Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in Edinburgh and the Lothians
"Address: Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NDWebsite: Camera Obscura Edinburgh. The Camera Obscura is one of the oldest purpose-built attractions in the United Kingdom and tens of thousands of visitors pour through its doors each year. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is located in a prime location on The Royal Mile, not far from Edinburgh Castle and more-or-less opposite The Scotch Whisky Experience."
"Weave your way through a world of illusions, and remember, nothing is what it seems. Venture through five floors jam-packed with over 100 illusions. You’ll need at least two hours to discover them all."
"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."
"If you are not ready for the summit of Arthur’seat you could see Calton hill. It’s a perfect place to take photos of Edinburgh. On top of the hill you can also visit Nelson's monument and the National monument."
"Located on the east part of the New Town, at the end of Princes Street, Calton Hill offers stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh."
"It extends for almost a mile and is lined with colorful gardens and elegant shops, including the tradition-conscious Jenners of Edinburgh, founded in 1838 and one of the world's oldest department stores. Also good for shopping is the Princes Mall, popular with its small shops set among fountains and cafés and plenty of places to browse. As well as these temples to consumerism, you'll find restaurants, from fast food to gourmet bistros."
"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."
"Princes Street Gardens is located in the middle of Edinburgh, right beneath the castle. They used to be the site of the Nor Loch – the North Loch which was drained when the New Town was built in the 1760s. The gardens have a wonderful view of the castle, and it is a great place to stroll or stop for a picnic."
"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."
"Linlithgow Palace: Used as a royal residence throughout the ages, Linlithgow Palace is located in a town of the same name and was one of the most important seats of the monarchy during the 15th and 16th-centuries. In fact, it was even the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots!"
"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."
"With its mercat cross, cobbled streets, tolbooth, and narrow wynds (alleys), seaside Culross is a picturesque little town. It's also…"
"The lunch menu at Bell’s Diner has barely changed in 40 years, but why change a winning formula?. This cute little diner on the corner of St Stephen Street has been serving up gourmet burgers long before the likes of Byron got in on the act. Its steaks are also excellent and come with a choice of five sauces (go for the garlic butter), while the large hot fudge sundae pancakes are legendary in these parts."