Must See Sights and Landmarks in Edinburgh Area

We've collected top 10 mentioned sights and landmarks in Edinburgh from other articles such as planetware.com, traveltriangle.com, st-christophers.co.uk.

Must See Sights and Landmarks in Edinburgh Area

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
4.6 (64082 ratings)4.5 (44933 ratings)
An 11th-century castle and barracks housing the Crown Jewels and National War Museum of Scotland.
Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
CastleSights & LandmarksHistorical landmark
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
4.6 (8857 ratings)4.5 (12230 ratings)
Long-standing tower with five floors showcasing hands-on exhibits of whimsical optical illusions.
Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2ND, United Kingdom
Sights & LandmarksScience MuseumsObservation Decks & Towers
Mentioned by Edinburgh 2 days itinerary
2 Days in Edinburgh: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit
"Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions Camera Obscura is located one block down the Royal Mile from the Edinburgh Castle. If you are visiting Edinburgh with kids, this is an awesome spot to visit. Six floors are filled with illusions, puzzles, and optical tricks."
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral
4.6 (7230 ratings)4.5 (5872 ratings)
Grand, Gothic medieval building and Presbyterian place of worship where John Knox used to preach.
High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
CathedralSights & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
Calton Hill
Calton Hill
4.7 (2428 ratings)4.5 (8262 ratings)
Prominent hill with neoclassical monuments & sweeping views of the city skyline & Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh, EH7 5AA, United Kingdom
Mountain peakSights & LandmarksLighthousesGeologic FormationsPoints of Interest & LandmarksLookouts
Mentioned by Scotland Bucket List
30+ Top Things To Do with Kids in Edinburgh: The Complete Guide
"Calton Hill is another fantastic place for kids to let off steam and as a bonus you’ll get some of the ultimate best views of the city!. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views to the Firth of Forth, Arthurs Seat, the port of Leith, the Pentland hills and of course right down Princes street towards the castle. Calton Hill is also home to several unusual monuments including the national monument which looks like it was built by the Romans."
Mentioned by Penguin and Pia
Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland: Free & Paid Activities
"If you head for the Balmoral Hotel (large clock tower in New Town) head Northeast and you’ll find your way up Calton Hill. There’s plenty to see up there – from Nelson Monument (see below) to just soaking up in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh!"
Royal Yacht Britannia
Royal Yacht Britannia
4.6 (4392 ratings)4.5 (19843 ratings)
Large oceanic liner used by Britain's royal family on official state visits for more than 40 years.
Ocean Dr, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, United Kingdom
Sights & LandmarksEvent venueShipsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by The Edinburgh Address
Indoor Family Activities - The Best Things to do in Edinburgh for Kids
"Take your children to Her Majesty’s floating residence and take a trip to The Royal Yacht Britannia!. Before you step aboard, view the 11 foot LEGO replica model of Britannia and learn about the history of Royal Yachts. Your kids will love walking on this stunning ship, listening to their own personalised audio guide, while seeing all fantastic five decks, the State Apartments, Crew’s Quarters and The Engine Room!"
Mentioned by Penguin and Pia
Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland: Free & Paid Activities
"If you’re heading towards Leith, you’ll end up at the Ocean Terminal – and you’ll set your eyes on the Royal Yacht Britannia!. Just take Buses No. 11, 22 or 35 from the city centre. We’ll let you check it out to learn all about the dates and the history – which is plentiful!"
Holyrood Abbey
Holyrood Abbey
4.6 (327 ratings)4.5 (1057 ratings)
Abbey in a spectacular setting, with free tours by wardens clad in ancient hunting Stewart tartan.
Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX, United Kingdom
AbbeySights & LandmarksHistorical landmarkSacred & Religious SitesHistoric Sites
Mentioned by The Crazy Tourist
25 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh (Scotland
"The abbey was later used partially as a royal residence, and as a location for the Scottish Parliament from the 13th to the 15th centuries. The abbey has seen a large chunk of Scottish history, politics and culture, including the end of the First War of Scottish Independence, and the birth and coronation of kings. The remains still show beautiful and impressive original architecture which have inspired numerous painters and writers."
Cramond Island
Cramond Island
4.7 (197 ratings)4.5 (101 ratings)
Island connected to mainland by causeway at low tide, popular for walks & exploring WWII structures.
United Kingdom
IslandSights & LandmarksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by Edinburgh 2 days itinerary
A Long Weekend in Edinburgh Itinerary You’ll Want to Copy
"Cramond Island: This pretty tidal island is located an hour or so from Edinburgh’s Waverly Bridge by bus. Purchase some picnic essentials, grab a book and hop on a bus on a sunny day to make the most of this short day trip from Edinburgh. Nearby, there are coastal paths to follow and history to uncover; the most important Roman statue ever found in Scotland, the Cramond Lioness was uncovered in the estuary near Cramond Island!"
National Monument of Scotland
National Monument of Scotland
4.6 (305 ratings)4 (275 ratings)
Historical hilltop memorial to soldiers & sailors from Scotland who perished in the Napoleonic Wars.
Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA, United Kingdom
Sights & LandmarksMonuments & Statues
Mentioned by planetware.com
19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Edinburgh | PlanetWare
"Calton Hill provides a panoramic view of the city, with Princes Street, the castle, and the Old Town silhouetted against Arthur's Seat. To the east and north you can see the Firth of Forth and the docks at Leith. At the foot of the hill stands the 13th-century Royal High School, where Sir Walter Scott was once a pupil."
Gilmerton Cove
Gilmerton Cove
4.6 (155 ratings)4.5 (710 ratings)
Appointment-only exploration of mysterious, hand-carved tunnels and caverns, with a visitor centre.
16 Drum St, Gilmerton, Edinburgh EH17 8QH, United Kingdom
Historical landmarkSights & LandmarksHistoric Sites
Craigmillar Castle
Craigmillar Castle
4.7 (1516 ratings)4.5 (810 ratings)
Well-preserved medieval castle with a tower, a prison, extensive gardens and a car park.
Craigmillar Castle Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 4SY, United Kingdom
CastleSights & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsHistoric Sites
Mentioned by 10Best
Let Edinburgh–s Top 10 Romantic Attractions Seduce You
"This ruined medieval castle was built in the 14th century and gradually added to over the centuries until it fell into disrepair in the 1700s. Mary, Queen of Scots recuperated here after an illness following the birth of her son, James VI, who would later become James I of Great Britain after the Union of the Crowns. The structure is a fascinating example of a medieval castle and much of it still stands, including the tower house and the defensive walls."
Mentioned by The Crazy Tourist
25 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh (Scotland
"Craigmillar Castle is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and well-preserved castles, and a must-visit. The castle has existed since the 15th century and was inhabited by royals including Mary Queen of Scots. At the entrance to the castle, a pair of yew trees stand in the same place they have been for centuries, having once supplied wood for weapons."

