The capital city of Scotland is easily one of my favorite cities. The culture, the architecture, and the easily accessible nature surrounding the city ensures that it has something for everyone!
Famous for its Fringe Festival and literary heritage, Edinburgh became the world’s first city to receive the designation UNESCO City of Literature in 2004.
It’s gothic architecture is a huge draw as well, with beautiful and iconic buildings scattered throughout the winding streets of the city- many fundamentally unchanged since their construction.
Aside from all this, the people are fantastic. Edinburgh is a city that is endlessly friendly and welcoming to visitors (despite my visiting during August, one of the busiest times of the year).
I’ve been to Edinburgh twice, with a ten year gap between the two visits. Far too long! Since I had plenty of time to think about my favorite landmarks (and places that I was kicking myself for missing) I put together a list of the most unmissable parts of Edinburgh.
Most of these are free to at least look at, with admission tickets available for those wanting a closer look.
Edinburgh Castle
Perhaps the most distinct part of the Edinburgh landscape is Edinburgh Castle. The famous fortress sits on a volcanic plug, overlooking the historic capital city.
It’s still an active military base, which is never more obvious than when it hosts the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Along with the Fringe Festival, the Military Tattoo takes place every August with military displays, music, and light shows- you can hear the bagpipes throughout the city each night!
Visitors are also welcome to visit the castle throughout the year. A standard ticket will run £21.50 per adult, and I recommend purchasing in advance- the lines can be extremely long, especially in the summer.
Keep an eye out for the One O’Clock Gun- a massive gun that gets shot off every day at 1pm which traditionally helped ships set their maritime clocks.
One time, I ended up very close to the castle with my tour group just in time for the gun to go off. I flinched of course, and the whole group stared at me for a second before the guide went “….I think our American friend thought she was home for a moment”. I did kind of think that, but hey!
Palace of Holyroodhouse
This pretty castle is the official residence of the British Monarch while in Scotland- King Charles III spends a week here every summer.
When the royals are not in residence, visitors are welcome to explore the Palace. Check it out from the outside or spend £25.00 per adult for standard admission.
Explore areas such as the Royal Dining Room, the Great Stair, and the Great Gallery- or head outside to see the Holyrood Abbey and the palace gardens.
Royal Mile
Easily the most famous street in Edinburgh, the Royal Mile runs between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is the place to start if you’re looking for the cultural heart of Old Town Edinburgh, with stunning architecture, historical buildings, and plenty of shops and cafes!
Keep an eye out for the famous closes- the narrow passageways that lead to different areas off the Main Street. This is where you’ll find access to the pub the Jolly Judge, and the Writers’ Museum, amongst other fun attractions.
St Giles Cathedral
Making up some of the famous architecture of the Royal Mile, St Giles Cathedral sits proudly as the High Kirk of Scotland.
The pretty Gothic church is worth a peek inside.
St Giles is open for visitors, and while free to enter, they do welcome your donations. Guided tours are also available for free, but they do fill up quickly so it’s recommended to book your spot in advance.
Grassmarket
Just a few blocks away from the Royal Mile, Grassmarket is a historic marketplace that was once known for its public executions (hence the pub named “The Last Drop”).
These days, it’s lively and full of bars and shops- perfect for a lively night out. I stayed near here on my last visit and loved the location. It’s a great place to stop for a drink with a view of the castle on a sunny day.
Vennel Viewpoint
Just up the Vennel stairs south of Grassmarket, you’ll find one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle. This is a quick stop, but worth the climb.
Victoria Street
The winding cobblestone Victoria Street is famous for its unique shops and colorful facades. It’s an iconic Edinburgh Street, and one that was lodged in my memory even a decade after my first visit.
These day’s its probably most popular as being “the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley” (although I have my doubts). Still, you’re sure to see Harry Potter fans abound, especially given the Harry Potter themed Museum Context Shop and the nearby Elephant House.
For the uninitiated, the story goes that JK Rowling wrote a significant portion of Harry Potter while staring out at Edinburgh castle from her table at Elephant House cafe. The original location has since been closed, with the new location opening on Victoria Street. Having been to both cafes…the original was better.
Keep an eye out for stairs to make your way up to Victoria Terrace- it’s a really unique way of viewing the street!
