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Edinburgh

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Attractions (163)

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Edinburgh weather essentials

Month
High
Low
May
56°F 13°C
42°F 5°C
Jun
60°F 15°C
47°F 8°C
Jul
64°F 17°C
49°F 9°C
Aug
65°F 18°C
50°F 10°C
Sep
61°F 16°C
46°F 7°C
Oct
54°F 12°C
41°F 5°C
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Traveler recommended attractions
Rating Name
Arthur's Seat
Ollie #1 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 717 reviews
Owner description: Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it's rich cultural heritage,...... more » Owner description: Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. The park has several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designations due to its exceptional range of grassland habitats and its internationally important volcanic geology. Ranger service on site. « less
Attraction type  Geologic Formations; Mountains
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Gilmerton Cove
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
Ollie #2 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
5 of 5 stars 100 reviews
Owner description: Enter one of Scotland's most curious heritage sites. An archeological mystery that has baffled investigators for over 300 years. Gilmerton Cove is a...... more » Owner description: Enter one of Scotland's most curious heritage sites. An archeological mystery that has baffled investigators for over 300 years. Gilmerton Cove is a series of chambers and passageways lying hidden beneath the streets on the South side of Edinburgh. Join us on a guided tour and help us unravel the mysteries of this strange mysterious labyrinth. « less
Attraction type  Historic Sites
Distance  3.7 miles from city center
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National Museum of Scotland
Ollie #3 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 927 reviews
Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, science and technology, art and design and Scottish history, all under one roof.
Attraction type  Museums
Distance  0.2 miles from city center
Royal Yacht Britannia
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Book Now
Ollie #4 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 900 reviews
Owner description: 'Scotland’s best visitor attraction' (VisitScotland). Experience what life was like on board The Royal Yacht Britannia with a fascinating audio tour...... more » Owner description: 'Scotland’s best visitor attraction' (VisitScotland). Experience what life was like on board The Royal Yacht Britannia with a fascinating audio tour of five decks. Discover this floating palace that served the British Royal Family for over forty years. Highlights of the tour include the elegant State Apartments, the Crew’s Quarters, the Engine Room and the stunning Royal Deck Tea Room. Complimentary audio guide in 22 languages. Open year round with free parking at Ocean Terminal. Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh city centre « less
Attraction type  Ships; Historic Sites
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Xtreme Karting Edinburgh
Ollie #5 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 83 reviews
Owner description: Experience the thrill of motorsport at Xtreme Karting in Edinburgh! Suitable for ages 8+ (please call for details of sessions available) we aim to...... more » Owner description: Experience the thrill of motorsport at Xtreme Karting in Edinburgh! Suitable for ages 8+ (please call for details of sessions available) we aim to ensure a fun and thrilling motorsport experience!Xtreme Karting opened in January 2011 at Newbridge Edinburgh (just 500 yards from the Newbridge roundabout, Junction 1 on the M9) allowing easy access from across the whole of Central Scotland! Designed from the start to achieve the 5 star rating from Visit Scotland, we were delighted to achieve this "exceptional" standard in March 2011, and feedback so far from customers has been fantastic, with over 95% of feedback reports rating their overall experience as "Excellent"!The centre features a purposely designed customer lounge area, with large windows overlooking the whole track area, as well as a large 1st floor viewing gallery, both areas feature the latest in race timing displays, allowing spectators to watch all the action on the track in complete comfort. The professionally designed track is set within a 42,000 sq ft unit, and features the latest barrier protection systems to ensure the safety of drivers. The exciting track layout has been specially designed with hairpin bends, sweeping corners and long straights providing adrenalin packed racing for novices and seasoned experts! The track is tested to the limit by our high performance EVO 5 Karts, specially tuned to deliver blistering performance!e can offer an adrenalin packed race event, corporate meeting facilities, practice sessions, cadet parties, etc! Contact us for more details! « less
Attraction type  Race Car Tracks
Distance  8.5 miles from city center
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Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
As featured in Edinburgh for young kids
Ollie #6 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 963 reviews
Owner description: Enjoy unique 360° panoramic views over Edinburgh from the fascinating Camera Obscura and rooftop terrace. In World of Illusions, experience five...... more » Owner description: Enjoy unique 360° panoramic views over Edinburgh from the fascinating Camera Obscura and rooftop terrace. In World of Illusions, experience five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including vortex tunnel, mirror maze and shrinking room. Get involved, play, touch everything. Great fun for all ages and nationalities, whatever the weather. Scotland’s oldest purpose-built attraction, established in 1835. New for 2011: All Day Ticket. Get your hand stamped and come and go as you please all day. Money back guarantee if not fully satisfied. ‘Best family attraction in Britain’, The Telegraph 2010. 'Five Stars, outstanding, world class', VisitScotland. Bring your camera - lots of photo opportunities throughout. Allow about 2 hours. Please note the attraction is located in a listed 17th Century building over 5 floors without a lift. Open every day, late opening weekends and holidays. « less
Attraction type  Lookouts; Specialty Museums; Historic Sites; Science Museums; Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  0.3 miles from city center
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Holyrood Park
As featured in Edinburgh for free
Ollie #7 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 148 reviews
Owner description: Holyrood Park is a unique historic landscape in the heart of the city, whose dramatic crags and hills give Edinburgh its distinctive skyline. Within...... more » Owner description: Holyrood Park is a unique historic landscape in the heart of the city, whose dramatic crags and hills give Edinburgh its distinctive skyline. Within the park is a wealth of history and archaeology spanning thousands of years. Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. As well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. « less
Attraction type  Parks; Castles
Distance  0.9 miles from city center
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Royal Botanic Garden
As featured in Edinburgh for free
Ollie #8 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 353 reviews

