35 Famous Landmarks in Edinburgh (100% worth a visit)
Capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is one of the largest cities in the United Kingdom with a population of over half a million. Its rich history, cultural heritage and fascinating legends have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Edinburgh is filled with amazing places revealing sudden and unexpected views, like green sunny hills, reddish rocks, or a glimpse of the blue sea in the distance.
Besides its beauty, the city is also known for its many festivals including the Fringe in August (the world’s largest arts festival), and Hogmanay in the New Year. But with its fine stores, fine dining, underground city and medieval castles, Scotland’s capital is a pleasure to visit at any time of the year.
Wondering what are the famous landmarks in Edinburgh?
Here’s a complete list of the best 35 Edinburgh landmarks! 🏴
The Full List of the 35 Famous Edinburgh Landmarks
To make it easier, we’ve divided the landmarks Edinburgh has to offer in 3 categories: the monuments, the museums, and the other building & areas.
🗽 Historical monuments in Edinburgh:
- Edinburgh Castle
- St Giles’ Cathedral
- Scott Monument
- National Monument of Scotland
- Bute House
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
🏛 Famous museums in Edinburgh:
- The Real Mary King’s Close
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
- National Museum of Scotland
- Museum of Edinburgh
- The Scotch Whisky Experience
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
⛲️ Famous buildings & areas in Edinburgh:
- Royal Mile Street
- Arthur’s Seat
- The Balmoral Hotel
- Scottish Parliament
- Dean Village
- Princes Street Gardens
- The Royal Botanic Garden
- Grassmarket
- Greyfriar’s Bobby Statue
- Greyfriar’s Kirkyard
- The Elephant House
🔎 More famous landmarks of Edinburgh:
- Calton Hill
- Usher Hall
- Canongate Kirk
- Dunbar’s Close Garden
- White Horse Close
- Charlotte Square
- Victoria Street
- Murrayfield
- The Vennel
- St. Andrew’s Square
- George Heriot’s School
So, here’s the complete list of the famous landmarks in Edinburgh Scotland. Keep reading below to learn more about each of them!
Historical Monuments in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the second most popular tourist destination in the UK after London. Every year, nearly 2 million tourists come to discover the historical and cultural attractions for which it is famous!
So, let’s start with the best historical monuments of Edinburgh, those you can’t miss wether you spend 2 days in Edinburgh or more.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a magnificent fortress located in the heart of the Old City. Perched high on the steep hill of Castle Rock, it’s now Edinburgh’s number one tourist attraction, and offers a spectacular view.
The castle is a reminder of the painful history that was played out between Scotland and England. From the 11th century onwards, the castle was the symbol of the rivalries between these 2 nations. Following the Treaty of Berwick, King David II initiated reconstruction work to make it a military fortress, completed in 1153. The castle then became home to some of the most famous members of the Scottish Stuart dynasty, including Mary Stuart who gave birth to the future James I of England.
During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of Scotland and see the impact of the sieges, battles, and attempts to reconquer the castle. From the ramparts, you have a breathtaking view of the New Town and the Firth of Forth estuary.
2. St Giles’ Cathedral
It’s impossible to miss St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. This fascinating monument is located in the heart of the Old Town between Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile.
Built in 1120, St. Giles Cathedral was originally a Catholic place of worship. It became a symbol of Presbyterianism in 1560 and acquired the status of a cathedral in 1630. Its current Gothic style dates from the 15th century, following its reconstruction after the fire that burned the city in 1385.
The cathedral is wonderful inside and out. At nightfall, the crowned spire rises above the rooftops and guides the lost passersby through the Old Town. Several chapels surround the main nave, the most famous is the Thistle Chapel, which is also the emblem of Scotland.
3. Scott Monument
Located in the Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is a Neo-gothic style monument built in honor of Sir Walter Scott, a great writer born in the city.
Built by the architect Kemp in 1844 after the death of Sir Walter Scott in 1832, this tower is about 61 meters high. A white marble statue of Walter Scott stands between the 4 columns of the tower.
Visitors can climb to the top of the Scott Monument by taking the 287 step staircase to reach the small observation platform, from where you’ll have beautiful views over the city’s rooftops.
4. National Monument of Scotland
Located on top of the Calton Hill, the National Monument of Scotland is a neoclassical structure built in memory of the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died in the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815).
The monument strongly looks like the Parthenon in Athens. Architects Cockerell and Playfair were indeed inspired by the famous Greek monument to design this monument between 1823 and 1826. In fact, it’s in part due to this similarity that Edinburgh has earned its nickname of “Athens Of the North”.
