Best Attractions Near Hunter Square (Edinburgh)
Planning a trip to Hunter Square? Discover the best attractions nearby with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best attractions near Hunter Square
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- Closest to Hunter Square
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37 attractions
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Tourist attraction4.7★14,870 reviews
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s iconic historic thoroughfare stretching 1.81 km from the imposing Edinburgh Castle to the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse. This vibrant cobbled street is lined with medieval tenements, atmospheric closes, and a wealth of cultural landmarks, including St Giles’ Cathedral and the Real Mary King’s Close. It offers a captivating journey through Scotland’s royal and civic history, blending architectural grandeur with lively shops, eateries, and storytelling venues.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–4 hrs
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Historical landmark4.5★10,981 reviews
The Real Mary King's Close
Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile lies The Real Mary King’s Close, a preserved 17th-century street where history comes alive. Walk through narrow, candle-lit closes and hear stories of plague, poverty, and daily life in old Edinburgh. Guided tours take you into the city’s underground world, revealing how people lived, worked, and died in these once-bustling alleyways. It’s a gripping journey into the darker side of Scotland’s capital, perfect for history lovers and those seeking something truly different.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
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Cathedral4.6★9,919 reviews
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral, located on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, is a historic church founded in 1124 and central to Scotland’s religious and civic life. Known as the 'Mother Kirk' of Presbyterianism, it features stunning Gothic architecture, the ornate Thistle Chapel, and vibrant stained glass windows. Visitors can explore its rich history, enjoy musical events, and appreciate its role in Scotland’s Reformation and cultural heritage.
Price level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Tourist attraction4.5★6,058 reviews
The Edinburgh Dungeon
The Edinburgh Dungeon offers a thrilling, immersive experience exploring Scotland's darkest history through live actors, theatrical sets, special effects, and rides. Located at 31 Market Place, it features interactive shows based on real historical events, including tales of witches, criminals, and ghosts. Visitors enjoy a unique underground journey lasting about 75 minutes, suitable for ages 8 and up, with a mix of scares and humor in a richly themed environment.
Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 · Sat–Sun 10:30–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
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Pub4.5★4,450 reviews
The World's End
A compact, centuries‑old pub set into Edinburgh’s Royal Mile where a stretch of the city’s medieval Flodden Wall forms part of the fabric; The World's End serves traditional Scottish pub fare, local ales and whiskies in a snug, intimate interior that blends historic stonework, low ceilings and lively music nights — an atmospheric stop for history‑minded drinkers and diners in the Old Town.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Live Music4.5★4,216 reviews
Stramash
Stramash is a vibrant live music venue and bar located at 207 Cowgate in Edinburgh's Old Town. With a capacity of around 900, it hosts live bands every night until 3am, featuring a diverse range of music from local Scottish acts to international touring bands. The venue is housed in a converted church, offering a unique atmosphere with Edinburgh’s largest HD screen for sports fans. Free entry and a lively late-night scene make it a must-visit spot for music lovers and night owls.
Price level $$Time to spend 3–6 hrs
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Tour operator4.5★1,942 reviews
City of Edinburgh Tours
City of Edinburgh Tours offers captivating daily walking tours from the iconic Old Police Box on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Specializing in underground ghost and history tours, the company provides an immersive experience through Edinburgh’s haunted vaults and historic Old Town. Guides in full period costume bring to life the city’s dark past with stories of ghosts, murders, and witchcraft, making it a must-visit for history buffs and thrill seekers alike.
Daily 10:00–21:15Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Tour operator4.6★1,874 reviews
Mercat Tours
Mercat Tours offers immersive walking tours through Edinburgh’s haunted vaults, historic streets, and eerie graveyards. Renowned for knowledgeable guides and atmospheric storytelling, these tours explore the city’s dark past, blending chilling ghost stories with rich local history. Ideal for those seeking a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s mysteries, Mercat Tours provides engaging experiences for adults and families alike.
Daily 12:00–22:00Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–2 hrs
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Toy museum4.3★1,979 reviews
Museum of Childhood
Located on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the Museum of Childhood is the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to childhood history. It showcases an enchanting collection of toys, games, dolls, clothing, and memorabilia spanning from the 18th century to the present day. Visitors of all ages can explore nostalgic exhibits, interactive play zones, and unique artefacts like the rare Queen Anne doll and the Kindertransport teddy bear.
