Top-notch places to visit while visiting Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland in the United Kingdom and the city is known for its rich culture, traditions and customs. Declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, the city boasts its iconic landmarks and monuments like anything else. Apart from the must-visit places, be sure to taste some delicious meal prepared completely in Scottish cuisine.

Some of the best places to visit in Edinburgh

• Edinburgh Castle
• Camera Obscura and World of Illusion
• Holyrood Palace
• Royal Botanical Garden
• Greyfriars Kirk
• Museum of Childhood
• Heart of Midlothian
• Edinburgh Zoo

1. Edinburgh Castle

One of the iconic landmarks in Scotland is the famous Edinburgh Castle. Sitting on top of a volcanic peak, the castle stands as an amazing view of the city skyline. Edinburgh Castle is home to Mary, Queen of Scots. If you are into TV dramas, you will recognise the icon with just Queen’s name. As soon as you step inside the castle, you can see the famous Crown Jewels of the country, clothing and a lot more.

Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom

Open hours & Entry fee: The museum is open to the public between 10 AM and 5 PM on all days of the week except Sundays. The entry fee ranges from 10 Euros to 16 Euros. Kids below 5 years can enter for free.

2. Camera Obscura and World of Illusion

Located next to Edinburgh Castle, is the World of Illusions and Camera Obscura. The place has stunning attractions like optical illusions, games and magic shows. The place gets its name after the roof camera that has been installed in an old fashioned way. Made in the 19th century, the camera grasps light from the outside and projects the visuals into a dark room.

While you here, be sure to view the castle from up here. The view of the castle as the sun sets is truly magical.

Location: Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, United Kingdom

Open hours & Entry fee: The museum is open on all seven days of the week between 10 AM – 7 PM. The entry fee ranges from 11 Euros to 15 Euros. Kids below 5 years can enter for free.

3. Holyrood Palace

Built opposite to the Edinburgh Castle, is the famous Palace of Holyrood House. Holyrood House is the officially the residence to Augustinian Holyrood Abbey, a British Monarch settled in Scotland. There are several exhibits that are displayed that talk about the history of the building and Scotland itself. The palace has self-guided audio tours in different languages, that help the tourists understand about the palace. Psst, additional information, Mary, Queen of Scots resided in the Holyrood Palace for quite some time too.

Location: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom

Open hours & Entry fee: The Holyrood is open throughout the year on all Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 9:30 AM – 6 PM. The entry fee ranges from 10 Euros to 16 Euros based on the individual’s age. Kids below 5 years can enter for free.

4. Royal Botanical Garden

Created in the year 1670, the Royal Botanical Garden was designed to study the medicinal purposes of the plant. At present, the garden is used as a famous tourist attraction and for research purposes. There are over 280,000 plant types that are colourfully spread across 70 acres of a beautiful garden. Every single plant planted depicts a new era and a story. The garden also has an inbuilt gallery that exhibits paintings and arts of Scottish artists.

Location: Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, United Kingdom

Open hours & Entry fee: The garden is open on all seven days of the week between 10 AM – 5 PM.

5. Greyfriars Kirk

Greyfriars Kirk refers to Parish Church in the country of Scotland. Being built in the year 1620, the church still stands in the centre of Edinburgh. Go on a jolly tour and learn more about the history of the country and the church itself. Get to know about the Scottish Covenanters and lot more. There are several concerts that take place weekly which can be attended by the public. So if you are lucky, you might be able to be a part of it.

Location: 30-34 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE, United Kingdom

Open hours & Entry fee: The place is open throughout the week except on Sunday. There are several morning and night tours organised for the public at a cost of 8 Euros for adults and 6 Euros for kids. The cost of night tour is 13 Euros for adults and 11 Euros for kids.

6. Museum of Childhood

Located in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland is world’s one of a kind museum, called the Museum of Childhood. The museum exhibits toys, games. accessories and stuff that has been used from the 18th century to till date. The museum talks about the differences every generation has gone through going up. Walkthrough the walls of this museum and take a trip down through the memory lane when you find your favourite game laying around. Experience a bit of fun and nostalgia as you touch the toys or games that you once played with and relive those happy moments.

Location: 42 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TG, United Kingdom

Open hours & Entry fee: The museum is open on all seven days of the week between 10 AM – 5 PM. The best thing about this museum is that you don’t have to pay any fee to relive the happy moments.

7. Heart of Midlothian

A heart-shaped structure in the pavement made using colourful mosaic is the one and only Heart of the Midlothian. This particular place has a touch of Scottish history to it. The heart was carved in the place where once the Old Townbooth was. The Old Townbooth refers to the building that was used as an office building for the town’s purpose. Although the building doesn’t exist at present, the heart still has a place in the resident’s warm heart.

Location: Hight Street Section, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

8. Edinburgh Zoo

The Edinburgh Zoo is spread across 82-acre land with some pretty amazing views of the city. This was the first-ever zoo in the world to house penguins and is also the only zoo in Britain to have koalas and giant pandas. Go on a mini zoo safari or walk the path and get friendly with some cuddling animals. There are several events that are organised weekly that educate people about animals trying to promote animal love.

Location: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, United Kingdom

Open hours & Entry fee: The zoo is open on all seven days of the week between 10 AM – 5 PM.

Also Read: 8 Best Places in the United Kingdom

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