THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Sights & Historical Landmarks
Edinburgh Landmarks
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
Sights & Landmarks
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
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301 places sorted by traveler favorites
Science Museums • Observation Decks & Towers
Old Town
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Old Town
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Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Old Town
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Old Town
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Southside & Holyrood
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
Broughton & Calton
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Open now
Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Stockbridge & Dean Village
Historic Sites
Stockbridge & Dean Village
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Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Old Town
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Old Town
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Open now
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Southside & Holyrood
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Southside & Holyrood
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
Historic Sites
Temporarily closed
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
New Town
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Princes Street and Gardens
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Grassmarket
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Open now
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Showing results 1-30 of 301
What travelers are saying
- Pamela W15 contributionsHad a thoroughly enjoyable day. It must’ve been delightful when it was a seagoing vessel. Very interesting and loved all the rooms, the items in each room and learning where Royals, guests and ship’s crew lived whilst at sea. Definitely recommend a visitWritten March 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brett L3 contributionsSo much history behind this place. We spent about 3 hours here (off season in march) walking through all the different sections, including the military museum and the prison. We could have spent a full day there if we had the audio guide, but we just bought the booklet and followed that as we walked. We went in the morning during the week, so there was very few people there which made the experience even more enjoyable. Definitely in my top 3 things to do in Edinburgh!Written March 28, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nina278 contributionsSome parts were fun, others were fascintating ; we loved it. Great fun for all the family at a reasonable price. Great views of Edinburgh from the top.Written March 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- karachimomkarachi91 contributionsThe most atmospheric and probably my favourite part of Edinburgh. The cobbled streets, stunning architecture, street performers and plethora of eateries and watering holes. What’s not to like? Can be challenging for some due to the steep inclines and multiple stairwaysWritten March 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RobLTulsaBixby, OK13 contributionsOne of the prettiest spots in the world. No visit to Scotland would be complete without a stroll along this area.Written March 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Elizabeth C1 contributionFascinating insight into the Close and the people who lived there expertly led by our guide Adam. 10/10. Would highly recommend this tour.Written March 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- agnesDyuniDyuni29 contributionsThis is one place not to be missed.Booked before we went.Very interesting especially as it has been in the news a lot lately.We were given ear phones and tablet to follow.Excellent.Very well coordinated.Easy to follow.We then went into the shop,lovely bright cheerful place and not over priced.Not many there early Saturday Morning so that made it more special.Thanks to all concerned for making this visit so specialWritten March 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RobLTulsaBixby, OK13 contributionsThere may be equally beautiful views in a single direction from various places, like Artist's Point in Yellowstone or El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite, but Calton Hill has a dragon's hoard of spectacular vantage points. Edinburgh Castle and Old Town to the west, Holyrood Park and the Salisbury Crags to the South, Fife and the Firth of Forth to the North and Inchkeith Island in the Atlantic to the East. All with the beautifull monuments atop Calton Hill itself in the foreground.
For the rest of my life, anyone who tells me about their "most beautiful place in the world" will be dismissed as irrelevant if they haven't also seen Calton Hill.Written March 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lauren TylerLancing, UK43 contributionsFantastic day out at the botanical gardens in Edinburgh.. perfect weather to boot. Lovely gardens, interesting shipping exhibition and the cafes on site are exceptional, highly recommend the ginger oat barWritten March 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AmyEG3318Toronto, Canada166 contributionsBeautiful church with tons of history. Free to enter, but donation boxes are found throughout the building to help the parish with the upkeep of the building. Gorgeous architecture and artwork. Highly recommend.Written March 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JovanaDublin, Ireland20 contributionsI don’t have words to describe how beautiful this small place is: the pictures speak for themselves!
Try to go in the early morning, so it’s not crowded and check the weathercast before you visit.Written February 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CazUnited Kingdom3 contributionsForth Bridges Tours !!!! - Thank you! A day to remember for a very long time.
Myself and two friends took the Maiden of Forth stunning and informative 45min boat trip to the historic and beautiful island of Inchcolm.
The boat trip in itself provided a really interesting commentary about the three bridges and more The scenery was breathtaking!
We were greeted by Mark (see photo), from Forth Bridges Tours who guided us on a journey through time around the monastery.
The experience was inclusive, interesting and engaging and left me wanting to learn more about Scottish history !
My favourite part was our group “chanting” in harmony inside the Monastery.
Worth every penny.
The guided walking tour by Forth Bridges Tours is included as an option when you book the boat trip through Maiden of Forth.
My favourite “day trip” from Edinburgh.Written October 16, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rosie TScotland, UK29 contributionsOriginally bought before covid and had to wait three years but well worth the wait.
We arrived and met Bob who runs the alpaca experience. He introduced us to the boys, telling us a bit about their personality and we were then invited to choose our alpaca.
It was a couple of hours walk with beautiful views though the pace was slow as Milo, Artie, Calvin and Praline (our boys!) loved to stop frequently and eat the grass.
They were perfectly happy getting cuddles. Bob also gave us plenty interesting facts about the alpacas. He clearly loves his work.
The day finished with us feeding all the alpacas including the females and baby alpacas. If you bring a child they have dual reins so they can enjoy the experience too. Highly recommend it. I called Milo the Handsome Hungry Horace haha.Written March 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Michelle C1 contributionA hidden gem in a must see square in the heart of Edinburgh. Authentic Georgian house with informative short film and knowledgeable guides. Not to be missed!Written March 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ahm N2 contributionsAll staff were lovely and made feel very safe on such a windy day. Very interesting facts and the interactive sections in the middle were very interesting tooWritten February 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh
- These experiences are best for sights & landmarks in Edinburgh:
- The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky
- Edinburgh Castle Tour: Fast-Track Guided Tour in English
- The Edinburgh Dungeon Entrance Ticket
- GAILY TOUR in EDINBURGH - Gay & Lesbian Tour
- Whisky Tour and Tasting
- These places are best for sights & landmarks in Edinburgh:
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Edinburgh Old Town
- Edinburgh Castle
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- These are the best places for kid-friendly sights & landmarks in Edinburgh:
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Edinburgh Old Town
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
- Royal Mile
- Edinburgh Castle
- These are the best places for couples seeking sights & landmarks in Edinburgh:
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Edinburgh Old Town
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
- The Real Mary King's Close
- These are the best places for groups seeking sights & landmarks in Edinburgh:
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Edinburgh Old Town
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
- The Real Mary King's Close
- These are the best places for budget-friendly sights & landmarks in Edinburgh:See more budget-friendly sights & landmarks in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- These are the most romantic places for sights & landmarks in Edinburgh:See more romantic sights & landmarks in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- These are the best hidden gems for sights & landmarks in Edinburgh:See more hidden gem sights & landmarks in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for adventurous sights & landmarks in Edinburgh:
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
- The Real Mary King's Close
- BobCat Alpacas
- Edinburgh Vaults
- Cramond Island