A Tourist Guide To Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, known for its beautiful historic architecture and vibrant nightlife. The city has been a major tourist destination for centuries, with millions of visitors flocking to its majestic architecture, culture, and history every year. Edinburgh Old Town is the oldest part of the city and is one of the most popular attractions. This area of Edinburgh has many historical buildings, cobbled streets, and a unique atmosphere that visitors can’t help but love.

Edinburgh Old Town is the best place to experience old-world charm and classic Scottish culture. It is filled with cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and hidden alleyways, making it a popular tourist destination. This area of the city is home to some of Edinburgh’s most iconic attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, and the Royal Mile. Visitors can also explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and shops.

The history of Edinburgh Old Town dates back to the 12th century, when the first settlements were established in this area. Over time, the city has grown and changed, with new buildings being added and old ones being renovated. This has created a unique atmosphere in Edinburgh Old Town that visitors from all over the world come to experience.

Today, Edinburgh Old Town is a bustling hub of activity, with a wide range of attractions and activities to suit all tastes. From ancient ruins to modern-day pubs, there is something for everyone in this fascinating part of the city. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Edinburgh Old Town so you can make the most of your visit.

Explore Edinburgh Castle

The first stop on any visit to Edinburgh Old Town should be the iconic Edinburgh Castle. This ancient fortress sits atop an imposing volcanic outcrop overlooking the city below. It has been a royal residence since the 12th century and has seen many important events in Scottish history take place within its walls.

Today, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland. Visitors can explore its many chambers and rooms, such as the Great Hall, the Royal Chapel, and the National War Museum. There are also stunning views from the castle’s battlements and a view of Scotland’s oldest cannon, Mons Meg.

At Edinburgh Castle, visitors can also learn about its stunning history through guided tours and audio guides. There are also regular events held at the castle throughout the year such as re-enactments of battles and performances by traditional Highland dancers.

Discover The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic streets, running from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Along this stretch of cobbled streets are some of the city’s oldest buildings, including St Giles’ Cathedral and the Scotsman Steps. Visitors can wander along this historic thoroughfare and explore the many shops, restaurants, pubs, and museums along the way.

The Royal Mile is also home to some of Edinburgh Old Town’s most famous attractions such as The Real Mary King’s Close. Here visitors can explore a network of hidden underground streets, which have been preserved since the 16th century.

Visit St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral is one of Edinburgh Old Town’s most iconic landmarks. This grand medieval church has been a place of worship since 1175 and is a must-see attraction when visiting the city. Inside, visitors can admire its impressive architecture, stained glass windows, and intricate stone carvings. The cathedral also houses a museum and library where visitors can learn more about its history and see artefacts from its past.

Explore The Real Mary King’s Close

The Real Mary King’s Close is an underground street that has been preserved since the 16th century. Here visitors can explore a network of hidden alleyways and chambers beneath the city’s Royal Mile that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.

The Real Mary King’s Close is open to the public for guided tours that include interactive elements such as costumed characters and entertaining stories about life in old Edinburgh. Visitors can also explore independently with audio guides that provide further insight into this hidden part of the city’s history.

Take A Ghost Tour Of The City

Edinburgh Old Town is said to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland and it has a wealth of ghost stories to tell. Visitors can take a guided tour around some of the city’s spookiest spots and uncover tales of hauntings, hauntings from long-dead nobles or prisoner ghosts from long-forgotten dungeons. Tours usually include visits to famous sites such as Greyfriars Kirkyard and Mary King’s Close.

Visit The National Museum Of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh Old Town and is one of Scotland’s premier museums. Inside are numerous collections covering a variety of topics including art, science, design, technology, history, and culture. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits on topics such as Scotland’s prehistoric past or take a journey through time with displays on Scottish history from medieval times to modern day.

Shop On Princes Street

Princes Street is one of Edinburgh Old Town’s most popular streets for shopping. Here visitors will find an array of shops selling everything from traditional Scottish souvenirs to designer fashion labels. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants along Princes Street where visitors can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sights of this famous street.

Enjoy A night Out On The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant areas at night time and it comes alive with pubs, clubs, and live music venues entertaining locals and visitors alike. There are plenty of pubs along the Royal Mile serving traditional ales as well as modern craft beers with great food menus too. For those looking for something livelier there are numerous clubs playing everything from indie music to dance music or jazz clubs for those wanting something more low-key.

Explore The City’s Parks And Gardens

Edinburgh Old Town is home to some beautiful parks and gardens where visitors can escape from the bustling streets for a while. The Princes Street Gardens are located in between Princes Street and The Mound and they offer a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city with beautiful flowerbeds, fountains and statues. The Meadows is another popular park located south of The Mound which during summer months hosts a variety of festivals and events such as open-air theatre performances or music concerts.

Experience Traditional Scottish Cuisine

No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without experiencing some traditional Scottish cuisine. Traditional dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties or Cullen skink are served in many pubs and restaurants throughout Edinburgh Old Town as well as more modern takes on classic dishes like deep-fried macaroni cheese or haggis nachos. There are also plenty of cafes serving delicious cakes and pastries or award-winning restaurants offering an array of fine dining options for those wanting something more special.

Popular Tours In Edinburgh Old Town

When visiting Edinburgh Old Town there are plenty of tours available that will help you make the most out of your visit. Here we will look at two popular tours that provide unique experiences for visitors to this historic part of the city – an Old Town Walking Tour and an Edinburgh Ghost Tour.

Old Town Walking Tour

For those wanting to explore more of Edinburgh Old Town an Old Town Walking Tour is an ideal way to do so. These guided tours lead visitors through some of the oldest parts of Edinburgh where they will learn about its history while exploring its cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, historic buildings and monuments. Tours usually last around two hours with plenty of time for breaks along the way as well as stops to take photos or learn more about particular points of interest. Book an Old Town Walking Tour here.

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

Edinburgh is renowned for its ghost stories so why not discover them for yourself on an Edinburgh Ghost Tour? These guided tours take visitors around some of Edinburgh Old Town’s spookiest spots where they will hear tales of hauntings from long-dead nobles or prisoner ghosts from forgotten dungeons while exploring some eerie alleyways and hidden underground chambers. Tours usually last around two hours with plenty of time for photo opportunities as well as stories about haunted buildings or tales from locals about their own ghostly experiences in Edinburgh Old Town. Book an Edinburgh Ghost Tour here.

Edinburgh Old Town has something for everyone – from ancient ruins to traditional pubs; from bustling streets to tranquil parks; from modern shops to centuries-old buildings; from vibrant nightlife to historic sights – there really is no better place to experience old-world charm and classic Scottish culture than in this beautiful part of Scotland’s capital city. Whether you want to explore its history or just spend time soaking up its unique atmosphere, there are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh Old Town that will make your visit one you won’t forget!