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The charming city of Edinburgh attracts millions of visitors every year and with good reason. This large, vibrant city is full of captivating history, tranquil nature, and some of the best museums and galleries in the United Kingdom.
If you are planning a trip to Scotland, you’ll want to bookmark our handy rundown of the 19 top attractions in Edinburgh.
1. Edinburgh Castle
- Website: edinburghcastle.scot
- Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
- Opening hours: 9.30 am – 6 pm daily
No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to see its iconic castle. Be sure to time your visit to hear the one o’clock gun salute, and don’t miss learning about Scotland’s military past at the on-site National War Museum and viewing the spectacular collection of Crown Jewels in the Royal Palace.
Guided tours and the castle’s audio guide system are the best ways to soak up as much information as possible about this fascinating historical site.
2. The Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey
- Website: rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse
- Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX
- Opening hours: 9.30 am – 6 pm Thursday to Tuesday
Holyrood Palace is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Edinburgh. As the official Edinburgh residence of British monarchs, this grand building has had an important role in Scottish history. Public access is permitted whenever King Charles III isn’t residing here — come along during these times to see the Historic Apartments that were once home to Mary Queen of Scots, and the State Apartments which are well known for their tapestries and fine furnishings.
While you’re here, don’t miss Holyrood Abbey, which is located next to the palace. Overlooked by the Salisbury Crags, the abbey was once one of the most impressive medieval abbeys in Scotland. Be sure to visit the Royal Vault, where the remains of King James V lie.
3. Arthur’s Seat
For a moderately challenging climb and spectacular views of the city, take a trip to Arthur’s Seat. This extinct volcano is situated in Holyrood Park and is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny day. While you’re here, check out the well-preserved fort and the 15th-century St Anthony’s Chapel.
4. The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile refers to the streets that link Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is the most famous part of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is an enjoyable place to stroll, shop, and dine. There are several walking tours available that take in the Royal Mile highlights, or you can take it at your own pace and discover the best spots for yourself. Highlights of the Royal Mile include:
- Lady Stair’s Close: Here you’ll find the Writer’s Museum, which is home to memorabilia from Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott.
- The Museum on the Mound: Head here to learn about the history of money and economics.
- Grassmarket Area: This former Medieval marketplace is now a vibrant area filled with quirky shops and buzzing drinking spots.
5. Royal Yacht Britannia
- Website: royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
- Address: Ocean Dr, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ
- Opening hours: 9.30 am – 4 pm daily
The Royal Yacht Britannia served the Royal Family for 40 years before it was sent to Edinburgh’s port area of Leith to become the Britannia Visitor Centre. Step aboard to see where British royals slept, dined, and relaxed.
6. National Museum of Scotland
- Website: nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland
- Address: Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
- Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
The National Museum of Scotland is one of the country’s top tourist attractions and is completely free to visit. Exhibits encompass natural history, art, science, and geology, across 16 galleries, so there’s something for everyone to get excited about. Expect to see everything from Ancient Egyptian relics to Elton John’s stage costumes.
7. Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best place to see the sun rise over Edinburgh.
The National Monument is located here, and a memorial to Scottish poet Robert Burns is opposite the hill. See if you can spot the Firth of Forth and Leith’s docks to the north and east, and enjoy dramatic views of Edinburgh Castle.
8. Princes Street
Princes Street is the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town and is a haven for shopping and sightseeing. Here are a few of our favorite attractions on this mile-long thoroughfare:
- Princes Mall: Browse the charming stores, wander among the fountains, and grab a bite to eat in one of the cafes or restaurants.
- Princes Street Gardens: Relax and unwind in this tranquil green space, and don’t miss the world’s oldest floral clock.
- Sir Walter Scott Monument: Admire the intricate characters that adorn this Gothic monument to honor the famous writer, and climb to the top for stunning city views.
9. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Website: rbge.org.uk/visit/royal-botanic-garden-edinburgh
- Address: 20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR
- Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily
Founded in 1670, these historic gardens are home to an incredible 13,200 plant species and are a must-see attraction. Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the 70-acre gardens, which include Britain’s largest palm house, a herbarium with more than three million specimens, and an aquatic house with tropical water plants.
10. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Website: camera-obscura.co.uk
- Address: 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND
- Opening hours: 9 am – 9 pm Monday to Friday / 9 am – 8 pm Tuesday to Thursday / 9 am – 10 pm Saturday to Sunday
For a new perspective on Edinburgh and optical illusions that will warp your mind, take a trip to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Here, you can get lost in a hall of mirrors, test your balance in a spinning vortex, and meet 3D holograms. The main attraction is the pinhole camera in the Victorian rooftop room. The camera dates back to 1853 and projects images of Edinburgh onto a viewing table.