The construction of the monument began in 1826, but had to be interrupted in 1829 because of a lack of funds. The building therefore remained unfinished despite many projects to complete it.
5. Bute House
Located in Charlotte Square, Bute House is the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland since the Scotland Act and the devolution of powers in 1999.
This lovely building was built in 1793 in a mixed neoclassical and Georgian style. This Scottish version of 10 Downing Street is also used for political events or to welcome dignitaries from around the world.
Although visitors can’t visit the Bute House, it’s possible to discover the Georgian house located at number 7: it’s a museum displaying collections of beautiful paintings, artifacts and other items dating from the 18th century.
6. Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located on the edge of Edinburgh’s Old Town, on the opposite side of Edinburgh Castle.
The palace was originally a monastery founded by King David I in the 12th century. It has served as the main residence of Scottish kings and queens since the 15th century, including Mary Stuart in the 16th century. It’s now one of the secondary royal residences of Queen Elizabeth II. She comes to spend a few days there every year in July.
Open to the public during the non-residence periods of the royal family, this marvel of architecture is an absolute must-see in Edinburgh!
Famous Museums in Edinburgh
If you’re a museum and history lover, you’ll definitely be satisfied in Edinburgh. You’ll find different types of museums to match any traveler’s taste.
Let’s discover some of them!
7. The Real Mary King’s Close
Located on the Royal Mile, right next to St. Giles Cathedral, is the Real Mary King’s Close, an underground museum that gives you a glimpse into the lives of Edinburgh’s residents in the 17th century.
Named after Mary King, a high-ranking merchant who lived in the area, this underground city is a labyrinth of interactive exhibits. The tour is necessarily guided by costumed characters combining historical facts, humor and ghost stories.
This amazing historical attraction can be toured in English or Spanish. The place is very popular, so be sure to book your tickets in advance!
8. Royal Yacht Britannia
Located on the north coast of the city in the port district of Leith, you’ll find one of Edinburgh’s most interesting and quirky attractions: The Royal Yacht Britannia.
The Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world. It was the last British royal yacht to serve, from 1953 to 1997. It carried the Queen and the Royal Family around the world for over 40 years, but was retired because it was very expensive.
It has been converted into a museum and is now open to visitors, telling the story of the Royal Family and their travels on board in a luxurious and untouched setting. You can discover the different decks, lounges, cabins and life on board, both for the Royal Family and the crew. You can even have tea and dine on the royal veranda!
9. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
The Scottish Gallery of Modern Art is housed in 2 impressive neoclassical buildings surrounded by landscaped gardens in Stockbridge, near Dean Village.
Founded in 1859, this gallery features a stunning collection of paintings by popular and post-impressionist colorists. It’s also a good starting point for a walk along the Water of Leith, following a path where you can see some sculptures of Anthony Gormley.
The main collection focuses on 20th century art, with various European movements represented by artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Warhol and Magritte. American and English artists are also represented, but more space is given to Scottish painters, from early 20th-century Scottish colorists to contemporary artists such as Ken Currie and Peter Howson.
10. National Museum of Scotland
The large facade of the National Museum of Scotland overlooks the beautiful Chambers Street, located between St Giles’ Cathedral and the University of Edinburgh.
The museum’s extensive collections are housed in 2 buildings, one modern, and the other Victorian. The golden stone and striking modern architecture of the new building, opened in 1998, is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.
The museum’s 5 floors cover the history of Scotland from its geological origins to the 1990s, with many original and interactive exhibits. It’s linked to the Victorian Royal Museum, which showcases collections on science, technology, natural history and world cultures.
11. Museum of Edinburgh
Also known as the The Speaking House because of its exterior facade decorated with Latin inscriptions, the Museum of Edinburgh is a small but very pleasant museum to visit in the heart of the Royal Mile.
Don’t expect to find paintings from great artists here, it’s a lovely place to discover the history of the Scottish capital through some of the artifacts that mark important moments in the history of the city.
Housed in a typical big house of Edinburgh’s Old Town dating back to the 16th century, visiting this museum is also a chance to discover how the city’s historic houses are designed.
12. The Scotch Whisky Experience
If in Ireland, beer is almost a religion, in Scotland, it’s whisky. Indeed, Scotch is clearly the British national drink and even more so in Edinburgh where there are many places to taste it. And even a museum!
Indeed, the Scotch Whisky Experience is a museum dedicated to the history and the making of whisky located on the Royal Mile, in a former school, down the hill from the castle and the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
In this museum, we learn how the national drink is made, from the first step to the sale.An instructive visit that concludes with a tasting of the best Scottish whiskies.
13. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Located just past the castle at the beginning of the Royal Mile, the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is one of Edinburgh’s oldest tourist attractions, but also one of the most popular.
The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a unique museum of optical illusions. The camera obscura recreates a live 360° animated panorama of the city in miniature using a periscope through which images are projected.
The building housing the museum also offers a wonderful view over the Old Town you can’t miss when visiting. Funny and quirky, this visit won’t disappoint you, especially if you’re in Edinburgh with kids.
Edinburgh Famous Buildings & Areas
Edinburgh is well known around the world for its typical picturesque streets and buildings that give the city a very special charm you’ll find nowhere else. And guess what, some of them are of course, important landmarks to the city.
Let’s discover some of the best Edinburgh buildings and areas!
14. Royal Mile Street
Walking the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is one of the city’s main attractions. Despite the high number of tourists and cars, you’ll be easily travel back in time by imagining life in these old houses and narrow side streets.
The Royal Mile is the central street of the Edinburgh Old City. It starts at the entrance to Edinburgh Castle and ends at the Palace of Holyrood. The name of the street refers to its length of 1 Scottish mile (1,8 km), and “royal” because it was once a processional route for kings and queens.
It’s a fascinating walk lined with historic 5-story buildings and some of Edinburgh’s most important landmarks. As you explore the cobbled street you’ll see the Hub, St Giles’ Cathedral and the famous narrow passages, the “closes”.
15. Arthur’s Seat
This peak, which is actually on top of an extinct volcano, offers one of the best views of the city and County Fife. If you’re wondering where to find Arthur’s Seat, you just need to look up to Holyrood Park.
This 251-meter rocky peak dominates the city, as does Edinburgh Castle. This piece of Scottish countryside in the middle of the city offers many hiking trails for those who like to climb a bit.
To walk to the top, head to the ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel and follow the signs there. This trail takes about 1 hour and is ideal at sunrise or sunset. The climb is quite tough, but once you reach the top, you will discover a breathtaking panorama of the whole city. It’s the perfect day out in Edinburgh with family!
16. The Balmoral Hotel
Among all Edinburgh famous buildings, we can say this one is the most iconic. Located at the intersection of Princes Street and North Bridge in the heart of the city, the Balmoral Hotel defines Edinburgh’s skyline, especially because of the clock tower that sits atop it.
Located at the intersection of Princes Street and North Bridge, the Balmoral Hotel was built in 1902 to accommodate passengers from Waverley Station. It’s said that the hotel’s clock is always 3 minutes early so that everybody can be sure not to miss their train.
This very luxurious hotel has hosted famous personalities such as Laurel and Hardy in the 1930s, and more recently J.K Rowling who finished the Harry Potter series in 2007, or Oprah Winfrey in 2010.
17. Scottish Parliament
Located just minutes from the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the Royal Mile, the Scottish Parliament sits in a modern building considered as a work of art.
Designed by the Catalan architect Enric Miralles, the Scottish Parliament building was inaugurated in 2005, 5 years after the death of its designer. The complex design is supposed to represent the “flower of democracy rooted in the Scottish soil”, which can be seen from Salisbury Crags.
Free one-hour tours include a visit to the Chamber, a committee room, the Garden Lobby and the office of a Member of the Scottish Parliament. You’ll need to book your tour in advance on the official website.
18. Dean Village
Dean Village is a quaint and charming village northwest of Edinburgh, nestled just a stone’s throw from New Town and offering an up-close immersion in the Scottish countryside.
Founded in the 12th century by a community of millers, the village has long been an agricultural and economic center of the region. With the expansion of the city in the 19th century, Dean Village became a part of Edinburgh. Several large mills were built on the outskirts of the capital during the Industrial Revolution and the village’s activity declined.
Today, Dean Village is very popular. This small haven of peace in the heart of the city offers an ideal living environment to the Scots who have settled there. Dean Village is a life-size postcard: the mills are now beautiful red sandstone apartments, and some renovated houses date from the 17th century. By the way, many movies are partly shot here, such as Avengers.
19. Princes Street Gardens
The Princes Street Gardens are located in the heart of the city, at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, and feature the Scott Monument mentioned above.
The gardens are located in a valley that was once occupied by the Nor’Loch, a marshy body of water that was drained in the early 19th century. The gardens are divided in the middle by a mound formed by about 2 million carts of soil to create a road across the valley to the Old Town in 1830.
