Local Host Picks
Arthur's Seat
Located within the center of Edinburgh at Holyrood Park, the remains of this extinct volcano rise 823 feet making it a notable landmark of the city. With its myriad footpaths, mini loch and ruin on the hillside (St. Anthony's Chapel, which dates back to the 15th century), it is a great place for a walk.
Bruntsfield Links
Yes, you can play golf in Edinburgh! Bruntsfield is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, and has hosted a number of major championships. It boasts spectacular views over the Firth of Forth.
City Art Centre
Visit the City Art Centre, home to one of the finest collections of Scottish art in the UK and host to international touring exhibitions of fine art, photography, design and more.
Calton Hill
Climb Calton Hill, off Princes Street, one of the best view points over the city. It is one of Edinburgh's main hills, set right in the city center and is unmistakable with the upturned telescope, the monument to Admiral Lord Nelson's victory, and death, at the battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, and the Athenian acropolis poking above the skyline.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Five great attractions in one visit – Camera Obscura, live moving panorama of the city; 360° Rooftop View of Edinburgh; Magic Gallery optical illusions; Light Fantastic, dedicated to the science and art of holography; Edinburgh Vision - see Edinburgh in 3D from the 1850s to the present. It is one of Edinburgh's oldest visitor attractions, built beside Edinburgh Castle in 1853.
Clan Tartan Centre
Close to the Royal Yacht Britannia, at Leith Mills, you will find a world of truly Scottish style. Search the database of 50,000 names and find out if your name is linked to a Scottish clan or tartan. If so, take a printed clan certificate home with you, and maybe toast to your Scottish heritage with a dram from the Spirit of Scotland Whisky Shop; it boasts over a hundred Scottish Malts to tempt your palate.
Dean Village
Just a few minutes walk from New Town's Charlotte Square and 100 feet below the rest of the city, you'll find an 800-year-old milling town on the Water of Leith. Enjoy a riverside walk through the village with its fascinating blend of old and new architecture.
The Dome
Located in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town, this large domed structure was once a bank and now houses a classy bar and restaurant where the locals meet friends and colleagues for coffee, cocktails, lunch and dinner.
The Elephant House Gourmet Tea & Coffee House
Opened in 1995, The Elephant House has established itself as one of the best tea and coffee houses in Edinburgh. Made famous as the place of inspiration to writers such as J.K. Rowling, who sat writing much of her early novels in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle.
The Georgian House
For a glimpse into the lifestyle of Edinburgh's 18th century upper class, visit the Georgian House in Edinburgh's "New Town." Refurbished and opened to the public by Scotland's National Trust, the Georgian House boasts elegant architecture and antiques.
Grassmarket
Stroll through Edinburgh's vibrant and historic Grassmarket area, which offers a range of unique and quirky shops and is the ideal place to find a Scottish souvenir.
Greyfriars Bobby Memorial
This memorial commemorates the loyal dog that spent 14 years by his master's grave. When John Gray, an Edinburgh policeman died in 1858, Bobby made his home by his master's grave in Greyfriars' Kirkyard, and local residents fed him and built him a shelter.
Holyrood Palace
Explore Holyrood Palace, Queen Elizabeth II's official residence in Scotland and once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. The palace has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 15th century. The Palace stands at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the opposite end to Edinburgh Castle.
Holyrood Park
Holyrood Park, also known as the Queen's Park since it is still owned by the monarchy, contains some interesting attractions such as the remains of an ancient volcano, a bird sanctuary, the dramatic Salisbury Crags and three lochs or lakes.
Magdalen Chapel
Hidden in the Cowgate in Edinburgh's Old Town, beneath George IV Bridge, is the 16th Century Magdalen Chapel. It was the last Roman Catholic chapel to be built in Edinburgh before the Reformation.
Museum on the Mound
Money and so much more! Opened in 2006, this fascinating museum takes a fresh look at money – and much, much more. Art & design, technology, crime, trade and security – all feature in the story of money.
National Museum of Scotland
The collections tell you the story of Scotland, its land, people and culture. It covers life, the universe and everything in it. Some exhibits are millions of years old, others less than a decade. From Iron Age gold ornaments to Jackie Stewart's F1 car, to the milk bottle actor Sir Sean Connery carried when he was a milkman.
Royal Oak Pub
You'll find plenty of pubs in Edinburgh, but for the sounds of Scottish folk music while you savor your ale, this pub on Infirmary Street is the place.
Scotch Whisky Experience
Take a barrel ride as you become part of the actual whisky making process, then access the vault containing the world's largest collection of Scotch Whiskies and enjoy a special tutored nosing and tasting. Explore Scotland's whisky history from the very beginnings through to the global success of today.
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed crown spire it stands on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen).
St. Mary's Cathedral
The largest ecclesiastical building in Scotland stands in the heart of Edinburgh's bustling west end, and its three spires can be seen dominating the skyline. It is a place of stillness in Scotland's capital. Take some time to explore the site and find out what is going on in and around the cathedral. A warm welcome awaits you.