TOP 15 best attractions in Edinburgh
Scotland's capital, with its winding medieval streets of the Old Town and elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town, stunning views from the hills, royal history, and rich literary and artistic heritage, is home to many attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites. We've put together this list of the top attractions in Edinburgh to help you explore this gorgeous center of culture and arts.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh.
The National Museum of Scotland
What is it?
A large museum hosting an extensive collection of artifacts covering both Scottish and international past and present.
Why should you go?
One of Edinburgh's most popular free attractions, the National Museum of Scotland hosts a range of collections of national and international importance, covering the history of Scotland and other nations, the wonders of the natural world, fashion and style, science and technology.
Figurines from ancient Egypt and highland bagpipes, a T-Rex and a 1976 Apple 1 computer, a 16th-century beheading machine from the Kingdom of the Scots, and the stuffed body of Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal, the exhibition is vast — you cannot possibly cover the whole range of treasures and curiosities in a day. We've got an audio tour to guide you through the exhibition.
Specialization
Truly multidisciplinary (from arts and culture to natural history, science, and technology)
Perfect for
Families with kids, anyone looking for a multifaceted introduction to Scotland, tourists on a budget
A large museum hosting an extensive collection of artifacts covering both Scottish and international past and present.
Why should you go?
One of Edinburgh's most popular free attractions, the National Museum of Scotland hosts a range of collections of national and international importance, covering the history of Scotland and other nations, the wonders of the natural world, fashion and style, science and technology.
Figurines from ancient Egypt and highland bagpipes, a T-Rex and a 1976 Apple 1 computer, a 16th-century beheading machine from the Kingdom of the Scots, and the stuffed body of Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal, the exhibition is vast — you cannot possibly cover the whole range of treasures and curiosities in a day. We've got an audio tour to guide you through the exhibition.
Specialization
Truly multidisciplinary (from arts and culture to natural history, science, and technology)
Perfect for
Families with kids, anyone looking for a multifaceted introduction to Scotland, tourists on a budget
Edinburgh Castle
What is it?
A historic castle sitting atop an extinct volcano, a major stronghold in the past, and currently Scotland's most popular paid-for visitor attraction.
Why should you go?
Scotland's most famous castle, which dates back to the 11th century, a former royal residence and military barracks, named the most besieged place in the country.
The castle houses the Honors (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny — an ancient sacred symbol of Scotland's monarchy, the 15th-century siege gun called Mons Meg, prison cells where pirates and prisoners of wars were kept, the One O'Clock Gun that helped ships set their clocks in the 19th century, the Scottish National War Memorial, and the National War Museum of Scotland (check out our audio tour to help you navigate between all of those). It is also the location of the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a festival of military music and performances by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth, and international military bands.
Specialization
Royal and military history
Perfect for
History buffs who don't mind a little hike
A historic castle sitting atop an extinct volcano, a major stronghold in the past, and currently Scotland's most popular paid-for visitor attraction.
Why should you go?
Scotland's most famous castle, which dates back to the 11th century, a former royal residence and military barracks, named the most besieged place in the country.
The castle houses the Honors (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny — an ancient sacred symbol of Scotland's monarchy, the 15th-century siege gun called Mons Meg, prison cells where pirates and prisoners of wars were kept, the One O'Clock Gun that helped ships set their clocks in the 19th century, the Scottish National War Memorial, and the National War Museum of Scotland (check out our audio tour to help you navigate between all of those). It is also the location of the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a festival of military music and performances by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth, and international military bands.
Specialization
Royal and military history
Perfect for
History buffs who don't mind a little hike
The Museum of Edinburgh
What is it?
A free museum devoted to the history of the city with a range of historic artifacts in a beautiful building.
Why you should go?
Occupying a set of vibrant 16th to 18th- century buildings on the Royal Mile, the Museum of Edinburgh feels like a wood-paneled maze of rooms that hosts a multitude of historic gems. One of the smaller and less crowded tourist attractions in Edinburgh, it might seem unassuming from the outside, but indoors you can find a pretty interesting local exhibition — plus, outdoors, there is a lovely little courtyard.
Walk on the squeaky floors, climb some stairs, and check out glass and silver from Edinburgh and Canongate, fine Scottish pottery and porcelain dating from the 1760s, and historical documents, including the 1638 National Covenant of Scotland. Our favorite: the collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, the 19th-century Skye Terrier who had spent 14 years by the grave of his master.
