11 Can't-Miss Points Of Interest In Edinburgh

The Scottish capital is steeped in history, with many tales to tell. Learn why it’s dubbed the Athens of the North, discover its spookiest spots and find out how to gain entry to one of the biggest attractions, for free. Here’s our guide to Edinburgh’s unmissable points of interest.

1. See inside Edinburgh Castle

Building, Ruins

The Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens, and Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, UK.

The most famous historic landmark in the region is impossible to miss when traversing the city. From its high vantage point on an inactive volcano, the iconic 12th-century fortress has been home to monarchs and military in its time. While entry is pricey, if you’re a member of the Armed Forces, have a Historic Scotland pass, or visit on St Andrew’s Day, you can get in for nothing.

2. Walk the Royal Mile

Historical Landmark

Officially named the High Street, this quaint cobbled Old Town artery is more commonly known as the Royal Mile. Stand in the middle and you’ll glimpse the sea to one end and the castle at the other. It’s the heart of the bustling tourist quarter, with its Gothic architecture, haunted underground passages and many national attractions. The narrow lantern-lit Fleshmarket Close, just off the Mile, was the inspiration for one of Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels and is well worth a spooky wander at dusk.

3. Meet Greyfriars Bobby

Bridge, Building, Memorial

The statue of Greyfriars Bobby pays tribute to a special dog who never left his master’s side

This legendary Victorian terrier was immortalised in statue form at the entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby held a daily vigil at his master’s grave for a full 14 years after John Gray’s death in 1858 and was the only canine to be awarded the Freedom of the City by the Lord Provost. A tradition of rubbing the statue’s nose began, revealing the golden brassy colour beneath. But with Bobby’s snout now wearing away, it’s far better luck to leave him be and snap a photo instead.

5. Get ice cream at the Grassmarket

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark

The Grassmarket was the macabre scene of public executions in the 17th and 18th centuries. But today it’s the place to be for cosy historic pubs, outdoor dining and boutique shopping. Stand on the spot of the “last drop” hanging, then queue for a creative double-scoop gelato from Mary’s Milk Bar, a destination ice-cream shop with daily changing flavours.

6. Walk up Calton Hill

Natural Feature

General city skyline view from Calton Hill showing the Dugald Stewart Monument and Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Calton Hill has amazing views, iconic structures and a stargazing observatory. Its National Monument, designed by Charles Robert Cockerell and William Henry Playfair in the mid-19th century, bears an uncanny resemblance to the Parthenon in Greece – and thus how the city gained its nickname, the Athens of the North. The hill is a short and easy climb if you access it from Royal Terrace, with gentle sloping pathways taking you all the way to the top.

7. Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Historical Landmark

Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland

The castle may be the most famous royal landmark in the city, but it’s actually the Palace of Holyroodhouse that plays hosts to Her Majesty when she’s in town. A visit is enhanced with the audio tour, and if you fancy the closest thing to tea with the Queen, book a deluxe champagne afternoon tea in the mews of her Edinburgh home.

8. See the Scottish Parliament

Building

The unusual contemporary building housing the Scottish Parliament is found directly opposite the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It was designed by Spanish architect Enric Miralles who sadly died before its completion. The structure has generated a marmite effect – voted among Britain’s Most Vile Buildings by the public in a 2005 Channel 4 poll – but it has also won many plaudits, including the Stirling Prize. Love it or loathe it, you mustn’t miss it.

9. Climb to the top of the Scott Monument

Memorial

The Scott Monument commemorates the life and work of author Sir Walter Scott

Climb 287 steep steps up a narrow spiral staircase and you’ll reach the top of one of the world’s tallest monuments dedicated to a writer. Inaugurated in 1846 in honour of Sir Walter Scott, it straddles the New and Old Towns from its perch in Princes Street Gardens. The dark granite silhouette looms over the city in imposing Gothic style.

10. Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia

Historical Landmark

UK, Scotland, Lothian, Edinburgh, Leith, Ocean Terminal, View of the Royal Yacht Britannia.

After four decades as the Royal Family’s floating holiday home, this elegant liner relocated to the Port of Leith to take on a new life as a five-star attraction. Explore the engine room, state apartments and stand at the ship’s wheel, as you learn about her illustrious maritime history. Visitors can now stay in regal luxury next door, on Britannia’s boutique sister ship, the recently launched Fingal.

11. View the three bridges

Bridge

The striking, red Forth Rail Bridge is another of the region’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of Scotland’s most recognisable points of interest. It was completed at the turn of the 20th century, later joined by a parallel road bridge and then, in 2017, by a third roadway, the Queensferry Crossing. See them close-up in South Queensferry, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, or from the capital’s many hills and rooftop bars.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.