National Museum Of Scotland
A palace of thought-provoking pleasures and breathtaking interiors, The National Museum of Scotland — or Chambers Street Museum to locals — houses some of the most captivating curiosities from Scotland and across the world. One of the most impressive out there, the mammal collection is comprised of over 50,000 specimens. Other highlights include Dolly the Sheep, the Fashion and Style Gallery, the Schmidt Telescope and World Cultures. It’s almost hard to believe it’s free.
The National Museum Of Scotland, Chambers St, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 300 123 6789
Camera Obscura
Trippy and inspiring, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is Edinburgh’s oldest purpose built visitor attraction. A house of never-ending fun, this alluring labyrinth contains a maze of mirrors, a tunnel of dreams, a morph machine, one of the largest hologram exhibitions in Europe and a magic gallery. The star of the show, the Camera Obscura, basks within the Victorian rooftop chamber, offering unrivalled views of Edinburgh and a brand new perspective of Scotland.
Camera Obscura, 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, +44 131 226 3709
Mirror Maze | Courtesy Of Camera Obscura
Edinburgh Castle
The omnipresent soul of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Castle is a must for any first time visitor. An impressive sight, this mighty fortress towers over the city on a rock formed by ages of erosion by glaciers. Experience a slice of history via the Scottish National War Museum, Honours Of Scotland (crown jewels), the one o’clock gun, Mons Meg, chapel, prisons of war and the soldiers’ dog graveyard.
Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, +44 131 225 9846
The Writers’ Museum
There’s no better way to honour Edinburgh and Scotland’s rich literary heritage than a visit to The Writers’ Museum. This intriguing place is situated within Lady Stair’s House, tucked away down a close off the Royal Mile. Explore a fascinating array of portraits, works and even personal objects involving Scottish literary heroes like Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The Writers Museum, Lady Stair’s House, Lady Stair’s Close, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 131 529 4901
Scottish National Gallery
One of Edinburgh’s many magnificent (and free) gems, the Scottish National Gallery is a treasure chest containing the Scottish national collection of fine art. Ogling at a Monet, pondering over a Rembrandt and marveling at a Degas within this striking neo-classical building could never lose its lustre.
The Scottish National Gallery, The Mound, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 131 624 6200
National Gallery Of Scotland Model | Courtesy Of Tori Chalmers
St Giles’ Cathedral
An oasis of serenity amidst the buzzing Royal Mile, the breathtaking St Giles’ Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Giles, the city’s patron saint and saint of cripples and lepers. The vast ceilings, intricate carpentry and hypnotic stained-glass windows within this impressive display of 14th century architecture all add to the wow-factor, while the famed crown steeple plays a notable role in Edinburgh’s skyline.
St Giles’ Cathedral, High St, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, +44 131 225 9442
St Giles | Courtesy Of Edinburgh’s Christmas
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
From cubist paintings and expressionist works to early 20th century Russian and French art, The Scottish National Gallery Of Modern Art hosts a wondrous collection of contemporary and modern art. With two buildings to explore, Modern One and Modern Two, and a vast space of green containing marvellous sculptural masterpieces, it’s hard to beat.
Scottish National Gallery Of Modern Art, 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 131 624 6200
Scottish National Gallery Of Modern Art | Courtesy Of This Is Edinburgh
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Gracefully guarding the end of the Royal Mile near the Parliament and Arthur’s Seat is the opulent Palace of Holyroodhouse. A magnet for tourists with romanticized views of blue blood and a penchant for palatial abodes, this royal residence has been the official home of Kings and Queens of Scotland since the 16th century. Absolutely worth a gander, specific quarters and a smashing gift shop are open to the public.
Palace Of Holyrood House, Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, +44 303 123 7306
Scott Monument
Scottish literary extraordinaire Sir Walter Scott is a lucky chap to have the Scott Monument, the world’s tallest monument dedicated to an author, erected in his honour. With some of the best panoramic views in town, this is one of the finest example of Victorian Gothic architecture around. At 61.11 metres high and with 287 steps, this brooding structure is accessible to those unfazed by heights and narrow, spiralling, dark stone stairs!