Specialization
Local history
Perfect for
Fans of small and cozy museums rather than spacious galleries
A free museum devoted to the history of the city with a range of historic artifacts in a beautiful building.
Why you should go?
Occupying a set of vibrant 16th to 18th- century buildings on the Royal Mile, the Museum of Edinburgh feels like a wood-paneled maze of rooms that hosts a multitude of historic gems. One of the smaller and less crowded tourist attractions in Edinburgh, it might seem unassuming from the outside, but indoors you can find a pretty interesting local exhibition — plus, outdoors, there is a lovely little courtyard.
Walk on the squeaky floors, climb some stairs, and check out glass and silver from Edinburgh and Canongate, fine Scottish pottery and porcelain dating from the 1760s, and historical documents, including the 1638 National Covenant of Scotland. Our favorite: the collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, the 19th-century Skye Terrier who had spent 14 years by the grave of his master.
Specialization
Local history
Perfect for
Fans of small and cozy museums rather than spacious galleries
Related tours:
Scottish National Gallery
What is it?
One of the three major art galleries in Edinburgh, home to a collection of Scottish and international fine art spanning a few centuries.
Why should you go?
Located in a neoclassical building on The Mound in central Edinburgh, this free Gallery was founded in the mid-19th century. It is home to Scotland's national collection of fine art, from the beginning of the Renaissance to the start of the 20th century.
The masterpieces on display include works by Jacopo Bassano, Van Dyck, Rubens, and Titian. Scottish artists such as Ramsay, Raeburn, and McTaggart are featured prominently, as well as English painters, Impressionists, and Post-Impressionists. One of the most impressive works is the 1897 Processional Frieze by William Fergusson Brassey Hole, which represents the key figures from Scottish history in reverse chronological order.
We've got a special audio guide to prevent you from getting lost among the masterpieces.
Specialization
Fine art
Perfect for
Art lovers
One of the three major art galleries in Edinburgh, home to a collection of Scottish and international fine art spanning a few centuries.
Why should you go?
Located in a neoclassical building on The Mound in central Edinburgh, this free Gallery was founded in the mid-19th century. It is home to Scotland's national collection of fine art, from the beginning of the Renaissance to the start of the 20th century.
The masterpieces on display include works by Jacopo Bassano, Van Dyck, Rubens, and Titian. Scottish artists such as Ramsay, Raeburn, and McTaggart are featured prominently, as well as English painters, Impressionists, and Post-Impressionists. One of the most impressive works is the 1897 Processional Frieze by William Fergusson Brassey Hole, which represents the key figures from Scottish history in reverse chronological order.
We've got a special audio guide to prevent you from getting lost among the masterpieces.
Specialization
Fine art
Perfect for
Art lovers
Edinburgh Zoo
What is it?
A spacious, popular, and well-kept zoo with an extensive collection of animal and plant species.
Why should you go?
One of the top family attractions in Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Zoo dates back to 1913 and is home to over 1,000 animals. Over the years, it has developed a reputation as a gateway to the natural world, as well as a serious research and conservation facility.
The Zoo is best known for its more than a century-long tradition of breeding penguins (who are really the stars of the whole place). It is also the only zoo in Britain to house Queensland koalas and giant pandas. Some of the local residents held a military rank in the past — including the world-famous bear Wojtek who served with Polish II Corps during the Battle of Monte Cassino and retired to the zoo after the war; and Sir Nils Olav, a king penguin, the mascot and Colonel-in-Chief of the Norwegian King's Guard.
Specialization
Animals
Perfect for
A whole day of family fun
A spacious, popular, and well-kept zoo with an extensive collection of animal and plant species.
Why should you go?
One of the top family attractions in Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Zoo dates back to 1913 and is home to over 1,000 animals. Over the years, it has developed a reputation as a gateway to the natural world, as well as a serious research and conservation facility.
The Zoo is best known for its more than a century-long tradition of breeding penguins (who are really the stars of the whole place). It is also the only zoo in Britain to house Queensland koalas and giant pandas. Some of the local residents held a military rank in the past — including the world-famous bear Wojtek who served with Polish II Corps during the Battle of Monte Cassino and retired to the zoo after the war; and Sir Nils Olav, a king penguin, the mascot and Colonel-in-Chief of the Norwegian King's Guard.
Specialization
Animals
Perfect for
A whole day of family fun
Harry Potter Sites Walking Tour
What is it?
