Historic Sites in Townhill

"Since September 2004, the official home of the Scottish Parliament has been a new Scottish Parliament Building, in the Holyrood area of Edinburgh. Some of the principal features of the complex include leaf-shaped buildings, a grass-roofed branch merging into adjacent parkland and gabion walls formed from the stones of previous buildings. Throughout the building, there are many repeated motifs, such as shapes based on Raeburn’s Skating Minister."

"Even if you are not a fan of politics, The Scottish Parliament would be a good sightseeing spot. Not only is the building itself really interesting, you can watch a parliamentary session, it hosts art exhibitions and has a lovely modern garden that you can explore. If you want to know more, The Scottish Parliament also offers a selection of free guided tours focusing on the different aspects and functions of the building."

"Edinburgh’s Old Town is home to Scotland’s thoroughly modern Parliament building. Open to visitors Monday-Saturday, why not take advantage of a free tour and learn about its history, work and contemporary architecture?. You can even visit a debating chamber and if Parliament is in session, view proceedings from the public gallery."

"Speaking of villages, if you make it to Circus Lane, you should definitely head a little further out of the city centre to Dean Village. This is a wonderfully picturesque oasis that sits in a valley formed by the “Water of Leith”, Edinburgh’s main river. There’s plenty to photograph down here, but certainly the highlights include the colourful houses and the river, as well as the huge 19th century bridge that spans the valley above, transporting traffic across and away, and leaving Dean Village as a place that time seems to have almost forgotten."

"Dean Village is one of Edinburgh’s hidden treasures, located just outside of the city and besides the picturesque Water of Leith. Historically, Dean Village was a key player in Edinburgh’s milling industry, and you can still see signs of this heritage today. Explore the village to find millstones and stone advertisements for bakeries."

"Dean Village is a brief stroll past the city centre yet it feels far removed from the bustle. The village offers up an enchanting and picturesque scene of colourful buildings resembling that of a fairytale. It truly is a place that time has forgotten."

"Located on the Royal Mile a short distance from the castle, the John Knox House & Scottish Storytelling Centre attraction is a treat for anyone interested in Scotland's rich cultural heritage. It was built in 1470 and is said to be the one time home of the protestant reformer after which it's named. A highlight of a visit is exploring the exhibits and displays related to the Scottish Reformation, a pivotal moment in the country's history."

"The John Knox House dates back to 1470 and it is associated with the Scottish Reformation. Even though the name-giver John Knox only lived in the house for a brief period in the 16th century, his association with the house stuck throughout the…"

"Grassmarket is snuggled in the center of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is bursting with local shops and so much good food. Mary’s Milk Bar is supposed to have incredible gelato (sadly never got to visit while I was in the city), and in the summer there are stalls set up selling even more food and locally made jewelry and art. Nearby is Victoria Street, which is a chocolate box-esque street that looks like stores were literally stacked on top of one another."

"This area of town is often bustling with people so there's always a buzz about this weekly market. It's widely regarded as a top place to be for those looking to get their hands on some stunning jewellery, crafts and artwork. Paella and hot Latin foods are regularly served up by the stall holders along with treats like cupcakes and macarons."

"Fun fact: Back in 1477, the Grassmarket was a huge market in Edinburgh with most of it trading cattle and horses. This is apparently where the name Grassmarket originated as the western end of it was where the animals’ grass was kept."

"This palace is the royal family's official residence in Scotland but is more famous as the 16th-century home of the ill-fated Mary, Queen of Scots. The highlight of the tour is Mary's Bedchamber, home to the unfortunate queen from 1561 to 1567. It was here that her jealous second husband, Lord Darnley, restrained the pregnant queen while his henchmen murdered her secretary – and favourite – David Rizzio. A plaque in the neighbouring room marks the spot where Rizzio bled to death."

"The Royal Mile ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This palace is the official residence in Scotland of Queen Elizabeth. She resides here about one week every year. When the Queen is not here, the Palace is open for visit."

"The Palace of Holyroodhouse — usually simply referred to as Holyrood Palace — is the Queen's official Edinburgh residence and has frequently been at the center of Scottish history. Built in 1678, it was where James II and James IV were each married, where James V and Charles I were crowned, and where "Bonnie Prince Charlie" held court in 1745. When the Queen is away (which is typically 51 weeks of the year, as she's only here for "Royal Week" each summer), public access is permitted to the stunning Historic Apartments (former home of Mary Queen of Scots) and the State Apartments, famous for their fine furnishings, tapestries, and plasterwork."

"Adjacent to Holyrood Palace are the ruins of Holyrood Abbey which are an important part of the Edinburgh landmarks list. The history of this church dates back to the 12th century. You gain access to the abbey with your Holyrood Palace ticket."