Scottish Storytelling Centre
An immersive experience for the ears, soul and imagination, The Scottish Storytelling Centre is a vehicle for the preservation, resurrection and creation of Scotland’s most prolific social narratives. Home to the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, this unique attraction features live events, music, family shindigs, theatre performances and tours of its home in the historic John Knox House at the Old City Gate.
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 131 556 9579
Courtesy Of The Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Dynamic Earth
A wonderfully nerdy hub of science, Dynamic Earth covers everything about earth science, from the Big Bang and abiogenesis to glaciation and plate tectonics. This standout science centre offers a new surprise around every corner with numerous interactive exhibits and random facts, all from the cool alien-like steel building.
Dynamic Earth, 112-116 Holyrood Gait, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 131 550 7801
Makars’ Court
Blink and you may miss it. Inspiring and touching, Makar’s Court is a courtyard commemorating Scotland’s greatest writers via the whisperings of quotes inscribed on a patchwork quilt of flagstones. Located next to the Writers’ Museum, this ongoing national literary monument is both beautiful and haunting.
Makars Court, Lady Stair’s Close, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 131 529 4901
Robert Louis Stevenson Flagstone | Courtesy Of Tori Chalmers
The Museum of Childhood
Make new memories by exploring the memories of children from a bygone past at The Museum of Childhood. As the first ever museum dedicated to the history of childhood, this time capsule contains youthful curiosities like tin soldiers, trains and spinning tops. The collection of children’s memorabilia dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Museum Of Childhood, 42 High St, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 131 529 4142
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Dating back to the 16th century, there’s no better way to grasp the nitty gritty details of Edinburgh’s history than a wee tour of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Entangled with the story of the city’s beloved canine Bobby, this graveyard is also linked with a bloody past, specifically the Covenanters’ prison and the said haunted tomb of Bluidy MacKenzie. The many mortsafes and monuments tell a thousand words.
The Real Mary King’s Close
For an accurate portrayal of Edinburgh life between the 16th and 19th centuries, look no further than the The Real Mary King’s Close. The maze of subterranean streets and closes lurking under the Old Town hold the whisperings of many a juicy tale.
The Real Mary King’s Close, 2 Warriston’s Close, High St, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, +44 845 070 6244
The Scotch Whisky Experience
With Scotland comes whisky. Lots of it! Taste the water of life at The Scotch Whisky Experience and let the whisky gurus reveal all there is to know about Scotland’s national tipple. Tour the replica distillery and go wild over the 3500 bottles of this iconic elixir.
The Scotch Whisky Experience, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, +44 131 220 0441
The Royal Botanic Garden
The closet thing to falling down the rabbit hole, The Botanics boasts a wonderland of plants and aesthetically pleasing sights. Hours can fly by when exploring the 13,302 plant species, just under 273,000 individual plants, cryptogamic garden, giant lily pond, Scottish heath garden, rock garden, and beautiful glasshouses.
Royal Botanic Garden, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 131 248 2909
Edinburgh Gin
Scotland may have whisky but don’t let that detract from the other drink in town — gin! Schedule a cheeky tour at the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, drool over Caledonia and Flora (the two stills) and soak up as much info — and gin — as possible! Although you can’t go wrong with any, the fruit based liqueurs will leave you spellbound.
Edinburgh Gin Distillery, 1A Rutland Place, Edinburgh, UK, +44 131 226 0000
Edinburgh Gin | Courtesy Of Tori Chalmers
The Stand Comedy Club
When a craving for self-deprecating humour and sidesplitting commentary hits, look no further than The Stand Comedy Club. A total house of fun, this legendary laughing institution exudes Edinburgh Fringe vibes every day of the year with its string of local and big name acts.
The Stand Comedy Club, 5 York Pl, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 131 558 7272
HMY Britannia
Walk in the footsteps of royalty and climb aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Queen’s boat. This royal vessel, which was in service from 1954 until 1997, is berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith and is worth the visit, if only for a good nosey! Perfect for family fun and nautical enthusiasts.
HMY Britannia, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Dr, Edinburgh, UK, +44 131 555 5566
Royal Yacht Brittania | Courtesy Of This Is Edinburgh