Mentioned by Tripadvisor's Top Things to Do
Top things to do in Edinburgh
"This wacky world of illusions is definitely a fun one – and not something you’d expect to be visiting when you think of “attractions in Edinburgh”. Nonetheless, it’s a great way to entertain the kids – and the adults, too!. The interactive exhibits allow you to fully engage, and the introductory session is a great way to learn a little bit about the science of light and images!"
"One of the best ways to enjoy the stunning views of the city with your partner is visiting Camera Obscura, which means a dark room. The site is located behind the Edinburgh Castle and it is a Victorian Rooftop chamber with excellent views. It is one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh and accepts visitors since 1892."
"Don’t miss the Camera Obscura show on the top floor. PRO TIP: The presentation also gives you a nice overview of Edinburgh and its history, which is great if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Plan to spend about an hour here (or more, depending on your interests)."
"Originally known as Caltoun or Caldoun Hill, Calton Hill offers one of the best and most iconic views of the city of Edinburgh. Granted to the people of Edinburgh by James II in 1456, the hill is now home to a bewildering number of buildings and monuments including the National Monument (an unfinished folly resembling the front of the Parthenon which is dedicated to those who died in the Napoleonic wars), Nelson's Monument (housing a time-ball mechanism by which ships used to set their chronometers), the Dugald Stewart Monument (a beautiful circular temple of nine columns dedicated to the Scottish philosopher), the Political Martyrs Monument, and the City Observatory (to name only a few). Recommended for Parks because: Calton Hill is home to some of the most famous Edinburgh monuments and offers some of the best views of the city."
"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."
"If you don’t want to venture too far out of the city, kids can also play in Prince’s Street Gardens in the shadow of the Scott monument – which you can climb, although at 287 often narrow and twisty steps, you might want to stick to the views from the Camera Obscura instead. At Christmas, the gardens turn into a Winter Wonderland including Christmas market, ice rink and ferris wheel, dubbed the Edinburgh Eye."
"The gardens serve as a large public park that runs parallel to Princes Street, divided into east and west by the castle’s mound. Before it was the garden grounds, it was the Nor Loch defensive lake. The Nor Loch sat before the castle until the 18th century."
"These beautiful gardens lie in a valley that was once occupied by the Nor’ Loch (North Loch), a boggy depression that was drained in the early 19th century. At the gate beside The Mound is the Floral Clock, a..."
"Address: Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EP, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 229 1142 St. Cuthbert's stands alongside the West Princes Street Gardens and just up from the Royal Lyceum Theatre, where it was built on the remains of six previous historic churches. Visitors will be able to admire a stunning marble pulpit, colourful stained-glass windows, war memorials and an Italian Renaissance-style interior."
"St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, located at the west end of Princes Street, has several theories surrounding its origins. One is that St Cuthbert sheltered in a hollow below Castle Rock while journeying from Melrose. Whatever the true origin, this is the most ancient religious site in Edinburgh, although the present church building dates back to 1892-4."
"If you love gardening, you will love the Archivists’ Garden located in between the General Register House and the New Register House. Home to 57 different plant species, the Garden is not only beautiful, but all the plants are connected to Scotland’s history, be it through folklore, heraldry or association with famous Scots. Child friendly: yes Address: HM Register House, 2 Princess Street, Edinburgh EH1 3YY Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm More information on this green space"
"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."
"For a small fee, you can go up the Scott Monument and get a gorgeous view of the Old Town from the other side. However, it was sadly closed for renovations when I was there, so I didn’t get a chance to go up."
"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"
"The home of the Venom has opened its outdoors for young revellers who are looking to pull up a bench with their pals and drink the night following two hours away. Bookings can be made via Facebook and there is walk in opportunities at this Cowgate venue if you can’t get booked in. View this post on Instagram"
"Their music changes according to the days of the weeks, so you should look up the type of music you want and what day is that being played. It is also pretty cheap, so that’s also a major pro. The environment is enjoyable too, it can get crowded though but what club doesn’t?"
"Every Friday showcases guest DJs from Edinburgh and beyond while Saturday's BRONX delivers the latest hip hop, urban and grime. Sunday Service is their student night of chart…"
"Source: Photo by Geograph user Stanley Howe used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Petit Paris is the perfect place to experience Parisian charm in the heart of Edinburgh. Enjoy delicious French food from the restaurant a la carte menu or the set lunch and pre-theater menus."
"Petit Paris has been a favourite among the French food aficionados,for around ten years now. A highly rated restaurant, which offers an authentic French ambiance."
"This couple run restaurant fuses French bistro food with an Irish influence to produce fresh, responsibly sourced, and seasonal dishes like hake with purple laver crust and samphire and homemade ice cream for dessert. Enjoy 2 courses from the daily changing set menu for £9.50 or 3 for £11."
"Bia Bistot is a couple-run neighbourhood restaurant focusing on fresh, seasonal, local and sustainable produce. Order a restaurant quality meal to be enjoyed at home from a weekly menu of dishes including slow braised pork cheeks, butternut squash risotto and ginger cake."
"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art — also known as "Modern One" — is another must-visit for art enthusiasts. Here, you'll find displays of paintings by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso; surrealistic works by Rene Magritte, Joan Miró, and Max Ernst; and contemporary paintings by Bruce McLean, Callum Innes, and Gwen Hardie. The gallery is also well-known for its impressive collection of sculptures."
"Edinburgh's gallery of modern art is split between two impressive neoclassical buildings surrounded by landscaped grounds some 500m west of Dean Village. As well as showcasing a stunning collection of paintings..."
"The People’s Story sits on the opposite side of the street from the Museum of Edinburgh, and is housed within the Canongate Tolbooth, which has stood on the Royal Mile since 1591. The tolbooth was a once a courtroom, a prison, and a place of gathering for the town council – if only walls could tell tales!. Nowadays, the iconic clock and pretty turrets epitomise Edinburgh’s Old Town charm, and are frequently photographed by passersby."
"The People's Story - as the name suggests - tells the story of the regular people of Edinburgh, not just the great and the good. Pay a visit to this museum to get a real flavour of day-to-day life in in the city throughout the 18th to 20th centuries. Learn about crime and punishment, crafts, trade and the culture of Edinburgh."
"This second free museum in Edinburgh is dedicated to the real working-class people of Edinburgh. Images, objects and personal stories are used to document the lives of locals between the 18th and 20th centuries. Spend an hour browsing."