Daily 10:00–16:30Time to spend 1–2 hrs
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Comedy club4.7★1,572 reviews
Monkey Barrel Comedy
Monkey Barrel Comedy is Edinburgh’s top-rated comedy club located on Blair Street in the Old Town. Known for its intimate, cozy atmosphere and diverse line-ups, it offers nightly shows featuring talented comedians and engaging hosts. The venue combines excellent comedy with a well-priced bar and table service, ensuring a relaxed and entertaining night out for locals and visitors alike.
Price level $$Time to spend 2–3 hrs
Auld Reekie Tours
Auld Reekie Tours offers immersive guided walking tours through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, focusing on the eerie underground vaults and graveyards. Located at 45 Niddry Street, this award-winning company reveals the city’s dark past with engaging storytelling, exploring haunted vaults, Greyfriars Graveyard, and tales of witches, criminals, and body snatchers. Tours blend history and spooky folklore, providing a memorable experience in one of Scotland’s most haunted sites.
Daily 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–2 hrs
Tron Kirk Market
Located at 122 High Street on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the Tron Kirk Market is housed in a striking 17th-century former church. This unique indoor market showcases over 20 Scottish artists and designers offering handmade crafts, jewellery, textiles, and art. The building’s rare hammerbeam roof and stained glass windows provide a captivating historic atmosphere, blending Scotland’s cultural heritage with contemporary creative expression.
Daily 10:00–18:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
City Art Centre
Located at 2 Market Street in the heart of Edinburgh, the City Art Centre is a leading gallery dedicated to Scottish visual and applied arts. Housed in a striking nine-storey former warehouse, it showcases a nationally recognized collection of Scottish art from the 17th century to the present, alongside a dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions. The centre offers free admission to its permanent collections, with some charges for special exhibitions, and features amenities including a café and gift shop.
Daily 10:00–17:00Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Department Of Magic
Step into a world of spells and secrets at the Department Of Magic in Edinburgh, where a themed potions tavern and immersive escape rooms blend wizarding fun with clever puzzles. Hidden behind a mysterious black door at the foot of an iron staircase, this magical venue offers a hands-on cocktail-making experience and two distinct escape adventures: one to defeat the Dark Lord, the other to resurrect him. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter and interactive entertainment, it’s a playful, atmospheric spot ideal for couples, friends, and small groups seeking a memorable night out in the city centre.
Mon 11:00–23:00 · Tue–Sun 10:00–23:00Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Scottish Storytelling Centre
The Scottish Storytelling Centre, located at 43-45 High Street in Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, is the world’s first purpose-built venue dedicated to live storytelling. Housed in a striking modern building alongside the medieval John Knox House, it offers a vibrant programme of theatre, music, exhibitions, workshops, and family events. Visitors can explore Scotland’s rich narrative heritage, enjoy a child-friendly exhibition, relax in the café, and browse a unique bookshop, all within a welcoming and creative atmosphere.
Daily 10:00–18:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a world-renowned annual event held on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, showcasing a spectacular display of military music, dance, and precision drill. Running every August, it unites performers from over 48 countries in a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage and global culture. The Tattoo Office at 1-3 Cockburn Street in Edinburgh serves as the ticketing and information hub for this iconic festival.
Mon–Fri 10:00–16:30Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
John Knox House
The world's first purpose-built centre for live storytelling, the Scottish Storytelling Centre sits at the heart of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. This award-winning venue blends contemporary design with medieval architecture, housing the historic John Knox House (dating to 1470), a 99-seat theatre, library, and vibrant café. Year-round programming features storytelling, theatre, music, dance, and exhibitions celebrating Scotland's rich cultural heritage. The centre welcomes all ages and interests, offering free exhibitions, workshops, family events, and two major annual festivals.
