Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, a city with deep roots in history and culture. From the ancient castles to the picturesque streets, this city offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. We arrived at the imposing Edinburgh via London, as direct flights, usually come in the summer but a bit expensive. To find the best flights to Edinburgh via London, click here.
Edinburgh’s history is lost in track of time, with the first reference dating back to the 7th century, when Edinburgh residents settled in the area of Edinburgh Castle, which is still one of the city’s major attractions. Edinburgh’s most popular attractions include 14 points of interest that deserve your attention!
14 Points of Interest in the city of Edinburgh
Edinburgh has many points of interest that are worth exploring in two or more days. Let’s take a look at 14 points of interest that deserve your attention and time:
#1 The Dean village
Starting your tour at beautiful Edinburgh, a visit to Dean Village is a must. This picturesque area of Edinburgh with its historic buildings and the Water of Leith river will enchant you with its beauty. It is worth walking around the area, admire the nature and the restored houses, which used to make bread and supply the whole city of Edinburgh. Follow the beautiful path along the river and enjoy the nature. Finally, in this area it is worth visiting the Modern Art Gallery.
How to get to Dean?
If weather permits it, it’s only a 25-minute walk from the center of Edinburgh. If again, weather does not allow it and you want direct access, you can take a bus from the center, which will take you to Dean village in about 15-20 minutes.
#2 Edinburgh Botanic Gardens
Leaving Dean village behind you, you can visit the Botanical Gardens of Edinburgh “the Royal Botanic Garden”, a paradise of plants and flowers that offers a breath of freshness in the city. With no entrance fee, you will find it open every day of the week between 10:00-18:00.
#3 Royal Mile Historic Road
The Royal Mile is another must-see attraction. This historic cobbled city boulevard is lined with classic buildings, museums and shops that offer a complete picture of Scottish history and culture. Most of the shops on this historic street have been operating for hundreds of years, while this street ends at one of Scotland’s most iconic monuments, Edinburgh Castle.
#4 Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh’s Old Town is another treasure waiting to be explored. With its medieval streets and historic buildings, this place showcases the city’s rich heritage. Of course, you cannot miss a visit to Edinburgh Castle, one of the most impressive castles in the world, with a breathtaking view and a history spanning thousands of years. The castle is built on top of an “extinct” volcano.
#5 Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic and historical monuments in Scotland. Perched high above the city of Edinburgh, it offers stunning view of the area’s landscape. The history of the castle reaches back to ancient times, with evidence of existence from the 12th century. As a fortress, the castle played a crucial role in protecting the city and the country from invasions and rebellions.
Inside the castle, visitors can explore many interesting monuments and attractions, including the Great Hall, the Crown Jewels of Scotland, St. Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest church in Scotland), and the National War Museum of Scotland. In addition, the castle hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, such as the popular ‘Edinburgh Military Tattoo’, which takes place every summer. Edinburgh Castle is an integral part of Scottish history and culture and is a must-see for any visitor to Edinburgh. If time permits it, it is worth booking a guided tour of the city’s most important attraction.
#6 St. Giles Cathedral
The main Catholic church in Edinburgh is St. Giles Cathedral, which is located on the Royal Mile and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. St. Giles Cathedral is one of the most important and historic buildings in Edinburgh. It dates from the 14th century and has undergone many renovations and extensions over the centuries. The cathedral is important for many reasons. First, it is home to many historical monuments and attractions, including the royal seats, the Thistle Chapel, and the Great Organ. The cathedral has also been associated with many important moments in Scottish history, such as royal ceremonies and national events.
#7 Greyfriars Cemetery
For a dose of mystery, Greyfriars Kirkyard is a must. This ancient cemetery is full of the stories of Edinburgh’s old residents. It was J.K Rowling’s main inspiration for the names she gave to the fictional characters in the Harry Potter books. At the entrance to the cemetery, you will also find the grave of Bobby, Scotland’s most devoted dog. In Edinburgh’s famous cemetery you can have a guided tour, either in the sunlight or at night, for a strong dose of mystery.
#8 Calton Hill
In 9 minutes from the historic center, it is worth reaching Calton Hill. There, you’ll enjoy a wonderful, panoramic view of the city, as well as the sunset or the moon over Edinburgh’s houses and buildings. You will also meet a national monument of Scotland that was never completed. It will certainly remind you of something very familiar which justifies why Edinburgh is often called the ”Athens of the North”.
#9 Victoria street
For shopping lovers, Victoria Street offers unique shops with handmade items and local products. This street also includes many colored floor plans of buildings. The bright colors give it a uniqueness and make Victoria Street one of the most characteristic of Edinburgh.
