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United Kingdom
Things to do in Edinburgh
449 attractions · United Kingdom
Photo: Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0
Scotland, United Kingdom · 55.950, -3.199
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.
Good to know
- 1
Edinburgh was the first city in the world to have its own municipal fire service, established in 1824.
- 2
The city is built on an extinct volcano known as Arthur's Seat, which is located within the center of Holyrood Park.
- 3
Edinburgh has more listed buildings per square mile than almost anywhere else in the United Kingdom.
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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.
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Edinburgh is home to the world's oldest surviving bank note, issued by the Bank of Scotland in 1696.
Plan your visit to Edinburgh
Best time to visit
May to June or September offer the mildest weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak festival period in August.
How many days
3-4 days to fully explore the historic city center, climb the local hills, and visit the major museums.
Getting around
The city center is highly walkable, supplemented by an extensive bus network and the Edinburgh Tram line connecting the airport to the city center.
Where to stay
Stay in the Old Town for proximity to historic sites and atmospheric streets, or the New Town for elegant Georgian architecture and upscale shopping.
Budget
Mid-to-high range; accommodation prices fluctuate significantly during the August festival season.
Highlights of Edinburgh
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Edinburgh Castle
Explore the medieval fortress that houses the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny.
National Museum of Scotland
Discover thousands of artifacts covering Scottish history, archaeology, and natural science under one roof.
Princes Street Gardens
Walk through this public park created from the drained remnants of the medieval Nor Loch.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Tour the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland located at the base of the Royal Mile.
The Real Mary King's Close
Descend into a series of preserved 17th-century underground streets and warrens.
National Galleries of Scotland: National
View an extensive collection of fine art spanning from the Renaissance to the post-impressionist period.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Experience optical illusions and panoramic city views from this historic site on Castle Hill.
St Giles' Cathedral
Admire the distinctive crown spire of this 15th-century cathedral at the heart of the Royal Mile.
Top things to do in Edinburgh
The 449 most popular places in Edinburgh.
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181
Temples Hidden gem
Old Saint Paul's Scottish Episcopal Church
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182
Temples Hidden gem
The Orthodox Community Of St Andrew - Edinburgh (Meadow Lane)
The Orthodox Community Of St Andrew in Edinburgh is a parish serving an Eastern Orthodox congregation located at 2 Meado...
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183
Museums Hidden gem
Ingleby Gallery
Ingleby Gallery is a prominent contemporary art space housed within a converted Victorian glassworks building in Edinbur...
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184
Museums Hidden gem
Castle Fine Art, Edinburgh
Castle Fine Art, located in Multrees Walk, serves as a high-end commercial gallery showcasing contemporary prints, origi...
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185
Temples Hidden gem
St Kentigern's Church
St Kentigern's Church is a Roman Catholic parish located in the Barnton area of Edinburgh. It functions as part of a joi...
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186
Museums Hidden gem
National Museums Collection Centre
The National Museums Collection Centre in Granton serves as the primary storage and conservation facility for the Nation...
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187
Historical places Hidden gem
Sherlock Holmes Statue
The Sherlock Holmes Statue in Edinburgh commemorates the birthplace of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was born at 11 Picard...
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188
Museums Hidden gem
Heart of Midlothian Museum
The Heart of Midlothian Museum is located on Wheatfield Street in Edinburgh, housed within the grounds of Tynecastle Par...
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189
Venues Hidden gem
C ARTS | C venues | C aquila
C aquila is a prominent multi-space performance venue operated by C venues during the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe,...
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190
Temples Hidden gem
Duddingston Kirk
Duddingston Kirk is one of Scotland's oldest continuously used churches, with its origins dating back to the 12th centur...
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191
Temples Hidden gem
Carrubbers Christian Centre
Carrubbers Christian Centre is an active evangelical church located on the historic High Street of Edinburgh's Old Town....
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192
Places of interest Hidden gem
New Calton Burial Ground
New Calton Burial Ground is a historic graveyard established in 1818 to accommodate burials displaced by the constructio...
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193
Venues Hidden gem
Bedlam Theatre
The Bedlam Theatre is Britain's only fully student-run theatre, located in a converted neo-Gothic former church in Edinb...
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194
Temples Hidden gem
Destiny Church Edinburgh | Gorgie location
Destiny Church Edinburgh at the Gorgie location is an active Christian place of worship situated on Gorgie Road in the w...
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195
Temples Hidden gem
King’s Church Edinburgh
King’s Church Edinburgh is an active Christian church congregation located at 104 Gilmore Place in the Bruntsfield area...
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196
Temples Hidden gem
Central Church
Central Church in Edinburgh occupies Central Hall at 2 West Tollcross, operating as an active Christian community venue....
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197
Temples Hidden gem
Ss Ninian & Triduana RC Church (English&Polish)
Ss Ninian & Triduana RC Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located on Marionville Road in the Easter Road area of...
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198
Historical places Hidden gem
Cammo Tower
Cammo Tower is a distinctive 18th-century folly situated within the historic Cammo Estate in northwest Edinburgh. Built...
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199
Temples Hidden gem
Chapel of Saint Albert the Great
The Chapel of Saint Albert the Great is a contemporary Roman Catholic chaplaincy chapel located on George Square Lane in...
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200
Temples Hidden gem
Stenhouse Baptist Church
Stenhouse Baptist Church is an active local Christian place of worship located on Stenhouse Grove in the western area of...
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201
Parks Hidden gem
Liberton Public Park
Liberton Public Park is a neighborhood green space situated in the southern area of Edinburgh, near Liberton Gardens. Th...
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202
Parks Hidden gem
Redhall Park Edinburgh
Redhall Park is a community-focused green space situated along the Water of Leith Walkway in the south-west of Edinburgh...
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203
Temples Hidden gem
Liberton Kirk
Liberton Kirk is an active Church of Scotland congregation located on a historic site in the southern part of Edinburgh....
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204
Places of interest Hidden gem
Statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott
The statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott, the 5th Duke of Buccleuch, is a prominent bronze monument located in...
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205
Temples Hidden gem
Shahjalal Mosque And Islamic Centre
The Shahjalal Mosque and Islamic Centre is located at 8A Annandale Street in Edinburgh, serving as a vital place of wors...
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206
Temples Hidden gem
R C C G Edinburgh Tabernacle
R C C G Edinburgh Tabernacle is a prominent congregation within the Redeemed Christian Church of God network, situated i...
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207
Historical places Hidden gem
Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock is a prehistoric monument located near the village of Dalmeny, featuring a natural sandstone outcrop shaped l...
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208
Temples Hidden gem
Mescid-i Eyüp Sultan And Turkish Community Centre
Mescid-i Eyüp Sultan And Turkish Community Centre is a neighbourhood mosque and cultural hub located on Balgreen Road in...
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209
Parks Hidden gem
Entrance To Corstorphine Hill
The Entrance to Corstorphine Hill on Balgreen Road serves as a primary access point to a prominent green space in wester...
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210
Temples Hidden gem
Augustine United Church
Augustine United Church, located on George IV Bridge, is a prominent city-centre church formed in 1967 through the union...
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Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Edinburgh?
Aventuro lists 449 curated attractions in and around Edinburgh, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Castle is the most popular place to visit in Edinburgh right now.
What kind of attractions does Edinburgh have?
The largest category is temples, with 134 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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