Mentioned by The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog
21 Best Things to do in Edinburgh Scotland (That You Should Not Miss)
"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."
"The eye-catching Camera Obscura building stands at the top of the Royal Mile and contains an amazing range of optical experiences across five floors. The 'camera' itself is a giant Victorian periscope offering an interesting 360° perspective on…"
"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!"
"Start at the end Princes Street and climb the staircase up the hill for some of the best views over the city – from here you can see out to the castle and over to Arthur’s Seat. Home to the National Monument, designed to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens but never finished, it’s also where you’ll find the huge Nelson monument. At 1pm, the time ball here drops – designed to be seen by ships far our at sea, the castle’s One O’Clock gun was added as bad weather meant the ball couldn’t always be seen."
"Calton Hill is best known for its monuments and incredible vantage points, popular with locals for viewing the fireworks during the Hogamanay celebrations. It is also the site of many Edinburgh festivals, including the Beltane Fire Festival at the end of April, the Edinburgh Science Festival in June, the Edinburgh International Festival each August, and the Samhuinn Fire Festival each Halloween. The best place for visitors to enjoy views from is the Nelson Monument, which was built in 1816."
"Boasting gorgeous views, Calton Hill’s central location makes it a popular spot for those wishing to take in the entire city in all its beauty. On top of the hill you’ll find the Nelson Monument and the National Monument, an unfinished acropolis that is better known under its local nickname ‘Edinburgh’s disgrace.’ It may be seen as a failure in architectural endeavours, but it is still a popular place to get some fantastic photos."
"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."
"Experience your favourite movies and TV series, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones and Outlander, at Doune Castle. This well-preserved castle, which sits overlooking the River Teith, was built in the fourteenth Century as a home for the Regent Albany."
"Enjoy visits to Doune Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray Castle, and stop for photos at Stirling Castle. You can click here to learn more."
"Lulu bar and nightclub has a classy vibe with really tasty cocktails, located on George Street in a Georgian building house this 21st century nightclub is certainly stylish and Insta worthy!. If you like to get dressed up for a night out, this is the perfect club for you. This venue features a Saturday Night Fever style dance floor, with plenty of comfy seating areas so you can have a drink and a break from dancing."
"If you like to get dressed up for a big night out and you’re looking for a trendy venue then Lulu on George Street might just tempt you. The club is underneath the popular Tigerlily and it features a classic Saturday Night Fever-style lighted dance floor. There are plenty of sofas and seating areas for a rest between dances and there’s also a VIP area and private rooms for hire."
"Amid the swanky shops and bars of George Street (Edinburgh’s answer to Chelsea), Lulu is a decadent slice of luxury. Cocktails and bubbly are the order of the day, with full-on magnums of champagne served on ice. For the full VIP treatment, request to be put on the guest list, or book a private booth with table service."
"Whatever you do, don’t touch the nose of Greyfriar’s Bobby! ***Before you leave, be sure to visit Greyfriar’s Bobby, a statue that commemorates the Skye Terrier that became famous for allegedly spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, until the dog died on 14 January 1872. Whatever you do though, do NOT rub Greyfriar’s Bobby’s nose. Shockingly enough, rubbing the statue’s nose will not inundate you with good luck and will piss off locals since you are inadvertently rubbing off the statue’s paint, an act that leads to the corrosion of the statue."
"If you don’t know the story of the best wee dug in Scotland, then ask while you’re getting your round in this traditional Celtic pub. It’s one of the most historic and best Edinburgh pubs and an excellent stop on any stag night. Greyfriars specialises in cask ales, gins, and whiskies, but also offers hearty pub food."
"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."
"Supposedly on the site of an earlier chapel, the church was erected in 1909-1910 to a design by McLuckie & Walker. Art nouveau Gothic in style and constructed in local Polmaise stone. 14 Woodside CtCambusbarron,Stirling,FK7 9PH01786 450579"
"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."
"Situated at the foot of the Castle and nestled amidst its churchyard and an abundance of greenery is St Cuthbert’s. It is widely believed that a church has been standing in this spot since 850 AD, making it technically Edinburgh’s oldest building. The architecture and decoration of the church is particularly ornate, which made it a source of some controversy when it was first designed."
"Established in 2017, Yummys Desserts has become a huge hit and the go-to for delicious desserts. After many sleepless nights wondering whether it’s possible to create a second branch during a pandemic, the owner of Yummy’s Desserts decided to go for it. The team have given it their all over the last few months, creating a huge range of freshly-made cakes, desserts, cookie dough, waffles, pancakes in the new Hampden branch."
"Erpingham House, is one of the restaurants in the new Bonnie & Wild Scottish food marketplace in St James Quarter. The plastic-free restaurant chain serves a 100% plant-based menu focusing on modern vegan cuisine that appeals to all diets and lifestyles. Examples of dishes include; Chimichurri Tacos (soft taco shells, chimichurri Jackfruit and black bean filling, charred corn salsa, pickled jalapenos, chipotle mayo and lime) and Superfood Buddah Bowl (herby quinoa, marinated tempeh, avocado slaw, caramelised onion hummus, roasted seasonal veg, kale, spiced cashew and tahini dressing)."