Best Asian Food Restaurants in Edinburgh

Saboteur
Saboteur
4.3 (543 ratings)
Vietnamese street food & draft beer offered in a cool, contemporary space with a buzzy atmosphere.
19-20 Teviot Pl, Edinburgh, EH1 2QZ, United Kingdom
Vietnamese restaurantSouth Asian restaurantSoutheast Asian restaurantThai restaurant
Mentioned by Trip101
Cheap Eats In Edinburgh, Scotland Under 10 USD - Updated 2021
"A post shared by Servings of Edinburgh (@servingsofedinburgh) on Nov 23, 2017 at 10:09am PST. The sister restaurant to Ting Thai-Caravan, a Thai restaurant also found on Teviot Street, Saboteur is a South East Asian-themed restaurant specializing in Vietnamese cuisine. A wide and varied menu, with plenty of options for customers on specialist diets, includes such wonders as Cari Rang Voi Nang (a red curry with beef) and Pho Vit (a duck noodle soup with spice)."
Mentioned by Condé Nast Traveler
20 Best Restaurants in Edinburgh
"Located in the University quarter, Saboteur specializes in Vietnamese street food. Although it's not a grab-and-go place, it's still quick and casual, with clusters of small tables, tiny wooden stools, and low-lit booths. The small boxes—literally cardboard—of dishes like simple tofu with salt and pepper and grilled chicken skewers with ajard and peanut sauce are all superb."
Mentioned by scotsman.com
17 of the best cheap eats in Edinburgh
"Sister restaurant to the ever-popular Ting Thai Caravan, Saboteur offers reasonably priced Vietnamese and South East Asian food. Most main courses come in at around £7, with filling options like beef pho noodles, pork belly bao buns and roasted duck coconut curry on the menu. Visit: 19-20 Teviot Place, EH1 2QZ - saboteurrestaurant.com"
Street Box
Street Box
4.3 (164 ratings)
A menu featuring traditional Thai street food snacks & dishes in a modern space with exposed brick.
53 Raeburn Pl, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1HX, United Kingdom
Thai restaurantAsian restaurantRestaurantSoutheast Asian restaurant
Kampong Ah Lee
Kampong Ah Lee
4.4 (329 ratings)
Warmly decorated restaurant serving classic Malaysian dishes including soup-based 'big bowls'.
28 Clerk St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9HX, United Kingdom
Malaysian restaurantAsian restaurantChinese restaurantChinese takeawayDelivery Chinese restaurantTakeout RestaurantRestaurantRice restaurantSeafood restaurantVegan restaurant
Mentioned by Time Out Edinburgh
The 11 best cheap eats in Edinburgh
"The curry laksa soup here is filed under a menu section titled ‘Big Bowl’ – and they’re not messing around. For £6.30, steaming troughs of slippery noodles, prawns, chicken pieces, tofu, bean sprouts and crab sticks come in bottomless quantities. Not to be confused with its equally delightful sister restaurant Kampung Ah Lee on Clerk Street."