A self-guided audio tour of Edinburgh attractions related to the Harry Potter novels and film series.
Why should you go?
It was in Edinburgh that JK Rowling wrote her famous novels, and it was this city that inspired many of the characters and locations of the story.
As part of one of our best tours, you'll get a chance to track the evolution of Rowling as an author through the places where she wrote the books: from a humble cafe to the luxurious Balmoral hotel that now has a suite named 'The JK Rowling Suite' in her honor. Discover Rowling's gilded handprints reproduced on a flagstone in front of Edinburgh City Chambers.
You'll walk along the vibrant cobbled Victoria Street with its quirky shops and cafes that Diagon Alley is based upon. Of course, the tour will take you to Thomas Riddell's grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard, which inspired the character of Lord Voldemort.
Specialization
Film and literature
Perfect for
Harry Potter fans of all ages
A self-guided audio tour of Edinburgh attractions related to the Harry Potter novels and film series.
Why should you go?
It was in Edinburgh that JK Rowling wrote her famous novels, and it was this city that inspired many of the characters and locations of the story.
As part of one of our best tours, you'll get a chance to track the evolution of Rowling as an author through the places where she wrote the books: from a humble cafe to the luxurious Balmoral hotel that now has a suite named 'The JK Rowling Suite' in her honor. Discover Rowling's gilded handprints reproduced on a flagstone in front of Edinburgh City Chambers.
You'll walk along the vibrant cobbled Victoria Street with its quirky shops and cafes that Diagon Alley is based upon. Of course, the tour will take you to Thomas Riddell's grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard, which inspired the character of Lord Voldemort.
Specialization
Film and literature
Perfect for
Harry Potter fans of all ages
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
What is it?
A stunning urban botanic garden dating back over 350 years with a rich and diverse collection of plants and a great view.
Why should you go?
One of the world's leading botanic gardens and Scotland's national treasure, the RBGE was founded in 1670 as a physic garden and moved to its current location in 1820. It is home to one of the richest plant collections on Earth, a research and conservation center as much as a popular tourist place.
With over 70 acres of beautiful landscape and breathtaking views of Edinburgh's skyline, the Garden is a tranquil green space within walking distance of the city center. Its highlights include the Rock Garden, the Alpine Houses, Woodland Garden, the Pond, the Arboretum, the Chinese Hillside, the Rhododendron Collection, and the Scottish Native Plants Collection. The Herbarium includes around three million specimens, representing half to two-thirds of the world's flora, the oldest one dating back to 1697.
Specialization
Urban nature
Perfect for
Romantic walks and educational strolls with kids
A stunning urban botanic garden dating back over 350 years with a rich and diverse collection of plants and a great view.
Why should you go?
One of the world's leading botanic gardens and Scotland's national treasure, the RBGE was founded in 1670 as a physic garden and moved to its current location in 1820. It is home to one of the richest plant collections on Earth, a research and conservation center as much as a popular tourist place.
With over 70 acres of beautiful landscape and breathtaking views of Edinburgh's skyline, the Garden is a tranquil green space within walking distance of the city center. Its highlights include the Rock Garden, the Alpine Houses, Woodland Garden, the Pond, the Arboretum, the Chinese Hillside, the Rhododendron Collection, and the Scottish Native Plants Collection. The Herbarium includes around three million specimens, representing half to two-thirds of the world's flora, the oldest one dating back to 1697.
Specialization
Urban nature
Perfect for
Romantic walks and educational strolls with kids
The Royal Mile
What is it?
A thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Holyrood Palace, the busiest tourist street in the Old Town.
Why should you go?
Probably the most famous location in town, the Royal Mile is a former processional route of the monarchs formed by a succession of streets: Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate, and Abbey Strand.
Although quite touristy, the Royal Mile is worth seeing if you wish to explore Edinburgh on foot and get acquainted with the local sights of the Old Town: New College, Parliament Square, St Giles' Cathedral, Canongate Kirk, The Queen's Gallery, and a few statues and monuments. You absolutely have to explore the Old Town's signature small alleyways and courtyards, or closes, that slope down from the main street.
Our walking tour has been created to help you explore the Royal Mile and the Old Town at your own pace.
Specialization
Outdoor activities and sightseeing
Perfect for
Everyone, especially first-timers in Edinburg
A thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Holyrood Palace, the busiest tourist street in the Old Town.
Why should you go?
