Custom Walk in Edinburgh, Scotland by natheliesa_c525a3 created on 2026-01-15
Guide Location: Scotland » Edinburgh
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 11
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Share Key: SBTUM
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 11
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Share Key: SBTUM
How It Works
Please retrieve this walk in the GPSmyCity app. Once done, the app will guide you from one tour stop to the next as if you had a personal tour guide. If you created the walk on this website or come to the page via a link, please follow the instructions below to retrieve the walk in the app.
Retrieve This Walk in App
Step 1. Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2. In the GPSmyCity app, download(or launch) the guide "Edinburgh Map and Walking Tours".
Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: SBTUM
1) Greyfriars Church
Edinburgh makes things easy for history buffs: just follow the soot-streaked stones of the Old Town and you’ll trip over ancient buildings in no time. One such relic is Greyfriars Church-an architectural overachiever that’s been around since the early 1600s and still manages to steal the show.
Work on the church began in 1602, and by 1630, it was officially consecrated, rising from the ruins of an abandoned Franciscan monastery and becoming one of the oldest buildings in the Old Town. Its name is a fashion nod to the original residents-monks in grey robes, otherwise known as the “Grey Friars.” Simple branding, eternal legacy...
In 1718, someone got the bright idea to divide the church with a wall-Old Greyfriars on one side, New Greyfriars on the other-because heaven forbid the Covenanters and Roman Catholics share pew space. Then, in 1845, the roof caught fire (presumably not from divine wrath), destroying much of the interior.
When the church was restored in the mid-19th century, they added stained-glass windows. Beautiful they were? Yes. Controversial? Also, yes-for it was the first time that such windows appeared in a Presbyterian church, and it caused a bit of a scandal. A little later, an organ was added, and once again the purists “clutched their pearls.” In 1929, they finally took down the dividing wall and made peace… at least architecturally.
Oh, and the adjoining graveyard-it's said to be haunted by the ghost of one “Bloody” George Mackenzie. A Lord Advocate responsible for the persecution of the Covenanters, his reputation is as bruised as his victims. They say that if he touches you, you’ll feel it-physically!-left with cuts and bruises... Sleep tight!
Still, nowadays, Greyfriars also doubles as an event venue and low-key fashion runway. It hosts exhibitions, lectures, and drama productions-all performed under those once-scandalous stained glass windows. The onsite museum showcases artifacts found in the area and recounts a comprehensive history of the Covenanters.
And for the wizarding crowd-just behind the Elephant House Café lies Greyfriars Kirkyard, where literary pilgrims flock to pay homage to tombstones that may-or may not-have inspired J.K. Rowling. Among those are Thomas Riddell (ring a bell, Voldemort fans?), Robert Potter, William McGonagall, and even names like Elizabeth Moodie and Margaret Louisa Scrymgeour Wedderburn, suspiciously close to Mad-Eye Moody and Rufus Scrimgeour (the Minister of Magic in the final Harry Potter book). As of August 2019, you can buy a handy Harry Potter-themed gravestone map; the proceeds from sales go toward graveyard upkeep-and probably a bit of Muggle curiosity management, too.
Also, visible from here is George Heriots School, reportedly the template for fictional Hogwarts...
Work on the church began in 1602, and by 1630, it was officially consecrated, rising from the ruins of an abandoned Franciscan monastery and becoming one of the oldest buildings in the Old Town. Its name is a fashion nod to the original residents-monks in grey robes, otherwise known as the “Grey Friars.” Simple branding, eternal legacy...
In 1718, someone got the bright idea to divide the church with a wall-Old Greyfriars on one side, New Greyfriars on the other-because heaven forbid the Covenanters and Roman Catholics share pew space. Then, in 1845, the roof caught fire (presumably not from divine wrath), destroying much of the interior.
When the church was restored in the mid-19th century, they added stained-glass windows. Beautiful they were? Yes. Controversial? Also, yes-for it was the first time that such windows appeared in a Presbyterian church, and it caused a bit of a scandal. A little later, an organ was added, and once again the purists “clutched their pearls.” In 1929, they finally took down the dividing wall and made peace… at least architecturally.
Oh, and the adjoining graveyard-it's said to be haunted by the ghost of one “Bloody” George Mackenzie. A Lord Advocate responsible for the persecution of the Covenanters, his reputation is as bruised as his victims. They say that if he touches you, you’ll feel it-physically!-left with cuts and bruises... Sleep tight!
