Best Things to See in Edinburgh

The Travel Pages recommends the best things to see in Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Hollyroodhouse and the National Museum of Scotland.

From the historic quarter around Edinburgh Castle to the elegant New Town, Scotland’s capital city exudes an agreeable energy. It’s a happy meeting ground of tradition and the avant garde, as evidenced by the Military Tattoo and the famous Fringe arts festival, both held in August.

Often called the Athens of the North, Edinburgh was the home of Scotland’s kings and queens and is today the seat of Scotland’s government. It’s the country’s arts capital, too, with many fine art galleries, museums, performing arts venues, and a strong literary legacy.

The atmospheric Old Town recalls its medieval origins with tall tenements, steep staircases, and cobbled passageways leading to hidden courtyards. The genteel, neoclassical New Town is the handsome face of Edinburgh’s prosperity. Together they’ve been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With a constant influx of university students and tourists, Edinburgh has a lively nightlife, and a great cafe and restaurant scene. Extensive gardens and green spaces, the Water of Leith and the Firth of Forth to the north of the city centre provide an airy respite from the urban bustle.

BEST THINGS TO SEE IN EDINBURGH

Edinburgh Castle

The formidable fortress dominates the city from the top of Castle Rock. There’s been a castle on this site since at least the 12th century. There’s a lot to see inside the castle so allow plenty of time. Top attractions include St Margaret’s Chapel, the National War Museum, several regimental museums… and be prepared for the one o’clock gun! See our full page about Edinburgh Castle. edinburghcastle.scot

The Royal Mile

This famous Old Town thoroughfare is lined with shops, restaurants, pubs, and attractions. It’s made up of several different streets and runs between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It gained its nickname in 1901 because it was roughly one Scottish mile in length, a now defunct measurement that was about 10% longer than an English mile, or roughly 1.81 km. Look for the John Knox House, which dates back to 1490.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

This is more commonly known as Holyrood Palace, and is the British monarch’s official residence in Scotland. You can visit the State Apartments when the monarch isn’t resident, along with the gardens and the remains of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey. rct.uk

Scottish Parliament Building

The home of the Scottish Assembly is a striking, contemporary landmark. You can visit all-year-round but can obviously see more when the Parliament isn’t actually sitting. This is usually Friday-Monday, and on the various annual recesses. parliament.scot

Grassmarket and Victoria Street

This former cattle market and hangman’s ground is now one of the city’s busiest nightlife areas, and during the day you’ll find lots of interesting independent shops. You’ll also get good views of Edinburgh Castle.

National Museum of Scotland

Scotland’s history is displayed in a fascinating array of artefacts and exhibits. These cover natural history, royal stories, fashion and style, and food and drink (of course!). Don’t miss the Lewis Chessmen and Dolly the Sheep. nms.ac.uk

Princes Street

There are great views of Edinburgh Castle from the gardens along this busy shopping street. It’s also where you’ll find the Scottish National Gallery, the Scott Monument, and Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

Scottish National Gallery

A fine collection of Old Masters, Impressionists and Scottish artists are among the art on display in this grand neoclassical building. Among the famous names to look for are Degas, Monet, van Gogh, Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Velázquez. nationalgalleries.org

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

This impressive collection shows just how many important and famous people the country has produced, including royalty, rebels, writers, artists, scientists, inventors, architects, musicians, and politicians. nationalgalleries.org

New Town

This area, to the north of Princes Street, is a superb example of city planning and the city’s most fashionable area for shopping, dining, and nightlife. You’ll find impressive Georgian townhouses, large squares, and broad streets.