Top Places to See in Edinburgh, Scotland
- bochelley
- Jul 12, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 10, 2024
Edinburgh, located in southern Scotland, is a bustling and historic city. While it is a big city, it has a smaller town feel that doesn’t seem chaotic and crowded (with the exception of the Royal Mile and other popular hotspots that attract many tourists). This is a list of our favorite things and top places to see while in Scotland’s medieval capital!
Top Must See Tourist Places:
Greyfriars Kirkyard
It sounds a bit morbid wanting to go to a kirkyard (graveyard) on vacation, but it is a beautiful spot. There is even a grave that is said to be the inspiration for Tom Riddle from Harry Potter. The Greyfriars pub is also right next to the Kirkyard, and the statue of Greyfriars Bobby is right out front. The statue sits at the corner of Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge. Please do not touch his nose (it is not good luck) and the locals do not approve.https://greyfriarskirk.com/visit/kirkyard/
Vennel Steps
One of the best views of the castle is from this very spot. It’s not a ton of steps, but it is still a good workout. This is a great place to get pictures of Edinburgh Castle from the steps as the castle is perched on a high, rugged volcanic rock. The Flodden Wall is also right next to the steps. The wall once surrounded the area, and while some of it has been demolished you can still find parts of it standing. The wall was built in the 16th century after the Scots were defeated at the Battle of Flodden. There is easy access to the steps from Grassmarket.
Ross Fountain
Located in West Princes Street Gardens (with amazing views of Edinburgh Castle!), this cast-iron fountain is an incredible site with intricate designs all around it. This is a beautiful backdrop to a photo and the park has so many amazing things to discover. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-ross-fountain-p1419641
Edinburgh Castle
The castle is definately a top place to see while in Edinburgh. The inside of the castle was different from what I thought it would be. It was more of a museum rather than a preserved castle, but you do get to see different elements of Scottish history. This castle has been the royal residence, a military fortress and a prison. The views from the top of the castle are also unbeatable. You can see the North Sea and the whole city center. If you get there early you can get some great pictures without all the tourists. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance because this is one of the most popular activities, https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/
The Royal Mile
This is a more touristy spot in Edinburgh, but it is pretty iconic. This long street runs between the Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse. There are lots of restaurants, souvenir shops and whiskey tastings to choose from on this road. It is definitely worth walking the entirety on both sides, but keep in mind it is very touristy.
Princes Street
This is another touristy area, but worth a visit. The street runs parallel to the castle and the Princes Street Gardens. These gardens are the most beautiful spot in Edinburgh. Princes Street has many of the larger stores such as H&M, a new UNIQLO clothing store, Waterstones and Mark and Spencer. This area can be very busy during peak times of the day.
Museums
Writer’s Museum
This museum emphasizes three authors that shaped Scottish literature: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. The outside of the museum looks small, but there is more to it than it seems. Once inside there are multiple levels to discover. It is like going back in time and the museum is free, so check it out!
Museum Context, Victoria Street
Calling all Harry Potter lovers! This museum/store off of Victoria Street is perfect for anyone that is a fan of the wizarding world books and movies. It isn’t necessarily a museum, but it does show really fun and different Harry Potter items.
National Museum of Scotland
This museum exceeded all expectations. There were many different exhibits showcasing Scottish history, along with different elements of aviation and space. There is also a rooftop which has amazing views of the whole city. The museum is free to enter and is worth spending your time here.
Outdoor Activities
Dean’s Village ( Water of Leith Walkway)
This is such a picturesque area of Edinburgh. You honestly won’t feel like you are in a bustling and busy city. It is much slower paced, and there is a trail that leads to the Water of Leith. You could follow that path to the water, it would just take a few hours! It is off the beaten path, and just a fun and peaceful time away from the city center. As you walk down the path you see the old mill buildings it feels like a fairytale.
Calton Hill
Definitely a workout to climb to the top of Calton Hill, but once you are there, the view is worth it. The hill sits atop volcanic rock and is in central Edinburgh. The panoramic views include the whole city center on one side, and the North Sea on the other. There are monuments on the hill which make for great and unique pictures. It is worth the climb up, however it may be difficult for people with mobility issues as the climb is quite steep.
Arthur’s Seat
We didn’t get the chance to climb Arthur’s Seat since the weather was not on our side, but on a nicer day, I would’ve loved to see the view of the city from this hill.
Day Trips
Portobello Beach
Small beach town right outside of Edinburgh. About a 40 minute bus ride from the city center. Cute shops and restaurants line the coast. In April, it was cold, windy, and gloom; but still a fun day at the beach! Our favorite place to eat was the Beach House and getting truffle fries at Civerinos.
Leith
You can walk from Dean’s Village to the Water of Leith in about two hours, or take a half an hour bus ride. We started to walk along the walkway before taking the rest of the trek by bus. Once you get there, there is a huge mall with more unique stores that have local Scotland artists' pieces. We ended up in the town square that has pubs and restaurants. We saw a swan sitting in her nest in the bay.
Glasgow
This was such a fun (and tiring) day trip from Edinburgh. We visited the University that looks like Hogwarts from Harry Potter Then we ventured off the beaten path to search for the Highland cow, or Hairy Coos as they call them. We walked for about three miles, apparently taking the scenic route, and saw some Highland cows finally!
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