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This project was born from work, humility and experience in order to make people who visit Scotland feel part of its history and its legends.

If you would like an experience tailored to you, we offer personalized packages with a variety of options. You can choose the duration of the tour, focus on specific aspects of the city's history, and explore the locations that are of interest to you.

Best privates tours in Edinburgh

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We will introduce you to the history of this medieval city, which is more than 3000 years old. We will walk through its most picturesque streets, such as the Royal Mile, Chambers Street or Victoria Street. Learn about the alleys where people lived in the 17th century. We will tell you how they died during the Black Death and about the beaked doctors who tried to cure them. Exciting stories await you!


Royal_mile_blog.jpg

Edinburgh

Best Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Walking Tours

I hope that with this list of sites, you can fully enjoy the city, its secrets and its corners. However, I imagine that after visiting all these places, you’ll be pretty hungry; for this, check out our article about the 10 best places to enjoy traditional Scottish food. And, if after such a busy day, you still want to go out and discover the city after dark, take a look at the 12 best pubs to enjoy Edinburgh's nightlife.

## Old Town

### 1. Royal Mile

This street, which is located in the **Old Town**, links **Holyrood Palace** and the **Castle**. It’s the most iconic street in the city and is made up of five sections or five smaller streets; from bottom to top, these are Abbey Strand, Canongate, High Street, Lawnmarket and Castlehill. Here you will also find alleys to the left and right of the Royal Mile or, as they are known here, closes. Some will surprise you with their unique charm, for example, **White Horse Close**, or because they have been used to film scenes for the popular series, ‘**Outlander**’, such as Baker Close. You could spend the whole day here, because so many of the things to see in the city can be found on this street.

![Royal_mile_blog.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Royal_mile_blog_24c38115df.jpg)

### 2. Edinburgh Castle

This is located at the top of the Royal Mile, and is a must-see attraction during your visit to the Scottish capital. Standing on the top of an extinct volcano, this citadel, with 2 million visitors a year, is the most visited monument in all of Scotland. Don’t miss it and, above all, don’t forget to buy your ticket in advance for a cheaper price! I recommend taking a tour with a local guide, and there are many companies in the city that offer such tours.

Address: [Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Edinburgh+Castle/@55.9485947,-3.1999135,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiEoJG4ns72AhWCi1wKHXJTBvEQ_BJ6BAg-EAU)

| Tours in Edinburgh |
|---|
| Book your [Edinburgh Castle Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle) |
| Book your [Mysteries, witchery and murders Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour) |
| Book your [Free Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour)|
| Book your [Outlander & Jacobites tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/outlander-tour)|


![Castillo de Edimburgo.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Castillo_de_Edimburgo_8cafbf8029.jpg)

### 3. [St Giles Cathedral](https://stgilescathedral.org.uk)

The **main religion of Scotland is Presbyterianism** and this cathedral was where **John Knox**, founder of this religion, preached until the last days of his life. It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 1pm to 5pm; admission is free. Organ concerts or performances from choirs from different parts of the world are held here almost every week; I recommend taking a look at the website to see the programme of events. Furthermore, the souvenirs in its shop (yes, it has a souvenir shop!) are actually somewhat cheaper than those in the shops on the **Royal Mile**. You'll find the cathedral on the High Street.

Address: [High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE](https://www.google.com/maps/place/St+Giles'+Cathedral/@55.9490693,-3.1944847,16z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x4887c7854ff703fd:0xaa24e716571e2ff2!8m2!3d55.9495523!4d-3.1909115)

![St Giles Cathedral.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/St_Giles_Cathedral_c51ea858b6.jpg)


### 4. [Holyrood Palace](https://www.rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse)

At the end of the **Royal Mile**, you will find this palace. It’s currently **where Queen Elizabeth II resides when she comes to Edinburgh** in early July every year, as well as any other member of the British Royal Family visiting. The palace is open to the public from 9:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m every day, and your visit will last just over an hour, with an audio guide included in the price. The rooms of this palace have witnessed large parts of **Scottish history**, where royals including **Mary Queen of Scots** once slept, and today they house works of art and furniture from past centuries. Also, when you finish the tour of the palace itself, right at the back of the building you can also see the **ruins of Holyrood Abbey**.

Address: [Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Palace+of+Holyroodhouse/@55.9518743,-3.1804124,16z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x0:0x27abd4db1967f9d6!8m2!3d55.9527138!4d-3.1722724)

### 5. [National Museum of Scotland](https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/)

Considered the best museum in the country, the oldest part of the building was finished in 1866, and has been a museum since its inauguration. The central hall is built with iron, **inspired by the Crystal Palace in London**. The museum also underwent an expansion in the late 1990s. In the collections, you will find **Scottish archaeological** objects and mediaeval artefacts, as well as artefacts from around the world spanning geology, archaeology, natural history, science, technology, art and world cultures. Other highlights include the Ancient Egypt exhibit and one of Elton John's quirky costumes; but what stands out for me is the star of the museum: Dolly the sheep, the world’s first cloned mammal! The 16 galleries have about 8,000 objects in total, and it’s an interactive museum that both children and adults will enjoy. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, with free admission. 

