The Edinburgh's park that lies nestled between the Old and New Towns is Princes Street Gardens, where you should definitely stop by to roam its grounds. The Royal Botanic Gardens is a centre conservation, where you can learn about the plants grown there, and see climate zones from around the world.
Calton Hill is an easy climb where you can see some of the best views of Edinburgh, discover the monuments built there, or just relax for a while.
The biggest and most diverse museum in Edinburgh. The Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh houses art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and is now the largest fine art collection in Scotland. If you really want to learn about the history of the city itself, then the Museum of Edinburgh should be your destination on The Royal Mile. Greyfriars Kirk is one of the most famous churches in Edinburgh where JK Rowling found inspiration and you'll find the famous Greyfriars Bobby.
You will be fascinated by the unique architecture and the hidden corners to discover, as you almost feel like you're stepping back in time. You will see examples of Neoclassical architecture around the New Town, the centre of the Enlightenment in Scotland.
The neighborhood of Leith, northeast of Edinburgh, with its casual atmosphere, is where you'll find most of the young people of the city. To the north of the New Town the neighborhood of Stockbridge, with the appearance of a small town, is the bohemian part of Edinburgh. Find out More. The huge variety of galleries and exhibitions in this grand and visually stunning building means that you could quite easily spend an entire day here.
Offering a mixture of permanent art collections and exciting visiting exhibitions, a visit to the galleries is a great day out for art lovers. In the heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery boasts some of the world's finest art by the likes of Rembrandt, Monet and Raphael.
This beautiful red sandstone building can be found in the New Town, and is home to over 3, portraits of men, women and children from Scotland and beyond. Just a short taxi ride from the city centre, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art has three main spaces: Modern One hosts the gallery's permanent collection, Modern Two has ever-changing exhibitions and displays, and an expansive park full of fascinating sculptures.
It's a must for any modern art fan in the city. The Museum of Childhood is a fun day out for the whole family. Young people can learn about the children of the past and see a fantastic range of toys and games, while adults enjoy a trip down memory lane. And you can see the Subbuteo set in our adverts! Hands-on activities, including a puppet theatre and dressing up area, together with our fantastic museum shop, help to make your visit a memorable one.
The largest monument to a writer in the world commemorating the Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott. Built in the 19th century, it is one of the most striking landmarks in the Edinburgh city skyline. Climb the steps to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.
Every year, around the end of June, The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh stay here and participate in official engagements in the city and beyond. Various areas of the Palace are open for public viewing, where visitors can trace historical links through time and learn about its legendary former inhabitants. You can also take a look at Mary, Queen of Scots' Chambers, where she resided after her return from France in , which offers a fascinating insight into how our monarchs lived during that time.
Now, it hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. A worthwhile stop on a visit to the Royal Mile. Open to visitors Monday-Saturday, why not take advantage of a free tour and learn about its history, work and contemporary architecture?
You can even visit a debating chamber and if Parliament is in session, view proceedings from the public gallery. This popular guided tour lasts an hour, so be sure to book your place to avoid disappointment. For literary fans, their Literary Tour explores their links with famous Scottish writers over the years.
With so much to see and do, you might like to recharge your batteries with a coffee or light bite in their bright cafe and no visit would be complete without a browse around their attractive gift shop. The gallery is also home to the Scottish National Photography Collection. Founded in , the Scottish National Gallery is the country's second major art collection and displays Scotland's biggest collection of European paintings and sculptures.
Its collection includes works from the Renaissance period right up to the Post-Impressionists. Tours, lectures, and even art classes are available for visitors to enjoy, along with a restaurant. A handy shuttle bus service is also available that connects these two galleries with the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art see below.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The gallery is also well-known for its impressive collection of sculptures. The extensive grounds of this impressive gallery are also worth exploring.
Across the road is what's come to be known as "Modern Two," housed in an old hospital built in the s. Here, you'll see works by Surrealists, including sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi, as well as an impressive recreation of his original London studio. A number of works by Dada are also on display. If you plan on seeing both locations, as well as the National Gallery and Portrait Gallery, there's a lot of art and walking to experience, so you may want to spread your visits over a couple of days.
Giles Cathedral. Consecrated in , St. It's also one of the city's most popular places to visit, attracting upwards of a million visitors each year. The current structure was built in the s and is notable for its impressive foot-tall central tower with its eight arched buttresses. These form a huge crown the Crown Steeple , which has become a favorite backdrop for photos and selfies. Interior highlights include memorials to the dead of WWI; lovely stained-glass windows; and a statue of John Knox, leader of the Protestant Reformation his former home, 45 High Street, is close by and contains a museum.
The Thistle Chapel is also worth checking out and is best known for its oak carvings; heraldic emblems; and seals of the "Knights of the Thistle," Scotland's oldest order of knights.
Sir Robert Lorimer designed the chapel in , and it's a superb example of the modern Gothic style. Fun things to do while visiting the cathedral include joining a rooftop tour or enjoying an afternoon choir concert. Giles Cathedral Map Historical. Calton Hill and the Scottish National Monument. Calton Hill provides a panoramic view of the city, with Princes Street, the castle, and the Old Town silhouetted against Arthur's Seat.
