15+ most famous attractions & best places to visit in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city that retains many traces of time in ancient Europe. Let’s explore Edinburgh tourist destinations for those who love to explore with 15+ most famous attractions & best places to visit in Edinburgh suggested by Klook below!

Mysterious stories and more than 1,000 years of history have turned Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, into an attractive destination for those who love to explore. This city attracts visitors with winding cobblestone streets, leading to small alleys tinged with time and countless ancient castles.

Edinburgh has attracted countless famous artists and writers, from J.K. Rowling to Sir Walter Scott, and has become an endless source of inspiration for world-famous works such as Harry Potter. Follow Klook Vietnam to learn about Edinburgh!

Edinburgh Castle in Scotland (#best places to visit in Edinburgh)

Located on top of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle has long been an immortal symbol of Scotland. With a history of more than 900 years, this architectural work has witnessed many ups and downs of the country. It was once the residence of the King and Queen of Scotland, then a military fortress and later used as a prison.

Today, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Scotland. Visitors coming here will have the opportunity to explore many hidden corners of history, admire precious artifacts such as the Stone of Destiny, the Mons Meg cannon and St. Margaret’s Chapel – the oldest building of the Edinburgh castle.

(*) Note: Entrance fees may vary depending on the season. For more information, please visit the castle’s official website.

• Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, Scotland
• Operating hours: 9:30am – 6:00pm (last entry 5:00pm)

Palace of Holyroodhouse In Edinburgh, Scotland

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the Queen of England when she visits Scotland. Located on the east side of the Royal Mile, with a stunning view of Arthur’s Seat, the palace dates back to the 16th century and is associated with Mary Queen of Scots, and Prince Charlie.

When entering the palace, visitors will be able to “see” the magnificent rooms, with a precious collection of Flemish and French tapestries. A highlight is the throne room, which houses two thrones commissioned by King George V in 1911.

In addition to the palace, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128 by King David I, are also extremely valuable real-life documents. The palace’s beautiful gardens are where you can admire the royal living spaces such as Queen Mary’s Baths and the Queen’s Gallery with paintings, furniture and photographs from the Royal Collection.

• Address: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, Scotland
• Opening hours: 9.30am – 6pm (last entry 4.30pm)

Arthur’s Seat In Edinburgh

Located right next to Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat is one of the most beautiful sunset spots in Edinburgh. At 251 metres high, it offers sweeping views of the city and its suburbs.

Arthur’s Seat was formed by volcanic activity 335 million years ago and is the highest point of the 650-acre Holyrood Park. There are many trails to explore around the park, and the route to the top is relatively easy. It will take you about 1-1.5 hours to conquer the peak, depending on your speed and fitness.

If you don’t want to climb to the top, you can still admire the panoramic view of the city from Salisbury Crags. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll around Duddingston Loch, Dunsapie Loch and St Margaret’s Loch, which are home to many animals and birds from another continent that you will hardly find when you return to home.

• Address: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Scotland EH8 8AZ, United Kingdom

Royal Yacht Britannia Edinburgh

Moored in Leith, the Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the most attractive destinations in Edinburgh. Britannia was built at the John Brown & Co shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, and was launched by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. This yacht has served the British Royal Family for more than 40 years, traveled millions of nautical miles and witnessed many important events.

When visiting Britannia, you will have the opportunity to explore the ship’s 5 floors with different spaces. The floors of this ship include luxurious reception rooms to the crew’s bedrooms. The main living room is where the Queen often receives distinguished guests, and the sunroom is her favorite place.

Besides, you will also have the opportunity to learn about the daily life of the crew and interesting stories from Britannia’s long trips.

National Museum of Scotland

If you want to find an indoor tourist destination to explore world history, don’t miss the National Museum of Scotland. Here you will have the opportunity to explore a vast treasure trove of knowledge about natural history, ancient civilisations, archaeology and Scottish history.

The museum displays a wide range of artifacts, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to ceramics, from cultural diversity to wildlife. All are presented in a lively and engaging way.

