Planning a trip to Edinburgh, here are 15 must see locations.
- Edinburgh Castle
A historic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a symbol of Scotland’s enduring spirit and rich history. Explore the St. Margaret’s Chapel, Great Hall, and stunning city views.
Website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/ - Royal Mile
The heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Royal Mile, is a bustling stretch filled with historic buildings, quaint shops, pubs, and restaurants. Start at Edinburgh Castle and go down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Website: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/royal-mile-and-grassmarket-p918401 - Palace of Holyroodhouse
The official residence of the Queen in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is steeped in royal history and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Website: https://www.rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse - Arthur’s Seat
An ancient volcano and hill located in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city. The climb to the top is a favourite among visitors and locals alike.
Information: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/holyrood-park-and-arthurs-seat-p914341 - Scottish Parliament Building
An iconic modern architectural masterpiece, the Scottish Parliament Building is home to political decision-making in Scotland. Guided tours are available when parliament is not in session.
Website: https://www.parliament.scot/ - Princes Street Gardens
These beautifully manicured gardens provide a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll.
Information: https://www.edinburghguide.com/parks/princesstreetgardens - National Museum of Scotland
Discover the natural world, science, art, design, fashion, and history all in one museum. The stunning architecture itself is worth a visit.
Website: https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/ - Edinburgh Zoo
Home to the UK’s only giant pandas, Edinburgh Zoo is a world-class wildlife attraction and features over 1,000 rare and beautiful animals.
Website: https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/ - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Explore this world-renowned scientific centre for the study of plants and their biodiversity. Don’t miss the Victorian Temperate Palm House and the stunning glasshouses.
Website: https://www.rbge.org.uk/ - Royal Yacht Britannia
Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Queen’s former floating residence. This luxurious ship offers a glimpse into the private life of the Royal Family.
Website: https://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/ - Scotch Whisky Experience
Immerse yourself in the world of whisky with a sensory journey that celebrates the flavours of Scotland’s beloved drink.
Website: https://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/ - Edinburgh Dungeon
A unique attraction that takes you through Scotland’s dark history with professional actors, thrilling rides, and stunning special effects.
Website: https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/en/ - Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
A mind-boggling visual journey through optical illusions, tricks, and interactive exhibits. Don’t forget to check out the stunning views of the city from the rooftop terrace.
Website: https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/ - St Giles’ Cathedral
A historic and architectural marvel, St Giles’ Cathedral is the principal place of worship for the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Website: https://stgilescathedral.org.uk/ - The Museum of Edinburgh
Dive into the city’s past, exploring everything from its iconic industries to everyday life over the centuries.
Website: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/museum-edinburgh
Getting Around:
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Edinburgh is compact and easy to explore on foot, but for longer distances, there are several options:
- Edinburgh Trams – Connects the city centre with Edinburgh Airport.
Website: https://edinburghtrams.com/ - Lothian Buses – Edinburgh’s comprehensive bus network is a great way to explore the city.
Website: https://www.lothianbuses.com/
Apps like Google Maps and Citymapper are handy for real-time directions and timings.
Seasonal Temperatures:
Season | Average Temp. (°C) | Average Temp. (°F) |
---|---|---|
Winter (Dec-Feb) | 1-7 | 34-45 |
Spring (Mar-May) | 3-12 | 37-54 |
Summer (Jun-Aug) | 10-19 | 50-66 |
Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 7-15 | 45-59 |
Plan your visit with these temperatures in mind for the best experience of Edinburgh.