To the east and north you can see the Firth of Forth and the docks at Leith. Perhaps the most important of Edinburgh's many memorials is the impressive National Monument on Calton Hill, erected to remember the dead from the Napoleonic Wars. Henry Playfair designed the memorial using the Parthenon in Athens as his inspiration.
Work began in , but the project had to be abandoned due to lack of money. For a spectacular memento of your Edinburgh vacation, be sure to snap a few shots from here over the city at sunset. Greyfriars Church and Greyfriars Bobby. Located at the south end of picturesque Candlemakers Row, Greyfriars Church is a must-visit when in Edinburgh. Here, you'll find the city's oldest graveyard, the final resting place for a number of celebrated Scots, including poet Allan Ramsay The first "National Covenant," directed against Charles I's attempt to impose the constitution of the Anglican Church on Scotland, was signed here in , under which framework the church would be subjected to the power of the state.
Buried within the Covenanters Prison is James Hutton, considered by many as the father of modern geology. Perhaps the most famous name associated with the church, however, is Greyfriars Bobby.
In , this Skye terrier loyally followed the coffin of his master, John Gray, to the graveyard and until his death 14 years later refused to leave.
A kennel was built for him to shelter in, and a famous landmark outside the church is a statue of Bobby erected in If visiting on Thursday, be sure to spend time enjoying one of the regular afternoon concerts. A museum is located on-site, and guided tours are available. Giant panda at the Edinburgh Zoo. Set on 82 acres of land on the edge of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Zoo was established in and remains one of the top things to do for families visiting the city. The zoo boasts a diversity of creatures from around the globe, some of whom were born and raised here through its successful breeding programs.
Edinburgh Zoo has the distinction of being the only UK zoo park to house koalas and pandas, and was the first to breed penguins. Among its other "star" animals are a troop of chimps and wallabies, as well as an exhibit of smaller creatures, such as amphibians and insects, in an area called "Wee Beasties. Those wanting to broaden their zoo experience can opt to participate in a variety of special events and animal interaction opportunities, including the popular "keeper experiences," which offer a fun behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day care of animals.
Also fun are the "Animal Antics" shows, which provide a fascinating insight into the training and care of a variety of species. There's a great garden area to explore, too, plus a number of casual food options and a gift shop. Not just for kids, the Museum of Childhood includes excellent collections of old toys, including model trains, dolls, and games from around the world.
But it's more than just a place full of old toys as much fun as they are. The museum — the first of its kind when it opened in the early s — explores other aspects of growing up, including a fun look at schooldays, trends, and fashions.
Adding to the authenticity is a re-creation of a Victorian streetscape complete with outdoor toys, as well as an opportunity to dress up in period costumes and play the kinds of games our ancestors would have enjoyed. Dynamic Earth is a multi-media presentation that takes visitors on a million-year journey through the Earth's history. Using hi-tech gadgetry and superb special effects, its displays realistically portray natural events such as volcanoes, tropical rainstorms, and glaciation.
Located at the foot of Arthur's Seat near Holyrood Park, this unique science center is housed in an ultra-modern tent-like structure and is particularly fun for kids. And thanks to facilities like the excellent degree Showdome, with its 3D movies, it's as entertaining as it is educational. The museum's latest addition is 4Dventure flight simulator , where visitors explore evolution and the diversity of the world's climates by "flying" through time and space.
One of the newest attractions in Edinburgh, The Real Mary King's Close offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into one of the oldest sections of the Royal Mile. Located under the historic Old Town area, Mary King's Close was buried and closed after being partly dismantled in the s to make way for the Royal Exchange.
This network of narrow streets, now underground, was once a vibrant neighborhood lined with tenement homes, and has long been the subject of myths of ghosts and murder. Visitors can now join fun tours led by costumed guides that lead you to some of the best preserved areas of this fascinating underground world.
Along the way, you'll learn how, during the time of the plague, some residents were sealed up and forgotten about, so legend has it. Displays and exhibits are also used to show what the area once would have looked like, as well as sharing details of life during the 17th century. Editor's Note : Advanced booking is recommended, especially during the busy summer season. Ghost tours can also be booked at the Edinburgh Vaults , a series of underground storage chambers built in the s.
You can also get a taste for life during medieval times at the popular Edinburgh Dungeon, another underground attraction, this time located on East Market Street. John Knox House. It was built in and is said to be the one time home of the protestant reformer after which it's named. A highlight of a visit is exploring the exhibits and displays related to the Scottish Reformation, a pivotal moment in the country's history. Other notable features include a well-preserved hand-painted ceiling from this period and carvings from the s.
The adjoining Scottish Storytelling Centre is also worth a visit. Billed as a "home for Scotland's stories," this popular venue hosts regular performances by musicians and actors, as well as readings by leading Scottish writers. A variety of workshops and learning opportunities are also available, with programs aimed at all ages. For a truly memorable experience, book one of the venue's professional storytellers for a personalized story-telling session or workshop.
If you're visiting Edinburgh for the first time and want to see all the best places to visit in this beautiful part of Scotland, the city center makes a great base, especially the areas of Old Town, with the Royal Mile, and New Town, with the fabulous shops of Princes Street.
The more affordable West End is also a popular and convenient place to stay. These areas put you in close range of the city's top historic attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey, as well as museums, galleries, and restaurants.
Here are some highly rated hotels in these central locations:.
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