It can be difficult to know where to begin if you’ve never been to Edinburgh. Amazing things to do abound in this city. For both locals and tourists, these are the iconic sights in Edinburgh.
1. Edinburgh Castle
In Scotland, Edinburgh Castle is the top-rated paid tourist destination. This location housed a royal palace from the eleventh century until the Union of the Crowns in 1603, which coincided with James IV of Scotland’s accession to the English throne as James I (James’s mother, Mary Queen of Scots, gave birth to him in the Royal Palace of the Castle in 1566). While its current use as a tourist destination pays homage to its royal and military histories, later ages saw its use shift toward military purposes.
2. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Botanic Garden was first located close to Holyrood Park in 1670. Later, it relocated to a place next to the ancient Nor Loch, which is now the site of Waverley Station, and finally to its current location in 1820. It’s become a popular destination for several reasons despite being a tranquil location away from the city’s bustle.
There are two places to eat there: the Terrace Café, which is located in the center of the Garden and has a lawn with a nice view of Edinburgh Castle in the distance, and the Gateway Restaurant, which is located in the new education building at the west entrance. Inverleith House is also home to a renowned modern art gallery and was formerly the location of the city’s Gallery of Modern Art.
3. Royal Yacht Britannia
One of Edinburgh’s most visited attractions, the Royal Yacht Britannia, is not without reason. There is much to admire here, whether you support the monarchy or not because it was the Queen’s former floating royal palace for more than 40 years.
The crew quarters, honeymoon suite, and engine room stand out as genuine features in addition to the State apartments. If you feel like taking a break, you can finish things off in style with a pot of tea, scones, or sandwiches at the reasonably priced Royal Deck Tea Room, which also has great views of the water.
4. Arthur’s Seat
Whatever time of year, Arthur’s Seat will offer the ideal opportunity for a brief break from the hustle and bustle of the city center. A quick stroll through Holyrood Park and up to this monument will make you feel as though you’ve landed in a picture, whether there is a light snowfall or it’s a bright, sunny day. Visit the old St Anthony’s Chapel, take in the Salisbury Crags’ views of Edinburgh’s skyline, or go birdwatching near Duddingston Loch.
5. The Scottish Parliament
The construction of the Scottish Parliament was not without controversy; it was completed many years late and millions of dollars over budget. But, since it was built, it has demonstrated that it can serve as both a productive place of administration and a well-liked tourist destination, with many people praising its architectural elements.
The building is open to the public during non-Parliamentary recess periods, so anyone can visit and take in the democratic process in action in the debating chamber or just wander around and take in the architecture.
6. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Although the Castle is the more well-known of the two structures that stand at the top and bottom of the Royal Mile, the Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, is well-regarded by the throngs of tourists who come here.
Nowadays, state ceremonies and official entertainment, such as the yearly Garden Party, are mostly held there in its official role (aka Hat Watch for locals). There are currently many things to visit here, such as the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and 14 historic and State Apartments.
7. Scott Monument
The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world and serves as a poignant reminder of how proud the city can be of its own. It was built to honor Sir Walter Scott, the author of the novels “Ivanhoe,” “Waverley,” and “Rob Roy.”
Visitors are welcome to ascend the 287 steps to the summit for a small fee or can simply gaze up at it from below. It’s a bit of a walk, but the vistas of the Forth of Fife and the sight of Edinburgh Castle, which is just across the Gardens, make it well worth the trouble.
8. National Gallery Of Scotland
In the center of Edinburgh, off Princes Street, and beneath Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish National Gallery, and the neighboring Royal Scottish Academy make up a complex. There are two separate structures that make up the complex; they were both designed by renowned architect William Playfair and opened in 1828 and 1859, respectively.
The Scottish National Gallery, which is (relatively) more understated, is located at the back of this structure and houses a permanent collection of classical art as well as sporadic small-scale temporary exhibitions, whereas modern art temporary large-scale exhibitions are held at the RSA.
9. Calton Hill and the Scottish National Monument
Princes Street, the castle, and the Old Town may all be seen against Arthur’s Seat from Calton Hill, which offers a comprehensive view of the city. The Firth of Forth and the Leith docks are visible to the east and north. Sir Walter Scott attended the Royal High School in the 13th century, which is located at the base of the hill.
The majestic National Monument on Calton Hill, built to honor the victims of the Napoleonic Wars, is arguably the most significant of Edinburgh’s numerous memorials. The Parthenon in Athens served as inspiration for Henry Playfair as he created the memorial.
There is a statue honoring the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns opposite Calton Hill. Take a couple photos from here of the city at dusk for a breathtaking souvenir of your trip to Edinburgh.
10. National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum has grown tremendously in popularity since it reopened in 2011 following substantial renovations, with youngsters being properly provided for. On the upper level, there is a more educational play area for older kids in addition to a sizable, all-ages play area, and many of the exhibits have a high level of engagement.