Probably the most famous location in town, the Royal Mile is a former processional route of the monarchs formed by a succession of streets: Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate, and Abbey Strand.
Although quite touristy, the Royal Mile is worth seeing if you wish to explore Edinburgh on foot and get acquainted with the local sights of the Old Town: New College, Parliament Square, St Giles' Cathedral, Canongate Kirk, The Queen's Gallery, and a few statues and monuments. You absolutely have to explore the Old Town's signature small alleyways and courtyards, or closes, that slope down from the main street.
Our walking tour has been created to help you explore the Royal Mile and the Old Town at your own pace.
Specialization
Outdoor activities and sightseeing
Perfect for
Everyone, especially first-timers in Edinburg
Related tours:
Greyfriars Kirk and Greyfriars Kirkyard
What is it?
A 17th-century church surrounded by a graveyard, the final resting place of many notable Scots.
Why should you go?
Set among Greyfriars Kirkyard at the southern edge of the Old Town, Greyfriars Kirk is named after the Observantine Franciscans or "Grey Friars" who arrived in Edinburgh in the mid-15th century.
Built in Survival Gothic style with Baroque elements, the church has beautiful stained glass windows and a magnificent organ. There is a museum onsite, concerts are held every Thursday, and Gaelic language services take place on Sundays.
The historic graveyard is home to beautiful funerary monuments, and important figures from the Scottish past are buried here, including artists, scientists, engineers, military officers, merchants, and politicians. The Kirkyard is famously associated with Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog whose statue is in front of the gate.
Our audio tour of Edinburgh's dark history includes the Kirkyard.
Specialization
Religious and funerary architecture
Perfect for
Fans of macabre history
A 17th-century church surrounded by a graveyard, the final resting place of many notable Scots.
Why should you go?
Set among Greyfriars Kirkyard at the southern edge of the Old Town, Greyfriars Kirk is named after the Observantine Franciscans or "Grey Friars" who arrived in Edinburgh in the mid-15th century.
Built in Survival Gothic style with Baroque elements, the church has beautiful stained glass windows and a magnificent organ. There is a museum onsite, concerts are held every Thursday, and Gaelic language services take place on Sundays.
The historic graveyard is home to beautiful funerary monuments, and important figures from the Scottish past are buried here, including artists, scientists, engineers, military officers, merchants, and politicians. The Kirkyard is famously associated with Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog whose statue is in front of the gate.
Our audio tour of Edinburgh's dark history includes the Kirkyard.
Specialization
Religious and funerary architecture
Perfect for
Fans of macabre history
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
What is it?
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland at the east end of the Royal Mile.
Why should you go?
Since the 16th century, the Holyrood Palace has served as the principal royal residence in Scotland, and this is where official state ceremonies take place. The classical building boasts a grand staircase, Baroque ceiling plasterwork, tapestries and paintings, and lavish decor throughout.
You will have a chance to see the State Apartments used by the members of the Royal Family. Walk through the rooms where Mary Queen of Scots resided, marvel at the 96 of the 111 original portraits of the Scottish monarchs in the Great Gallery, and gaze at the royal jewels. Check out the ruined 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, and finally relax in the garden where Queen Elizabeth II used to host parties.
You can see the Palace as part of our walking tour of the Old Town.
Specialization
Royal history
Perfect for
Tourists with a penchant for all things regal
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland at the east end of the Royal Mile.
Why should you go?
Since the 16th century, the Holyrood Palace has served as the principal royal residence in Scotland, and this is where official state ceremonies take place. The classical building boasts a grand staircase, Baroque ceiling plasterwork, tapestries and paintings, and lavish decor throughout.
You will have a chance to see the State Apartments used by the members of the Royal Family. Walk through the rooms where Mary Queen of Scots resided, marvel at the 96 of the 111 original portraits of the Scottish monarchs in the Great Gallery, and gaze at the royal jewels. Check out the ruined 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, and finally relax in the garden where Queen Elizabeth II used to host parties.
You can see the Palace as part of our walking tour of the Old Town.
Specialization
Royal history
Perfect for
Tourists with a penchant for all things regal
Arthur's Seat
What is it?
Edinburgh's highest hill formed from the remains of an extinct volcano with hiking routes and stunning views.
Why should you go?
Arthur's Seat is located in Holyrood Park, so if you're still full of energy and looking for more places to go after seeing the Palace, there are a few trails leading to the peak. The hill is about 250 m high, so it provides magnificent panoramic views of the city and beyond. Plus, it is relatively easy to climb.
