Edinburgh, as a UNESCO City of Literature, boasts an extraordinary collection of museums, galleries and libraries that showcase works of art from around the world as well as knowledge on Scottish history & archaeology, natural history, science & technology and world cultures.
Discover 101 objects and curiosities tucked away around the city – complete with an interactive map and tick list to guide your journey!
The Castle
Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s iconic landmarks, has long been an integral part of city life since medieval times. Its towering crags overlook Princes Street and Royal Mile; over its 1,100 year history it has seen 26 sieges, as well as being used for royal residence, arsenal storage, treasury storage, mintage mintery mintage prisonage a mintage jailage housing prison cells as well as housing for Honours of Scotland crown jewels.
One of the Castle’s main draws is its Stone of Destiny – a block of sandstone on which all British monarchs have been coroneted since their coronation at Westminster 700 years prior – which made its way from Westminster back into it’s current location at Windsor in 1996 and is one of Europe’s oldest royal relics still in existence today.
The castle features the Royal Palace, an array of historical tableaux that lead to its main draw: a strongroom housing the Honours of Scotland crown jewels – some of which date back centuries – including one made in 1540 from gold from King Robert the Bruce’s 14th-century coronet.
Numerous rooms of the castle are accessible to visitors and you can explore at your own pace or join one of the guided tours available. Keep in mind, however, that peak season crowds can make this attraction quite busy.
Edinburgh Castle can be found in the heart of Edinburgh and is easily accessible from most areas. Waverley train station serves it, while bus stops nearby make access easy. Hop-on hop-off bus tours often make stops at Edinburgh Castle too.
Edinburgh Castle operates on a timed ticket system, so be sure to purchase tickets in advance online. Entry should occur according to your ticket timeframe but staying longer is allowed; children 5 years old and under are admitted free. For formal events like weddings or concerts at Edinburgh Castle such as military tattoos or Edinburgh International Festival be sure to reserve accommodations well in advance as areas around them may become quite congested.
Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that towers over Edinburgh, offers breathtaking panoramic views from its stunning rocky landscape. Home to various ancient ruins including St Anthony’s Chapel and many exotic bird species, Arthur’s Seat can easily be reached via Royal Mile Bus Line 2, walking from city center or taking line 2 bus ride – either way it should take two to three hours so wear comfortable shoes with sufficient water supply for hiking as well as snacks for refreshments!
Arthur’s Seat is an iconic landmark that no tourist should miss when visiting Scotland. One of Edinburgh’s top attractions, this landmark offers breathtaking views. Arthur’s Seat has long been associated with legends and stories, providing visitors with an energising sense of freedom as you take in its stunning vistas and feel part of its magic and energy. Don’t be fooled by fake stories when experiencing Arthur’s Seat’s vibrant spirit; come experience its energy yourself! You won’t be able to resist becoming part of Arthur’s Seat’s captivating atmosphere!
Queen’s Drive, leading up to Holyrood Palace – Queen’s residence and residence for most of her reign – is the most convenient route up Arthur’s Seat, making parking in its lot limited and providing ample time for exploration of Arthur’s Seat’s summit. Bring along an extra jacket as it can often get windy up there!
Walking up Arthur’s Seat offers two routes – either via its stone steps leading up to its ruined castle, or using the metal chain railing path which offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. Although this path requires more effort, its stunning vantage point gives incredible panoramas of Edinburgh and surrounding hills such as Old Town, Pentland Hills and East Lothian from which can be seen from this scenic mountain top location.
Arthur’s Seat boasts numerous historic ruins, such as St. Anthony’s Chapel dating from 15th century. Additionally, its summit offers picturesque sweeping panoramas and magical surroundings – thanks to volcanic rocks formed from Carboniferous period eruptions as well as Salisbury Crags formation.
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile forms the backbone of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Spanning over one mile long, it links two of Scotland’s greatest attractions–old and new parliaments, churches and cathedrals, medieval castle and Arthur’s Seat; museums; walking tours and specialty shops are also located here, as are quaint closes and hidden alleyways which give an insight into Edinburgh’s past.
Though many perceive of the Royal Mile as being composed of one street, in actuality it consists of multiple streets from Castle esplanade to Abbey Strand near Holyrood Palace. Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate form its main east-west length with numerous sidestreets forming its honeycomb structure; furthermore it contains many winding alleyways known as Wynds and Closes which were the scenes of many important (and sometimes sinister) events throughout its long history; well worth exploring!
Now, the streets of the Royal Mile are bustling with tourists, street performers and souvenir shoppers. Additionally, churches such as St Giles Cathedral and Tron Kirk reside here alongside numerous restaurants, pubs and cafes that make this lively street an attraction in its own right.
The Scottish parliament building stands out on the Royal Mile as one of its most striking structures, featuring bold angles, wild windows and striking local stone that all come together into an impressive structure that seems to jut up from Arthur’s Seat’s summit. After 300 years being run from London by Westminster parliamentarians, Scotland finally got their own building on Royal Mile in 1999.
There’s plenty to see and do on the Royal Mile, but if time is of the essence make sure to visit these three attractions: Museum of Childhood, Scottish Storytelling Centre and John Knox House. Also be on the lookout for Heart of Midlothian mosaic embedded into sidewalk which marks where Old Tolbooth, an early 15th-century city jail once stood.
On the Royal Mile you are allowed to legally spit! This area was once an unsafe and overcrowded slum, where refuse and sewage from tenement buildings would be dumped onto the streets for disposal, and warnings to passersby would be shouted through using “gardyloo!” (from French “watch out!).
The Old Town
The Old Town, stretching from Castle Rock to Holyroodhouse, forms the heart of Edinburgh’s historical and cultural identity. Packed with centuries-old buildings dating back centuries, its streets attract millions of visitors each year – millions to visit its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, festivals, processions, celebrations and much more throughout its long history. Sir Walter Scott, John Knox and Robert Burns have left indelible marks on its cobblestones that continue to shape our nation’s literary legacy today.
Old Town has long been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architectural magnificence. Home to historic streets, squares and alleyways as well as pubs, casual eateries and small museums; it remains a vibrant center for history and tradition that’s proudly called home by locals who take immense pride in their city.
Edinburgh’s upper classes envisioned a standard of living that reflected the progressive ideals of Enlightenment culture during the 18th century, which had come to dominate European culture. Over a three-decade span extending from 1767-1833, successive developments of New Town took shape across Princes Street Gardens from Old Town; initially its street plan was highly regular but over time more consideration was paid towards natural contours while curbing set square rigidity through curves and crescents.
Edinburgh has long been known for its inflexible respectability (when West Princes Street Gardens were made available to the public, smoking was banned). At the same time, however, a lively underworld of drunkenness existed within its streets – one which 19th-century writer Robert Louis Stevenson immortalized through his novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Visitors to Edinburgh should take full advantage of its position as an “old town-on-a-hill”, discovering all its hidden nooks and crannies scattered throughout its Old Town. Camera Obscura stands as an exemplary example: five floors filled with interactive curiosities and illusions will delight both young and old alike; test yourself in solving its mirror maze or keep balance as you make your way through Vortex Tunnel! Sneaky Pete’s is another excellent spot where people can hear solo acoustic guitarists playing or techno until 3am!