Edinburgh is the hilly capital of Scotland. In only one day, you can easily witness a lot of places to visit in Edinburgh, such as the exciting waterfront development, roam around in the global street gardens and streets of the Port of Leith, cruise on the River Forth, and explore the uneven and craggy terrain of Arthur’s Seat.

1. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is settled at the uppermost part of the Royal Mile. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland due to the long history of its royal family residence in the town.

Edinburgh Castle provides you with an eternal image of Edinburgh. The moment you enter the Castle, it feels like you have entered a historical drama with all the essential buildings of the city center, some of them being St Magaret’s Chapel.

The best part of Edinburgh Castle is located in its heart, where you will be grateful to find the infamous Great Hall, Scotland’s Crown Jewels, and the royal residence, The Royal Palace.

2. Experience Paradise on Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is leveled at 250 meters and is the highest place in Holyrood Park. It provides an enchanting view of the whole city while visiting Edinburgh. The entire city view of the old town to a new town can be viewed from here. It is an ancient volcano that is one of the heads of the peak of Calton Hill in Edinburgh.

There are many other eye-catching attractions in the park. It has various other attractions, such as cultivation terraces, the earliest and best-kept examples of old farming practices in Scotland.

3. The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is between the two most prominent pillars of the best places to visit in Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. The Royal Mile Whiskies are among the most talked about on the Royal Mile. It has provided an excellent scotch whisky experience to you.

The Royal Mile has been an excellent location to conduct movie shootings. The Royal Mile has been used in big blockbusters such as Avengers: Infinity War. The Royal Mile is also known for its sunshine bakeries and all-night running pubs waiting for you to have fun and a great time.

4. The National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland has everything to describe Scottish history, from international archaeology to design and arts.

The National Museum of Scotland also provides the social history, science, world cultures, technology, and the natural world in its ancient accents. It is said to have new objects which were not previously displayed. It also showcases the works of Robert Burns, one of the most famous Scottish poets and lyricists.

The National Museum has a great collection of ancient manuscripts in various languages, covering various subjects and also from different provinces. The Museum holds multiple interactive and exciting activities for its visitors every day. The National War Museum is well-known in The National Museum of Scotland, old-town Edinburgh.

5. Edinburgh Zoo

Any animal lover would want to be at the one and only Edinburgh Zoo. Edinburgh Zoo is spread across eight two-acre beautiful and kind parklands and provides a home to thousands of more endangered animals. They include rare animals such as bears, Indian rhinos, king penguins, and much more.

It is one of the best ways to spend your day with your family and loved ones. Young children are especially fascinated by the zoo and its wide variety of animals. Edinburgh Zoo is very near to the city center.

The Edinburgh Zoo also has expert keepers who help you around the zoo. There are also educational and vocational sessions and talks daily at the Edinburgh Zoo to keep you interested.

6. Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens are two close parks in the heart of central Edinburgh just behind Edinburgh Castle. The garden is well spread and divided into two fractions by an unnatural hill that connects Edinburgh’s new town to Edinburgh’s old town.

The Princes Street Gardens provides you with an unforgettable experience. They offer a beautiful and ethereal view of nature around you. During Christmas, the whole garden is decorated with Christmas feels, and the surface is turned into ice rings for skating and having fun.

7. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

If you want something to take a break and recharge yourself, this is the place to be! The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh provides you an escape from the daily hustle-bustle of life and helps you know about plant life in the state and worldwide.

It is a quick ride from the city center. It also has bike rental options. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a place that holds the precious treasures of the state with its vast collection of plants and widespread greenery. The garden provides a great panorama of the city and its famous tourist site, Edinburgh Castle.

8. Royal Yacht Britannia

Royal Yacht Britannia, formerly the Palace on Water of Queen Elizabeth, is now an attractive and popular site for tourists in Scotland. It is just as the Queen loved- royal, well-kept, elegant, and cherished. The Royal Yacht Britannia has been the Queen’s palace for 40+ years.

The Royal Hotel Gift Shop with great varieties and much more to keep you entertained. The Royal Yacht also has a sun lounge. The place is adjusted to fit the previous Queen’s requirements.

9. The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is one of the most fantastic attractions of Edinburgh. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is one of the most splendid grandeur that will be far beyond your imagination and all the childhood fairy tales.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is at the end of the Royal Mile and is the residence of the Queen of Scotland.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse allows you to visit the reception rooms, thrones, bedrooms of former kings, the tower, and the place where the Queens of Scotland lived.

10. Real Mary King’s Close

Real Mary King’s Close is expertly concealed under the heavy hustle-bustle of the famous streets of the Royal Mile. There are many interesting and unknown stories of the people who lived and worked and spent their lives there between the seventh and nineteenth centuries.

The Real Mary King’s Close has all that one wants to hear- from legends and myths to all the natural, believable events that took place there. There are millions of tales to be uncovered there.

There’s also a tale that believes that a small girl named Annie supposedly lost her doll there and is thought to cry inconsolably because of it. Therefore, people who come there bring her sweets and toys to make her happy and rest in peace.

11. Edinburgh Dungeon

The Edinburgh Dungeon is an unforgettable underground journey of Edinburgh’s dark history using theatrics, plays, live actors, and an action-packed ride. They have 360 sets with live actor shows, with fantastic art theming and special effects. They also have exciting underground rides.

It is one of the must-visit places in Edinburgh due to its showcase of the city’s dark side. If one is brave enough, one should give it a try.

12. St Giles Cathedral

St. Giles Cathedral is one of the many best places in Edinburgh. The St Giles Cathedral provides you with various guided tours. Two different timings are provided: 10:30 am or 2:30 pm. There are short walking and guided tours of St Giles Cathedral. These guided tours are free of cost and last around 45 minutes or more.

It has been the main building for the past 900 years for various religious activities in Edinburgh. It gives you breathtaking architectural intelligence and many more impressive designs and ideas. The Church also provides you with an audio tour.

13. Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth starts with a big bang! This place serves as an opportunity for you to learn more about the planet we live on and call our home and also helps us travel through time as it takes us through the journey of Earth’s past, present, and future.

It takes you back to the roots of the origin of the Earth and the emergence of our very own universe. It takes you through various stages, beginning from the Big Bang and the formation of our galaxies and solar systems one by one. Dynamic Earth also takes you through all the years of changes caused by the universe.

Final Note

There are many great and amazing places to visit in Edinburgh.  Needless to say, tourists love Edinburgh, and so a lot of them visit every year. The only way to experience an extraordinary tourist experience in Edinburgh is to visit the place!

Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Parina Parmar