Address: [Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF](https://www.google.com/maps/place/National+Museum+of+Scotland/@55.9474571,-3.1914609,17.5z/data=!3m1!5s0x4887c784db00984f:0xbcf28f76719eeb7d!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x0:0x88cc2703f2beb5c3!8m2!3d55.9469995!4d-3.1905666)

![National Museum Scotland.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/National_Museum_Scotland_f709ba1be9.jpg)

### 6. [National Gallery of Scotland](https://www.nationalgalleries.org/)

Like the **National Museum**, this gallery is also free, and open from 10am to 5pm, but on Thursdays until 7pm. It’s over 150 years old and was designed by the famous Scottish architect, William Henry Playfair. The gallery stands out for having collections from all over the world, and from the **Middle Ages** to the present day. It also has temporary exhibitions, which require an entrance fee, but are definitely well worth visiting.

Address: [The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Scottish+National+Gallery/@55.9504576,-3.1977688,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x0:0xc47f9545e742193!8m2!3d55.950902!4d-3.1956862)


### 7. [Writers Museum](https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/writers-museum)

You can find this museum through **Lady Stair's Close**, one of the alleys off the Royal Mile, which will lead you to a very picturesque little square and the historic building this museum is located in. Inside, you will find original works by the **writers Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson**, probably the three most famous **Scottish writers** outside its borders and the most important within them, as well as other objects. The museum is open from 10am to 5pm every day. 

The current building dates from the end of the 19th century, but stones from the previous house, which was from the 17th century, were reused in it.

Address: [Lawnmarket, Lady Stair's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Writers'+Museum/@55.9501933,-3.1941424,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x4887c79aa32b907f:0x6d9daae3b9199343!8m2!3d55.9496581!4d-3.1937817)

### 8. Greyfriars Kirkyard

This is the **most important cemetery in the Old Town**. It’s also believed to be the cemetery with the most paranormal activity in Scotland, to the point where part of the cemetery has been closed off to the public. This part is known as the **Covenanters’ Prison**, where George Mackenzie imprisoned and tortured hundreds of **Scottish Protestants** who were fighting against the King in the 17th century. However, it was not until the 90s that a series of inexplicable, possibly supernatural events began to occur, after the desecration of the Mackenzie family mausoleum. This cemetery is open 24 hours a day, so if you dare to visit at night and something strange happens to you… perhaps report it to the **Faculty of Parapsychology at Edinburgh University**!

It’s also home to the tombstone of Greyfriars Bobby, the **most famous dog in Scotland**; so popular that Disney adapted the story into a movie. As well as Bobby’s headstone, you will also find graves with the same names as some of the characters in **JK Rowling's** series of novels, Harry Potter. This fascinating churchyard is located in the Old Town of Edinburgh, very close to the Grassmarket.

Address: [26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Greyfriars+Kirkyard/@55.9469198,-3.1924396,18z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x0:0xe1508295dd448c87!8m2!3d55.9471682!4d-3.1927961)

![Grayfriars Kick.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Grayfriars_Kick_f193e1f75c.jpg)

### 9. Greyfriars Bobby Statue

As well as his headstone, Bobby also has his own statue right in front of the main entrance to **Greyfriars Kirkyard**. This faithful little dog spent 14 years visiting the grave of his owner, John Gray, an act which earned him the fame that led to his film, and above all, to the hearts of the Scots. The statue is a must-see stop, and it’s said that you’ll get good luck if you touch Bobby's nose. But be careful not to be seen, as the people of **Edinburgh** don’t believe this superstition and don’t like anyone touching Bobby's nose, so you might attract some negative attention!

Don’t forget to visit his tombstone either, where you will see that people have left him sticks to play with instead of flowers.