Some highlights you should not miss are Dolly – the world’s first cloned sheep, the millennium clock and the ancient Lewis chess set. The main hall of the museum is also a great place to take photos with its impressive architecture and panoramic views.

The museum regularly organizes events such as guided tours, workshops and temporary exhibitions, providing visitors with diverse and interesting experiences. In particular, you can also go to the rooftop of the museum to see the whole city of Edinburgh.

• Address: Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF, Scotland, United Kingdom
• Opening hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

Just a mile from the city center, the Royal Botanic Gardens is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. With a large area of ​​over 70 acres and more than 13,500 species of plants, this is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Edinburgh.

Established in 1670, the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the UK. Interesting activities that you should not miss are exploring the Chinese garden, climbing to the top of Stone Hill for panoramic views, strolling on the cobblestone paths under the oak trees, or exploring the forest with giant red pines.

In particular, the Victoria Tropical Conservatory is a destination not to be missed with its ancient architecture and rich collection of tropical plants. In winter, the Botanic Gardens will hold a Christmas event in the garden, very suitable for families and couples to visit.

• Address: Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, Scotland, UK
• Opening Hours: Open daily: 10:00am – 6:00pm (March – September) | 10:00am – 5:00pm (October – February).

Edinburgh Beaches In Scotland

Portobello is a beautiful seaside town with over two miles of sandy beach just a few miles from Edinburgh city centre. In the summer, this is an ideal destination for those who want to sunbathe, swim or play beach volleyball.

A leisurely stroll along the coastal path, or join a bike ride to Edinburgh Coast and enjoy the vast, fresh sea views will bring you moments of relaxation after many busy working days. Portobello Beach also regularly hosts events such as music festivals and sandcastle building competitions, bringing a vibrant atmosphere to visitors.

To get to Portobello, you can take bus number 15 or 26 from Princes Street. If you are looking for a place to enjoy the warm summer days, Portobello will definitely not disappoint you!

Edinburgh Old Town In Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town is the historic center of the city, the ideal place for you to explore the history and culture of Scotland. The most popular tourist attraction is the Royal Mile, the main street that has been associated with Edinburgh for centuries. Along this street, you will come across many cafes, restaurants, gift shops for you to enjoy local cuisine and stop by to buy lovely souvenirs for your friends.

In addition, you also don’t forget to visit famous tourist attractions such as St Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament building, Mercat Cross, and small alleys containing countless interesting stories. Edinburgh Old Town also boasts a number of fascinating museums, including the Edinburgh Museum, John Knox House, the Writers’ Museum and the National Museum of Scotland.

When night falls, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Town with its numerous bars and clubs. A glass of Edinburgh’s finest whisky at the Edinburgh Pub Crawl will make your evening more memorable!

Victoria Street and Grassmarket in Edinburgh

Victoria Street and Grassmarket in Edinburgh are two places that Harry Potter fans cannot miss. Victoria Street is likened to Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books, with its rows of ancient Flemish-style houses, colorful and unique arched facades. This is one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh, and it leads from the Grassmarket to the Royal Mile.

The Grassmarket is a lively square, famous for its rich history. Today, it is the center of many major events, including the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. On Saturdays, you can visit the farmers market and buy fresh local produce. Alternatively, you can relax in one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, such as the White Hart Inn – which has hosted many public figures.

Edinburgh Royal Mile

The Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s main street, is a must-see when visiting Scotland. This street connects the ancient Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, and along it are a series of famous landmarks such as St. Giles Cathedral and Mary King’s Close.

You will be immersed in the ancient beauty of the grey sandstone buildings, explore a series of unique souvenir shops and enjoy many traditional Scottish dishes at cozy pubs.

In August, when the Edinburgh Festival takes place, the Royal Mile becomes more vibrant than ever with colorful street performances. Take a walking tour to discover the hidden, little-known corners of the city that hold its own charm. Or simply take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant, rhythmic urban space and you will feel the breath of life here to the fullest.

