A Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city full of culture, history, and beauty, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland. Located on the east coast of Scotland, Edinburgh has a long and varied history that dates back to the 7th century. It is home to several iconic sites, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. With its cobblestoned streets and ancient architecture, it is no wonder so many people choose to visit Edinburgh each year.

Whether you are a first time visitor or have visited the city multiple times, there is no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh. From sightseeing to art galleries to outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Here is a look at some of the best places to visit in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle

No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Located atop an extinct volcano, this castle has served as a royal residence, prison, and fortress for centuries. Today it is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, take a tour of the interior, or attend one of the events held there throughout the year.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets and is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings. This cobblestoned street runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is packed with shops, pubs, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the street and discover its many hidden gems such as The Real Mary King’s Close or take a guided tour to learn about its unique history.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland and is located at the end of The Royal Mile. This royal palace has been home to some of Scotland’s most famous monarchs throughout history, including Mary Queen of Scots. Visitors can explore the palace grounds or take a guided tour of the interior to learn more about its rich history.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of Edinburgh’s top attractions and houses a collection of over 8,000 objects from around the world. From ancient artifacts to contemporary art, this museum has something for everyone. Visitors can explore the galleries at their own pace or join a guided tour to learn more about the museum’s collections.

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano that overlooks Edinburgh from atop a rocky hill. This area is now a popular spot for visitors to take in breathtaking views of the city below. From Arthur’s Seat, visitors can also see other famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles Cathedral.

St. Giles Cathedral

St. Giles Cathedral is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks and has served as a place of worship for over 900 years. This impressive building is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and grand spire, which stands at over 260 feet tall. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral or attend one of its many services.

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is one of the top attractions in Scotland and is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. This zoo offers a range of activities such as animal encounters, educational talks and presentations, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can also take part in special events such as Keeper for a Day or Night at the Zoo, both of which provide a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s animals.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a fun-filled attraction located on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. This interactive museum offers an array of optical illusions and trickery that will entertain visitors of all ages. From dazzling optical illusions to interactive exhibits, there is something for everyone at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.

Popular Tours in Edinburgh

In addition to exploring all that Edinburgh has to offer on your own, there are also several popular tours that visitors can take part in to get a closer look at some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Here are two popular tours in Edinburgh that are worth considering:

Old Town Ghost Tour

Explore Edinburgh’s haunted past on this spooky ghost tour through the city’s Old Town district. On this tour, visitors will hear tales of Edinburgh’s haunted past as they explore some of the city’s most historic sites. The tour takes place during the evening when the streets are quiet and eerie stories come alive around every corner. Book an Old Town Ghost Tour here.

Edinburgh Beer Tour

For those who prefer something less spooky and more festive, why not take part in an Edinburgh beer tour? This tour takes visitors on an exploration of Edinburgh’s craft beer scene with stops at several local breweries where you can sample some craft beers straight from the taproom. Book an Edinburgh Beer Tour here.

No matter what type of traveler you are, there is something for everyone in Edinburgh. From exploring ancient castles and cathedrals to taking part in guided tours and sampling local beers, visitors will be sure to have an unforgettable experience when visiting this historic city.