Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Edinburgh, Scotland's vibrant capital - the best Edinburgh tourist information
Edinburgh Tourist Attractions
Edinburgh Dungeon
Scotland’s bloody history live with live actors, an eerie ride, shows and special effects transporting you back to those black, bleak terrible times. Meet an 18th century judge who knows exactly what you’ve been up to… the court isn’t impressed and the punishment will be harsh. Or find yourself hiding in a croft with terrified MacDonald clansmen as rival Campbells approach intent on destroying their enemy. Are you brave enough? www.thedungeons.com
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh castle dominates the city of Edinburgh like no other castle in Scotland. The visitor to the Castle is awarded with magnificent panoramas in every direction. No matter whether you are on the lowest levels or the highest points, you’ll be delighted by what you see. When you look to the north on a clear day you can see the mountains of the Kingdom of Fife in the distance and immediately below you are the world famous Princes Street Gardens. Over one thousand years of history sit a top the famous Edinburgh rock and it’s easy to see why over a million people a year visit Edinburgh Castle. www.edinburghcastle.biz
National Gallery of Scotland
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh on the Mound between the ancient Old Town and the Georgian New Town, it is home to Scotland’s greatest collection of European paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to Post Impressionism. It is one of the finest galleries of its size in the world. The gallery also boasts the largest and most comprehensive collection of Scottish paintings in the world. All the big names, Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie and McTaggart, represented in depth. www.ngs.org.uk
Museum of Scotland
Discover the story of a country that has a unique place in the hearts of people throughout the world. A striking landmark in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, this magnificent museum presents for the first time the story of Scotland - its land, its people and culture - through the rich national collections. Here you will discover everything from some of the nation's most precious treasures to everyday objects that throw light on Scotland through the ages. www.nms.ac.uk
Royal Museum
The Royal Museum is a magnificent Victorian building which houses international collections of Decorative Arts, Science and Industry, Archaeology and the Natural World. Some exhibits are millions of years old, others less than a decade. Together they reflect the diversity of life on Earth and the ingenuity of humankind. www.nms.ac.uk
Edinburgh Zoo
The Edinburgh Zoo is the largest and most exciting wildlife attraction in Scotland, committed to the highest standards of animal welfare, conservation and environmental education. In just one day, you can meet over 1000 wonderful animals, in out beautiful parkland setting on the outskirts of Edinburgh. And you can also enjoy a wide range of visitor’s facilities, from free Hilltop Safari rides to the top of the hill, children’s play area and lots of events and activities throughout the year. www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Royal Botanical Gardens
Explore the wonders of the plant kingdom in Scotland’s Premier Garden. In over 72 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds, plant collections from around the world, from the tender and exotic, to those native to Scotland, flourish. The National Botanic Gardens of Scotland bring together four unique Gardens celebrating the diversity of the plant kingdom. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was established in 1670 and during the 20th century acquired three Regional Gardens. www.rbge.org.uk
St. Giles Cathedral and the Royal Mile
St Giles' Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh with its famed crown spire on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is Presbyterianism's Mother Church and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen). www.stgilescathedral.org.uk
The Scottish Parliament Buildings
Scotland's new Parliament sits at the foot of Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile in front of the spectacular Holyrood Park and Salisbury Crags. Constructed from a mixture of steel, oak, and granite, the complex building has been hailed as one of the most innovative designs in Britain today. Access to the building is free and you can explore at your leisure an exhibition about the Scottish Parliament, pick up information about the Parliament, visit the public galleries of the Chamber or Committee rooms to see Parliament in action on business days. www.scottish.parliament.uk
The Spirit of the Tattoo Visitor Centre
The compelling story of Edinburgh’s Military Tattoo. Comprising an interactive exhibition, movie theatre, retail outlet and rooftop café; it is home to a comprehensive review of Scotland’s matchless spectacle of music, dance and display. www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk
The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
Experience the history and mystery of Scotch whisky. Located on the Royal Mile beside Edinburgh Castle you’ll learn about Scotland’s Whisky producing regions, and the influences they have on different Scotch Whiskies. Meet the resident ghost, the former Master Blender, who explains about life in the whisky trade and lets you in on some secrets of the art of whisky blending. Finally enjoy the whisky barrel ride taking you through 300 years of Scotch Whisky history. www.whisky-heritage.co.uk
Royal Scottish Academy Building
Home of contemporary art in Scotland, the academy has occupied William Henry Playfairs magnificent landmark building on the mound since 1826. As an independent, privately funded institution, the academy promotes and supports the creation and understanding of the visual arts. www.royalscottishacademy.org
Cadies & Witchery Tours: Murder & Mystery OR Ghosts & Gore Tour
The Cadies and Witchery Tours were formed in 1984 to provide walking tours around Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. The tours take a light-hearted look at Edinburgh’s darker history, including tales of witchcraft, plague and body snatching. The tours are best known for their ‘jumper ooters,’ ghostly characters who appear when you least expect it! www.witcherytours.com
Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
Join the intrepid duo, Clark (as in muck!) and our clean-hankied intellectual McBrain, who will lead you on a brilliant and witty dramatic romp through the wynds, courtyards and pubs of Edinburgh's Old and New Town. A hilarious duel of wits across three hundred years of great writing and colourful characters. The tour begins at the historic Beehive Inn in the Grassmarket, and follows a route past the Martyrs’ Cross, the site of the old gallows, through the winding streets, wynds and courtyards of the Old Town of Edinburgh, over the Mound and down to Rose Street in the New Town. Led by professional actors this is an entertaining, witty and dramatic romp through the life and work of Scotland’s great poets and novelists from the early 18th century to the present day.
The Georgian House
Just imagine how it must have felt to be the first owner of this magnificent Robert Adam town house. And to pay just £1,800 for the privilege! The Georgian House dates from 1796 when Edinburgh’s well-to-do left the cramped, squalid conditions of the Old Town to settle in the fashionable New Town. The first owner, John Lamont, 18th Chief of the Clan Lamont, lived here with his family until 1815 and the house’s exquisite collections of china, silver, paintings and furniture all reflect the domestic life and social and economic context of the times. Visitors today can experience a taste of high society living, contrasting with the ‘below stairs’ life of the household staff who made this elegant lifestyle possible. www.nts.org.uk
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is The Queen's official residence in Scotland. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is closely associated with Scotland's turbulent past, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here between 1561 and 1567. Successive kings and queens have made the Palace of Holyroodhouse the premier royal residence in Scotland. Today, the Palace is the setting for State ceremonies and official entertaining. www.royal.gov.uk
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Set in extensive parkland, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art lies west of Edinburgh’s city centre. Highlights of the collection include 20th century French paintings by Matisse, cubism by Picasso and a superb collection of Expressionist art. www.ngs.org.uk
Edinburgh Tour Operators
Travelling has never been easier. Below is a brief listing of the minibus and coach tours that operate tours throughout Scotland. These range from ½ day jaunt to 10-day intensive tours. There are pre-packaged tours and those companies who personalise based on your idea of the perfect trip. All of these companies and the tours they offer will provide you with all the castles, lochs, Highlands, mountains and clans that you could ever hope for. And the best part of any tour group outing is the stories the guides have in store for you. Remember these people are experts on Scottish history, culture and customs.
