Edinburgh attractions

The Scottish Parliament complex, opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2004, sits across from Arthur’s Seat at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Known for having one of the most innovative and controversial designs in Britain, Parliament is a must-see on any Edinburgh itinerary; various tours are available for those who want to explore the building.

Propelled into the limelight by Dan Brown’sThe Da Vinci Code, this 15th-century chapel is well worth a look, even for those with no interest in Knights Templar conspiracy theories. The Gothic exterior—with its flying buttresses, pinnacles, and pointed arches—hides an elaborate interior, full of stone carvings rich in symbolism.

Originally built as a Norman defense in the 11th century, imposing Alnwick Castle has been expanded piecemeal over the years, and encompasses medieval, Gothic, and neoclassical elements. The castle—about 85 miles (137 kilometers) from Edinburgh—has caught the eye of location scouts, who picked it to serve as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films and Brancaster Castle inDownton Abbey.

Blackness Castle is often referred to as "the ship that never sailed" due to the mighty fortifications that make the 15th-century structure look like an ocean-going vessel. The castle has served as a royal residence, prison, artillery fortification, and fortress over the centuries, and now one of Scotland’s most impressive strongholds is a popular tourist attraction.

For 44 years, the Royal Yacht Britannia (HMY Britannia) carried the British royal family across the high seas to destinations near and far. After retiring in 1997, the vessel took up a permanent residency at the historic port of Leith in Edinburgh, where curious visitors now come to find out more about royal life at sea.

The medieval John Knox House is one of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Knox, a prominent Reformation leader, is thought to have lived here in the 16th century, and the building now hosts tours chronicling the life of Knox and the houses’ other famous resident, James Mossman, goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots.

So expansive are the collections of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One) that they need not one but two enormous buildings to house them: Modern One and Modern Two. Modern One, occupying a 19th-century building, features a collection of 20th-century works, including pieces from Tracey Emin, Matisse, Picasso, and Lichtenstein.

Established in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of Europe’s oldest botanic garden. Covering an area of more than 70 acres (28 hectares), the garden—which encompasses everything from Victorian glasshouses to a giant water lily pond and a rock garden—is a haven of tranquility in Scotland’s bustling capital city.

Lined with shops on the north side, Princess Street is Edinburgh’s principal shopping street. To the south, this heavily trafficked thoroughfare borders the memorial-dotted Princes Street Gardens, a park overlooked by Edinburgh Castle. Princes Street is also known for being one of the principal venues for Hogmanay, Scotland’s famous New Year’s celebrations.

Many of the Stuart royals, among them James I and Mary, Queen of Scots, did stints in this loch-side 15th-century pleasure palace. Gutted by fire in the 18th century, Linlithgow lies in ruin, though evidence of its grandeur—from the great hall to the intricately carved King’s Fountain—is still plentiful.

Scotland's Forth Road Bridge is a structural masterpiece set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish landscape. Straddled by the 21st-century Queensland Crossing and the iconic 19th-century railway Forth Bridge, this engineering wonder attracts travelers seeking a harmonious blend of history and modernity.

Established in 1988 in an old private school building, the Scotch Whisky Experience offers visitors a range of tours and tastings. The center, located in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Town of Edinburgh, houses one of the world's largest collections of Scotch whisky—nearly 3,400 bottles—as well as a restaurant, bar, and shop.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, Gladstone's Land is a historic 17th-century tenement building. Furnished rooms and dynamic displays give visitors a glimpse into the daily life of its former residents. Gladstone's Land is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking an immersive sightseeing experience.

Occupying a 16th-century house with a bright red and yellow facade, the Museum of Edinburgh (formerly Huntly House) tells the rich history of the city, from prehistoric times to the present day. Among the star exhibits is the collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, a dog who kept watch at his master’s Edinburgh grave for 14 years.

See Scotland’s famous faces rendered in paint, pencil, marble, bronze, and on film, in this vast Venetian Gothic-style building. Famous Scots and well-known figures from throughout history, from Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charles to Tilda Swinton and Sean Connery, are all immortalized here in various forms.