Still, nowadays, Greyfriars also doubles as an event venue and low-key fashion runway. It hosts exhibitions, lectures, and drama productions-all performed under those once-scandalous stained glass windows. The onsite museum showcases artifacts found in the area and recounts a comprehensive history of the Covenanters.
And for the wizarding crowd-just behind the Elephant House Café lies Greyfriars Kirkyard, where literary pilgrims flock to pay homage to tombstones that may-or may not-have inspired J.K. Rowling. Among those are Thomas Riddell (ring a bell, Voldemort fans?), Robert Potter, William McGonagall, and even names like Elizabeth Moodie and Margaret Louisa Scrymgeour Wedderburn, suspiciously close to Mad-Eye Moody and Rufus Scrimgeour (the Minister of Magic in the final Harry Potter book). As of August 2019, you can buy a handy Harry Potter-themed gravestone map; the proceeds from sales go toward graveyard upkeep-and probably a bit of Muggle curiosity management, too.
Also, visible from here is George Heriots School, reportedly the template for fictional Hogwarts...
2) Greyfriars Bobby's Statue (must see)
Ah yes-nothing tugs at the heartstrings quite like a tale of undying love and loyalty… especially if it involves a scruffy little dog. Meet Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye Terrier and Edinburgh’s most beloved four-legged legend, immortalized in bronze at the south end of George IV Bridge (just a tail’s wag from the entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard).
Now, Bobby’s origin story is a bit fuzzy (pun fully intended here). Some say he belonged to a kindly policeman named John Grey; others claim that he was just a clever stray adopted by a “bobby” during his beat (hence the name). Either way, Bobby and John were inseparable for two years… until 1858, when John died of tuberculosis, and Bobby found himself alone in the world.
Whether Grey lived by himself or his widow kicked Bobby out when her husband died remains unclear, but this is where the tear ducts really kick in. Without a home, Bobby made one for himself-on his master’s grave. Indeed, rather than chase squirrels or sniff lampposts like a normal dog, he trotted over to Greyfriars Kirkyard and stayed there-for fourteen years!-until his own death. Through rain, sleet, snow, and the occasional curious visitor, Bobby stood guard with a loyalty that would put most humans to shame.
Usually, dogs weren’t exactly welcomed in church cemeteries, but Bobby had charm. The caretaker took pity on him and fed him, locals left snacks, and even William Chambers, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, chipped in to pay Bobby’s yearly dog license, without which he would definitely have been destroyed as a stray.
When Bobby passed on in 1872, church rules said “no dogs in holy dirt,” so he was laid to rest just outside the gates. A local philanthropist lady had a statue erected in his honour, complete with two drinking fountains: one for people, and one for thirsty pups.
Over the years, Bobby’s story has had many versions and inspired numerous books, films, and tall tales-you name it. His breed would change depending on who told the tale, but Bobby’s spirit always remained the same-loyal to his master beyond the grave, and always legendary.
Tip:
Wander into Greyfriars Kirkyard right behind the statue for a dose of Edinburgh’s weirder history. Attention, Potterheads!-Rumour has it that Lord Voldemort’s gravestone is in there somewhere, too. Loyalty and dark magic, all in one stop...
Now, Bobby’s origin story is a bit fuzzy (pun fully intended here). Some say he belonged to a kindly policeman named John Grey; others claim that he was just a clever stray adopted by a “bobby” during his beat (hence the name). Either way, Bobby and John were inseparable for two years… until 1858, when John died of tuberculosis, and Bobby found himself alone in the world.
Whether Grey lived by himself or his widow kicked Bobby out when her husband died remains unclear, but this is where the tear ducts really kick in. Without a home, Bobby made one for himself-on his master’s grave. Indeed, rather than chase squirrels or sniff lampposts like a normal dog, he trotted over to Greyfriars Kirkyard and stayed there-for fourteen years!-until his own death. Through rain, sleet, snow, and the occasional curious visitor, Bobby stood guard with a loyalty that would put most humans to shame.
Usually, dogs weren’t exactly welcomed in church cemeteries, but Bobby had charm. The caretaker took pity on him and fed him, locals left snacks, and even William Chambers, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, chipped in to pay Bobby’s yearly dog license, without which he would definitely have been destroyed as a stray.
