- Edinburgh was the first city in the world to have its own municipal fire service, established in 1824.
- The city is built on an extinct volcano known as Arthur's Seat, which is located within the center of Holyrood Park.
- Edinburgh has more listed buildings per square mile than almost anywhere else in the United Kingdom.
- The city's 'New Town' was a planned 18th-century development designed to provide more space and air than the overcrowded, narrow closes of the Old Town.
- Edinburgh is home to the world's oldest surviving bank note, issued by the Bank of Scotland in 1696.
About Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, defined by its dramatic contrast between the medieval Old Town and the neoclassical New Town. Perched on a volcanic crag, [97] Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline, while the sprawling [32535] Princes Street Gardens fill the gorge between the two historic districts. Visitors can explore the underground history of the city at [32125] The Real Mary King's Close or walk the historic Royal Mile connecting the castle to [31434] The Palace of Holyroodhouse. The city remains a global hub for literature and science, with world-class collections at the [273] National Museum of Scotland.
Highlights of Edinburgh
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Explore the medieval fortress that houses the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny.
Museums
Discover thousands of artifacts covering Scottish history, archaeology, and natural science under one roof.
Parks
Walk through this public park created from the drained remnants of the medieval Nor Loch.
Historical places
Tour the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland located at the base of the Royal Mile.
Historical places
Descend into a series of preserved 17th-century underground streets and warrens.
Museums
View an extensive collection of fine art spanning from the Renaissance to the post-impressionist period.
Museums
Experience optical illusions and panoramic city views from this historic site on Castle Hill.
Temples
Admire the distinctive crown spire of this 15th-century cathedral at the heart of the Royal Mile.
Top things to do in Edinburgh
The 357 highest-rated places in Edinburgh, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress dominating the city skyline from its position atop the volcanic Castle Rock. It...
2
Museums
The National Museum of Scotland houses extensive collections spanning Scottish history, global cultures, natural history...
3
Parks
Princes Street Gardens is a public park located in the valley created by the drainage of the Nor Loch, a medieval water...
4
Parks
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) spans 70 acres of landscaped grounds and functions as a leading botanical rese...
5
Historical places
The Palace of Holyroodhouse serves as the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. It stands at the termin...
6
Historical places
The Real Mary King's Close consists of a warren of 17th-century streets and residential dwellings buried directly beneat...
7
Museums
The National Gallery of Scotland is located on The Mound in Edinburgh and houses the national collection of fine art spa...
8
Museums
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is the oldest purpose-built tourist attraction in Edinburgh, originating in 1835. It...
9
Parks
Holyrood Park is a 650-acre royal park located in central Edinburgh, dominated by the 251-meter-high peak of Arthur's Se...
10
Temples
St Giles' Cathedral, founded in the 12th century, serves as the historic High Kirk of Edinburgh and the mother church of...
11
Places of interest
The Scotch Whisky Experience is a dedicated visitor center situated at the top of the Royal Mile, offering an interactiv...
12
Zoos
Edinburgh Zoo is home to the United Kingdom's only koalas and is set on an 82-acre hillside location in Corstorphine. Th...
13
Venues
Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium serves as the primary home for the Scotland national rugby union team and the largest s...
14
Parks
The Meadows is a large public park in south-central Edinburgh, characterized by extensive open green spaces, mature tree...
15
Historical places
The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic memorial dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, located in East Princes...
16
Places of interest
The Edinburgh Dungeon is a multisensory attraction that dramatizes Scottish history through live actor-led shows, specia...
17
Museums
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is housed in a red sandstone Neo-Gothic building designed by Sir Robert Rowand An...
18
Natural attractions
Arthur's Seat is an ancient volcano standing 251 meters above sea level, forming the main peak of the group of hills in...
19
Venues
The Edinburgh Playhouse is the UK's largest working theatre by seating capacity, accommodating over 3,000 guests across...
20
Museums
National Galleries Scotland: Modern One is housed in an 1825 neoclassical building designed by William Burn, originally...
21
Venues
The Festival Theatre in Edinburgh is the city's primary venue for large-scale ballet, opera, and touring musical product...
22
Historical places
23
Parks
24
Temples
25
Museums
26
Venues
27
Parks
28
Temples
29
Venues
30
Venues
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Edinburgh on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Edinburgh
May to June or September offer the mildest weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak festival period in August.
3-4 days to fully explore the historic city center, climb the local hills, and visit the major museums.
The city center is highly walkable, supplemented by an extensive bus network and the Edinburgh Tram line connecting the airport to the city center.
Stay in the Old Town for proximity to historic sites and atmospheric streets, or the New Town for elegant Georgian architecture and upscale shopping.
Mid-to-high range; accommodation prices fluctuate significantly during the August festival season.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 357 curated attractions in and around Edinburgh, ranked by traveller ratings.
Edinburgh Castle is the highest-rated place to visit in Edinburgh right now.
The largest category is temples, with 128 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
