Best Places to Visit in Edinburgh, Scotland
If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, you may wonder where to start. You should start by visiting St Giles’ Cathedral, which is the heart of the city. There, you can learn more about the ancient culture and history of Edinburgh. Then, head to the Royal Mile for some shopping, or stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden. After you’ve finished shopping, head to the Royal Mile for a view of the castle.
Victoria Street
If you’re looking for a unique place to eat in Edinburgh, you should consider Victoria Street. This famous shopping street is lined with many popular Scottish restaurants. At the bottom of Victoria Street, you can find Candlemaker Row, which was once called Diagon Alley, but has since been renamed Deviation Alley. You can find locally made craft goods and delicious treats in this street. You can also take a trip to the enchanting Black Moon Botanica.
Located in the Grassmarket area, Victoria Street is famous for being the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. In fact, Diagon House is located on Victoria Street, making it a must-visit for Harry Potter fans. The endless array of boutique shops is a must-see, and many tourists have been swayed by the book’s depictions. Visitors can buy everything from custom stationery to local artisan crafts.
Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Besides being an educational and scientific centre for plants, the Garden also has many other attractions that make it a must-see attraction. Visit it on your next trip to Scotland. Here are some of the best things to do in Edinburgh:
Royal Botanic Garden: A botanical garden with a 350 year history, this world-famous attraction is situated just a mile outside the city center. The garden contains a variety of plants and trees from around the world, including the famous Rock Garden and Giant Redwood trees. A Victorian glasshouse also adorns the garden. Among the many exhibits and activities in this botanical garden, you can learn about Scottish Native Plants, or explore the fascinating world of botany.
Museum of Edinburgh
The Scottish National Gallery is located in a 19th-century neoclassical building on the city’s Mound. The collection here includes works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and René Magritte. There are also international art collections, as well as local art. The museum also hosts various exhibitions, including surrealism and works by Max Ernst.
The Museum of Worksheets is another popular attraction in the city. The museum offers free admission to the public and contains the best of Scotland’s fine art collection. The building itself is a gorgeous example of neo-classical architecture. The museum also offers guided tours and has two restaurants. A visit to the museum will definitely enrich your experience of Scotland. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the city’s rich history.
Royal Mile
You should start your Edinburgh trip by visiting the historic Royal Mile, a mile-long street that connects Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. While you’re in town, you should check out the Royal Yacht Britannia, a former royal yacht formerly owned by HM Queen Elizabeth II. It’s now located in the Ocean Terminal shopping center in Leith, and once sailed over a million miles around the world. Be sure to check out the Scott Monument, which is 200 feet high.
If you’d like to spend more time shopping, you can visit St Giles’ Church. The church was founded in 1124 and is the patron saint of lepers and cripples. Visitors can take a rooftop tour of the cathedral for 6 euros. The Cathedral is closed to the public on Mondays, but you can still enjoy the beautiful architecture. You can also take in the daily service by spitting on the tollbooth.
Arthur’s Seat
For a panoramic view of Edinburgh and the surrounding area, head to Arthur’s Seat, one of the city’s seven hills. From the top, you’ll be able to see Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and the New Town. If you have the time, you can even pack a picnic and enjoy the views from this vantage point. During the summer, it’s an ideal place to sit down and enjoy the scenery.
The iconic structure of Arthur’s Seat is adorned with a series of triangulation pillars. These ancient compass lines were likely once used to map the area and are now collected by walkers. The pillars also serve as a small windbreak for climbers. Despite its iconic status, the area isn’t without its problems. Here are a few of the best things to do in Arthur’s Seat, including climbing the hill itself.