The hill and the adjacent Salisbury Crags, in addition to beautiful scenery, show evidence of human activity since prehistoric times. Remains of a hill fort can be seen at the summit, and ancient cultivation terraces are on the east side of the hill. The park itself was a 12th-century royal hunting estate. The ruins of St Anthony's Chapel and the well-house of St Margaret's Well are among the medieval structures worth exploring. Grab your hiking shoes!
Specialization
Hiking trail, nature park, ancient ruins
Perfect for
Persons with a certain fitness level
Edinburgh's highest hill formed from the remains of an extinct volcano with hiking routes and stunning views.
Why should you go?
Arthur's Seat is located in Holyrood Park, so if you're still full of energy and looking for more places to go after seeing the Palace, there are a few trails leading to the peak. The hill is about 250 m high, so it provides magnificent panoramic views of the city and beyond. Plus, it is relatively easy to climb.
The hill and the adjacent Salisbury Crags, in addition to beautiful scenery, show evidence of human activity since prehistoric times. Remains of a hill fort can be seen at the summit, and ancient cultivation terraces are on the east side of the hill. The park itself was a 12th-century royal hunting estate. The ruins of St Anthony's Chapel and the well-house of St Margaret's Well are among the medieval structures worth exploring. Grab your hiking shoes!
Specialization
Hiking trail, nature park, ancient ruins
Perfect for
Persons with a certain fitness level
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
What is it?
World's largest open-access arts and media festival that has established the reputation of Edinburgh as a festival city.
Why should you go?
The Fringe, one of the best attractions in Edinburgh, was born in 1947. For three weeks in August each year, the city turns into a huge performance space, with shows of all sorts taking place in hundreds of venues — from theaters to bars and pubs. It is an unjuried festival: all submissions are accepted. Comedy, theater, dance, cabaret, musicals, exhibitions — anything goes.
The Fringe has been the springboard for many household names, such as Rowan Atkinson, Billy Connolly, Stephen Fry, and Tim Minchin. Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead was first performed at the 1966 Fringe. Fleabag, staged here by Phoebe Waller-Bridge in 2013, became a TV series — and its creator became President of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.
Specialization
Performing arts
Perfect for
Festival-lovers and those who wish to stay in the loop of contemporary cultural events
World's largest open-access arts and media festival that has established the reputation of Edinburgh as a festival city.
Why should you go?
The Fringe, one of the best attractions in Edinburgh, was born in 1947. For three weeks in August each year, the city turns into a huge performance space, with shows of all sorts taking place in hundreds of venues — from theaters to bars and pubs. It is an unjuried festival: all submissions are accepted. Comedy, theater, dance, cabaret, musicals, exhibitions — anything goes.
The Fringe has been the springboard for many household names, such as Rowan Atkinson, Billy Connolly, Stephen Fry, and Tim Minchin. Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead was first performed at the 1966 Fringe. Fleabag, staged here by Phoebe Waller-Bridge in 2013, became a TV series — and its creator became President of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.
Specialization
Performing arts
Perfect for
Festival-lovers and those who wish to stay in the loop of contemporary cultural events
Royal Yacht Britannia
What is it?
The luxurious former royal yacht of the British monarchy that welcomed aboard dozens of notable guests.
Why should you go?
Moored in Edinburgh, Britannia has been a home from home for the British royal family for 43 years. Her maiden voyage took place in 1954, and she retired in 1997, marking the end of a tradition of British Royal Yachts that started in 1660. The late Queen described it as the one place she could 'truly relax.'
Over the course of its long diplomatic career, the yacht has visited more than 600 ports in 135 countries. Among its guests were Sir Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela, US Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. You'll get the chance to explore the elegant rooms of the Queen and Prince Philip, which stand in stark contrast to the conditions where approximately 220 of the yacht's crew lived, slept, and worked.
Specialization
Royal and naval history
Perfect for
Families and fans of vessels
The luxurious former royal yacht of the British monarchy that welcomed aboard dozens of notable guests.
Why should you go?
Moored in Edinburgh, Britannia has been a home from home for the British royal family for 43 years. Her maiden voyage took place in 1954, and she retired in 1997, marking the end of a tradition of British Royal Yachts that started in 1660. The late Queen described it as the one place she could 'truly relax.'
