8 must-see places in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and while it’s known for its financial sector, it’s also known as a tourist city, with 13 million visitors each year, especially during the annual Edinburgh Festival in August, which sees even more tourists than usual over the course of the month.
Let’s take a look at Edinburgh, a city that is both historic and modern in its own right.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle Tour
The Castle is a historically significant fortress that forms the overall skyline of the city of Edinburgh. It’s often the first attraction on the list of must-sees for anyone visiting Edinburgh.
The castle houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. If you have time, it’s worth signing up for a guided tour of the castle, and it’s a great place to explore the various buildings and exhibits.
2. Royal Mile
Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh
The Royal Mile is the street that runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse Palace and is filled with historic buildings, shops and restaurants. There are a lot of really old buildings, and along the way, you can explore various alleyways, squares, and historical landmarks. Royal Mile is the main street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting the Castle to Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the royal family, on a path that only royalty and nobility could walk in the Middle Ages. It’s a beautifully colorful street with plenty of restaurants, pubs, and other shops, and is full of character.
The street is especially lively during the Edinburgh Festival in August.
3. The Elephant House
Edinburgh is a mecca for fans of the Harry Potter series of novels and movies, as author JK Rowling, a broke and impoverished single mom at the time, wrote most of the books in the city, and The Elephant House, a small cafe where she wrote the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, is arguably the most popular tourist attraction in the city.
The front door of the cafe has a large sign that reads “birthplace” of Harry Potter, and the interior is filled with newspaper articles and photos signed by Rowling, but the cafe is currently closed due to a fire in the building that housed it in the summer of 2021, so you can only see the exterior.
4. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse Ticket in Edinburgh
A historic landmark in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse has welcomed guests as the palace of the Queen of Scots and served as the backdrop for many historic events.
The Queen’s chambers and rooms, as well as the paintings that tell the story of the history of the palace, are a real treat for visitors, and the historical stories told in the various rooms of the palace enrich our trip to Edinburgh.
Holyroodhouse Palace is one of the official residences of the British monarchy in Scotland. It is located at the end of the Royal Mile and is open to visitors. If you’re visiting the Royal Mile, you should add a visit here to your itinerary.
You can tour the palace and also see the various state apartments and the historic ruins of Holyrood Abbey.
5. National Galleries of Scotland
Wallace Collection and National Gallery Private Art Tour
The National Galleries of Scotland is a meeting point of art and history, captivating travelers with its outstanding art collection and rich cultural heritage.
The National Galleries of Edinburgh are home to a vast array of artworks spanning many different eras and styles. Paintings, sculptures, and special exhibits showcase the diversity of art and leave visitors impressed.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, it houses more than 38,000 works of art, including masterpieces from the Renaissance by Botticelli, Vincent van Gogh, and Monet. The gallery is free to enter, so if you love museums, it’s a must-visit.
6. Arthur’s Seat
Edinburgh Castle to Arthur’s Seat Private and Custom Walking Tour
Arthur’s Seat is a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Although it’s called a volcano, it’s so inactive that you’d be hard pressed to tell it wasn’t there when you visit.
Due to its high altitude, it’s a great place to see stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.
Arthur’s Seat is 250 meters above sea level and offers 360-degree views of Edinburgh. Arthur’s Seat means King Arthur’s Chair, and it is said that King Arthur used to greet his soldiers returning from war here. It’s only when you’re on Arthur’s Seat that you realize how close Edinburgh is to the sea.
7. National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland Highlights Guided Tour
I think the National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and culture. The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits covering the entire history of Scotland.
On October 13, 2006, two neighboring institutions, the Museum of Scotland and the Royal Museum, merged to form the National Museum of Scotland. Following the legal merger, the museum closed about two-thirds of its galleries in 2008 and reopened in July 2011 after construction and extensive renovations to connect the two museums, with ongoing work to open the remaining galleries in 2019, completing a 15-year renovation plan.
There are a variety of galleries and exhibitions to explore, including the famous Hall of Scottish Weapons and Armor, which you may recognize from somewhere in a book you read as a child.
8. Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden is a world-famous botanical garden, renowned for its diverse plant species and beautiful landscaping. Founded in 1670, it has over 350 years of history and serves as a center for botanical research, education, and conservation.
Located just under two miles north of the city center, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a beautiful outdoor attraction with over 13,000 plant species from around the world.
The 70-plus-acre space is divided into gardens with different themes. You can see a wide variety of plants in different environments, including rock gardens, aquatic gardens, and greenhouses.
The Royal Botanic Gardens has several greenhouses where you can observe plants from different climates, from rainforest plants to desert plants. The famous Victoria Conservatory is especially popular among visitors.
When visiting the United Kingdom, I usually visit the England region, but I think Edinburgh, the capital of the Scottish region, is also a great place to see another side of the country. We hope you enjoyed this article and have a great trip!
