Best Attractions in Edinburgh

Explore Queen Elizabeth II's floating palace—Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction with five decks of royal history.

Discover the world’s only rotating boat lift—an engineering masterpiece lifting boats 35 meters, blending history, innovation, and family fun in Falkirk.

Edinburgh’s premier waterfront shopping centre blending retail, dining, cinema, and the iconic Royal Yacht Britannia in vibrant Leith.

Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile – a vibrant cobbled artery linking castle, cathedral, and palace through centuries of Scottish heritage.

A serene historic village on the Water of Leith, offering cobblestone charm, riverside walks, and stunning 19th-century architecture just minutes from Edinburgh’s city center.

Explore Scotland’s iconic 220ft tower honoring Sir William Wallace, blending history, stunning views, and national pride atop Abbey Craig near Stirling.

Discover world-class European and Scottish art from 1300 to 1945 in Edinburgh’s grand National Galleries on The Mound.

Explore Edinburgh’s historic Camera Obscura and five floors of mind-bending illusions with stunning rooftop views of the city.

A towering Victorian cantilever railway bridge and UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing Scotland’s engineering heritage and spanning the majestic Firth of Forth.

Discover the enchanting Rosslyn Chapel, a 15th-century Gothic marvel steeped in mystery, intricate carvings, and legendary tales near Edinburgh.

Explore the evocative ruins of Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, set beside a serene loch with rich royal history.

Discover Scotland’s whisky heritage through immersive tours, tastings, and one of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collections on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Explore Blackness Castle, the iconic 15th-century ‘ship that never sailed’ fortress with stunning Firth of Forth views and rich Scottish history.

A towering medieval fortress on the cliffs of East Lothian, Tantallon Castle offers dramatic history and stunning views over the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock.

Explore the dramatic ruins of St Andrews Castle, a medieval fortress central to Scotland’s religious upheaval and coastal heritage.

Explore the medieval charm and royal history of Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh’s well-preserved fortress with stunning city views and tranquil gardens.

Explore captivating modern and contemporary art in a historic neoclassical gallery set within stunning sculpture gardens in Edinburgh.

Explore Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, a majestic medieval site where Scotland’s kings rest and history lives on in stunning architecture and royal tales.

Explore Falkland Palace, Scotland’s Renaissance treasure with royal gardens, historic tennis court, and rich Stuart heritage in charming Fife.

Edinburgh’s central shopping destination blending historic charm with vibrant retail and dining experiences year-round.

A charming two-mile sandy beach with lively promenade, seaside cafes, and a unique coastal vibe just minutes from Edinburgh city centre.

Explore Scotland’s grandest medieval cathedral ruin with panoramic sea views and a rich history at the heart of St Andrews.

Wooded valley and hilltop sanctuary offering riverside walks, panoramic views, and peaceful escape from the city.

Discover Scotland’s rich history and culture through captivating portraits in a stunning Neo-Gothic gallery at the heart of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh’s largest retail and leisure district, blending shopping, dining, entertainment, and luxury stays in the city centre.

Discover the enchanting home and gardens of Sir Walter Scott, where history, literature, and nature intertwine in the heart of the Scottish Borders.

Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Scotland’s first Cistercian abbey, home to royal burials and legendary medieval sculptures.

Explore Scotland’s native and exotic wildlife at the Scottish Deer Centre, a family-friendly sanctuary with daily talks, falconry, and scenic countryside walks.

Experience Edinburgh’s legendary loyalty tale at Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar, a historic pub serving real ales and classic Scottish hospitality.

Explore Edinburgh’s historic Greyfriars Kirkyard, a hauntingly beautiful cemetery rich with history, legends, and literary inspiration.

Majestic Victorian Gothic cathedral with soaring spires, stunning stained glass, and a vibrant spiritual and cultural heart in Edinburgh’s West End.

Step beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile into a preserved 17th-century close and uncover the city’s hidden stories of plague, poverty, and daily life.

Explore Midhope Castle, the iconic 15th-century Scottish tower house immortalized as Lallybroch in Outlander, nestled in scenic Hopetoun Estate.

A dazzling Victorian cast-iron fountain beneath Edinburgh Castle, blending French artistry with Scottish heritage in vibrant color.

A preserved Edwardian home with sweeping Forth views and an award-winning Japanese garden, perfect for a peaceful escape from Edinburgh’s bustle.

Edinburgh’s iconic Edwardian concert hall renowned for world-class acoustics and diverse performances in a majestic historic setting.

Explore Scotland’s Cold War secret: a vast underground bunker near St Andrews that housed the nation’s emergency government in nuclear crisis.

Discover a captivating underwater world and more at St Andrews Aquarium, perched on scenic cliffs with daily interactive animal experiences.

Explore one of Scotland’s oldest castles, where medieval stonework meets Renaissance gardens overlooking the stunning Firth of Forth.

Explore Dawyck Botanic Garden’s magnificent arboretum, rare trees, and seasonal blooms in a serene Scottish Borders setting.

Step into Edinburgh’s past in a maze of 16th-century rooms packed with historic treasures, from the National Covenant to Greyfriars Bobby’s story.

Discover Hopetoun House, a stunning 17th-century Georgian mansion set in majestic grounds near Edinburgh, blending history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Discover Edinburgh’s historic 17th-century Tron Kirk transformed into a vibrant indoor market showcasing Scotland’s finest arts and crafts.

Explore centuries of Scottish history and stunning architecture in the majestic Callendar House set within beautiful Callendar Park.

Historic Bruntsfield Links offers a unique blend of Scotland’s golfing heritage, scenic parkland, and vibrant urban culture in Edinburgh.

