Scotland · Scotland
Top 10 places in Edinburgh
Ranked from Google ratings and review counts, not VacationGuide reviews. Sights and landmarks are weighted above restaurants and stays so the list shows you what makes Edinburgh worth visiting.
- 1Attraction
Edinburgh Castle
Photo from Google Maps · Geri Michalari
Google rating 4.6(110,727 Google reviews)
Perched atop a volcanic plug, Edinburgh Castle has been a prominent feature of Scotland's capital city for centuries. This historic attraction houses the Honours of Scotland, including the Crown Jewels, and the National War Museum. It is a significant part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK
Official website - 2Attraction
National Museum of Scotland
Photo from Google Maps · Bram Adwz
Google rating 4.8(60,521 Google reviews)
Located in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, the National Museum of Scotland offers a diverse collection spanning Scottish history, natural history, and global cultures. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, from ancient artefacts to modern industrial relics, within its impressive building. Entry to the permanent collections is free, making it an accessible attraction for all.
Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, UK
Official website - 3Attraction
Royal Mile
Photo from Google Maps · Sweat Less Travel
Google rating 4.7(26,020 Google reviews)
The Royal Mile forms the historic spine of Edinburgh's Old Town, connecting the iconic Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace. This bustling thoroughfare, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its independent shops, bars, and restaurants. It serves as a vibrant magnet for visitors, historians, and locals alike, offering a rich tapestry of history and activity.
Edinburgh EH1 1QS, UK
Official website - 4Attraction
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Photo from Google Maps · Perttu Auramo
Google rating 4.7(25,278 Google reviews)
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a leading global botanic institution boasting extensive plant collections across its 70-acre manicured grounds. Visitors can discover a variety of gardens, a palm house, and temporary exhibitions, alongside facilities like cafes and events for all ages.
Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, UK
Official website - 5Landmark
Scott Monument
Photo from Google Maps · Nick
Google rating 4.7(8,116 Google reviews)
This striking Victorian Gothic monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, stands proudly in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens. As the world's largest memorial to a writer, it offers panoramic views of the city from its 287-step spiral staircase. Its intricate design and towering spire make it an unmissable landmark.
E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, UK
Official website - 6Landmark
Arthur's Seat
Photo from Google Maps · Dafydd Pritchard
Google rating 4.9(4,973 Google reviews)
Dominating Edinburgh's Holyrood Park, Arthur's Seat is an ancient extinct volcano, offering expansive panoramic views across the city and surrounding landscape. This prominent landmark, standing at 251 metres above sea level, is older than the city itself and forms part of a group of hills within the Royal Park.
The Dasses, Edinburgh EH8 8AZ, UK
Official website - 7Restaurant
Dishoom Edinburgh
Photo from Google Maps · Dishoom Edinburgh
Google rating 4.8(21,703 Google reviews)
Situated at 3a St Andrew Square, Dishoom Edinburgh is a prominent city-centre restaurant offering a lively dining experience. It is exceptionally well regarded by patrons, holding an impressive 4.8 rating from over 21,000 Google reviews.
3a St Andrew Sq, Edinburgh EH2 2BD, UK
Official website - 8Restaurant
Makars Mash Bar
Photo from Google Maps · Makars Mash Bar
Google rating 4.8(11,198 Google reviews)
Makars Mash Bar in Edinburgh specialises in Scottish comfort food, particularly mashed potatoes served with various meat or vegetarian toppings. Located centrally on The Mound, this unfussy restaurant offers hearty, locally sourced dishes including their own homemade haggis. It provides a casual dining experience for those seeking traditional Scottish fare.
9-12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN, UK
Official website - 9Landmark
National Monument of Scotland
Photo from Google Maps · Scott McCall
Google rating 4.7(3,234 Google reviews)
Perched atop Calton Hill in Edinburgh, this neoclassical landmark serves as a memorial to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who lost their lives in the Napoleonic Wars. First proposed in 1816, the ambitious design was planned as a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens. Construction was abandoned after the appeal raised less than half of the needed £42,000, leaving just twelve columns standing and earning the site the moniker of a 'National Disgrace'.
Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, UK
Official website - 10Landmark
Greyfriars Bobby Statue
Photo from Google Maps · Charlie Voller
Google rating 4.7(3,121 Google reviews)
Located in Edinburgh's Old Town on Candlemaker Row, this bronze and granite memorial fountain was designed by William Brodie and unveiled in 1873. The three-foot-tall, life-size statue honours a devoted nineteenth-century Skye terrier reputed to have watched over his owner's grave for fourteen years. Restored in 1985, this outdoor monument stands just outside the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ, UK
Official website
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