The Real Mary King’s Close

Just beneath the bustling Royal Mile in the Old Town lies the Real Mary King’s Close. This is a living museum that takes you back in time to the 17th century to explore the lives of the people of Edinburgh in the past.

Join your guide in the underground world of the Real Mary King’s Close, where narrow alleyways and cramped apartments tell the story of the harsh lives of the people here in the past.

Listen to fascinating anecdotes about the many famous names who lived here and the creepy legends of the severe epidemic that ravaged the city. The Real Mary King’s Close is also known as a famous “haunted place” in the UK, having appeared in many books and television shows.

Conquer the Edinburgh South Bridge Vaults in Edinburgh

In addition to The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh’s Old Town also has another fascinating destination with a long history and mysterious story, which is the Edinburgh Vaults. This crypt system, also known as the South Bridge Vaults, is hidden deep underground and is definitely not a destination for the “faint-hearted” tourists.

The journey will take you to famous places such as the Double Height Room, Tavern Room, Niddry Street Corridor, Room of the Cobbler, Wine Vault, Room of the Caretaker, and the White Room. Each location has its own creepy stories about haunted spirits, with a gloomy, cold atmosphere (or “strange phenomena” that will make you feel this new experience clearly.

• Address: 30 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL, United Kingdom
• Opening hours: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm

The Edinburgh Dungeon In Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Dungeon takes you on a dramatic adventure through the dark corners of Edinburgh’s history. With a combination of talented actors, special effects and thrilling games, you will face terrifying characters such as the cannibalistic Sawney Bean family and the murderous duo Burke and Hare. Get ready to face your fears and experience a completely different Edinburgh.

• Address: 31 Market Place, Edinburgh EH1 1DF, United Kingdom
• Opening hours: 10:30 am – 5:15 pm afternoon

Sip Whisky at Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh

Scotch Whisky Experience is the ideal destination for whisky lovers. Located on the Royal Mile, it owns the world’s largest collection of whisky bottles and preserves an interesting story about the history of whisky production in Scotland.

When you come here, you can learn about the whisky production process and enjoy a glass of this premium wine. Scotch Whisky Experience also has a restaurant and bar, serving all visitors who want to discover more about Scotland’s national drink. You also have the opportunity to bring home a small bottle of wine as a souvenir. Scotch Whisky Experience is open from 10am to 5pm.

• Address: 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, United Kingdom
• Opening hours: 10:00am – 6:20pm

Hard Rock Cafe in Edinburgh

Located on George Street, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is the ideal destination for music and food lovers. This cafe is located near famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, providing you with an ideal space to rest after exploring the city.

This is a paradise for food lovers to enjoy American-style dishes, from famous burgers to fresh salads. The restaurant also has a bar with many delicious cocktails. In particular, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh displays many valuable music memorabilia, such as Ringo Starr’s leather jacket and the guitar of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Although not a bustling modern city, Edinburgh is an ideal city for you to slowly discover interesting mysteries. In this city with the mark of time, you can learn about history, art, culture and enjoy premium Whisky.

• Address: 20 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, United Kingdom
• Opening hours: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Edinburgh you can refer to

• Shared Edinburgh Airport (EDI) Transfers for Edinburgh by Airlink 100
• Edinburgh Airport to City Train Ticket
• Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Edinburgh Castle Tour
• Edinburgh Rail Tour with Edinburgh Castle & Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour (From London)
• Scottish Borders Day Tour from Edinburgh including Rosslyn Chapel
• Whisky and Waterfalls Day Tour from Edinburgh
• Outlander and Three Castles Day Tour from Edinburgh
• Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh
• Edinburgh City Pass
• Edinburgh Castle Admission Ticket
• Royal Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass with Edinburgh Castle Entry

Read more top things to do in Edinburgh here. And Edinburgh itinerary 1 day — How to spend 1 day in Edinburgh & what to do in Edinburgh in one day.