Mentioned by Penguin and Pia
Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland: Free & Paid Activities
"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."
"Located on the end of Princes Street, Calton Hill offers one of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh. Best-seen at sunset or sunrise when candy colours dance across the sky, highlights of Calton Hill include plenty of monuments and follies which commemorate various achievements of former residents from over the years. On a warm summer’s day, this green space is the ideal place not only to snap photos, but to enjoy a picnic among friends!"
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Sitting in the centre of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, here you’ll find a diverse and fascinating collection of public monuments dated as far back as the 1840s. Distance from Hotel:550 m7 mins7 mins2 mins"
"This category A listed church dates from 1875/6, it was designed by one of Scotlands most prolific architects of the time, Sir Robert Rowan Anderson. In 1920 Sir Robert Lorimer was commissioned to convert the east end of the north chapel. This chapel has many interiors of note, in particular, fine examples of stained glass windows mostly from the twentieth century, but some that were transferred from the church's original building in Barnton Street Stirling."
"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."
"With many of its original Victorian features intact, such as stained-glass windows, reliefs depicting nautical scenes, dark-wood panelling and a long bar, this place wears its old-world charm on its sleeve. Under the management of Fay and Niall since 2010, the bar has built up a stellar reputation for its food and drink offerings, and for fiercely supporting Scotland’s best craft brewers and food producers. The lip-smacking brunch menu includes a decadent full Scottish with Stornoway black pudding and haggis."
"The trendy Leith Shore area has become one of the hottest places in Edinburgh to visit, with a growing scene of cool bars and restaurants. Nobles stands out from the crowd with its gorgeous premises, featuring large stained glass windows and original Victorian features. The ambience here is incredibly relaxed, so feel free to chat to the staff about the craft beers they have on offer that day, then sit back and relax while sampling your latest find from one of their quality local brewers."
"With it's pretty nautical-themed stained-glass windows, this award winning pub and restaurant in the heart of Leith serves seasonal dishes using the best Scottish ingredients, as well as an extensive selection of local craft beers, exquisite wines and cocktails. Small number of outdoor tables."
"One of the best gay clubs in Edinburgh, CC Blooms is the Leith Walk hotspot offering live drag nights and cool cocktails. A place to show off your most colourful clothes, every night at this fun and inclusive venue is worth the hangover."
"CC Blooms is one of Edinburgh's most popular gay clubs, boasting live cabaret, thumping tunes and tasty cocktails. Open until 3am every day of the week, it's the perfect venue for those nights that you never want to end."
"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."
"This is the other venue I haven’t yet been to on this list apart from popping my head in – Dirty Dick’s sits along Rose Street amongst plain bars and pubs, looking much like a plain pub itself. And indeed it probably is as close as you’ll get to a plain pub on this list. Except it’s got stuff everywhere."
"If you’re planning a road trip of Scotland we suggest celebrating your arrival into Edinburgh Airport by immediately sipping suds at Edinburgh Beer Factory. The brewery is located a short 8 minute drive from Edinburgh Airport, making it the perfect first or last stop on a Scottish beer tour. Edinburgh Beer Factory first opened in November 2015."
"Combining old and new ideas and techniques, Edinburgh Beer Factory create beer inspired by the Edinburgh-born ‘Godfather of Pop Art’, Eduardo Paolozzi. Their brewery tours include a walkthrough of their lager-making process, from blank canvas to final product. You’ll even get the chance to taste the raw ingredients and the unfiltered brew!"