Edinburgh Attractions
Edinburgh has many attractions due to its long history. The main attractions being
Edinburgh Castle,
Palace of Holyrood House,
Royal Yacht Britannia, Dynamic Earth,
National Museum of Scotland, The Royal Mile
and Royal Botanic Gardens.
Below are a few of the great Edinburgh Attractions​
Edinburgh Attractions
All with Guided Walking Tours
Palace of Holyrood House
The Palace of Holyrood House, a majestic landmark, stands where the village Herbegare once thrived. Built by James IV in 1498, it served as a royal residence until it was burned down by Cromwell. Over the centuries, this palace has been the main residence of King Charles III and many other royals, embodying over six centuries history and tradition. Visit this remarkable site to explore the rich heritage shaped Scotland's monarchy.
Royal Mile
Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, Abbey Strand
Explore the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, a vibrant stretch that draws countless visitors. Start your journey in the High Street, where you can marvel at the Mercat Cross, a historic meeting point.
Don't miss the hidden gems of the many closes, the impressive Tron Kirk, and the stunning St. Giles Cathedral. Be sure to visit the John Knox House and the 4 free to enter museums telling the history of Edinburgh and stories of the past.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a historic landmark, rich with stories and stunning views., you'll find the house of Octavia Hill photographer, the Time Ball, and the Playfair Memorial, each telling a unique tale of the past. The Democracy Cairn and Dugald Stewart Memorial offer not only a glimpse into Edinburgh's history but also breath-taking panoramas of Fife and Arthur Seat, the beautiful Edinburgh New Town and Castle.
A visit to Calton Hill is a journey through time, surrounded by some of the most iconic sights.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands proudly at the heart of Edinburgh, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich of Scotland. Don't miss the iconic One o'clock Gun, a beloved attraction that has been firing daily since 1861. Explore the birthplace of kings and queens, marvel at the stunning Crown Jewels on display, and take in breathtaking views of the New Town. This historic site is must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the grandeur of Scotland's past
Arthur Seat
Arthur's Seat, standing at 803 feet, is an iconic extinct volcano nestled in the heart of Edinburgh. Ascending this ancient landmark rewards you with breath-taking views of the city and the stunning landscapes beyond. Along the way you'll encounter three picturesque lochs, adding to the natural beauty. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a hike up Arthur's Seat is a must for anyone looking to experience the best Edinburgh's scenery.
Dean Village
Discover Dean Village, a picturesque suburb of Edinburgh nestled alongside the Water of Leith. First mentioned in 1143, this charming area is top tourist destination, renowned for its stunning architecture and serene riverside walks. Explore the historic streets immerse yourself in the natural beauty that Dean Village has to offer. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Dean Village is a must-visit gem in Scotland's capital.
University of Edinburgh
Due to the University of Edinburgh over the centuries there has been many famous people
that have come to Edinburgh studied and stayed.
writers, scientists, inventors, musicians, mathematicians, gamers,
physicians, philosophers, sporting greats, Prime Ministers and Presidents,
also the first Chinese Student to Graduate in Europe.
Interested see it all and more on the
The Medical School is the oldest and most prestigious in the world
Grass Market Old Town Edinburgh
The Grassmarket Area was where people from all over brought their livestock to sell at market. Cattle, horses, sheep and goats.
The Grassmarket is the oldest market area recorded in British history and has been written about since circa 1370.
It was James the 3rd who first gave charter to a weekly market in 1477. This Grassmarket area was first paved in 1543 from the West Port to the Lawnmarket. Today there is a weekly Saturday Market with all kinds of goods. From early morning to late afternoon there is a hive of activity. The Grassmarket was built on what was part of the south loch which was drained in the early 14th century.
It became a cattle market shortly after and was officially one on Edinburgh's main markets under the ordinance of James III in 1477.
The Gallows stood at the foot of the West Bow from 1660. This became the main gallows for executions in Edinburgh until the last hanging on the 4th February 1874 when the gallows moved back to the High Street. The animal market took place here up to 1911.
New Town Edinburgh
In 1759 King George III had a new town built as an extension of Edinburgh City, as the over population of the old town streets had become unliveable. A bridge was built as an access to where the new town would be built (North Bridge). When the plans for the new town were agreed the King named the streets with the main street after himself
(George Street). The other streets of the new town were named after as follows: Queen Street, after his wife the Queen: St. Giles Street after the city’s patron saint, St. Giles St. Andrews Square after the patron saint of Scotland and
George Square after the patron saint of England. The smaller street between George Street and Queen Street was named Thistle Street after (Scotland’s national emblem) The street Between George Street and St. Giles Street named
Rose Street after (England’s national emblem).
King George, after consideration, rejected the name St. Giles Street as St Giles being the patron saint of lepers and also the name of a slum area on the edge of the City of London.
It was renamed Princes Street after his sons, the three Princes.
The name of St. George Square was also changed to Charlotte Square after his wife Charlotte the Queen as there was already a George Square just outside the old town.
Thistle Street was split into three separate street names, from the west end.
It became Young Street then Hill Street after the architects who built the new town with the final part remaining
Thistle Street now half the length of Rose Street.
The three streets running across the main street completing the new town area, Castle Street named for the view of the castle, Frederick Street after the king’s father Frederick and Hanover Street was after the Royal house of Hanover.
The main access to the new town was by the North Bridge.
The Nor Loch was drained and the debris from the excavations of the new town were piled up in the middle of the now dry bed of the loch and formed the mound the only other access from the old town to the new town.
The gardens were then formed on both sides of the mound in the dry bed where the loch had been at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, running the length of Princes Street.
The first buildings in the New Town to be built were in Rose Court, at the east end of Thistle Street in 1767, now called Thistle Court, this building can still be seen today.
Leith Area Edinburgh
Leith area Edinburgh or originally inverlet ‘the mouth of the Water of Leith’. First recorded mention of Leith was in 1143 two villages one on each side of the river estuary North and South Leith which were first joined by a bridge in 1493. The oldest building that remains is St Ninians South Leith at the shore.
Leith was chartered to Edinburgh by Robert the Bruce in 1329 giving the powers of Edinburgh control of Leith.
In 1920 Leith became a part of Edinburgh.
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The French invaded Leith in 1548 for 12 years they took control. Finally in 1560 after many battles and a siege the French left Leith in the wake of destroying what they could. Mary Queen of Scots returned to Scotland from France in 1560 at the shore in Leith. The final outbreak of the black death or bubonic plague, (a acquired from the bite of an infected flea) took hold in Edinburgh and Leith, 1645. With circa 2,600 deaths of people living in South Leith (75% of the population). Huts were built on Leith Links where whole families were isolate to reduce the spread of infection.
In 1744 the First Rules of Golf were written at Leith Links.
Cromwell took control of Leith in 1650 and had a base at the Citadel. The Bank of Leith opened in 1806 with its own Leith currency. King George IV set foot on Scottish soil at the Shore the first monarch since 1746 and the Highland clearances when the Kilt was outlawed. George was invited by Sir Walter Scott in 1822 and was asked to were the kilt, which he did. This made the Kilt popular again.
The “Leith Act” was passed by Parliament in 1827.
