How Many Tourist Attractions Are there in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a stunning city with a lot of incredible tourism attractions. From the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the Scott Monument and from the Royal Museum to Holyrood Palace, there are plenty of places for visitors to explore. But how many tourist attractions is Edinburgh really home to? It might come as a surprise that the answer is quite a lot.

The most popular attractions in Edinburgh are its many historic sites. The castle is the most iconic and recognisable of these monuments, but there are so many more to discover. From ancient churches to unique statues and institutions, this city is full of interesting places to explore. Additionally, there are plenty of museums and art galleries, offering visitors more insight into the city’s vibrant history and culture.

The city also offers plenty of green areas and parks for visitors to enjoy. Princes Street Gardens and Arthur’s Seat are two of the most popular parks in the area, but even small parks such as St. Margaret’s Save provide splendid views and great photo opportunities. So not just tourists, but local residents can and should also take advantage of these wonderful areas.

It’s no surprise that Edinburgh is home to a large number of tourist attractions. In addition to all the historical sites and parks, Edinburgh has countless pubs, bars, clubs, cafes, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. The city also hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. From Edinburgh Fringe Festival to Hogmanay and the Christmas markets, tourists will never find themselves without something to do in the city.

In total, Edinburgh is home to around 500 different tourist attractions. While this number will vary depending on who you ask, it still provides enough to keep even the most avid traveler busy. Furthermore, with more attractions being added every year and new events constantly being organised, visitors can always rely on Edinburgh to provide them with something new to explore and experience.

Since the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, many more attractions have sprung up around the city in celebration of this momentous event. Throughout the area you can find numerous statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, as well as monuments honouring Scotland’s illustrious history.

Not to mention that Edinburgh also has plenty of shopping options for those looking to pick up souvenirs. From designer outlets to specialist whisky stores, souvenir shops are scattered across Edinburgh and provide visitors with plenty of options for finding memorealbes of their visit.

To conclude, there are countless attractions for visitors to enjoy in Edinburgh – from ancient historic sights to modern museums and galleries, nature walks, trendy bars, and souvenir stores. With around 500 attractions in total, Edinburgh provides something for everyone who visits the incredible city.
For more information about tourist attractions in Edinburgh you can also visit Edinburgh Hotels Guide which provides a comprehensive list and information about some of Edinburgh’s top attractions.

An Insider’s Guide to Tourist Attractions in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its stunning architecture, famous festivals, and natural beauty, Edinburgh has helped put Scotland on the map as a top tourist destination. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a nature lover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Edinburgh. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top tourist attractions in Edinburgh, including dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Top Tourist Attractions

Edinburgh Castle: Sitting atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience and fortitude. It is home to the Scottish crown jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the famous One O’ Clock Gun that fires every day at 1 PM. Visitors can take a self-guided audio tour around the castle to learn about its rich history.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Spanning 70 acres, the Royal Botanic Garden is a haven of tranquility and beauty in the heart of Edinburgh. Visitors can explore the gardens’ collections of plants from around the world, including a magnificent Victorian Palm House that houses tropical plants. The gardens also offer guided tours, workshops, and events throughout the year.

The Royal Mile: This famous street runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Visitors can explore the cobbled streets and tight alleys, admire the architecture, and visit dozens of shops, museums, and restaurants along the way. The Royal Mile is also home to some of the city’s most historic buildings, including St Giles’ Cathedral and the Tron Kirk.

Dining Spots

The Dome: Housed in a stunning Georgian building, The Dome is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic restaurants. Known for its elegant decor and refined atmosphere, The Dome offers a menu of classic Scottish dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also features several bars, including a Champagne bar and a whisky bar.

Ondine: If you’re looking for fresh seafood, look no further than Ondine. This award-winning restaurant focuses on sustainably sourced Scottish seafood, such as scallops, langoustines, and crab. The chefs at Ondine also showcase their culinary skills with unique flavor combinations and creative presentations.

The Sheep Heid Inn: If you want to experience a traditional Scottish pub, head to The Sheep Heid Inn. This pub, which dates back to 1360, is full of character and charm, with a cozy fireplace and a beer garden. The menu features classic Scottish pub fare, such as haggis, neeps, and tatties, as well as a selection of local beers and whiskies.

Cultural Experiences

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Every August, Edinburgh comes alive with the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Thousands of performers take to the streets and stages throughout the city, showcasing everything from comedy and music to theater and dance. With so much to see and do, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a must-see for any culture lover.

The National Museum of Scotland: Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the National Museum of Scotland is a treasure trove of history and culture. Visitors can explore the museum’s collections, which range from Scottish history to science and technology, and include artifacts from around the world. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: If you’re a fan of military bands and precision marching, don’t miss the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This annual event, held at Edinburgh Castle, features performances by military bands and dancers from around the world, as well as fireworks and light shows.

Local History

The Palace of Holyroodhouse: Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and learn about its fascinating history, including the turbulent reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. The palace also features beautiful gardens and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.

The Scottish Parliament: The Scottish Parliament, located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, is a stunning example of modern architecture. Visitors can take a free guided tour of the parliament building, learning about the history and functions of the Scottish Parliament as they go.

The Real Mary King’s Close: Hidden beneath Edinburgh’s bustling streets lies a network of underground passages and chambers. The Real Mary King’s Close offers guided tours of these tunnels, taking visitors back in time to learn about life in Edinburgh during the 17th century. The tour includes interactive exhibits and performances by costumed actors.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Arthur’s Seat: For a stunning view of Edinburgh, hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that rises above the city. The trail takes about an hour, but the panoramic view from the top is well worth the effort.

Dean Village: Tucked away in a quiet corner of Edinburgh, Dean Village is a picturesque neighborhood with cobbled streets, charming houses, and a tranquil river. Visitors can stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway, taking in the beauty of the village and surrounding countryside.

The Royal Observatory Edinburgh: For a unique and educational experience, head to the Royal Observatory Edinburgh. Visitors can explore the observatory’s collections, learn about astronomy, and even view the stars through a telescope.

Edinburgh is a city with so much to offer, from its historic landmarks and cultural festivals to its stunning natural beauty. With this insider’s guide, you can make the most of your visit, discovering the top tourist attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that make Edinburgh such a special place.