Explore Earth’s incredible story through immersive science, interactive exhibits, and a stunning planetarium at Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth.

Step into history at Bannockburn, where immersive technology brings Scotland’s greatest medieval battle vividly to life.

The Old Course at St Andrews: The historic home of golf and the birthplace of the 18-hole game, open to all on Scotland’s iconic links.

Explore Scotland’s literary heritage in a charming 17th-century house dedicated to Burns, Scott, and Stevenson on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

A scenic gorge walk through woodland and waterfalls, where industrial history meets the wild beauty of the Ochil Hills.

A lively Firth of Forth marina with iconic bridge views, boat trips, and a charming waterfront lined with cafes and pubs in historic South Queensferry.

Explore Scotland’s striking modern parliament building, a symbol of democracy and culture at Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.

Explore Culross Palace, a stunning 17th-century merchant’s house with painted ceilings, historic gardens, and rich Scottish heritage by the Firth of Forth.

Discover Edinburgh’s iconic banking history and the fascinating evolution of money in a free, interactive museum atop The Mound.

Discover the world’s first museum dedicated to childhood history, packed with toys, games, and nostalgia on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Explore 1,000 acres of adventure, history, and nature just minutes from Edinburgh at Dalkeith Country Park.

Step into 400 years of Edinburgh’s Old Town at Gladstone’s Land, a beautifully preserved merchant’s tenement with stunning painted ceilings and immersive history.

Explore spectacular waterfalls, rich wildlife, and scenic woodland trails at the Falls of Clyde near New Lanark, a natural gem in Scotland’s Clyde Valley.

Explore ancient woodlands, riverside trails, and historic ruins in the tranquil Roslin Glen Country Park near Edinburgh.

A charming farm shop and café near Edinburgh offering fresh Scottish produce, pick-your-own fruits, and a family-friendly farm park experience.

Edinburgh’s vibrant Sunday market offering fresh local produce, street food, crafts, and a lively community atmosphere in charming Stockbridge.

Discover over 400 years of Scotland’s military history within the iconic Edinburgh Castle’s National War Museum.

Edinburgh’s bustling main street with stunning views, historic gardens, iconic monuments, and vibrant shopping in the heart of the city.

Discover the delicate floral notes and rich heritage of Scotland’s iconic Lowland whisky at Glenkinchie Distillery near Edinburgh.

A family-friendly Blue Flag beach with golden sands, watersports, and unique local traditions in the scenic East Neuk of Fife.

Historic Dysart Harbour in Fife blends maritime heritage with tranquil coastal charm and preserved 16th-century architecture.

Edinburgh’s luxury shopping street, home to Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and more in a stylish pedestrian precinct.

Edinburgh’s vibrant live music venue with nightly bands, late-night dancing, and Scotland’s largest HD sports screen in a unique historic setting.

Seacliff Beach offers a tranquil escape with stunning views of Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle, perfect for nature lovers and peaceful coastal walks.

Explore Edinburgh’s historic Surgeons' Hall Museums, home to vast surgical collections and cutting-edge medical exhibits in a landmark setting.

Edinburgh’s interactive chocolate micro-factory where you craft, taste, and discover over 40 artisan chocolates in a historic Old Town setting.

A hidden sanctuary of peace and botanical beauty beside Arthur's Seat, created by two devoted doctors and freely open to all.

Step into Edinburgh’s Georgian House to experience 18th-century elegance, from grand family rooms to bustling servant quarters in a beautifully restored townhouse.

Explore over 400 years of golf heritage at The R&A World Golf Museum, with immersive exhibits and stunning views of St Andrews’ iconic Old Course.

An exquisite 18th-century Greco-Roman temple in Edinburgh celebrating healing waters and Enlightenment elegance.

Edinburgh’s first city-centre single malt distillery in a century, blending tradition and innovation with immersive tours and tastings.

Discover Edinburgh’s haunted vaults and historic secrets with Mercat Tours, where chilling stories and expert guides bring the city’s dark past to life.

Dive into Edinburgh’s darkest history with thrilling live shows, chilling rides, and immersive storytelling at The Edinburgh Dungeon.

Discover a tranquil, iconic viewpoint offering stunning, close-up views of Edinburgh Castle framed by historic Old Town charm.

Elegant 18th-century Georgian venue hosting grand balls, concerts, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.

Explore Scotland’s rich artistic heritage and vibrant contemporary scene at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre, a dynamic cultural landmark near Waverley Station.

Discover fresh Scottish produce and artisanal delights every Saturday with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle at Castle Terrace.

Explore Edinburgh’s haunted underground and historic Old Town with immersive ghost and history tours from the iconic Old Police Box.

Explore Edinburgh’s haunted underground vaults and graveyards with award-winning, immersive guided tours blending history, mystery, and spine-tingling tales.

Explore Edinburgh's haunted vaults and graveyards with expert guides blending history, atmosphere, and dark storytelling.

Edinburgh’s iconic basement comedy club delivering lively stand-up shows with a warm, intimate atmosphere and a mix of top and emerging talent.

Edinburgh’s intimate comedy hotspot offering award-winning shows, diverse line-ups, and a welcoming atmosphere with table service and a great bar.

Historic Edinburgh venue blending art galleries, theaters, live music, and festive markets in a vibrant cultural hub.

Explore over 50,000 books in a cozy, historic setting with rolling ladders, rare editions, and complimentary tea at St Andrews’ beloved independent bookshop.

A vibrant city centre hotspot offering bowling, games, American-style eats, and lively entertainment on Edinburgh’s Rose Street.