#10 Underground tour – Edinburgh
An experience worth living in Edinburgh is an underground tour that offers a magical foray into the world of the city’s hidden catacombs and secret stories. The underground tour is an interesting way to understand how the city was built and how people lived. The tour guide will take you on this journey through time bringing to life stories from the dark side of the city.
#11 Edinburgh Museums
If you’re a museum buff, some of Edinburgh’s most popular museums are the National Museum of Scotland, which hosts exhibitions on Scottish history, nature and culture, and the Museum of Edinburgh, which offers a comprehensive picture of the city’s history and culture. Other notable museums include the Scottish Art Museum and the Scottish Museum of Modern Art.
#12 The Palace of Holyrood
Holyrood Palace is one of the most important historical and cultural monuments in Edinburgh. Holyrood Palace has a long history dating back to the 16th century and was where Mary Queen of Scots lived and worked. The palace offers the opportunity to explore its interior, including the royal chambers, Mary Stuart’s chamber, gardens and grounds.
#13 Scott Monument
It is an iconic monument located in the center of Edinburgh, in Princes Street Gardens. It was built to honor the famous Scottish author Sir Walter Scott and is one of the tallest monuments in the world dedicated to an author. The Scott Monument was built between 1840 and 1844 and was designed by architect George Meikle Kemp. It consists of an impressive tower of 61.1 meters (200 feet) height, which has 287 steps, which you can climb to enjoy the amazing view from the top.
#14 Scotch Whiskey Experience
The Scotch Whiskey Experience is an experience that allows you to explore the history and production of whiskey in Scotland. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, it is a popular experience for whiskey and drink lovers in general. During the visit, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the history of whiskey, the production process and the types of whiskey. The experience includes a tour of a re-enactment of the whiskey fairway, where visitors can see up close the tools and technology used in whiskey production. One of the main attractions of the Scotch Whiskey Experience is the tasting experience, during which visitors have the opportunity to taste different types of whiskey and appreciate the taste and differences between them.
Where to enjoy coffee/food/beers in Edinburgh
Even though our presence in Edinburgh lasted only a few hours, during which we combed the whole area, we had time to rest for a coffee, eat the traditional dirty of Scotland and drink a few beers in a hidden pub, while watching the Scottish rugby match between Ireland and Scotland. So, we suggest some places, but also more options that emerged from our research and kept as alternatives.
You can have coffee at the Coffee at Elephant house, where the author J. K. Rowling wrote the plot of the Harry Potter films. Also, at Clarinda’s Tearoom, a sweet little cafe, but also at the Southern Cross café next to the center of the Old Town. At Oink Hog Roast (it’s a chain, you’ll find them in many places) you’ll try chopped pork in a fluffy bun, along with traditional Scottish Haggis. Alternatively, you can taste pasta at Valvona & Crolla or a special burger at Burgers and Beers Grillhouse. You’ll have your beer at the Bramble Bar, the Voodoo Rooms and the hidden Jinglin’ Geordie Bar, which we ended up with after our underground tour.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
In Edinburgh there are many options, depending on your budget and preferences. Some popular areas to stay in Edinburgh include:
- Old Town, as it offers charm, heritage and easy access to many key attractions.
- New Town, is known for its elegant buildings and its central shops and restaurants.
- Leith: This area is approximately 22 minutes by public transport from Edinburgh’s historic center and is a more affordable option for accommodation. It is a district on the harbor of Edinburgh, known for its active nightlife.
- Stockbridge: A picturesque area with many cafes, bars and independent shops. You can find various accommodation options, from traditional hotels to private apartments and budget hostels. It is 20 minutes from the center of Edinburgh by public transport.
How to get around Edinburgh
Due to the relatively small size of the city, walking is a popular option for exploring Edinburgh, especially the Old Town and the Royal Mile. However, Edinburgh offers several transport options to explore its surroundings. Some of the main methods of transportation include:
- The bus network in Edinburgh serving many areas of the city and providing links to attractions and places of interest.
- Edinburgh Tram, which provides fast and efficient travel to and from the city center as well as the airport.
- The Train Station: Edinburgh’s main train station, Waverley, provides connections to the UK’s main cities and other local areas.
- Taxi or car-sharing services like Uber for out-of-town travel.
Edinburgh is a city that offers experiences for every taste and interest, from history and culture to nature and adventure. So, get ready to dive into the magic of this Scottish city and create unforgettable memories.
Enjoy more images from our trip to Edinburgh in the highlight stories #EDINBURGH on Ιnstagram
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