Daily 10:00–18:00Price level $Time to spend 1.5–3.5 hrs
Cockburn St
Cockburn Street is a distinctive serpentine street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, linking the historic Royal Mile to Waverley Station. Built in 1856–59 and named after Lord Henry Cockburn, a noted conservationist, the street is renowned for its Scots Baronial architecture, quirky shops, cafes, and lively atmosphere. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and contemporary urban life in the heart of Edinburgh.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
St. Patrick
St Patrick's Church is a historic Catholic church located in Edinburgh's Old Town near Cowgate. Originally built between 1771 and 1774 as an Episcopalian chapel, it became a Catholic church in 1856 to serve the Irish immigrant community. The church features a notable neoclassical facade added in 1929, with statues of St Patrick and St Brigid, and houses several chapels including memorials for World War I parishioners. It remains an active place of worship and a peaceful oasis in the city centre.
Mon–Sat 8:00–19:00 · Sun 8:00–18:00Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Edinburgh City Chambers
Edinburgh City Chambers, located on the historic Royal Mile at 253 High Street, is a grand neo-classical building originally constructed in the 18th century as the Royal Exchange. Today, it serves as the administrative heart of Edinburgh, housing the City Council and hosting civic events and weddings. Its elegant courtyard, adorned with a bronze statue of Alexander the Great, and richly decorated interiors reflect its storied past and architectural grandeur.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Museum of Magic, Fortune-telling & Witchcraft Ltd
Nestled in a cozy alley off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the Museum of Magic, Fortune-telling & Witchcraft offers a unique glimpse into the history and practices of magic, witchcraft, and the occult. Founded by Ash William Mills in 2023, the museum houses around 200 fascinating artifacts including items from Scottish witch trials, Victorian spiritualism, and folk magic traditions. Visitors can also enjoy tarot readings and attend themed events in an intimate, atmospheric setting.
Mon 12:00–18:00 · Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
The Lost Close
Nestled beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town near the Royal Mile, The Lost Close is a unique underground venue rediscovered in 2019. This atmospheric space offers immersive whisky, gin, and beer tastings combined with rich storytelling about Edinburgh’s history, including tales of the Great Fire of 1824 and the vanished closes beneath the city. Visitors explore vaulted cellars once part of a police courtroom and jail, while enjoying expert-led tastings in an intimate setting.
Daily 10:00–22:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Advocate's Close
Advocate's Close is a narrow, steep historic alley in Edinburgh's Old Town, dating back to the 15th century. Once a fashionable address for Scottish gentry, it is named after Sir James Stewart, Lord Advocate of Scotland. Today, it offers a captivating glimpse into Edinburgh’s medieval past with its cobbled steps, striking architecture, and views framing the Scott Monument. The close connects the Royal Mile to Market Street and is a favorite spot for photographers and history enthusiasts.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum, The University of Edinburgh
St Cecilia’s Hall, located at 50 Niddry Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, is Scotland’s oldest purpose-built concert hall, dating back to 1763. Now part of the University of Edinburgh, it houses a world-class collection of historic musical instruments and hosts concerts and public events. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored Georgian concert room and museum galleries showcasing over 400 conserved instruments, many playable, in a unique 18th-century setting.
Tue–Sat 10:00–16:30Time to spend 1–2 hrs
JK Rowling’s Handprints
Located just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the golden handprints of J.K. Rowling are embedded in the flagstone courtyard of the historic City Chambers. These handprints commemorate Rowling receiving the Edinburgh Award in 2008, recognizing her significant cultural impact and connection to the city. The courtyard also honors other notable Edinburgh figures, making it a unique tribute to the city’s celebrated citizens.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Cowgate
Cowgate is a historic street nestled in Edinburgh’s Old Town, lying in a valley below the city’s elevated streets. Dating back to the 14th century, it was once a vital route for driving cattle to market and has evolved into a vibrant hub of culture, nightlife, and heritage. Home to landmarks like St Cecilia’s Hall and Magdalen Chapel, Cowgate combines centuries of history with lively pubs, theaters, and music venues, making it an essential part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Edinburgh Underground
Discover the eerie and fascinating Edinburgh Underground Vaults beneath Parliament Square on the Royal Mile. This historic subterranean labyrinth reveals centuries-old vaults once used as workshops, storage, and residences, now shrouded in tales of hardship, crime, and paranormal activity. Guided tours combine chilling ghost stories with rich historical insights, immersing visitors in Edinburgh’s shadowy past and architectural mysteries.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Supreme Courts
