Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings in Edinburgh
THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings in Edinburgh
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Types of Attractions
Sights & Landmarks
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
Good for
30 places sorted by traveler favorites
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Southside & Holyrood
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Grassmarket
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Open now
Architectural Buildings • Educational sites
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Old Town
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Old Town
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Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Old Town
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Old Town
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Southside & Holyrood
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
New Town
Architectural Buildings • Libraries
Old Town
Speciality Museums • Architectural Buildings
New Town
Architectural Buildings • Art Museums
Leith
Architectural Buildings
Stockbridge & Dean Village
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
New Town
Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
Old Town
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Broughton & Calton
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings • Scenic Walking Areas
Grassmarket
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Old Town
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Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Broughton & Calton
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Temporarily closed
Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Old Town
What travelers are saying
- Jouha1 contributionI visited this Castle on Easter. It was sunny and really relaxing to have a walk with your family or dogs. It is more like a park. Kind staff were giving away easter eggs and beautiful calligraphy for everyone. However it is more like relaxing historical site for locals at weekends, not very suitable for solo tourists.Written July 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ClevlanderSpringfield, IL4,885 contributionsHistoric cemetery and Presbyterian Church with such long and distinguished history. The place feels silent and solemn with people being respectful of the place.Written May 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robin HNewcastle upon Tyne, UK152 contributionsThe parliament is located at the bottom of the hill from the St chads cathedral following the royal mile and then Canongate it is opposite Holyrood house estate about a 20-25 minute walk. Look for the unusual modern architecture.
The entrance is somewhat intimidating with similar security checks to those when taking a flight from an airport. Having said that everyone is friendly and very helpful .
Staff are happy to direct you to where you want to go and tell you about things you want to see.
The Parliament is very much a living democracy and there is lots of free information to tell you how it works and how you can become involved and make your views heard if you are a constituent.
The debating chamber is very impressive and you can climb to the balcony to view debates when the parliament is in attendance or just enjoy the spectacle when parliament is not there .
There is also a coffee shop and a giftshop which are both very good.
There is an excellent large format portrait photo of HM queen Elizabeth and a display case of the Scottish honours (jewels of state) near the entrance .Written June 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jeppe SCopenhagen, Denmark737 contributionsCastle Rock is visible from large parts of the city. The Castle on top is of course the interesting part, and when you are on castle rock you can't really enjoy it.. There are lots of tourists on top of it.Written May 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Malgorzata12,108 contributionsGeorge Heriot's School is recognised as an important and outstanding example of Scots Renaissance architecture. It is guarded by a gatehouse, in the middle of urban central Edinburgh. It was established in 1628 as George Heriot's Hospital, by bequest of the royal goldsmith George Heriot, and opened in 1659. The school is a turreted building surrounding a large quadrangle, and built out of sandstone. The main building of the school is the work of William Wallace. The north gatehouse onto Lauriston Place is by William Henry Playfair and dates from 1829.The main building was the first large building to be constructed outside the Edinburgh city walls. The school has its charm.Written September 15, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Francois TJohannesburg, South Africa954 contributionsIt was very busy, overwhelming for first time visitors and not very many helpful staff around. Plan ahead, give extra time to avoid challenges.Written July 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- IAN DWigan, UK19,387 contributionsAs an avid Church visitor this is a most strikingly beautiful church inside. The decor is stunning with magnificent ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows. A very serene church.Written January 26, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KodoDrummerBuenos Aires, Argentina64,794 contributionsNice modern and contemporary art exhibition. Spectacular architecture of the Greek-style building. Beautiful historical pieces.Written May 13, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rosalind PNorthampton, UK31 contributionsWe had a wonderful wedding at Riddles Court. We booked the venue, unseen, in early summer 2020, and from the first enquiry the team were incredibly professional, helpful and supportive, and with a genuine warmth and enthusiasm for the success of our wedding day.
We were organising the wedding across the pandemic and the team did a wonderful job to help and support our enquiries, being very professional while always working and communicating government restrictions clearly, but being as flexible as they could be, within those rules.
The venue was beautiful and we were thrilled with the choice. It had a wonderful ambience. Our guests all commented on what a great location it is. It’s perfect to be in the centre of the city, and also very close to the registrars office for collecting and dropping of the relevant paperwork.
We stayed in the Kings Chamber on site before and after the wedding, and this was great. The apartment is decorated beautifully and it a perfect location to stay in the city. It was also very useful to have a spot on site to get ready and take deliveries, etc for the day.
We felt it was also good value for money.Written January 28, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ibrahim GLondon, UK102 contributionsExcellent Masjid within close reach to all the local city amenities, prayer and Wudhu facilities are in an excellent well kept order and the masjid is easily accessible for both Males and Females. For non Muslims looking to visit this facility your most welcome, just call the Masjid/Mosque before attending and they will be most happy to have someone show you around.Written January 23, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dimitris LSydney, Australia43,559 contributionsWe walked past this building several times during our stay in Edinburgh, however we did not actually go inside. We did not know what it was, and in any case it would have been of little use to us. From outside, as we saw it, it looks rather grand. It looks like a lovely old building with some beautiful architecture. There is also an equestrian statue out the front but we never got to have a close look, unfortunately!Written September 2, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- vessi80North Lanarkshire, UK1,080 contributionsEscape the madness of 'The Mile' in this wee pocket of peace.
The fusion of old city wall and modern design is stunning .
Welcoming staff . A vast collection of poetry , fiction and non fiction plus an array of tourist info. Great paintings of Scottish writers on display at the moment and a whole corner of kids' activities .
Must return to spend a few hours on serious reading.Written August 12, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - finglaspeteDublin, Ireland2,558 contributionsOn a night out or two, passed by this rather impressive building and admired its architecture. I believe it is a records office of some kind, but today I am reviewing it from the few fleeting glimpses I got of it while enjoying nights out in the city, do love the architecture of Edinburgh though.Written January 31, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- therichastillStevenage, UK2,289 contributionsWaterloo Place is just on the edge of Princes Street which is probably the most well known road in Edinburgh apart from the Royal Mile. The tram stop is close by and many of the buses run along this road as well.
When I visited there was a street market there which was cool. Good to see local businesses being given an opportunity to sell their products.Written October 12, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ChrisRushden, UK4,464 contributionsUnfortunately closed! Come on RBGE!! Let's get the UK back up and open for business post-Coronavirus!
Now that masks are mandatory, as per government advice things should be opening back up. A little dissappointed with this, but I still give it 5 stars as the building is very impressive.Written July 24, 2020This 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 places are best for architectural buildings in Edinburgh:See more architectural buildings in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for kid-friendly architectural buildings in Edinburgh:See more architectural buildings for kids in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for couples seeking architectural buildings in Edinburgh:See more architectural buildings for couples in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking architectural buildings in Edinburgh:See more architectural buildings for groups in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly architectural buildings in Edinburgh:
- Craigmillar Castle
- Castle Rock
- Greyfriars Kirk
- The Scottish Parliament
- St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church
- These are the best hidden gems for architectural buildings in Edinburgh:See more hidden gem architectural buildings in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor





























































