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A trip to Scotland will sooner or later take you to the gorgeous Edinburgh. Visiting Edinburgh soon and wondering what to see in Edinburgh? Let me help you find the best and filter the rest!
And in this Edinburgh blog I’ll share with you some of my top things to do in Edinburgh.
In my opinion, 4 days in Edinburgh is good time to see the best that city has to offer. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Here is a combined list of best tourist places in Edinburgh as well as some of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is an age-old fortified structure sitting on a hilltop.
The Edinburgh Castle has borne witness to some of the most important events of the city’s history. There are trails running around the castle which takes you through the woods and to a series of vantage points.
Quick Facts:
- The castle was built somewhere around 11th-century.
- The castle’s collection include the Crown Jewels.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
2. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Quick Facts:
- Done in Neoclassical architecture style, it was William Bruce, James Smith who designed it.
- The royal palace was built somewhere around 16th-century.
Without a doubt this wonderful royal palace is one amongst the top things to do in Edinburgh.
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom
3. Arthur’s Seat
Hike through this beautiful destination, it will remain with your forever.
Quick Facts:
- The hiking destination is located at an elevation of 251 m.
4. Edinburgh Old Town
Located in the heart of the city is the charming old town of Edinburgh.
The best of your time would be spent wandering these cobblestone streets that weave under archways and stumbling into rustic old structures. The Old town of Edinburgh is a maze of medieval narrow alleyways with flowing stairways going up and down.
A natural crowd puller, Edinburgh Old Town is right up there in the list of best things to do in Edinburgh.
5. National Museum of Scotland
This museum showcases Scotland’s culture and is a great place to learn about its history too.
Even if you are not planning to go inside, the magnificent building alone is worth a look. This state owned museum accumulated its collection over time.
Quick Facts:
- The national museum was founded in 2006 and was brought into reality by the architect Francis Fowke.
Address: Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, United Kingdom
6. Princes Street
Princes Street is a long shopping strip located in the central Edinburgh.
. And when you get tired, the cafés along the strip offer outside sitting as well as there are public benches.
Quick Facts:
- The shopping street stretches for a length of around 1.6 km.
With so much to offer, no wonder Princes Street is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh.
7. St Giles’ Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral is a charming old Cathedral located in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The way the light falls at different times of the day is astounding. The cathedral is adorned with a beautiful round dome and the views from up their are simply fantastic.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect William Hay, cathedral is a classic example of fine Gothic architecture.
Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
8. Scott Monument
Scott Monument is a heart-felt monument located in Edinburgh.
Quick Facts:
- This construction of this 60 m meters tall structure began in 1840.
- Take a total of 287 steps to get to the top.
Add it to your Edinburgh trip if you have time.
Address: E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, United Kingdom
9. Royal Botanic Garden
Royal Botanic Garden is a large expanse of green located in the very heart of Edinburgh.
The Royal Botanic Garden is a botanical delight consisting of an arboretum, a herbarium and numerous greenhouses.
The plants come from different environments and climate zones. This includes tropical, subtropical, wetland, mountainous and plenty others. Royal Botanic Garden sweeps over a large area with diverse range of plant species.
Quick Facts:
- The botanical garden was founded by Robert Sibbald, and is spread over an expanse of 70-acre.
Address: Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, United Kingdom
10. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Located in Edinburgh, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is whimsical as much as it is a fun place.
The museum features creative optical illusions guaranteed to keep you engaged.
Quick Facts:
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is housed in a historic tower.
- Spread over five floors Camera Obscura & World of Illusions requires time to go through.
- The optical illusions museum was opened on 1853.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Edinburgh trip.
Address: Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, United Kingdom
11. Scottish National Gallery
A museum in Edinburgh dedicated to collecting and showcaing country’s breaakthrough art movements.
The Scottish National Gallery includes several centuries of artwork from paintings to decorative objects.
In-fact, national art museum gives you an interesting insight into the nation’s culture heritage. Besides, the museum is located in a grand heritage building which is an attraction by itself.
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, United Kingdom
12. Edinburgh Zoo
A nice city zoo sheltering a myriad of animals.
In the premises there is an animal hospital which provides care for the zoo’s residents. If you get tired you can sit in the on-site cafe and relax.
Quick Facts:
- The zoo houses pandas and koalas.
- The zoo is owned by The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Edinburgh trip.
Address: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, United Kingdom
13. Holyrood Park
Holyrood Park is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Edinburgh.
This fabulous park was developed with the sole aim to promote the good health of the citizen.
Filled with lush green grass, a variety of plants and flowers and some marvelous bodies of water. A riot of colour erupts in the spring and early summer.
Address: Queen’s Dr, Edinburgh EH8 8HG, United Kingdom
14. Forth Bridge
Considered as an icon of Edinburgh, Forth Bridge is a marvellous piece of architecture.
Quick Facts:
- Benjamin Baker, Sir John Fowler, 1st Baronet are the prominent architects who were involved in designing and building it.
- The iconic bridge stretches for a length of around 1.5-mile.
- Forth Bridge is a magnificent example of a Cantilever bridge.
- Forth Bridge was opened in 1964.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Edinburgh trip.
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Edinburgh. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Edinburgh for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Edinburgh. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Edinburgh, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.