Edinburgh is one of the best destinations to go on a sightseeing trip in the UK. There are endless sights to marvel at that you will be spoilt for choice. Most visitors don’t even know where to start with all that there is to see and do. But, with this Edinburgh sightseeing guide, you can have a good idea of the top must visit places while touring Scotland’s capital.
Best Edinburgh City Sights
While visiting Edinburgh, you can go on foot or take a City Sightseeing bus tour. Either way, you will see interesting attractions that make up for a memorable trip. The general scene offers a mixture of old world charms and modern city life. Tee of your tour at the Old Town where most of the attractions are located. Take a tour to the Grassmarket where you will hear about the hangings that took place there as you marvel at the imposing Castle Rock.
On a guided tour, you will learn about intriguing tales narrating Edinburgh’s turbulent past. Stories of battles, royal scandals, mysteries, and legends will make the tour even more enjoyable.
Of course, no trip to Edinburgh is complete without visiting the Royal Mile. Here you will find Edinburgh Castle on one end and the Holyrood Palace (the Queen’s residence in the city) on the other. Winding through the Royal Mile should be done at a slow pace since there are many photo-taking opportunities. Visitors also learn interesting stories at every step.
A visit to Charlotte Square in the New Town is also well worth it. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this square is home to the famous Georgian House. The New Town offers a unique contrast to the Old Town’s medieval charms. Along Prince Street, you won’t miss the Scott Monument, one of the most noticeable tall spires in the city.
Best Spots for Breathtaking Scenery
If you thought that Edinburgh is just a concrete jungle, think again. Amidst the contrasting blend of a modern and medieval town, there is diverse natural beauty to explore. Perched on seven hills, Edinburgh creates a dramatic skyline and has diverse natural beauty. There are also two extinct volcanoes in the city. The first one is Castle Rock, upon which Edinburgh Castle is built.
Arthur’s seat is the other volcano located at Holyrood Park, offering the highest point in the city. On a clear day, the vistas stretching from Kingdom of Fife provide scenic views to relish. Visiting any one of these two vantage points allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the city and Edinburgh’s dramatic landscape of rolling hills.
Sightseeing tours in Edinburgh can take up to 3 days or more since there is so much to see. Accommodation options at this destination also come in plenty. If you are planning for an extended stay or visiting with family and friends, staying at a holiday apartment would be more convenient. This will allow you to have your own living space and flat rate rental fees are cheaper than hotel rooms that charge per head.
What’s more, some apartments are just a short distance from the main attractions.
This article was written by Christie Campbell, a travel enthusiast and travel blogger based in Edinburgh. She loves to share her passion for traveling in writing. To learn where Christie recommends other vacationers to stay while visiting her hometown, click here.