When Bobby passed on in 1872, church rules said “no dogs in holy dirt,” so he was laid to rest just outside the gates. A local philanthropist lady had a statue erected in his honour, complete with two drinking fountains: one for people, and one for thirsty pups.
Over the years, Bobby’s story has had many versions and inspired numerous books, films, and tall tales-you name it. His breed would change depending on who told the tale, but Bobby’s spirit always remained the same-loyal to his master beyond the grave, and always legendary.
Tip:
Wander into Greyfriars Kirkyard right behind the statue for a dose of Edinburgh’s weirder history. Attention, Potterheads!-Rumour has it that Lord Voldemort’s gravestone is in there somewhere, too. Loyalty and dark magic, all in one stop...
3) The Elephant House
If you’ve ever wanted to sip a cappuccino where magic once brewed-quite literally-then The Elephant House might just be your pilgrimage stop. Open since 1995, this unassuming café earned worldwide fame not just for its tea and coffee (which are excellent, by the way), but for serving as a launchpad for a certain bespectacled boy wizard. Yes, J.K. Rowling once holed up in the back room here, penning early chapters of Harry Potter while eyeing up the brooding silhouette of Edinburgh Castle. Talk about dramatic inspiration...
But Rowling wasn’t the only literary mind to haunt these elephant-adorned halls. Other patrons like Ian Rankin, the mastermind behind the gritty Rebus detective novels, and Alexander McCall Smith, author of The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency and 44 Scotland Street fame, have also warmed the seats here. Apparently, there’s something about the mix of caffeine, castle views, and atmospheric chatter that gets the creative juices flowing.
So, whether you’re nursing dreams of becoming the next literary sensation or just need a sturdy espresso before wandering into Edinburgh’s medieval maze-drop by The Elephant House. Who knows? That scribble on your napkin might just be the next bestseller...
But Rowling wasn’t the only literary mind to haunt these elephant-adorned halls. Other patrons like Ian Rankin, the mastermind behind the gritty Rebus detective novels, and Alexander McCall Smith, author of The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency and 44 Scotland Street fame, have also warmed the seats here. Apparently, there’s something about the mix of caffeine, castle views, and atmospheric chatter that gets the creative juices flowing.
So, whether you’re nursing dreams of becoming the next literary sensation or just need a sturdy espresso before wandering into Edinburgh’s medieval maze-drop by The Elephant House. Who knows? That scribble on your napkin might just be the next bestseller...
4) Victoria Street
Perhaps the most photographed location in all of Edinburgh, Victoria Street-with its gentle curve, candy-coloured shopfronts, and fairytale charm-is the Old Town icon that throughout the decades has graced everything from tourist postcards to glossy TV ads. Indeed, if streets had agents, this one would have been booked solid.
Built between 1829 and 1834, Victoria Street wasn’t always the whimsical rainbow we know today, though. Credit-or creative blame for it, rather-goes to Thomas Hamilton, a mastermind behind Edinburgh’s numerous architectural wonders, better known for his love affair with all things neoclassical. On this occasion, however, he deviated from his habitual neoclassical stamp, being told to create something mimicking the Old Flemish style. For this purpose, many of the area's old buildings were torn down. The result of such a dramatic medieval makeover was the appearance of arches, lining the new terrace, which now house some of the city’s most charming little shops.
And then came the magic. In recent years, Victoria Street-along with its downhill cousin, the West Bow-has gained notoriety as possible real-world prototypes for none other than Diagon Alley, featured in the Harry Potter books (you know, wizards, magic wands, and all that...).
Given that Edinburgh was home turf for JK Rowling while she penned her famous boy-wizard saga, it’s not a stretch to imagine Victoria Street as an inspiration for the ever-so fabulous wizard market after all. Packed with the cobbled stones, higgledy-piggledy medley of vibrant buildings, quirky boutiques, and a general air of eccentricity, it practically shouts Diagon Alley. So, whether you're here for the architecture, the shopping, or the spellcasting vibes, just know-this street has layers, arches, and more than a dash of enchantment...
Built between 1829 and 1834, Victoria Street wasn’t always the whimsical rainbow we know today, though. Credit-or creative blame for it, rather-goes to Thomas Hamilton, a mastermind behind Edinburgh’s numerous architectural wonders, better known for his love affair with all things neoclassical. On this occasion, however, he deviated from his habitual neoclassical stamp, being told to create something mimicking the Old Flemish style. For this purpose, many of the area's old buildings were torn down. The result of such a dramatic medieval makeover was the appearance of arches, lining the new terrace, which now house some of the city’s most charming little shops.
