Mentioned by Full Suitcase Family Travel Blog
17 Best Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Edinburgh (+ Map!)
"Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a quirky little museum just down the hill from the Castle. It’s one of the most popular Edinburgh attractions and great fun for the whole family. The museum is set over 5 floors and contains hundreds of illusions, many of which are interactive."
"EdinburghMore fun than you can imagine - 5 floors of interactive hands-on fun!. Fantastic views of Edinburgh and 3 galleries full of amazing optical experiences."
"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."
"The unfinished acropolis is completely unmistakable - referred to historically as “Edinburgh’s shame”, but any notion of that is wholly absent should you take the journey up the stairs and experience the joy to be found at the summit. Panoramic views of the city, the undulating buildings contoured to the cities foundations. Rugged and beautiful, and uniquely Edinburgh."
"If you head for the Balmoral Hotel (large clock tower in New Town) head Northeast and you’ll find your way up Calton Hill. There’s plenty to see up there – from Nelson Monument (see below) to just soaking up in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh!"
"Once you escape the jail, why not take in something every bit as fascinating but a little more relaxed, elegant and stylish, such as the Smith Art Gallery & Museum. The treasury of objects and paintings all reflect the culture of the town and the county. Any visit to Stirling is enriched by time spent here, surrounded by portraits of Bonnie Prince Charlie, William Wallace and other notable figures, and astonishing artefacts such as the oldest football (from 1540) and oldest curling stone (1511) on the planet."
"Stirling is a dreamy city found in Central Scotland, quite close to Glasgow. To this day this city retains its medieval charm and is one of the most popular in Scotland. In fact any traveler visiting Glasgow must also pay a visit to Stirling, which has a ton of beautiful places to see."
"You'll find an interesting and eclectic menu on at Treacle on Broughton Street. Sandwiches, burgers, pies, and noodles, alongside sharing platters and small snacks, ensure that there's always something on offer to satisfy your craving. There are some irresistible desserts to finish off and the drinks menu includes a stunning array of delectable cocktails."
"Treacle sits handily located on Broughton Street, close to the Playhouse Theatre, Vue Cinema and Princes Street shopping. It is a relaxed, quirky bar offering Asian inspired pub food. So, it’s a bit different from your average Scottish pub fare."
"The grounds of 17th-century Bonnington House, 10 miles west of Edinburgh, have been lovingly converted by owners and art patrons Robert and Nicky Wilson into a gorgeous, landscaped sculpture park. Meadows and woodland showcase works – many of them specially commissioned – by a clutch of Britain's leading artists, including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Nathan Coley, anchored by the the vast landscape sculpture Cells of Life by Charles Jencks. A varied events program includes tours every Wednesday at 10.30am."
"The beautiful grounds of a Jacobean manor house have been transformed by an art-loving couple, Robert and Nicky Wilson, into an impressive…"
"The Balmoral Hotel in Princes Street has a long-established commitment to whisky-drinking from the days when it was known as the North British Hotel. Today, just to the right of reception there is a tall, gracious whisky bar known as Scotch, where “whisky ambassadors” kitted out in the hotel's own tartan will not only serve you whisky but provide a personal introduction to whisky. These hour length sessions consist of four individually chosen drams per person, a few nibbles and a lot of history."
"Address: 61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 556 1798 This popular Roman Catholic church dates back to 1814, being designed by James Gillespie Graham. Each month on the third Tuesday, look out for the organ and choir recitals. The adjacent Cafe Camino provides a rather tempting menu, offering bacon sandwiches, freshly made soup, lunchboxes for children, a choice of beverages (including coffee, tea, wine, beer and cider) and tubs of locally produced ice cream."
"St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, originally called the Chapel of St Mary’s, held its first masses in August 1814. The Cathedral houses the National Shrine of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, and even has an underground passage leading to a priest’s house in York Place. It wasn’t until the 1970s that passers by could see the Cathedral in its full splendor when tenements in front of the building were demolished."
"What:Monteiths is another restaurant nestled away down the backstreets of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Head down a tunnel made of twigs and decorated with fairy lights to find the restaurant’s small courtyard area. Here you can tuck into hearty Scottish dishes including hand dived scallops and a venison Scotch egg while sitting under the stars – the ideal setting for a romantic meal out.Where: 61 High Street, EH1 1SR"
"Also on The Royal Mile, adorned with fairy lights, is Monteith’s Kitchen and Cocktail Bar. This is a cozy basement hide-out that serves incredible cocktails and small plates at the bar and a full seafood and steak menu in the restaurant. Monteith’s has a tucked-away feel to it, and you’ll believe you’ve stumbled upon a secret basement restaurant no one else knows about."
"With its minimalist design cabins, relaxed dining, and unique ambiance, the Yotel Edinburgh brings modern chic to Scotland’s capital. Situated on the famous Queen Street it sits at the heart of the city, it is the perfect base for exploring the very best of Edinburgh, while offering its own unique vibe, a minimalist haven within a historic city of grand architecture. Featuring meeting spaces perfect for your next event alongside Komyuniti, the restaurant, and bar that offers impressive dining and a laid-back bar area that take you away from the bustle of the city outside."