Address: [Edinburgh EH1 2QQ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Greyfriars+Bobby+Statue/@55.9470511,-3.1922196,17.5z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x0:0xb21225ab22512f54!8m2!3d55.9468858!4d-3.191229)

![Grayfriars Bobby.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Grayfriars_Bobby_b94776e808.jpg)

### 10. Victoria Street

This cobbled street has a very pronounced curve, starting at **George IV Bridge** and ending at Grassmarket Square (or vice versa, the order doesn’t really matter!). It’s a very picturesque street, with each of the shop fronts painted in a different colour, which has made it one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh. **JK Rowling** was also inspired by this street to create Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

![victoria Street.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/victoria_Street_1b4f6c10c1.jpg)

## New Town

### 11. Calton Hill

This hill, located very close to the centre of Edinburgh, is one of the main hills in the city and you don’t have to prepare much to climb it, since it’s quite easy. From the top, you’ll get spectacular views over the city. You can also see the iconic National Monument, an incomplete replica of the Parthenon in Athens, built in memory of those who fell in the Napoleonic Wars; the Horatio Nelson Monument, a tower shaped like an inverted spyglass; and the former City Observatory. In 2018, the observatory building complex was restored and converted into a restaurant ([The Lookout](https://www.thelookoutedinburgh.co/)), gift shop and exhibit hall. The hilltop is definitely a view I recommend both during the day and for sunset.

Address: [Edinburgh EH7 5AA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Calton+Hill/@55.9541485,-3.1902684,15z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x4887c7896e46c799:0x9181b664f75766dd!8m2!3d55.9550461!4d-3.1827414)

![Edinburgh Old Town.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Edinburgh_Old_Town_058ba96a26.jpg)

|Edinburgh Walking Tours |
|---|
| Book your [Edinburgh Free Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour) |
| Book your [Edinburgh Mysteries, witchery and murders Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour) |
| BEST TOUR [Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle) |
| Book your [Outlander and Jacobites Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/outlander-tour)|

### 12. Dean Village

A 10 minute walk from Princes Street, this **picturesque Victorian neighbourhood** was built in the 1880s, when it began as a working-class village. During the Industrial Revolution, the factories needed labour and so people left their homes in the countryside to emigrate en-masse, resulting in a population spike in the big cities. **Dean Village** is built around the **Water of Leith**, a 12km river, with a magnificent walk alongside it. Here you can walk among nature even in the very centre of Edinburgh, through an oasis of peace. Certainly a must-see during your stay in the **Scottish capital**!

![Dean village Edimburgo.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Dean_village_Edimburgo_3af2a150a5.jpg)

### 13. [National Portrait Gallery](https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/scottish-national-portrait-gallery)

This **New Town museum is located on Queen Street**, and is one of the most creative and beautiful buildings in Edinburgh. It’s built from reddish sandstone, while the rest of the city is in yellow coloured stone, and the architect based the design on the Doge's Palace in Venice. This museum is also a sanctuary for **Scottish heroes** and heroines, where you will find portraits of everyone from kings and queens to figures from the Scottish Enlightenment. Inside you will find a library, an art gallery and the main hall, which might be the most beautiful part of the building, with a ceiling covered in constellations.

![Galeria Nacional de Retratos de Edimburgo.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Galeria_Nacional_de_Retratos_de_Edimburgo_31df48d895.jpg)

Address: [1 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Scottish+National+Portrait+Gallery/@55.9592898,-3.1938733,14z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x4887c648eae6c6eb:0x2be348d68265ff86!8m2!3d55.9555312!4d-3.1937606)

### 14. Royal Bank of Scotland

This bank is **located in St. Andrews Square**, in the **New Town**. It was originally a private residence which was later acquired by the government for use as a tax office, and in 1825, it was purchased by the **Royal Bank of Scotland** to use as their Edinburgh headquarters. Today it is considered the best among all UK bank buildings, so I recommend having a look if you have time. The roof is highly impressive, with a huge dome that has 120 star-shaped windows across it. When you visit the bank, go to the counter and exchange a £1 coin for a £1 note from the Royal Bank of Scotland; it's still legal tender of course but is hard to come by, and so looks much nicer stuck on the fridge with a magnet!

Address: [36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Royal+Bank+of+Scotland/@55.9560102,-3.1898161,15.75z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x469a1eebe54c0a58!2sEdinburgh+Castle!8m2!3d55.9485947!4d-3.1999135!3m4!1s0x4887c78e19217d11:0x7fab6b5afd4355c1!8m2!3d55.9546562!4d-3.1918448)

![Bank of Scotlant Edimburgo.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Bank_of_Scotlant_Edimburgo_994f5babd6.jpg)
 
[Map with list of sites](https://www.google.com/maps/@55.9540892,-3.1924662,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m3!11m2!2s2yfxX5M4kvjgOphojlb_q37IACqLBA!3e3)

**Edinburgh is full of magic,** with a fairytale Old Town and a New Town reminiscent of the streets of Paris. A city where the Scottish Enlightenment was born, and with it, illustrious figures such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, David Hume, Adam Smith and many more. 

Finally, I would like to end this article with something said many years ago by a true English gentleman, Sir Winston Churchill: “Of all the small nations on Earth, perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to the betterment of humanity”, and of course, much of this has been attributed to the capital, **Edinburgh**.

14 Things to See & Do in Edinburgh

Best things to See in the Capital of Scotland