Nicknamed the Athens of the North, Edinburgh is the national capital city of Scotland. It is one of the oldest European cities and is widely known for its international festivals, cobbled streets and cosy cafes.
With its medieval Old Town, New Town, and modern skyline, Edinburgh is Scotland’s historic and cultural capital. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built on rocky crags and a series of extinct volcanoes.
It’s free world-class museums and royal history at Holyrood Palace that attract visitors from all over the world. If you are new to this city and have no idea about the places to visit in Edinburgh, you are at the right place. Keep reading the post till the end.
1. National Museum of Scotland
It is a must-see in Edinburgh due to its high-quality, extensive exhibits and free entry. The museum was established in 1990 and opened to the public. Its stunning architecture and light-filled atmosphere offer a vibrant experience.
There are two interconnected buildings at the National Museum of Scotland – the original Victorian Museum and the modern one. It is home to large collections of natural history, archaeology, design, and more.
Tips to Explore the National Museum of Scotland
- Open hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day of the week.
- Entry is free. So, no need to buy an entry ticket.
- Visit the museum’s official website, https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland, to find details on specific exhibitions and related information.
- Take a guided tour or explore the museum at your own pace.
2. Edinburgh Castle
Located on Castle Rock, a volcanic plug, the Edinburgh Castle was a royal residence till 1633. Later, it became a site of military operations, particularly during the Scottish Independence War.
It is Scotland’s famous icon and part of the Old and New Towns. In the recent British Travel Awards, it was voted as the top UK Heritage Attraction. The Castle serves as the symbol of Scottish heritage and is among the most-visited tourist attractions.
Edinburgh Castle features Romanesque architecture at St Margaret’s Chapel, Monarch’s Guard (a 15th-century siege gun), the Great Hall, the Scottish National War Memorial, and Crown Square.
Visiting Tips
- Invest 2 to 3 hours to explore the Castle fully.
- Visit it from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm from October to March each year. No entry is allowed after 4:00 pm.
- Pay £18.50 for an adult and £11.50 for a child as entry fees.
- Buy an audio guide for £3.50 for an adult and £1.50 for a child to make your exploration meaningful.
- Do not miss exploring its parts, including the royal palace, the Scottish Crown Jewels, the castle vaults, and the Prisoners of War exhibition.
- At 1:00 pm, be a part of the One O’Clock WWII 25-pounder Gun salute. It does take place on Christmas, Good Friday, and Sundays.
3. Arthur’s Seat
Located within Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano. It is among four hill forts with a history of more than 2,000 years and offers solace, volcanic geology, wildlife, and unparalleled views of the city.
Arthur’s Seat is home to numerous SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest). Due to its globally important volcanic geology and several rare grassland habitats. It lies in the east of the city centre and is famous for hillwalking.
Practical Tips to Explore Arthur’s Seat
- Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore it at its best.
- Put on a warm outfit or jacket to escape the cold at its top.
- Wear good hiking boots to stay safe while climbing to the top.
- Visit Holyrood Park, which is a few steps away and is always open.
- Carry enough water and snacks with you to stay energised during the hike.
4. Edinburgh Old Town
Nicknamed the Auld Reekie (Old Smelly), Edinburgh Old Town is the historic heart of Scotland’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features 16th-century architecture, narrow streets, towering tenements, and alleys. The town is centrally located between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.
In the contemporary world, Edinburgh Old Town features pipers, souvenir shops, alleys, clubs, and wynds. Due to its rich history and culture, Edinburgh attracts numerous visitors on Scotland tours.
Easy Tips for Exploring the Old Town
- Visit the Royal Mile starting from Edinburgh Castle.
- It is open 24/7. Explore it with a guide between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. To counter the smaller crowd, visit it before 10:00 am.
- Carry all essentials like water and snacks to make your exploration smooth.
- Capture your moments at this historic site in the UK to look back on later.
5. The Writers’ Museum
It is dedicated to the 3 best and most famous writers of Scottish Literature – Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robert Burns. The Writers’ Museum is located in the historic Lady Stair’s House, which was built in 1622.
This museum has narrow, steep spiral staircases due to its 17th-century architecture. Travellers with mobility issues may find accessing the museum challenging. Here, you can learn about the life stories of those writers and the interesting objects of their time.