The Royal Botanic Garden is about 2kms north of Princes Street. It is super and free although entry into the glasshouses is liable to be charged for. The site covers 31 hectares... more »

Attraction type  Gardens
Distance  1.3 miles from city center
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Inchcolm Abbey
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
Ollie #9 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 42 reviews
Owner description: David I established a priory here which became an abbey in 1235. It is now the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The island is...... more » Owner description: David I established a priory here which became an abbey in 1235. It is now the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The island is famed for its seals, wildlife and coastal defences from two World Wars.Inchcolm means ‘Columba’s Isle’, though the ‘Iona of the east’ has no known link with St Columba. The island is dominated by its dramatically located abbey complex, comprising the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The Augustinian canons settled here in the early 12th century, enjoying the island’s isolation and tranquillity. However, its location in the Firth of Forth also made it a target for English naval raids throughout the wars with England from the 14th to the mid-16th century. The brethren increasingly spent more time ashore in Fife. After the Protestant Reformation of 1560 brought monastic life to an end, the island continued to serve in the defence of the country right up to the Second World War. The island’s remains testify to this history of conflict as well as the history of the medieval church in Scotland. The abbey must be reached by boat. « less
Attraction type  Historic Sites
Distance  5.5 miles from city center
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Calton Hill
Ollie #10 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 336 reviews
Historic neighborhood lined with monuments dating back to the Enlightenment.
Attraction type  Lookouts; Geologic Formations
Distance  0.5 miles from city center
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Scottish National Portrait Gallery
As featured in Edinburgh for free
Ollie #11 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 178 reviews
Attraction type  Art Museums
Distance  0.4 miles from city center
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Scottish National Gallery
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Ollie #12 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 269 reviews

Located in the heart of the city at the intersection of Princes Street and The Mound housing the national collection of fine art.  Entry is free although there are sometimes... more »

Attraction type  Art Museums
Distance  0.3 miles from city center
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Holyroodhouse Palace
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Book Now
Ollie #13 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 419 reviews
This is an official residence of the Queen and the Royal Family.
Attraction type  Historic Sites; Castles
Distance  0.2 miles from city center
Royal Mile
Ollie #14 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 994 reviews

Edinburgh's Royal Mile is one of the most famous streets in the world and a must see for all visitors to Edinburgh.  It is the historic heart of the city and is full of... more »

Attraction type  Historic Walking Areas; Scenic/ Historic Walking Areas; Landmarks/ Points of Interest
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Princes Street Gardens
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Ollie #15 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 343 reviews
Impeccably landscaped park and woodland surrounding Edinburgh Castle.
Attraction type  Gardens; Parks
Distance  0.4 miles from city center
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Edinburgh Castle
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Book Now
Ollie #16 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 1,768 reviews
Owner description: A mighty fortress, the defender of the nation, and a world-famous visitor attraction – Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline for centuries. And...... more » Owner description: A mighty fortress, the defender of the nation, and a world-famous visitor attraction – Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline for centuries. And the high volcanic rock on which it stands has been occupied for thousands of years. Today it is home to Scotland’s crown jewels, three military museums, the Scottish National War Memorial, the Prisons of War exhibition, and much more.The castle offers a fabulous day out – an experience not to be missed. « less
Attraction type  Castles
Distance  0.5 miles from city center
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National War Museum of Scotland
Ollie #17 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 77 reviews
Owner description: Within the historic setting of Edinburgh Castle, accounts of battles lost and won are told through military artefacts and personal collections. Find...... more » Owner description: Within the historic setting of Edinburgh Castle, accounts of battles lost and won are told through military artefacts and personal collections. Find out about the life of Scots at war, from the First World War trenches to the Home Front, and learn how conflicts, both at home and abroad, have shaped Scotland's image and reputation over the centuries. « less
Attraction type  History Museums
Distance  0.5 miles from city center
The Filmhouse
Ollie #18 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 40 reviews
A small, three-screened theater playing Scotland's most innovative independent films.
Attraction type  Movie Theaters
St. Giles Cathedral
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Ollie #19 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 294 reviews
This is the main church of The Church of Scotland.
Attraction type  Religious Sites; Landmarks/ Points of Interest
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Surgeons' Hall
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
Ollie #20 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 85 reviews
Owner description: Edinburgh has long hosted one of the world’s most distinguished medical schools (where alumni include Sherlock Holmes’ creator Sir Arthur Conan...... more » Owner description: Edinburgh has long hosted one of the world’s most distinguished medical schools (where alumni include Sherlock Holmes’ creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). The intriguing and rather macabre exhibits in museums devoted to pathology and the history of surgery are simultaneously repellent yet compelling. The original curator, Dr. Robert Knox, bought cadavers for dissection by students from the notorious body-snatchers and serial killers Burke and Hare. With sections on dentistry and a large collection of diseased tissue and abnormalities the collections are not for the squeamish, and definitely not for children. « less
Attraction type  Specialty Museums
Distance  0.3 miles from city center
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