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh at 11 Parliament Square, the Supreme Courts of Scotland have been the seat of Scottish justice since 1532. This historic complex houses the Court of Session and the High Court of Justiciary, Scotland’s highest civil and criminal courts. Known for its striking classical architecture and centuries of legal history, the courts remain a vital part of Scotland’s judicial system and a notable heritage site for visitors.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
South Bridge Vaults
Beneath Edinburgh’s bustling South Bridge lies a labyrinth of 18th-century vaults, once home to workshops, taverns, and impoverished residents. These atmospheric underground chambers reveal a darker side of the city’s history, from illicit trades to haunting tales of crime and survival. Today, guided tours bring this hidden world to life, immersing visitors in the eerie ambience and rich stories of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–1.2 hrs
Hunter Square
Hunter Square, nestled behind the iconic Tron Kirk on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, is a historic urban space shaped by 18th-century city improvements. Formed after the South Bridge construction in the late 1700s, it offers a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s layered past. The square blends architectural heritage with subtle modern interventions, serving as a tranquil yet lively spot near the bustling city centre.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Fleshmarket Cl
Fleshmarket Close is a narrow, atmospheric alley in Edinburgh’s Old Town, historically named after the meat market and slaughterhouse that once operated here. This medieval close links Edinburgh Waverley Station to Cockburn Street and the Royal Mile, steeped in centuries of history including ties to notable residents and plague-era events. Today, it remains a vivid reminder of the city’s past and a popular route for visitors exploring the Old Town’s rich heritage.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Uncovered Edinburgh
Uncovered Edinburgh is an immersive historical experience located at Parliament Square in Edinburgh's Old Town, offering guided tours and self-directed explorations of Scotland's capital. Positioned at the heart of medieval Edinburgh, this attraction specializes in revealing the layered history, hidden stories, and architectural heritage of the city's most significant landmarks. Visitors discover the intricate connections between Parliament House, St Giles' Cathedral, and the surrounding closes, learning about centuries of Scottish political, legal, and cultural significance.
Wed–Sat 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
Anchor Close
Anchor Close is a historic lane located off Cockburn Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, near the Royal Mile. It offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s layered past with its narrow, atmospheric passageways and proximity to iconic Scots Baronial architecture. The area is lively, blending historic charm with modern shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks, making it a vibrant spot to explore the city’s unique heritage and urban character.
Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
South Bridge
South Bridge in Edinburgh is an 18th-century architectural marvel spanning 19 stone arches over the Cowgate valley, linking the Old Town with southern districts. Beneath it lies the eerie Edinburgh Vaults, a network of underground chambers once bustling with merchants but later inhabited by the city's poorest and used for illicit activities. Today, these vaults offer a haunting glimpse into Edinburgh’s dark past, blending history, crime, and paranormal intrigue beneath the bustling city streets.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh Old Town is a captivating historic district at the core of Scotland’s capital, renowned for its medieval street layout, iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, and the bustling Royal Mile. This atmospheric area blends centuries of history with vibrant culture, offering visitors cobbled streets, heritage architecture, and a wealth of museums, shops, and eateries. It’s a must-visit for those seeking to experience Edinburgh’s rich past and lively present in one compact, walkable neighborhood.
Price level $$Time to spend 2–6 hrs
Parliament Sqr
Parliament Square in Edinburgh is a historic and vibrant public space located at the foot of the Royal Mile, near the iconic Scottish Parliament building. Surrounded by medieval architecture and significant landmarks, it serves as a gateway to Edinburgh's Old Town, blending Scotland’s rich political history with contemporary culture and stunning urban scenery.
Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Advocate's Cl
Advocate's Close is a narrow, steep medieval alley in Edinburgh’s Old Town, linking Market Street to the Royal Mile near St Giles Cathedral. Named after Sir James Stewart, Lord Advocate of Scotland in the late 17th century, it was once a fashionable address for Scottish gentry. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into Edinburgh’s layered history with its cobbled steps, historic architecture, and framed views of the Scott Monument.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
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Historic Hunter Square, a serene crossroads behind Tron Kirk, blends Edinburgh’s rich heritage with peaceful urban charm.
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