Besides being a nice green space where tourists and locals can relax, the Princes Street Gardens also houses Ross Bandstand. It’s a venue for festivals such as Hogmanay, Fireworks Concert, and many other events. You can also admire the Floral Clock, the oldest in the world with a design that changes every year.
20. The Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is a must-see place in Edinburgh for nature lovers! The park covers an area of 28 hectares in the Stockbridge district, north of the city center.
Created in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh has been located in its current location in Inverleith Park since 1820. The garden is divided into several outdoor and indoor areas you can visit at your own pace. The garden and its different sections contain nearly 36,000 plants, that is to say 5% of the total number of species found on the planet!
Known as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, you can visit beautiful greenhouses, an arboretum, a Chinese garden and even the largest collection of rhododendrons in the world. There are also beautiful views of the city and the castle from the garden.
21. Grassmarket
Grassmarket is one of the city’s trendiest and liveliest areas. Located a few blocks below Edinburgh castle, the large cobblestone square surrounded by pubs, restaurants and stores is the main attraction of Grassmarket.
In the past, Grassmarket Square was a place of public execution where convicts were hanged. This is a far cry from the cheerful atmosphere of the place today!
Grassmarket has become an iconic part of Edinburgh where locals like to come in the evening for dinner or a drink. The area is also great to visit during the day to stroll around, enjoy the view of the castle, do some shopping, discover the Saturday market and have a beer on a terrace.
22. Greyfriar’s Kirkyard
Greyfriar’s Kirkyard is the most central cemetery in the city. It’s located in the Grassmarket district and surrounds Greyfriar’s Kirk Church.
Burials have been held here since the late 16th century, and a number of Edinburgh’s most prominent residents are buried here. Greyfriar’s graveyard is said to be the most haunted in the world!
For the thrills seekers, there are evening guided tours: with its centuries-old leaning graves, desecrated vaults, mausoleums and threatening statues, chills are guaranteed!
23. Greyfriar’s Bobby Statue
Greyfriar’s Bobby is a dog that lived in Edinburgh in the 19th century. Because of his loyalty, he became one of the main icons of Scotland.
John Gray, a policeman working at night, adopted a Skye Terrier named Bobby in 1856 to keep him company. When the policeman died 2 years later, the legend says that Bobby followed John Gray’s procession during the funeral. Thereafter and during 14 years, the dog left the tomb of his master only at midday to eat in a restaurant close by. Later, this restaurant will take the name of Bobby’s Bar and the dog became famous with the locals who come to see him at lunch time. After his death in 1872, a fountain with a statue of Bobby was built at the entrance to Greyfriar’s cemetery in his honor.
If you’re in Edinburgh, you should know the statue has become one of the most photographed places in Scotland. At Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, you can visit the grave of John Gray.
24. The Elephant House
The Elephant House is a pretty little red café located on George IV Bridge, just a short walk from Greyfriar’s Kirkyard and the National Museum of Scotland.
You know the story: in the 1990s, J.K. Rowling was a single mother struggling to make ends meet. She was taking her young daughter on stroller rides through the streets of Edinburgh. The moment little Jessica fell asleep, she would rush to a café to write what would become a masterpiece.
Besides being a must for any Harry Potter fan in Edinburgh, the café is very cute, coffee is good as well as the pastries. You’ll definitely love to stop here to take a break before continuing your visits.
More Famous Landmarks of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a very rich city in many ways and as such, we couldn’t keep the list under 25!
Here are 11 other great landmarks that are well worth a look, especially if you’re in town for more than a weekend. You can select some of them to complete your Edinburgh itinerary if not done yet.
Here we go!
Calton Hill
- Calton Hill
- Usher Hall
- Canongate Kirk
- Dunbar’s Close Garden
- White Horse Close
The Vennel
- The Vennel
- Charlotte Square
- Victoria Street
- Murrayfield
- St. Andrew’s Square
- George Heriot’s School
Hey, don’t leave so fast! I have one more bonus that might be useful to you right below. 😉
Map of the Famous Landmarks Edinburgh Has to Offer
To get the free map of this top Edinburgh landmarks, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.
More Landmarks in Scotland
Want to discover more incredible landmarks in Scotland? If so, I have other posts you’ll love reading, for sure!
- Overall Scotland guide: The Most Famous Landmarks in Scotland
- Famous Landmarks in Glasgow
For more, you can also check all our UK guides.
I hope you’ve found all the information you needed to make your Scotland bucket list through these posts. Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I would be very pleased to read your feedback!
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