And then came the magic. In recent years, Victoria Street-along with its downhill cousin, the West Bow-has gained notoriety as possible real-world prototypes for none other than Diagon Alley, featured in the Harry Potter books (you know, wizards, magic wands, and all that...).
Given that Edinburgh was home turf for JK Rowling while she penned her famous boy-wizard saga, it’s not a stretch to imagine Victoria Street as an inspiration for the ever-so fabulous wizard market after all. Packed with the cobbled stones, higgledy-piggledy medley of vibrant buildings, quirky boutiques, and a general air of eccentricity, it practically shouts Diagon Alley. So, whether you're here for the architecture, the shopping, or the spellcasting vibes, just know-this street has layers, arches, and more than a dash of enchantment...
5) Diagon House / Museum Context
Amid the cobbles and curves of Edinburgh's Victoria Street, one shop practically hums with wizard energy. Welcome to Museum Context!-or as the locals still like to whisper, Diagon House. Twinned with its sister spot at No.44 Cockburn Street, it is a true flagship store of magical mayhem. Together, these two stores proudly embrace Edinburgh’s reputation as the cradle of Harry Potter’s creation. Surely, J.K. Rowling may have written in cafés, but it is here that her legacy gets bottled, shelved, and sold-no Time-Turner required.
The idea of this venue sprang from Alice and Andrew McRae-the latter being a conservation architect, who apparently thought Edinburgh’s historic stone walls deserved a bit of wand-waving retail flair. Inside, it may appear a bit “scary” to the claustrophobic lot who may get twitchy in tight spaces. Think of it as the closest thing you’ll find to Diagon Alley itself: packed shelves, narrow aisles, and a steady stream of would-be wizards elbowing their way past, just as Harry once did, dodging sniggering Slytherins to buy his school supplies...
From wands to house scarves, every inch here is loaded with officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise, and the faithful treat it like a pilgrimage site. Don’t be surprised to see queues wrapping around the street from the crack of dawn-yes, people actually line up to shop. Inside, the atmosphere is equal parts Hogwarts common room and retail wonderland, and no, you won’t find any Muggle discount racks here.
After two decades of spellbinding crowds, the shop marked its 20th birthday with a little reinvention of its own. Now flying the banner of “Museum Context,” it celebrates not just Harry’s world but also an eclectic mix of Scottish curiosities. But make no mistake: for Potter fans, this is still the beating heart of Edinburgh’s magical shopping scene-part museum, part marketplace, and part sheer fandom frenzy.
The idea of this venue sprang from Alice and Andrew McRae-the latter being a conservation architect, who apparently thought Edinburgh’s historic stone walls deserved a bit of wand-waving retail flair. Inside, it may appear a bit “scary” to the claustrophobic lot who may get twitchy in tight spaces. Think of it as the closest thing you’ll find to Diagon Alley itself: packed shelves, narrow aisles, and a steady stream of would-be wizards elbowing their way past, just as Harry once did, dodging sniggering Slytherins to buy his school supplies...
From wands to house scarves, every inch here is loaded with officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise, and the faithful treat it like a pilgrimage site. Don’t be surprised to see queues wrapping around the street from the crack of dawn-yes, people actually line up to shop. Inside, the atmosphere is equal parts Hogwarts common room and retail wonderland, and no, you won’t find any Muggle discount racks here.
After two decades of spellbinding crowds, the shop marked its 20th birthday with a little reinvention of its own. Now flying the banner of “Museum Context,” it celebrates not just Harry’s world but also an eclectic mix of Scottish curiosities. But make no mistake: for Potter fans, this is still the beating heart of Edinburgh’s magical shopping scene-part museum, part marketplace, and part sheer fandom frenzy.
6) Grassmarket
If you're looking to shop, snack, or relax over a pint while in Edinburgh, the Grassmarket is undoubtedly your one-stop cobbled playground. Once the city’s bustling horse-and-cattle bazaar which drew crowds between 1477 and 1911, it also doubled as a top place for executions-because, apparently, back in the day, nothing did for the public entertainment more than hooves and hangings...
Keep an eye out for “The Shadow of the Gibbet”-the dark paving stones laid out in the form of a gallows near the Covenanter’s Monument. It’s a charmingly grim touch, in case you needed a reminder that this scenic square once served as the city’s unofficial “dead-end.” And over to one side of it stands the Bow Well that has been around since 1681.
