Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, which offers the visitor a wealth of history, heritage, architecture and shopping.
Tour of Edinburgh
A tour of Edinburgh is usually undertaken on foot and covers the principal sites such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral, John Knox House, Scottish Parliament, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Calton Hill and the New Town. Alternatively, sightseeing buses cover most of the sites listed below.
Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Working from the top down:
Edinburgh Castle
The castle sits on an ancient volcanic plug and has a recorded history dating from the 11th century onwards. High elevation affords superb views over the city and environs.
Deacon Brodie’s Tavern
Named after a real person who was the inspiration for Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. This is a pub offering meals and other refreshments.
St. Giles Cathedral
The Cathedral dates from 1460 and is correctly named The High Kirk of Edinburgh. Impressive interior with organ and Thistle Chapel.
Parliament Hall
Dates from 1639 and was the seat of the Scottish Parliament until merger with England to form the United Kingdom in 1707. Now occupied by the legal profession. Access is free but subject to a security check. No photography.
John Knox House
This 16th century building is believed to have been the home of the famous Protestant reformer.
Canongate Kirk (church)
Dates from 1688. The famous economist Adam Smith is buried in the adjacent graveyard.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
A royal residence which in its present form dates from the late 17th century. Adjacent are the ruins of the medieval Holyrood Abbey.
Scottish Parliament Building
A controversial design dating from 2004. Access is possible even during debates.
Edinburgh New Town
The New Town mainly dates from 1770 and is famous for its combination of impressive Georgian architecture and shopping in and around Princes Street. Some of the key sites include:
The Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens
This monument commemorates the famous romantic author, Sir Walter Scott ((1771 – 1832) Dates from 1844. The fit and energetic may climb up the interior to benefit from views over the city.
Royal Scottish Academy.
This dates from 1832 and is a centre for promoting visual arts.
Scottish National Gallery
Designed by William Playfair and dates from 1845. Houses a world class collection of Scottish and international art.
Charlotte Square
Completed 1820 and named after the wife of King George III. Here can be found the Georgian House, a heritage property open to the public.
The Dome at 14 George Street
Impressive Corinthian portico and stunning domed atrium. Now a restaurant.
Freemasons Hall, 96 George Street.
This building, which dates from 1912, is Scotland’s Grand Lodge. Tours are available.
St. Andrew’s and St.George’s Church in George Street
Historic Presbyterian church which dates from 1785.
Sherlock Holmes Statue in Picardy Place
Location is close to birthplace of author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is accessed from Waterloo Place and overlooks the city of Edinburgh. This site is home to a medley of monuments and buildings which combine to form a skyline known as the ‘Athens of the North’. Also visible from the top (in reasonable visibility) is the port of Leith, Firth of Forth and Fife Coast. The principal buildings comprise:
The National Monument, an unfinished war memorial dating from 1822.
Old Observatory (1776) and New Observatory (1818).
Nelson Monument which is designed in the form of an inverted telescope and dates from 1816.
The Royal High School dates from 1829 but is no longer used for educational purposes.
Other Sites and Places of Interest
Edinburgh Grassmarket
A cosmopolitan, pedestrianised area in the shadow of the castle containing pubs, restaurants and hotels.
National Museum of Scotland
As befits its name, a historical treasure house, situated in Chambers Street, about 10 minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Now a tourist attraction moored in the Port of Leith, about 10 minute drive from the centre of Edinburgh. There is also a regular bus service to the Royal Yacht which is permanently moored at Ocean Terminal
Rosslyn Chapel
This Famous 15th century building features extensive high quality and elaborate stone carvings in addition to links with the Da Vinci Code. About 20 minute drive south of Edinburgh in village of Roslin.
Elephant House Coffee Shop
Located on George IV Bridge, close to the Royal Mile. Here J.K. Rowling wrote her early ‘Harry Potter’ novels.
Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat.
High elevation public parks which offer good views over Edinburgh and environs. Accessed from near Scottish Parliament building.
More Information
For more information on Edinburgh and other aspects of Scotland please refer Visitors Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4