Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland
"Be Mystified at Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura Almost opposite the Scotch Whisky experience is Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura, also home to the World of Illusions attraction. Being a photographer I was particularly interested in the Camera Obscura at the top of the building, but I have to admit to finding the World of Illusions a lot of fun."
"Step in a place of wonders, illusions, and puzzles to interact with. See, play and laugh while you find your way out of the mirror maze. Become tiny like Alice in Wonderland or walk through the Vortex Tunnel."
"Located just behind the Scottish Parliament Building, Calton Hill is part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The views from the top of this hill are usually the panoramic views you see of Edinburgh. Several of the monuments we have mentioned above will be found here including the National Monument (which resembles an Athenian acropolis), Nelson Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, Robert Burns Monument and the Greek-inspired Old City Observatory, which also holds free exhibitions."
"It’s location in the middle of Endinburgh makes it a very convenient destination. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hill offers fabulous views of Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat and the sea reaching over to Fife."
"Did you know Edinburgh is often referred to as the Athens of the North?. The reason for this is Calton Hill and its monuments. In fact, Calton Hill is also known as Edinburgh Acropolis."
"In the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, and at the very centre of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Princess Street Gardens is another of Edinburgh’s important parks. Here you will see the world-famous Floral Clock and an array of public monuments such as the David Livingstone Statue and the Scott Monument, to name a couple. Please note this is a gated park and the gates are opened and closed according to the opening times."
"Nestled below the castle is this charming, flora-filled park, which features walking paths as well as the Scott Monument and the Ross Fountain. The Ross Bandstand plays home to assorted concerts and special events, including during Edinburgh’s legendary hogmanay, or New Year’s Eve, celebrations as well as a Christmas Market and ‘winter wonderland’ in the lead-up to Christmas."
"The Edinburgh's park that lies nestled between the Old and New Towns is Princes Street Gardens, where you should definitely stop by to roam its grounds."
"An Edinburgh ice cream list wouldn't be complete without Scoopz in the capital's Southside, located conveniently next to the Pear Tree pub. They have on offer everything your sweet tooth could desire- from Creme Egg ice cream to waffles smothered in Nutella or a milkshake made with your favourite chocolate. It's Edinburgh's answer to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory and no matter your age you will probably find yourself getting carried away by the sheer number of sweeties on offer."
"Take your children to Her Majesty’s floating residence and take a trip to The Royal Yacht Britannia!. Before you step aboard, view the 11 foot LEGO replica model of Britannia and learn about the history of Royal Yachts. Your kids will love walking on this stunning ship, listening to their own personalised audio guide, while seeing all fantastic five decks, the State Apartments, Crew’s Quarters and The Engine Room!"
"The Queen, along with the rest of the Royal Family, counted this yacht as their home for over 40 years."
"Dean Cemetery was inaugurated in 1846 and belongs to a beautiful hamlet located very near the city centre called Dean Village. It is one of the most remarkable cemeteries in Edinburgh and if it weren’t for the gravestones it could pass as a tranquil park full of trees."
"Discreetly located inside an old church, Ghillie-Dhu hosts wild nights with a distinctly Scottish flavour. During the week, live Scottish folk music rocks the main bar from 10pm. The real fun starts on Friday and Saturday when people come to dance through one of Edinburgh’s largest public ceilidhs."
"However despite the Reddit bashing these late night haunts got, one user rightly pointed out that many of the places mentioned are "the busiest and most popular places to go at night in the city"...so at the end of the day, we'll leave it up to you."
"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."
"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."
"This attraction was the first museum in the world which focused on the history of childhood and it’s a wee gem. As soon as I stepped inside I was hit by a wee wave of nostalgia, certain that my last memories of doing so were as a child myself. While the ground floor has changed since my last visit, with new brightly-coloured and illuminated exhibits, the rest of the museum was just as I remembered."
"Please note that this activity is still CLOSED to the public. This interactive space focused on childhood life, learning and play is a fab day out for the kids. It displays toys and games from across the generations, as well as having dedicated zones for little ones to get involved in activities."
"With an interactive puppet theatre and dress up area, this is a spot for the whole family as adults can reminisce about old toys and the kids can see what came before the Xbox and iPads."