Top Places To Visit in Edinburgh
There are many places to explore in the City of Edinburgh - so many, in fact, it can be hard to know where you should head to first, and places perhaps you should skip altogether! No need to worry, we’ve curated the perfect list of our top recommendations for when you’re next in the city.
Cockburn Street
Located just up from Princes Street is possibly one of our favourite areas of the city - Cockburn Street. This winding path leads you up to the heart of the Royal Mile, but before you get there, make sure to check out some of the fantastic shops throughout the street.
Some of our favourites include Pie in The Sky, Eden and STILLS Photography. Pie in the Sky is the perfect spot for any pin collector or lover of gimmicky merch. They have a collection of uniquely embroidered hats, niche socks and an abundance of stickers and pins.
Eden is one of the few places in the City where you can grab yourself a popular Jellycat toy. Not only this, but they also hold a variety of cards and home-ware goods made by independent artists and local companies.
STILLS Photography is a popular Photoshop at the bottom quarter of the street. This fantastic shop showcases local photography and also serves as a home for Edinburgh’s only vintage photobooth. You’ll often see tourists head to the shop to snap a photo of their time in the city - and who could blame them?
Another firm favourite of ours has to be The Milkman, which actually has two spots on the street. You’ll find the popular cafe at the bottom and top of Cockburn, meaning you don’t have to skip out on any tasty drinks or pastries!
It wouldn’t be a Cockburn Street recommendation without mentioning the Minalima Store. If you’re a Potterhead or follow any of the fantastical reimaginations the Minalima company have done, this might be your favourite shop on the street. This shop is full of Harry Potter Minalima merchandise and other beautiful pop-out books. The perfect place for a bookworm in the city.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the sights in the City that you can’t miss. Located atop Castle Rock, the castle is one of the most recognisable sights that defines the city. Whether you’re in New Town, Grassmarket or Bruntsfield, you’re sure to have sights of the castle.
The Castle has been the home of many famous historical figures, including Mary, Queen of Scots, and her Stuart lineage. Not only this, but the grounds of the Castle have also been home to many celebrations throughout the years, including its annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Thousands of people each year secure their tickets and watch their performances throughout the month of August, the same month as the Fringe Festival.
You can access the Castle from the top of the Royal Mile and can roam the front-facing courtyard to your heart’s content. From here, you’ll have views of Arthur’s Seat and the wider city.
If you fancy a trip inside the castle grounds, you can purchase a ticket for full access. Inside the castle, you’ll find St Mary’s Chapel, one of the oldest chapels in Europe and the room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son, James I of England.
The Museum also has access to two separate regimental museums, each with its own amazing historical background and artifacts. A trip to the museum can be as long as you fancy, whether you’re there to capture a glimpse of the 1 o’clock gun or to observe every historical corner of the grounds.
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile in Old Town Edinburgh is one of the most famous parts of the city. The Mile stretches all the way from Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock to the bottom of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Heading down from the Castle, there are many iconic spots to grab yourself a drink and a bite to eat, as well as activities to fill your itinerary. Here are just some of our favourites:
The Scotch Whisky Experience - An award-winning whisky experience in the home of Scotch whisky. Tours range from 50 minutes up to 3 hours, depending on your preference.
The Witchery Restaurant - This magnificent restaurant is the perfect choice for those craving a unique setting with tasty food. Make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Camera Obscura - A fantastic illusion attraction filled with magic mirrors and optical illusions. Don’t forget to enjoy the camera obscura show to see amazing views of the city.
The Real Mary King’s Close - one of Edinburgh’s most famous closes, this attraction takes you through the history that lies in its cobbles.
Makers Market - Located in the Fruit Market Gallery, this local market showcases some of Edinburgh’s best independent makers.
St Giles Cathedral - founded by King David I in 1124, it has served as a working church for more than 900 years.
Tolbooth Tavern - With 200 years of history, the Tolbooth Tavern is the perfect spot to grab yourself a bite to eat and enjoy some of their live entertainment throughout the year.
Scottish Parliament - Located at the bottom of the mile, the public is free to visit the building’s public access areas during opening hours.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse - Explore the palace that holds the home for King Charles, and previous monarchs such as Mary Queen of Scots.
Victoria Street
Victoria Street, located just off the Royal Mile, is one of the most famous streets in the city; said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
Down the spiralled street leading to Grassmarket, you will find an abundance of bright coloured shops and food spots for you to explore. Some of our favourites include The Museum Context Store, The Red Door Gallery, and Oink.
The Museum Context - This magical shop can be found on Victoria Street and is the retailer of Harry Potter Merchandise. If you’re interested in finding your perfect wand or any other magical goods, this is the space. Due to its popularity, you’ll often find a queue outside, so make sure to head over earlier in your day.
The Red Door Gallery - A small independent gift store perfect for discovering new artists and purchasing something to remember your time in the city.
Oink - Arguably the best pulled pork sandwich in the city, choose from piglet, oink or grunter portions and choose your bread, stuffing and sauce.
Dean Village
The hidden village nestled beneath Edinburgh’s city centre.
This picturesque, historic village, located on the Water of Leith, is a little oasis, just 10 minutes walk from the city centre. Dean Village is a short stroll away from some of Edinburgh’s finest bakeries, bars, shops and restaurants. You can also take a wander along the river down to Stockbridge, where you will find countless artisan bakeries, coffee shops, gastropubs, restaurants, and independent shops.
Princes Street Gardens
Finally, you can’t visit the city without skipping the beautiful Princes Street Gardens.
Princes Street Garden stretches the length of the New Town, separated into West and East gardens. In the east, you’ll find yourself on the doorstep of the National Gallery Museum and have easy access to Waverley train station.
The West gardens, however, have clearer views of the castle and access to the beautiful Ross fountain. The gardens are the perfect spot to set yourself down for a picnic or tuck into a good book.
Stay with us
Headed to the City of Edinburgh? Why not curate your perfect stay with us? At Calton Living, we host a range of serviced apartments throughout the city, each with its own unique style and location. You can view our full range of apartments here.
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