8 Places in Edinburgh You’ll be Happy You’ve Seen
Disclosure: In our articles, we independently choose products and services to feature that we think you'll find useful. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of our links, we may earn a small commission.Planning a trip to Edinburgh? Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful and histotrical cities in the world. With so many things to do in Edinburgh, it can feel overwhelming. So, here are eight great things to do in Scotland’s captial city.
1. Edinburgh Castle
On the western end of the Royal Mile, the Edinburgh Castle is the largest attraction in Edinburgh. Being built on top of Castle Rock in the middle of Edinburgh, the castle was very prominent in Scotland’s. Built in the 12th cenutry by King David I of Scotland, the castle is centuries old.
At the castle, you can look through many exhibits that go through its history. From there, if the sky is clear, you can have a wonderful view of the city, with Princes Street and the Royal Mile below.
Check out more at https://www.edinburghcastle.scot.
Note: the best time to go to Edinburgh, temperature-wise, is in the summer (June to September). Before or after that, the temperature can still be chilly and snowy.
2. National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is the biggest museum in Edinburgh. You’ll find the museum very intriguing, and an excellent use of your money. With several floor of history, science, and art, you can easily spend a whole day there. The museum has many exihibits:
- Ancient artifacts
- Inventions
- Fashion
- Geology
- Aircraft
- Automobiles
- Animals
- And more!
Whatever you wish to see, the National Museum of Scotland will have something of interest to you!
Check out more at https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/.
3. Royal Mile
The Royal Mile stretches from the Edinburgh Castle in the west to the Holyroodhouse Palace in the east. Along the Royal Mile, you will find many tourist attractions as well as historic sites. These include the Canongate Kirk, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Mary King’s Close, the Museum of Edinburgh, the Scottish Parliament Building, and others. Since the Royal Mile is such a popular place in Edinburgh, you will find many restaurants and shops along it.
Check out more at https://www.introducingedinburgh.com/royal-mile.
4. Princes Street (and Princes Street Gardens)
In the 1820s, after draining the dirty Nor Loch below the Edinburgh Castle, the Princes Street Gardens were created. With flowers, fields, and statues, it is a top place for many to hangout. The Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial, the Royal Scots Greys Monument, and the oldest floral clock are all found at the Princes Street Gardens. Since it is a popular tourist site, you will find many department stores and restaurants around that area.
Check out more at https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/edinburgh/princesstreetgardens/index.html.
5. Holyroodhouse Palace
The Holyroodhouse Palace, at the eastern end of the Royal Mile, is Queen Elizabeth II’s official residency. The Holyroodhouse Palace is an excellent place to tour. Across from the Scottish Parliament Building, and surrounded by the Holyrood Park and gardens, the Holyroodhouse Palace has many activities and things to see. Behind the palace, you’ll find the breathtaking Holyrood Abbey and gardens. Around the area, you’ll find many good stores and cafes that cater to tourists.
Check out more at https://www.introducingedinburgh.com/palace-of-holyroodhouse.
6. Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the highest point in the Holyrood Park, at 823 feet of elevation. On an extinct volcano, it is believed to be the location of Camelot, which was King Arthur’s famous castle. It is free to climb up Arthur’s Seat. From there, you can have a wonderful view of Edinburgh.
Check out more at https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/holyrood-park-and-arthurs-seat-p914341.
7. The Meadows
Looking for a nice, brisk walk in the evening? What about a relaxing place to jog, or an excellent place to play sports with your friends? On the 63 acres of the Meadows, you can do all that. Right next to the University of Edinburgh’s campus, it is an excellent getaway for students and tourists who are looking for a place to rest. You can find many residencies nearby, and it’s a straight-shot up Middle Meadow Walk to Edinburgh Old Town. Nearby, you will find some cheap stores that cater to college students.
Check out more at themeadowsofedinburgh.co.uk.
8. The Real Mary King’s Close
Throughout Edinburgh’s history, buildings on closes (alleys) were being put on top of other buildings. These buildings and closes were densely populated during Medieval times and the Black Death. Take a tour through Mary King’s Close, and explore the redsidencies that Mary King and countless other people made their homes during the 17th century. Right on the Royal Mile, you’ll find many great stores and restaurants nearby.
Check out more at https://www.realmarykingsclose.com.
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Steve is a staff writer at Plan and Organize™. He specializes in articles about technology and education yet often delves into home, business and finance topics.
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