Sights & landmarks in Edinburgh

THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Sights & Historical Landmarks

Edinburgh Landmarks

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    Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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    Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
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What travelers are saying

  • Pamela W
    15 contributions
    Had 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 visit
    Written March 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brett L
    3 contributions
    So 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nina27
    8 contributions
    Some 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • karachimom
    karachi91 contributions
    The 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 stairways
    Written March 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RobLTulsa
    Bixby, OK13 contributions
    One of the prettiest spots in the world. No visit to Scotland would be complete without a stroll along this area.
    Written March 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Elizabeth C
    1 contribution
    Fascinating 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • agnesDyuni
    Dyuni29 contributions
    This 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 special
    Written March 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RobLTulsa
    Bixby, OK13 contributions
    There 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lauren Tyler
    Lancing, UK43 contributions
    Fantastic 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 bar
    Written March 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AmyEG3318
    Toronto, Canada166 contributions
    Beautiful 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jovana
    Dublin, Ireland20 contributions
    I 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Caz
    United Kingdom3 contributions
    Forth 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, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rosie T
    Scotland, UK29 contributions
    Originally 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michelle C
    1 contribution
    A 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ahm N
    2 contributions
    All 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 too
    Written February 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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