Over the course of its long diplomatic career, the yacht has visited more than 600 ports in 135 countries. Among its guests were Sir Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela, US Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. You'll get the chance to explore the elegant rooms of the Queen and Prince Philip, which stand in stark contrast to the conditions where approximately 220 of the yacht's crew lived, slept, and worked.
Specialization
Royal and naval history
Perfect for
Families and fans of vessels
The Writers' Museum
What is it?
An exhibition dedicated to Scotland's most renowned authors — Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Why should you go?
Housed in the 19th-century Lady Stair's House, the Writers' Museum hosts an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, portraits, and personal items related to Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. It's a small museum with free admission - a real hidden gem and one of the nicest places to visit in Edinburgh.
Among the objects on display are Burns' writing desk, the printing press on which Scott's Waverley Novels were first produced, Stevenson's riding boots, and the ring given to him by a Samoan chief, engraved with 'Tusitala,' meaning 'teller of tales.'
Makars' Court outside the Museum is a tranquil courtyard with flagstones inscribed with quotes by Scottish writers from the 14th century up to the present day.
Specialization
Literary history
Perfect for
Bookworms
An exhibition dedicated to Scotland's most renowned authors — Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Why should you go?
Housed in the 19th-century Lady Stair's House, the Writers' Museum hosts an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, portraits, and personal items related to Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. It's a small museum with free admission - a real hidden gem and one of the nicest places to visit in Edinburgh.
Among the objects on display are Burns' writing desk, the printing press on which Scott's Waverley Novels were first produced, Stevenson's riding boots, and the ring given to him by a Samoan chief, engraved with 'Tusitala,' meaning 'teller of tales.'
Makars' Court outside the Museum is a tranquil courtyard with flagstones inscribed with quotes by Scottish writers from the 14th century up to the present day.
Specialization
Literary history
Perfect for
Bookworms
St. Giles Cathedral
What is it?
A 12th-century Gothic church in the Old Town, one of Scotland's most important medieval parish church buildings.
Why should you go?
With its impressive crown spire, St. Giles Cathedral does stand out on the Royal Mile. Almost 900 years old, it has witnessed its fair share of events throughout the centuries and has been associated with major historical figures. John Knox, the leader of the Scottish Reformation, served here as a minister.
Its magnificent doorways, vibrant stained glass windows, over 100 memorials, and intricate decorations from different periods can be explored for hours. The Cathedral is part of our walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town.
As a functioning church, St Giles remains an important center for services, including those for the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's order of chivalry), music concerts, lectures, and exhibitions. It was the location of Queen Elizabeth II's lying-in-state in Edinburgh.
Specialization
History of religion and religious architecture
Perfect for
Fans of really old buildings
A 12th-century Gothic church in the Old Town, one of Scotland's most important medieval parish church buildings.
Why should you go?
With its impressive crown spire, St. Giles Cathedral does stand out on the Royal Mile. Almost 900 years old, it has witnessed its fair share of events throughout the centuries and has been associated with major historical figures. John Knox, the leader of the Scottish Reformation, served here as a minister.
Its magnificent doorways, vibrant stained glass windows, over 100 memorials, and intricate decorations from different periods can be explored for hours. The Cathedral is part of our walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town.
As a functioning church, St Giles remains an important center for services, including those for the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's order of chivalry), music concerts, lectures, and exhibitions. It was the location of Queen Elizabeth II's lying-in-state in Edinburgh.
Specialization
History of religion and religious architecture
Perfect for
Fans of really old buildings
FAQ
- 1What is the most visited place in Edinburgh?
- The National Museum of Scotland
- Edinburgh Castle
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe
- St Giles' Cathedral
- The Royal Mile
- 2What is Edinburgh most popular for?
- The Edinburgh Festival Fringe
- Edinburgh Castle
- The National Museum of Scotland
- The Royal Mile
- The Palace of Holyroodhouse
- The Scotch Whisky Experience
- 3What are the best outdoor activities in Edinburgh?
- Edinburgh Zoo
- Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat
- The Royal Mile
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Greyfriars Kirkyard
- Scott Monument
- Princes Street
- 4What are the best indoor activities in Edinburgh?
- The National Museum of Scotland
- Scottish National Gallery
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
- The Palace of Holyroodhouse
- St Giles' Cathedral
- The Writers' Museum
- The Balmoral hotel
- 5What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in Edinburgh?
- Edinburgh Zoo
- The National Museum of Scotland
- Harry Potter tours
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Dynamic Earth
Related tours:
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