While exploring The Writers’ Museum, you can encounter Robert Burns’ writing desk, the printing press used to publish Scott’s Waverly Novels, and amazing portraits of rare book editions. In addition, you can encounter the rocking horse Sir Walter Scott used in his childhood.
Tips for Visitors
- Visit the museum from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday through Sunday.
- Avoid visiting it on Mondays and Tuesdays as it is closed.
- Enter the museum without paying an entry fee, as entry is free. However, you can donate £3 for its better management.
6. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Lying at the bottom of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse was the royal residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Since the 16th century, it has been the residence of numerous Scottish kings and queens.
King David I constructed it in 1128 as an Augustinian abbey. James IV transformed it into a royal palace in the early 16th century. It is a famous home of Mary, the Scottish Queen, who lived here between 1561 and 1567.
Today, it is famous for its architecture, developed by King Charles II between 1671 and 1678. As a visitor, you can explore its private apartments, the Great Gallery, etc.
Tips to Maximise Your Experience at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Visit it between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm from November to March and 9:30 am and 6:00 pm from April to October.
- Witness regularly organised exhibitions of art and royal history.
- Enjoy the interactive multimedia tour for a better experience. It is available in ten different languages.
- Pay £16.50 per adult to enter and explore the palace.
7. Scott Monument
Situated in Princess Street Gardens, Edinburgh, it is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. Built in 1844 and unveiled in 1846, it is the 2nd-largest monument to a writer in the world. The Scott Monument stands at an elevation of 200 feet (61 metres) and is a good example of the Victorian Gothic style.
George Meikle Kemp designed its structure. Made from binny sandstone, it features gargoyles, intricate spires, and 64 statues. The statues depict the characters of Scott’s novels. By climbing to the top, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns.
Easy Steps to Explore the Scott Monument
- Participate in the organised tours between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm on all days of the week.
- Climb up 288 stairs to reach the top and experience the best view.
- Try to spot all the 64 statues to understand Scott’s novel characters.
- Click the moment and views after reaching the top.
8. Scottish National Gallery
Situated on Edinburgh’s Mound and opened in 1859, it is a premier art museum. Designed by William Playfair, it houses fine art and features masterpieces from the 15th to the early 20th century. Its collection includes works of van Gogh, Monet, Botticelli, Titian, Raphael, Rembrandt, and Vermeer.
Easy Tips for Maximising Your Experience
- Invest 2 to 3 hours a day to explore it fully.
- Visit it from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day.
- Entry is free. Pay the requisite fee to witness specific exhibitions.
- Take a 5-minute walk from Waverley Station to explore it.
- Access it via the Princes Street Gardens entrance.
9. St Giles’ Cathedral
Constructed in 1124, St Giles’ Cathedral is the historic Mother Church of Presbyterianism. It is famous for its attractive stained glass and 15th-century crown spire. Under John Knox, it was a centre of the Scottish Reformation.
In the current world, it is an active place of worship and acts as the primary testament of Scottish history. It is a religious place. However, it is open for visitors and discloses its historical prominence.
Practical Tips to Explore St Giles’ Cathedral
- Visit it from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm every day, except Sunday. It is open between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Sunday.
- Do not pay any entry fee. However, you can donate a small amount, such as £6.
- Follow tradition and respect the place, as it is a holy site for Christians.
- Click the moments at the Victorian West Doorway of the church.
- Attend music concerts and performances to make your visit meaningful.
- Shop for local jewellery, souvenirs, and books at the gift shops within its premises.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Patrick Geddes and Maria Short laid the foundation stones in 1835. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions features five floors of more than 100 hands-on, interactive exhibits, the result of a collaboration among technical experts, inventors, and artists. Its Vortex Tunnel and visual effects fool visitors’ senses.
Tips for Visitors
- Set aside 2 to 3 hours during your busy Edinburg trip to visit it.
- Explore it from 10:00 am to 9/10:00 pm. The visiting time may differ.
- Visit it in the first half to avoid crowds.
- Click the moments for your records, as photography is allowed here.
- To check your body temperature using thermal cameras here, come across the Singing Cats.
Conclusion
Including the mentioned places to visit in Edinburgh can make your trip to Scotland memorable and unique. At Cholan Tours, we can help you explore these places in Edinburgh through our customised Scotland Tour Packages. Contact us to book your Scotland tour and enjoy a completely different, smooth experience.