Connected to the Scottish National Gallery by underground passageway, the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary Scottish art and architecture. Inside the 19th-century Doric-style building, galleries host exhibits ranging from the work of recent graduates from Scotland’s top art colleges to pieces by eminent artists.

Founded in 1835, Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions is one of Edinburgh’s oldest tourist attractions. Located on the top floor, the Camera Obscura provides real-time views of the city, while the five floors below it are crammed with puzzles, optical illusions, and interactive exhibits that fool the eye and the mind.

The 17th-century Greyfriars Kirk is one of Edinburgh’s most historically important churches. The National Covenant was signed here in 1638, plunging Scotland into civil war. Exhibitions in the Kirk Museum document the church’s history, while the surrounding graveyard houses the tombs of notable historical figures.

One of the most famous ruins in Scotland, Melrose Abbey is a fascinating monument holding remarkably intact features and lavish sculptures—including a bagpipe-playing pig. Founded in the early 12th century by Cistercian monks, the abbey is perhaps best known for being the burial site of King Robert the Bruce’s heart.

The chilling Edinburgh Dungeon takes visitors below street level and into the darkened bowels of the city. Here, among 360-degree sets, costumed actors recount gruesome tales from Scotland’s past, from the Burke and Hare murders to hangings at the Grassmarket. Special effects, two thrilling rides, and a disorientating mirror maze add to the fun.

Scotland’s Isle of Islay is a land of dramatic coastal scenery, vibrant bid life, and fine seafood, but it’s Islay’s distinctive smoky whiskies that really draws the visitors. Home to nearly a dozen working distilleries, including Lagavulin and Bowmore, Islay’s distinctive single malt makes it a bucket list destination for whisky lovers from across the world.

Hidden away beneath the cobbled streets of Edinburgh's Old Town, the Real Mary King’s Close is a historic street that disappeared from view in the 1800s, when Edinburgh’s lower classes were forced underground to allow for the city’s modernization. Nowadays, the street offers a family-friendly glimpse into Edinburgh’s past, with tours led by costumed character guides.

Together with the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One, the Modern Two houses Scotland’s national collection of contemporary art. Originally named the Dean Gallery, the 19th-century building hosts a permanent collection of dada and surrealist works, as well as a re-creation of the studio of Scottish sculptor Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.

Located on top of Calton Hill, the Nelson Monument pays tribute to Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar. Designed by Robert Burn to resemble an upturned telescope, it stands 105 feet (32 meters) tall. At 562 feet (171 meters) above sea level at its top, it offers stunning panoramic views over Edinburgh.

Set within an imposing neoclassical building, this museum presents an impressive collection of artwork spanning the Renaissance to the 20th century. Works by European masters, such as Titian, Monet, Rembrandt, and van Gogh, are complemented by a collection of Scottish works that includes pieces from Allan Ramsay and Sir Henry Raeburn.

This elegant 18th-century town house offers a glimpse into the lives of Georgian Edinburgh’s elite. Now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, the perfectly preserved property features a traditional 18th-century kitchen with collections of china and silverware as well as paintings by prominent Scottish artists.

Nestled amid the picturesque landscapes of Scotland, Hopetoun House is a historical masterpiece offering a taste of Scottish grandeur. Used as a prominent filming location in the TV series Outlander, it’s a popular destination for diehard fans. However, you don’t have to pine for a kilted Scot to enjoy the country estate.

With a history dating back to the sixth century, Iona Abbey is one of Western Europe’s oldest and most significant religious centers. Located on the tranquil Isle of Iona (itself just off the coast of the Isle of Mull), the abbey is offset by the wild Inner Hebridean scenery. Today, it remains a popular pilgrimage point for Christian worshipers.

The Edinburgh Cruise Port at Leith—the largest enclosed deepwater port in Scotland—welcomes large cruise ships just northwest of Edinburgh on the River Forth. Conveniently situated just minutes from Edinburgh proper, this port is a popular jumping-off point for trips to the city's Old Town, medieval castle, and other historic attractions.

Owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), this sprawling hillside zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals, from Sumatran tigers and lions to pygmy hippopotamus and giant anteaters. The star attractions, however, are the penguins—known for the daily strolls they take outside their enclosure—and the UK’s only giant pandas: Tian Tian and Yang Guang.