Best Donuts in Edinburgh

The Bearded Baker
The Bearded Baker
4.7 (194 ratings)
46 Rodney St, Edinburgh, EH7 4DX, United Kingdom
BakeryCafeDonut shop
Mentioned by Dickins
The Best Places to Enjoy a Doughnut in Edinburgh
"New Town is architecturally stunning and is full of wonderful cafes, we think you’ll love staying here:. The Bearded Baker started off by supplying wholesale bagels to many of the city’s best cafes, and when the opportunity arose to turn The Bearded Baker into a cafe, they jumped at the opportunity!. We’re so glad they did as the cafe is a gem, and most importantly they also serve up a fabulous range of delectable doughnuts."
Mentioned by Dickins
6 of the Best Edinburgh Artisan Bakeries
"With the Royal Botanic Gardens nearby, Canonmills is a lovely part of Edinburgh to stay in, and we think you’ll enjoy your stay at. The Bearded Baker is a cosy bakery and coffee shop located in Canonmills – who are famous for their delicious bagels!. As well as bagels, they also offer a variety of cakes, doughnuts, sourdough loaves and coffee!"
Twelve Triangles
Twelve Triangles
4.7 (298 ratings)
Pint-sized cafe offering espresso drinks, sweet & savory pastries & donuts in a cheerful atmosphere.
90 Brunswick St, Edinburgh, EH7 5HU, United Kingdom
CafeCoffee shopDonut shop
Considerit
Considerit
4.7 (269 ratings)
3, 5A Sciennes, Newington, Edinburgh EH9 1NH, United Kingdom
Dessert shopBakeryChocolate shopDonut shopIce cream shop
Mentioned by Dickins
The Best Places to Enjoy a Doughnut in Edinburgh
"Located near the Meadows, Considerit is a relatively new addition to Edinburgh’s exciting foodie scene. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, this is one for you as Considerit believe in a plant-based future and therefore all their sweet treats are free from animal products!. Also, their doughnuts, chocolate, and ice cream are all hand crafted on a daily basis."
Mentioned by edinburghlive
Nine of the very best vegan places to eat in Edinburgh
"Vegans don’t have to miss out on dessert, especially in Edinburgh!. Considerit is a chocolate, doughnut and ice cream cafe that’s entirely vegan. They sell the most amazing and indulgent doughnuts, like this amazing chocolate hobnob creation, which is glazed with Biscoff spread, topped with crumbled oaty Hobnobs and finished with a chocolate drizzle."

Best Breweries in Edinburgh

Pilot
Pilot
4.8 (31 ratings)
Unit 4B, Stewartfield, Edinburgh, EH6 5RQ, United Kingdom
Brewery
BrewDog Lothian Road
BrewDog Lothian Road
4.5 (1747 ratings)
No-nonsense chain bar specialising in the Scottish brewery's craft beers, with regular guest brews.
50 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh, EH3 9BY, United Kingdom
BarBeer gardenBeer hallBreweryPubRestaurant
Mentioned by edinburgh.org
Top 10 Craft Beer Bars in Edinburgh
"This craft beer haven has a great atmosphere, offering a wide selection of both their own famous BrewDog beers in addition to a few guest names. The stainless steel and exposed brickwork of their Cowgate location gives the bar a funky industrial feel, which offers a nice alternative in an otherwise heavily influenced rock bar area in the heart of the Old Town. BrewDog's Lothian Road bar sits in what used to be a Clydesdale Bank - it's now home to 20 taps of craft beer and a killer take-away selection kept in chilled fridges."
Mentioned by dobbernationLOVES
[UPDATED 2020] Best Edinburgh Breweries
"In 2007, founders James and Martin started BrewDog with a mission to make other people as passionate about great craft beer as they were. BrewDog’s HQ can be found in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. The state of the art Scottish eco-brewery is also home to Overworks Brewery, BrewDog’s testing lab for sour beer."
Cold Town House
Cold Town House
4.5 (1035 ratings)
Casual stop with a rooftop terrace serving pizza with creative toppings, prosecco & craft beers.
4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU, United Kingdom
BrewpubBreweryPizza restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by DesignMyNight
New Year's Eve Restaurants In Edinburgh
"Situated below Edinburgh Castle, Cold Town House is one of the best places to celebrate Hogmanay. Alongside a gorgeous roof terrace offering you prime views of the fireworks, this Grassmarket bar and restaurant will be serving up Neapolitan pizza, craft beer and plenty of prosecco all night long."
Mentioned by Unifresher
5 rooftop bars in EdinburghUnifresher
"Cold Town House is a venue on Grassmarket, at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. It is owned and run by the local brewery Old Town Beer. The brewery’s own craft beers, as well as prosecco and several whiskeys, are served in a relaxed urban atmosphere with a spectacular view of the castle."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Edinburgh

Bernard Homestay
3.9 (175 reviews)
Bernard Homestay
Hotel
$77 /night
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Edinburgh Marriott Hotel
4.0 (3405 reviews)
Edinburgh Marriott Hotel
hotel
$118.33 /night
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7B Jamaica Street Apartment
4.5 (11 reviews)
7B Jamaica Street Apartment
apartment
$183 /night
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