Scotland Vacations – What to see in Edinburgh
There are so many things to do and see in Edinburgh on your Scotland Vacations you could easily spend a week and not see it all. So what do you fit into your itinerary? That is a question that only you can answer, but here is a list of sights to get you started. You might just want to see it all, so start planning now for future Scotland vacations. Check back for detailed pages describing each sight.
Arthur’s Seat
The remains of an ancient volcano, Arthur’s Seat is a green hill with several smaller hills and locks around it. Part of it is the ridge of Old Town and leads up to The Castle mound of Edinburgh Castle.
Calton Hill
You can get a wonderful view on this hill to the east of Princess Street. Calton Hill is the home to the Old Observatory, new Observatory, Dugald Stewert Memorial, the unfinished National Monument, and the Nelson Monument.
Camera Obscura and World Illusions
Both exhibits about Edinburgh and Panoramic Projections of Edinburgh can be seen at Camera Obscura. You can find it at the top of the royal mile in the Outlook Tower.
Canongate Kirk
Canongate Kirk is a church that has a graveyard where a few famous people were put to rest, such as Robert Burns and David Rizzio.
Canongate Tolbooth/ The People’s Story Museum
Located up the hill from Conongate Kirk is the home of the Peoples Museum. This is a museum of the life and times of the people of Edinburgh from the 18th century forward.
City Art Centre
Edinburgh’s own art Gallery displays changing exhibits and a wonderful collection of Scottish paintings.
Craigmiller Castle
Found southeast of the city centre Craigmiller Castle is full of history. You can visit the site that both Mary Queen of Scott’s husband’s murder was planed and the place that she escaped to on a few occasions.
Cramond
Near Queensferry Lies a village called Cramond which was one had a strong water-powered industry. This is a perfect place for an evening stroll or you can catch a ferry to Dalmeny.
Dynamic Earth
Conveniently located near the new Scottish Parliament building is a High-Tec imagery trip back through time to the creation of the earth.
Edinburgh Castle
You can easily find this land mark on Castle Mound as it is very large. You can take tours of many of the castles buildings and if you time it right enjoy the festival.
Edinburgh Zoo
The Edinburgh Zoo is located at corstorphine on the side of a steep hill. You can enjoy seeing the animals with Edinburgh Castle in the background.
Fruitmarket Gallery
This is a Gallery of high-profile arts venues of contemporary art and design. You can find it behind Waverly Station across from the City Art Centre.
Georgiam House
At No.7 Charlotte Square in New Town you will find a recreated 1796 home to show how the better half lived.
Gladstone’s Land
This is an example of a tenement-house in Old Town dating back to the 17th century. Again this is an example of how the eras well to do lived.
Grassmarket
Located below the Castle Rock Grassmarket has served quit a few purposes over its history including the location of executions until the late 1700s. Now it is full of nice shops, restaurants, and pubs to visit.
Grayfriers Kirkyard
Grayfriers Kirkyard has a long important history to Scotland. Now you can see several memorials and the grave of William Adam.
John Knox House
John Knox was the founder of the Church of Scotland. The John Knox House is where he preached out a window in his early years. There is an exhibit about him in the house to see.
Lauriston Castle
An avid collector of fine furniture owned and then donated this castle along with his collection to Edinburgh for all to see.
This is a town with many fashionable restaurants. The Edinburgh River runs though the center of town and it has a nice walk.
Museum of Childhood
The Museum of Childhood is a collection of exhibits about childhood not and exhibits for children. Although this would be a fascinating place to children it is full of things children experienced and played with in the past.
Museum of Edinburgh
The Museum of Edinburgh houses a historical collection that will take you though the centuries. You can easily find it across the road from the Canongate Tolbooth.
Museum of Scotland
This is not a museum that you can see all at once, the Museum of Scotland is spread out on several levels that start on the first floor with the earliest beginnings and work up though time. This is a modern interpretation of an ancient fortification and is easily found on the western end of Chambers Street.
National Gallery of Scotland
You can find works of some of the best old masters in the UK along with distinctly Scottish artwork. The National Gallery of Scotland can be found on the mound.
New Town
To the North of Princess Street sits the so-called New Town. This New Town actually dates back to the late 1700s this is mostly Victorian architecture.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Still officially the home of Scotland’s royalty. It has a long history that is worth exploring. This is a tourist attraction only when a Royal isn’t visiting.
Princes Street Gardens
Between Castle Rock and Princess Street lies a strip of park called Princess Street Gardens. Look for the clock made of flowers with moving hands.
The Real Mary King’s Close
Every 20 minutes a tour can take you though this now underground close where you can see what it was like to be one of Edinburgh poor. Find it in old town under ground.
Royal Botanic Garden
To find the Royal Botanic Garden by crossing the Stockbridge on Princess Street. You will see several rock gardens, lots of Rhododendrons, squirrels, and tons more.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the almost straight road that links the Edinburgh Castle with Holyroodhouse through the Old Town.
Royal Yacht Britannia
This Royal Yacht served the Royal family for over 40 years. You can see its story in the visitors center a tour the Yacht for yourself. You will find it at Edinburgh’s port of Leith.
Scotch whisky Heritage Centre
This Heritage center can be found at the top of the Royal Mile. Ride in a hollowed out beret through the center and learning about the Scotch whisky making process.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is a collection of portraits of famous and not so famous people that shaped Scotland. You will also find the national photo collection too.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Located on the grounds of an old school this gallery displays works by famous artist such as Picasso, Hirst, Fergusson, Giacometti, and so much more.
Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre
You can find out everything about the Scottish Parliament from its history to its importance here. Get a tour of parts of the new parliament, but make reservations first.
St. Giles Cathedral: The High Kirk of Edinburgh
Found near the top of the Royal Mile, you can’t miss this imposing structure. Parts of this church dates back to the 15th century.
Writers’ Museum
The Writers’ Museum is dedicated to Scotland’s own famous writers. You can learn more about Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Above photo of Edinburgh Princess street by Express000