9 Most Interesting Places to Visit in Edinburgh, Scotland!

Edinburgh is one of the coolest, most interesting places to visit in the British Isles. Though it’s a modern city, there is still a large area that feels like you’ve gone back in time. This area has so much to offer for any city traveler, hiker, or Harry Potter fan!

While there are so many interesting landmarks and attractions to see all over Edinburgh, we’ve compiled the top 9 things to see!

1. Calton Hill
2. The Royal Mile
3. Edinburgh Castle
4. Victoria Street
5. Greyfriars Kirkyard & Greyfriars Bobby
6. Jacob’s Ladder
7. Scots Monument
8. St. Giles’ Cathedral
9. Palace of Holyroodhouse

9) Palace of Holyroodhouse & the Abbey

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a 16th-century palace which offers tours of royal reception rooms, relics and antiques. This palace is also the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh! Tickets to tour this historic site run anywhere from £10 to £17, though you can still see some of the exterior without paying.

8) St. Giles’ Cathedral

This Cathedral was founded by King David I in 1124 AD, and predates much of the old town. The cathedral is beautiful and unique, not unlike many other gothic cathedrals across Britain. There are a few small exhibits set up throughout the cathedral, such as the clergy’s quarters and many memorials.

St. Giles’ is right along the Royal Mile and is a great stop for anyone walking by. As with any church or cathedral, usually the entry fee is a donation, but guided tours often are offered for more.

7) Scots Monument

Right outside of Waverley station, located in Princess Street Gardens, the Scots monument is an Edinburgh classic. One of the largest monuments to an author in the world, it was Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott in the 1800s.

This Gothic monument is definitely a must if you are in the area!

6) Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder is a beautiful little pedestrian walkway that starts near the base of Calton hill, and leads down to a street neighboring the Royal Mile. I cam across this space by accident, but I am so thankful that I did! It is slightly overgrown, but this cobblestone path will make you forget you are in a city!

5) Greyfriars Kirkyard & Bobby

Just as with Jacob’s Ladder, I stumbled upon Greyfriars Kirkyard by accident. I had been making my way to Greyfriars Bobby, which is a state of a Skye Terrier famous for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, until he himself died. The statue is quite popular, to the point where the paint over the nose of the dog is incredibly worn from too many snoot boops.

Through a stone entrance off Candlemaker Row and up the steps, you’ll find a large green-space hidden behind the buildings along the city street. In this green space, you can find the Greyfriars Cathedral, and the graves of Thomas Riddle (inspiration for the Harry Potter Character), and John Grey (the master of Greyfriars Bobby).

4) Victoria Street

Speaking of Harry Potter, Victoria street was the inspiration for Diagon Ally. Filled with all sorts of little restaurants and shops, this cobblestone street is just a quick trip off of the Royal Mile!

3) Edinburgh Castle

This castle has been estimated to have been built during the Reign of Kind David I in the 12th Century, but archaeologists have found evidence of human occupation of the rock since at least the Iron Age (2nd Century AD).

This landmark marks the other end of the Royal Mile, and is one of the most visible landmarks in the city. Though some of the castle can be seen from outside the gates, admission to the internal complex is around £10 to £16

2) The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a succession of streets building the main passageway through the city of Edinburgh. It connects the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle. Much of the Royal Mile is cobblestone, and shops, pubs and cafes line the street.

Street performers can often be found along this strip, from comedians, musicians to contortionists, spread among the many tartan shops!

1) Calton Hill

Calton Hill is just a short (but very steep) walk from Waverley station, and offers a beautiful view of the city among other historical sites. There are many beautiful monuments atop the hill, including an old observatory and the National Monument of Scotland.

The south side of the hill offers a beautiful view of both the historic Royal Mile, as well as a beautiful view of the highlands inland. The north side of the mountain offers a beautiful view of the North Sea.

The Roundup

Edinburgh is an incredibly beautiful town, with plenty to keep any kind of traveler busy! What do you think would be your favorite landmark? Would you consider a trip to Edinburgh?

Looking for some more travel Inso? Check out the Edinburgh Collection on shannonrp.com!