Top 5 Unmissable Places to see in Edinburgh

I Love Edinburgh, it is probably my most favourite city in the world, and having visited 55+ countries, that is saying something!

There is so many places to see and things do in this city, It is a beautiful, very photogenic city with beautiful sandstone buildings, big open areas, new cosmopolitain areas, gorgeous old sections, so much culture and history is here along with lovely Scottish people to boot!

I have been to this city so many times and feel I haven’t even scratched the surface of this city.

There are plenty of things to see and do and yet, unfortunately seems to be a quick 1 or 2 days stop for most people as they head off to the highlands or Hebrides.

So if you are pressed for time to see Edinburgh, these are the top 5 unmissable places to see!

1. Edinburgh Old town

The old town is the oldest part of Edinburgh and became a UNESCO world heritage area in 1995. Located on a old volcano (castle Rock) the main street called the Royal mile, runs down it like a spine. With lots of little closes and Wynds (alleyways) off it, many have very pretty gardens or squares and stairways for shortcuts to lower levels of the city.

The old town has many multi-story buildings, which are also known as some of the worlds earliest high rise buildings. 

During the late 1700’s  the city was over crowded and stinking, the government decided to expand the city and fill up the stinking Loch Lor that was being used as a rubbish dump for the city and build the New town on the other side of it.

The town is now luckily stink -free and a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Used as the main tourist hotspot (don’t let that discourage you though!) There are plenty of things to see and do here.

Explore the closes and the Real Mary Kings close, the museum of Edinburgh, the camera obscure, Houses of government, St Giles Cathedral, The Scotch whiskey Experience, the famous Victoria street and Cockburn streets coming off the Royal mile.

It is also a great place if you want to do some souvenir shopping while enjoying buskers playing the bagpipes. It is easy to imagine being here back in the 1700s. 

2. Edinburgh Castle

Located at the top of Castle Rock, the old Volcano, there has been a castle on this spot since the 11th Century. The castle has worn many hats during this time, from a Military fortress, Treasury, prison, Mint, and a Royal residence since 1633.

The castle is one of the most historically significant buildings in Scottish history, controlled by both the Scottish and English garrisons at various times over the centuries and a pivotal place in the Scottish wars of independence.

Located in a strategic position and easy to defend, the castle stands over the city, and gives fantastic views of the city. I would recommend at least 1/2 a day minimum to explore the castle as there are a lot of things inside the castle. 

It contains the National war museum and memorial, the Scottish crown jewels, St Margarets Chapel, the time keeping One o’clock gun daily (except Sunday) Prison exhibition and many others.

Each August the castle also plays a role in the world famous Royal Edinburgh Military tattoo which is fantastic and highly recommend if you are in Edinburgh in August- tickets need to be booked far in advance.

3. Holyrood Palace

Located as the bottom end of the Royal mile is Holyrood Palace. Home to the Royal family when they are in Scotland since the 16th century, this palace is also famous for some other previous residents, such as Queen Mary of Scots and Bonnie prince Charlie from the last Jacobite rising.

Originally the seat of the Scottish monarch, it still has the the rooms that Queen Mary used, and set up from that era. It is a beautiful laid out palace with beautiful Scottish decor. Out the back of the palace are botanical gardens and the old abbey ruins that was originally built in 1128. 

4. Dean Village

Located a short 10-15 minute walk from the new town lies a beautiful village in the middle of Edinburgh. The waterway Leith runs through the village and a walkway called the water of Leith walkway follows the river for a couple of kilometres in each direction from the village.

If you start at the Dean bridge on the east side you will see a walkway down to where some of the most famous photos of Dean village are taken, close to Bells Brae bridge and the water of Leith weir.

If you head west along the path after this some of the places you will pass are Bernards well and Millers Row and if you continue along here you will eventually end up at Stockbridge.

Open on Sundays the Stockbridge Market is a local farmers market and great place to stop to try some local food. If its not Sunday there are plenty of cafes and restaurants around with views of the Leith.

5. Arthurs Seat or Carlton hill

I have put both Arthurs seat and Carlton hill here as it really depends on how much time you have in Edinburgh. If you have the time I highly recommend both, but if your on a time crunch I would suggest Carlton hill, and if you have the time Arthurs Seat. Both give fantastic views over Edinburgh, but from different sides.

Carlton Hill

Just down the road from Waverley station, Carlton hill has a collection of monuments, including the National monument and statues such as the Robert Burns and Nelson monuments were built over the centuries and collectively became a UNESCO world heritage site.

Carlton takes about 15 minutes to climb and once at the top gives a fantastic view of the unique old town skyline and Edinburgh castle and being able to see this view from so close is what makes it so special. 

Arthurs Seat

Located behind Holyrood Palace, Arthurs Seat rises up over the city. A extinct volcano, Arthurs seat is in Holyrood park and has walking paths all over.

You can spend a shorter 45 minutes to 1 hour one way, walking the direct route to the top, or spend a few hours and head to the lake or the Salisbury crags and enjoy the beautiful colours of the heather during spring and summer as you walk up.

Steph xx