11. The Scottish National Gallery
- Website: nationalgalleries.org/
- Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL
- Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
See paintings from the 16th century to the modern day when you visit the fantastic Scottish National Gallery. There are over 65,000 pieces on display, encapsulating everything from Renaissance paintings to Post-Impressionist sculptures.
This gallery is best combined with the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art where you can enjoy more recent works by the likes of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
12. Loch Ness
- Website: lochness.com
- Address: Loch Ness Centre, Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6TU
- Opening hours: Loch Ness Centre 10 am – 5 pm daily
For an unforgettable day trip, head north to the Scottish Highlands for a chance to spot the Loch Ness Monster. There are several organized bus tours departing from Edinburgh that will not only save you the drive but will also give you the opportunity to see the spectacular Glencoe and learn about this stunning region.
For day trips closer to Edinburgh, hop on a train to Glasgow to soak up the vibrant culture or to Fife to get a taste of life in a traditional Scottish fishing village.
13. Stroll the Stockbridge Neighborhood
Stroll down quaint cobbled streets and admire elegant Victorian and Georgian architecture when you visit the affluent Stocksbridge neighborhood. Located close to Edinburgh’s city center, this is a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy life at a slower pace for an hour or two.
While you’re here, don’t miss nearby Dean Village, which is home to Well Court — an iconic 19th-century building used to house workers from the local water mills.
14. Dynamic Earth: Edinburgh’s Science Centre
- Website: dynamicearth.co.uk
- Address: Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
- Opening hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wednesday, Thursday & Friday / 10 am – 6 pm Saturday to Monday
Unleash your inner nerd and race through 500 million years of Earth’s history at Edinburgh’s interactive science center. This ultra-modern museum combines the latest technology with special effects to transport visitors to erupting volcanoes, cracking glaciers, and tropical rainstorms without ever leaving Scotland. This is a must-do activity for kids – or kids at heart!
15. The Scotch Whisky Experience
- Website: scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
- Address: 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE
- Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
At the Scotch Whisky Experience, you can learn how Scotch whisky is made and sample a wee dram (or two). There’s also an onsite store where you can pick up a bottle as a souvenir of your time in Edinburgh.
16. St. Giles Cathedral
- Website: stgilescathedral.org.uk
- Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
- Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm Monday to Friday / 9 am – 5 pm Saturday / 1 pm – 5 pm Sunday
St. Giles Cathedral is Edinburgh’s principal church from the 1200s. One of the highlights is the statue of John Knox, leader of the Protestant Reformation. To learn more about this important historical figure, his former home at 45 High Street is now an informative museum.
17. Greyfriars Church
- Website: greyfriarskirk.com/visit/kirkyard
- Address: Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ
- Opening hours: 11 am – 4 pm Monday to Saturday / 10.30 am – 2 pm Sunday
Greyfriars Church is home to the city’s oldest graveyard and is the final resting place of several celebrated Scots. Perhaps the most famous character in the church’s long history is Greyfriars Bobby — a Skye terrier who followed the coffin of his master to the graveyard and refused to leave until his death 14 years later.
It’s rumored that J.K. Rowling used the names on the tombs to inspire some of her Harry Potter characters — keep your eyes open for Robert Potter and Margaret Louisa Scrymgeour Wedderburn.
18. The Georgian House
- Website: nts.org.uk/visit/places/georgian-house
- Address: 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DR
- Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
This grand 18th-century house gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious lives of Edinburgh’s wealthy past residents. The property still boasts many of its original furnishings, including period furniture, oil paintings, and delicate glass.
19. The Real Mary King’s Close
- Website: realmarykingsclose.com
- Address: 2 Warriston’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG
- Opening hours: 9 am – 9 pm Saturday to Tuesday / 9 am – 6 pm Wednesday / 9 am – 8 pm Thursday
Located under Old Town is the fascinating Mary King’s Close alleyway. This network of narrow lanes was partly dismantled in the 1700s for the Royal Exchange to be constructed, but it’s still possible to see some of this literal hidden gem today. Take a guided tour of this eerie underground world to learn what life was like for poor residents in those days and how the plague ravaged the area.
Which Must-Visit Attractions Will You Add to Your Itinerary?
Bonnie Scotland’s historic capital city, is home to some of the most exciting attractions on the British Isles. Which Edinburgh attractions will you fill your days with during your visit?