Princes Street
As the Southernmost street of New Town, Prince Street holds an important position as the divide between New and Old Edinburgh. Here, you’ll find tons of shops and cafes to explore along the beautiful Princes Street Gardens- which is always a good spot for a picnic.
Scott Monument
This enormous gothic monument in Princes Street Garden is pretty unmissable. It towers over visitors at just over 200 feet tall and £9 guided tours do allow visitors to climb it for an excellent view of the surrounding city.
The monument honors Sir Walter Scott, a famous Scottish novelist, poet, and historian. It’s one of the largest monuments for a writer in the world!
Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery
This graveyard- or kirkyard- is one of the most famous in the world! Those interested in historical graves will love the detailed gothic monuments and headstones.
This graveyard is the final resting place of a host of notable Scotts, but it’s probably most well known these days for the grave of Thomas Riddell- reportedly the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Tom Riddell.
Keep an eye out for other familiar names on these headstones such as Moodie, Scrymgeour, and Cruikshanks- not to mention McGonagall!
My personal favorite grave was that of Greyfriars Bobby- the Skye Terrier who guarded his owner’s grave for fourteen years. There is a nearby pub and statue dedicated to the loyal pup just a short walk away, but the kirkyard is his final resting place. On my visit, the headstone was nearly buried in sticks offered to Bobby.
Arthur’s Seat
Just about a mile east of Edinburgh City Centre, Arthur’s Seat is a popular hike with a great view of the city.
It’s incredible to go from historic buildings to see a massive mountain jutting up from the streets- and hard to believe that it’s so easily walkable from the city.
Definitely try this hike out on a nice day- but be prepared, it’s not as easy as it looks! I saw people attempting this hike in flip flops and they did not seem to be having a good time. Sneakers or hiking boots, people! I suggest hiking up the path from the Palace of Holyroodhouse so you can see the St. Anthony Capel Ruins, and St. Margaret’s Loch. The hike up took me about an hour, moving quickly. Make sure to give yourself enough time to climb up and actually enjoy the view. It’s pretty incredible.
Calton Hill
Another park with a great view of Edinburgh is Calton Hill! A much easier (but still steep) climb, Calton Hill offers a great view of Edinburgh Castle and the divide between New and Old Town Edinburgh.
Calton Hill itself is the home of several iconic monuments such as the National Monument of Scotland, the Dugald Stewart Monument, and the Nelson Monument (which is climbable for an even better view).
This viewpoint is a great option if you want panoramic views of Edinburgh but don’t have quite the time or energy needed to hike up to Arthur’s Seat.
Dean Village
Just a short walk from city center, Dean Village is a charming and peaceful hamlet that seems far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. The village was once known for its watermills, which is why the Leith River runs so prominently through the center. Check out the most famous viewpoint of Deans Brae Bridge, but don’t miss other great spots by Dean’s Bridge and Well Court Hall.
From here, I recommend taking a nice walk along the Water of Leith Walkway, which runs parallel to the river and will take you all the way down to Stockbridge. Don’t miss the famous Potted Garden of Edinburgh (you’ll know it when you see it), and make your way over to Circus Lane- a winding cobbled street filled with flowers.
Be aware that people live in these places, so try not to be too disruptive while you’re visiting!
Gorgeous! Similarly, I haven’t visited Edinburgh in nearly a decade; I hope to head back to Scotland to revisit soon, though! Edinburgh is such a lovely city, and I remember fondly strolling the Royal Mile and trying haggis! Alas, I didn’t make it to Arthur’s Seat, so I’ll have to try next time! Thanks for sharing Edinburgh with us!
It’s definitely a city worth returning to!
These are such beautiful photos from my favourite city. I just came back from Edinburgh last week and was so happy to finally see it during the cherry blossom season. The blossoms are particularly photogenic, especially against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s architecture and green spaces. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
It must be so lovely with all the spring colors! I was just happy to see the sun on my visit 😂
Lovely overview with great photos. Thanks for the tips.
Enjoy!
Such an incredible city, love that first photo with all the pops of colour 🙂
It’s such a pretty street! I keep saying more places should paint their buildings- it’s always a big hit.
So beautiful. Edinburgh on my list and I’ll save your post for my future trip🙂 Thanks
I hope it helps inspire your trip!
It is. It’s a beautiful written post. Thank you 🙂🙋