Mentioned by Culture Trip
20 Must-Visit Attractions in Edinburgh
"Try a trip to Camera Obscura, an optical illusion attraction in Edinburgh that features tons of different illusions as well as plays on light, sound and movement. While Camera Obscura may not be the most romantic thing to do in Edinburgh in the same way that a luxurious spa treatment or fancy dinner would, it’s a great idea for what to do in Edinburgh as a couple who want to have fun and laugh together."
"On Castle Hill, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions offers five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including vortex tunnel, mirror maze and shrinking room. Tickets are £12.15 for children and £15.75 for adults."
"Swap noses and heads, walk through a tunnel of never-ending stars and capture your own shadow on camera. Free rooftop telescopes. Enter a world of illusions where seeing is definitely not believing!"
"One of the most iconic views from Edinburgh is from atop Calton Hill, looking across Princes Street towards the castle, and placing the Dugald Stewart Monument in the foreground of your frame. This is a really lovely composition, and this image is often used to represent Edinburgh in photos around the world. You can shoot this particular shot either with a wide angle, or you can back up a bit and use a longer lens to compress the different elements together."
"If Arthur’s Seat wasn’t enough altitude and you fancy another panoramic view of the city, Calton Hill is a lovely walk with excellent views – and much easier on the legs and lungs. It’s located quite close to the downtown area and it’s home to some of the best sunsets in Edinburgh – if you can catch it on a clear enough night, granted."
"While you're in Edinburgh, be sure to take a walk through the pretty Princes Street Gardens in the centre of town. From here, you’ll see Scotts Monument, a Victorian Gothic building dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It is the largest monument to a writer in the world."
"After your visit, consider a stroll through the Princes Street Gardens or climb the Scott Monument for another bird’s eye view of Edinburgh. Royal Yacht Britannia"
"Located between Princes Street and the Old Town, these gardens are a beautiful place to enjoy, and easily accessible from the city centre."
"One of the most historically significant cemeteries in all of Scotland, the Valley Cemetery lies adjacent to Stirling Castle and contains the final resting places of some of the country’s most noteworthy historical figures. The peaceful grounds include sights such as the famous Star Pyramid Memorial, commemorating the lives of the Drummond family, and the distinctive glass-domed Martyr’s Monument. The Valley Cemetery is arguably the most well-known of the five cemeteries which are situated in Stirling’s Old Town, and a walk through its grounds is considered one of the city’s most instructive journeys of exploration."
"The Church of the Holy Rude was founded in 1129, and is the second oldest building in Stirling, with the castle being the oldest. The Old Town Cemetery which sits between the Holy Rude and Stirling Castle is one of our favourite places for a wander. Graveyards are a great way to find out more about the social and economic history of their surrounding communities, which is why the SCHT team visit historic graveyards wherever they go!"
"The Kelpies, the stunning equine statues gracing the eastern entrance to the Forth & Clyde Canal, are named after mythical Scottish water-horses. The two 30m-tall horse's heads are fashioned out of stainless steel, and are a tribute to the working horses that once hauled barges along the canal. You can view them for free (indeed, they are clearly visible from the M9 motorway between Edinburgh and Stirling), but the 45-minute guided tour takes you inside the sculptures."
"A few recommendations (although there are many more), are Stirling, Doune Castle, and the Kelpies. The city of Stirling and nearby has a lot of great attractions, including Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument. Doune Castle is a medieval castle made famous as the primary filming location for the cult film Monty Python and the Holy Grail and most recently used in Season 1 of the TV series Outlander."
"A day tour of Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle, as well as other highlights including the Trossachs and the Kelpies A full day tour that includes Loch Ness, Glencoe and Whisky tasting. A long day, but a good way to see a lot."
"Edinburgh's 18th-century City Chambers were built over the sealed-off remains of Mary King's Close, and the lower levels of this medieval Old Town alley have survived almost unchanged amid the foundations for 250 years. Now open to the public, this spooky, subterranean labyrinth gives a fascinating insight into the everyday life of 17th-century Edinburgh. Costumed characters lead tours through a 16th-century town house and the plague-stricken home of a 17th-century gravedigger. Advance booking recommended."
"Plant-based, vegan, dairy free: Considerit ticks all the boxes. Grab an iced cinnamon bun or gorgeously gooey Oreo or Biscoff doughnut plus an oat milk latte or vegan ice cream milkshake at this low-key bakery and cafe (all chipboard benches and student vibe) on Edinburgh’s Southside. Before you leave, stock up on their hand-crafted chocolate bars (popcorn, chai spice and smoked sea salt flavours)."
"Located near the Meadows, Considerit is a relatively new addition to Edinburgh’s exciting foodie scene. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, this is one for you as Considerit believe in a plant-based future and therefore all their sweet treats are free from animal products!. Also, their doughnuts, chocolate, and ice cream are all hand crafted on a daily basis."
"Vegans don’t have to miss out on dessert, especially in Edinburgh!. Considerit is a chocolate, doughnut and ice cream cafe that’s entirely vegan. They sell the most amazing and indulgent doughnuts, like this amazing chocolate hobnob creation, which is glazed with Biscoff spread, topped with crumbled oaty Hobnobs and finished with a chocolate drizzle."
"Tucked away in Marchmont, Deadly Donuts pride themselves on serving up freshly made, high quality and different doughnut recipes on a daily basis. The shop is owned by classically trained chef, Freddie Spindler, and their selection of doughnuts range from traditional flavours, to the more intriguing flavours such as matcha green tea. Website: www.instagram.com/deadlydonuts"
"A post shared by Erika Rosa (@erikaciccina) on Aug 3, 2019 at 10:25am PDT. The Liquid Room is a spacious venue, usually featuring live shows, touring bands, tribute nights and club nights. Check out their space and events calendar to ensure you know what the latest happenings of the city are, as the space attracts artists from every music genre, from hip hop to rock, country music to pop."
"The Liquid Room is known as one of the UK’s leading venues for gigs and club nights, which is why you won’t want to give this place a miss!. They have worked with artists from pretty much every music genre to provide some unforgettable club nights. Mansion Wednesdays and Indigo Thursdays are the most popular student nights here, providing hours of entertainment and cheap drinks."
"Amber Run performs at The Liquid Room, Edinburgh|© Pako Mera / Alamy Stock Photo. Two fires haven’t stopped The Liquid Room from rising phoenix-like from the ashes, firmly remaining an Old Town favourite since 1997. The stage has been graced by the likes of the Buzzcocks, Stiff Little Fingers and Teenage Fanclub, with gigs selling out fast."
"Our award winning restaurant offers inspiring menus designed to give absolutely everyone an amazing dining experience. Whether you’re after a relaxed ..."
"The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is a treasure house of Stirling’s history, art and artefacts. Scottish history collections, fine art and archaeology are used in the main display, called ‘The Stirling Story’, which explores the history of the town over the past Millennium (entry is free)."
"Split between two buildings on either side of Belford Road, Modern One and Modern Two, the gallery houses the nation's collection of modern and contemporary art. Modern Two, previously the Dean Gallery, was built as an orphanage. An austere structure, it's home to a large collection of Dada and Surrealist art, and a collection of the works of Sir Eduardo Paolozzi."
"It comprises two galleries, one on either side of Belford Road, and a fantastic sculpture park. The lawn at the front of Modern One was landscaped to a design by Charles Jencks. Modern One is housed in a neoclassical building, which was designed by William Burn in 1825."