"The magnificent Scone Palace stands proudly just two miles outside of Perth city centre. Steeped in Scottish history, Scone has welcomed many royal figures into its stately home over the decades. Most famously, the palace once housed The Stone of Scone, better known as The Stone of Destiny."

"So thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.' This line from Macbeth indicates the importance of Scone (pronounced 'skoon') as the coronation place of Scottish monarchs...."

"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."

"Real Mary King’s Close This is the perfect tour to learn about medieval life in Edinburgh. Journey back in time to 1645 Edinburgh, down Mary King’s Close, a real alleyway in the city. This was the year of the Black Death, when one-third of Edinburgh’s population succumbed to this terrible illness."

"Head to one of my favorite Edinburgh points of interest, the Real Mary King’s Close. Truly one of the most amazing and historically accurate tours I have ever been."

"Offering traditional Neapolitan pizzas from the heart of Italy, Pizzeria 1926’s menu is fresh, simple and delicious. The generously sized pizzas are all under £10, and come with a range of interesting toppings such as baby octopus, Gaeta olives, baked potatoes, smoked buffalo mozzarella, croquettes, and spicy broccoli. Visit: 85 Dalry Road, EH11 2AA - pizzeria1926.com"

"They are centrally located near bus and tram stops and have ample parking for self-driving guests. They do recommend reservations but it does not look like walk-ins will be turned away automatically. The website says they have ample facilities for families and handi-guests, such as Baby Changing Facilities, Disabled Access and Free WiFi for everyone."

"There are a number of buffet style Chinese restaurants in Edinburgh, but China Red is arguably the best. With an absolutely massive range of dishes, even the pickiest diner will find something to their taste, and their high tech buffet tables ensure the hot dishes remain hot and the chilled dishes nice and cool. The range includes all of the classics you would expect with numerous seafood and vegetarian offerings as well."

"China Red is a buffet restaurant, so slightly different to the other options featured on this list. And you don't have to spend too much time scrolling through reviews before finding one very satisfied customer who described the place as the "best Chinese buffet I've ever been to". They add: "I usually find buffet food all tastes quite bland and samey, but the chicken curry was so tasty and the noodles were amazing."

"Why: Often, Chinese food is associated with buffets, and although buffets are – in our not so humble opinion – one of life’s little wonders, they sometime get a negative (and unfair) reputation. Not at China Red’s two Edinburgh sites, though. The buffets are loved by the locals and we can understand why with a regularly changing menu and neatly presented desserts."

"Cheerful, bustling, simply decorated with IKEA-style furniture and sitting in the pedestrian precinct of Rose Street, Mussel Inn does no more nor no less than it claims. There are starters like chowder, fishcakes, oysters, scallops or whitebait; mains such as spiced crab pasta, fish stew or sea bass. The speciality of course is mussels in half kilo or kilo pots which you can have completely unadorned, or in classic moules marinière style, they can come with blue cheese, bacon and cream, plus there are more options."

"The focus here is on tasty, freshly prepared seafood at very affordable prices. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for the whole family. All of the seafood on offer is carefully sourced and the shellfish is cultivated in an environmentally-friendly way in the sea lochs of the West Coast and near the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Isles."

"If you’re a sucker for seafood, this is the must-visit restaurant for you. The grilled Queen scallops, paired with black pudding, viola flowers and a yellow bell pepper dressing are priced at a reasonable £6.90 and the menu also contains a number of classic seafood dishes which means you really can’t go wrong."

"Teuchter's Landing is a great little pub close to the docks at Leith. The pub is housed in a quaint and attractive stone building that was once the ferry terminal for boats arriving from Aberdeen (Teuchter, pronounced choochter, is a lowland Scots name for a highlander) and it has retained much of the original stonework. The interior is clad in warm wood with a huge fire to warm patrons on winter nights and the extra seating outside includes a wonderful floating pontoon."

"Teuchter’s Landing has one of Edinburgh’s best beer gardens, a wide array of whiskies and some incredibly hearty meals served in mugs. Cup-a-Soup and Lemsip once fought over the right to use the slogan “hug in a mug” – if either party had visited Teuchtar’s Landing in Leith, they’d hand over the slogan after any one of their comforting mugs. Tuck into a mug of Cullen Skink, Haggis Stovies, Haggis Neeps and Tatties, Mac and Cheese or some chunky chips."

"This bar is located in the Shore area of Leith and its outdoor seating area is always popular in summer. However, the warm and homely inside area of this bar is an even bigger draw in winter. A formal restaurant (A Room In Leith) lays adjacent, but it's the mug menu of Teuchters Landing which is an absolute steal."