Mentioned by Full Suitcase Family Travel Blog
17 Best Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Edinburgh (+ Map!)
"Camera Obscura and World of Illusions - where seeing is not believing!. Welcome to the oldest visitor attraction in Edinburgh, delighting visitors since 1835. Don't miss this Aladdin's cave filled with illusions, tricks, puzzles, hands-on experiences and unbelievable effects to experience and interact with."
"If you head for the Balmoral Hotel (large clock tower in New Town) head Northeast and you’ll find your way up Calton Hill. There’s plenty to see up there – from Nelson Monument (see below) to just soaking up in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh!"
"The hill overlooks the entire town, including Princess Street, which is the direction of the castle. Within that view is the Dugald Stewart monument, which makes for a wonderful shot. Calton Hill is particularly breathtaking at sunset."
"Down underneath Edinburgh Castle is the Princes Street Gardens, a large public park which runs parallel to Princes Street, divided into the East and West gardens by The Mound. The gardens are the former site of the “Nor Loch”, a defensive lake that sat here until the mid 18th century, and was usually very badly polluted by everything that dribbled out of the medieval city. Today, the landscaped gardens are a rather nicer environment, particularly popular in the summer as a place to relax and take in the views."
"At the foot of the castle and along Edinburgh's main thoroughfare you'll find Princes Street Gardens. It's a popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy a spot of lunch and take in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. The park is split into two by The Mound where you'll find two excellent art galleries."
"Not only do the gardens offer excellent viewpoints of Edinburgh Castle but there are a few Edinburgh landmarks located within it. Other monuments in the park include both the Ross Fountain and Wojtek the Bear."
"Built to commemorate four men who were executed in St Andrews during the 16th Century Scottish Reformation, Martyrs’ Monument has become one of the town’s most intriguing and iconic historic landmarks. The monument still stands tall and, as a beacon of religious freedom and tremendous courage, is a frequently visited landmark in Scotland. Along with St Salvators Chapel, which is said to have the face of Hamilton burnt into its walls, Martyrs’ Monument brings alive the rich history of St Andrews and its key involvement in the Scottish Reformation."
"Calton Hill sits in the center of Edinburgh and boasts the famous Duglad Stewart Monument. This structure is dedicated to the Scottish philosopher of the same name, who taught Economics, Natural Philosophy, and Greek and Logic at Edinburgh University. The monument, built in 1834, was designed by William Henry Playfair, who as we already know, was responsible for the designs behind The Scottish National Gallery."
"The Dugald Stewart Monument is based on the design of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens. But who is Dugald Stewart?. Dugald Stewart was a philosopher and professor at Edinburgh University."
"The West Port Bar & Kitchen, St Andrews, is a contemporary “gastro pub” located in the heart of the picturesque town famed for golf. A favourite destination for locals and students – plus visitors to the golf courses, sandy St Andrews’ beaches and the Castle. www.thewestport.co.uk"
"Lovely food, a mix of traditional fare and something more special – all tastes are catered for. With an amazing large beer garden out the back, this is THE lunch spot on a sunny St Andrews day. Great for families, with fab baby changing and kids menus."
"Situated in Newhaven, this sloped, Victorian garden overlooks the Firth of Forth into Fife. This spot is perfect for relaxing under the cherry blossoms in the Spring and enjoying the delights of the lovingly maintained park throughout the year. Ray, our Merchandising Assistant, and Laura, our Finance Manager, favour this park for a spot of quietness with a picnic of foodie indulgence."
"A post shared by La Garrigue (@la_garrigue) on Jun 24, 2018 at 11:43am PDT. La Garrigue is located near the famous Royal Mile and a short walk from Waverley Station. The cuisine here is inspired by southern France’s rural Languedoc region."
"La Garrigue – Creme Brûlée flavored with lavender|© Caitriana Nicholson/Flickr. No one does ‘romantic’ better than the French. Take a leaf out of those with the language of love and make way for La Garrigue, a personable little bistro."
"Explore the fresh and rustic cooking styles of Southern France at its best at La Garrigue, the winner of 2 AA rosettes since its opening."
"Since opening in the home of a former clockmaker in 2008, L’Escargot Bleu has fitted in nicely among trendy coffee shops, independent booksellers and award-winning butchers. Step through the bright blue door, and you’re met with vintage posters of Edith Piaf and full-sized French liquor ads. Blackboards adorn the walls, scrawled with the day’s specials, which vary from traditional French classics to more surprising dishes from Berkmiller’s childhood."
"L’Escargot Bleu brings France to Scotland in this quaint bistro restaurant. Sample snails from the Isle of Barra and Wagyu beef from the Scottish Highlandsin an atmosphere that stirs up images of small-town France, with vintage posters lining the walls, gingham tablecloths and wicker bread baskets at every table."
"The plans to construct an iconic city hall in Edinburgh were sparked in 1896 by Andrew Usher, renowned whisky distiller, who promised to fund the project. In 1914, Usher Hall was built by architects Stockdale Harrison and Howard H Thomson, a magnificent and classical beaux-arts-style concert hall which stood in defiance against the Victorian Gothic architecture so commonly found within the city of Edinburgh. Situated on Lothian Road in the west of the capital, Usher Hall is instantly recognizable with its curved walls, geometric precision and intriguing exterior design, featuring famous Scots such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns."
"Usher Hall is Edinburgh’s premier concert venue and a must-visit for fans of entertainment and culture. The hall was built in 1914 and features beautiful architecture, including a curved exterior decorated with panels of famous figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Mozart. The hall has historically been used for a variety of events, including concerts, political events, and sporting events."
"Also dating back to the 1800s, Old St Paul’s has since been renovated multiple times – the nave extended and the chancel floor raised with marble. Nearly all of the many panes of stained glass, ornaments and vestments were made possible by fundraising or donations. Unusually, the gargoyles at Old St Paul’s are located inside, not on the exterior of the church as is common on buildings of this period."
"A famous bridge in the St. Andrews links, the Swilken Bridge is located on the 18th hole of the Old Course. Its magic lies in the history of the Home of Golf where many legends have played memorable games. The small stone bridge adds a subtle yet beautiful aspect to the fine greenery all around and was built 700 years back as a bridge for shepherds."
"A post shared by Paco's Restaurant (@pacosrestaurant) on Aug 29, 2020 at 3:49am PDT. Paco’s is a definite contender for one of the best American-style diners in Scotland. It is also one of the most unique in the city thanks to its eclectic menu and décor – walls and shelves lined with antique curios and vintage prints add to the old-school atmosphere."
"Something of an institution, Paco’s keeps Perthers coming back over and over, perhaps because it would take dozens of visits to try even half the menu. There’s something for everyone: steak, seafood, pizza, pasta..."