, and other attractions.
The towering structures, also called “lands,” often have between six and fifteen storeys. Winding, little lanes (also known as “closes”) with charming, private backyard gardens twist in and out of them.
The Tolbooth (St. John’s Highland Church), which has the city’s highest church tower, can be found near the top end of the Royal Mile, often known as Castle Hill, along with other famous sites including Outlook Tower and the Camera Obscura. In addition to the beautiful ceiling murals and antique furnishings of Gladstone’s Land, the six-story merchant’s mansion now contains the fascinating People’s Story Museum.
Lady Stair’s Close is another must-see where you’ll find The Writer’s Museum. There are artefacts from Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson on exhibit.
The Museum on the Mound, conveniently located next to Princes Park, has some interesting exhibits on economic and monetary history.
St. Gile’s Cathedral
There is a historic city church in Edinburgh, St. Giles Cathedral, which can be found in the city’s old town. The High Kirk of Edinburgh is another name for this famous structure. The Kirking of the Parliament and the Ancient and Noble Orders of the Thistle still hold significant civic services in this 900-year-old church.
Edinburgh, one of the most attractive cities in the United Kingdom, rises from the broad Firth of Forth to a rocky pinnacle topped by the stone walls and towers of Edinburgh Castle.
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