According to legend, once upon a time, there was a woman named Maggie Dickson, a fishwife who made headlines by dying and... remarkably coming back again. Hanged right here for the alleged murder of her child, she stunned everyone when she unexpectedly woke up en route to the cemetery. Apparently, in those days, the “until dead” provision didn’t quite yet settle in the sentence proceedings (legal loophole of the day...). So, once hanged, her debt was considered paid and Maggie was set free. Today, you can toast her improbable resurrection at Maggie Dickson’s pub, conveniently located on the very spot where she was hanged but miraculously survived the ordeal.
Fast forward a few centuries and the Grassmarket swapped gallows for gastropubs. A formerly scruffy patch of the city, it became a magnet for students in the 1980s-likely lured by cheap beer and late-night kebabs. Nowadays gentrified, it’s all terraces, boutique shops, vintage finds, and indie charm.
Quirky, safe and interesting, this area is a great destination for those who need a regular change of scenery, complete with a variety of retail and dining opportunities to suit every wallet and taste, and enough character to fill a tartan suitcase.
Hot tip:
Check out Carnivàle Vintage for a wonderful selection of fun vintage clothing, Tasty Buns for pastry and coffee, Hula Juice Bar for guilt-free fuel, and Mary’s Milk Bar for glorious indulgence. And when you're done, wind your way up Victoria Street and onto the Royal Mile (further up)-because one eccentric shopping spree always deserves another...
Keep an eye out for “The Shadow of the Gibbet”-the dark paving stones laid out in the form of a gallows near the Covenanter’s Monument. It’s a charmingly grim touch, in case you needed a reminder that this scenic square once served as the city’s unofficial “dead-end.” And over to one side of it stands the Bow Well that has been around since 1681.
According to legend, once upon a time, there was a woman named Maggie Dickson, a fishwife who made headlines by dying and... remarkably coming back again. Hanged right here for the alleged murder of her child, she stunned everyone when she unexpectedly woke up en route to the cemetery. Apparently, in those days, the “until dead” provision didn’t quite yet settle in the sentence proceedings (legal loophole of the day...). So, once hanged, her debt was considered paid and Maggie was set free. Today, you can toast her improbable resurrection at Maggie Dickson’s pub, conveniently located on the very spot where she was hanged but miraculously survived the ordeal.
Fast forward a few centuries and the Grassmarket swapped gallows for gastropubs. A formerly scruffy patch of the city, it became a magnet for students in the 1980s-likely lured by cheap beer and late-night kebabs. Nowadays gentrified, it’s all terraces, boutique shops, vintage finds, and indie charm.
Quirky, safe and interesting, this area is a great destination for those who need a regular change of scenery, complete with a variety of retail and dining opportunities to suit every wallet and taste, and enough character to fill a tartan suitcase.
Hot tip:
Check out Carnivàle Vintage for a wonderful selection of fun vintage clothing, Tasty Buns for pastry and coffee, Hula Juice Bar for guilt-free fuel, and Mary’s Milk Bar for glorious indulgence. And when you're done, wind your way up Victoria Street and onto the Royal Mile (further up)-because one eccentric shopping spree always deserves another...
7) Edinburgh Castle (must see)
Edinburgh Castle, looming large over the Scottish capital, is the second most visited attraction in the UK (after the Tower of London, which is still number one). The history of Scotland is deeply etched into its ancient stones, making it a timeline in fortress form.
Perched atop Castle Rock (a hardened basaltic plug from an extinct volcano eroded by glaciers), this area has been drawing humans since the 9th millennium BC. The first castle on the site was built in the 12th century by King David I. It remained a royal residence until 1603, when the monarchy packed up and moved to London-presumably for better weather and indoor plumbing...
Indeed, as a fortress, it was virtually impregnable, except for one major-geological-drawback: the basalt rock on which it stands doesn’t hold water (literally). The 28-meter-deep well inside the fortress was about as useful as a chocolate teapot during a siege. So, when the well ran dry, surrender-or dehydration-was the only choice for those inside.
The original castle was mostly destroyed during the Lang Siege of 1573. The only remainder from its early days is St. Margaret’s Chapel. By the 17th century, it had shifted from royal digs to military barracks, housing troops up to the 1920s.
Presently, the castle hosts the Scottish National War Memorial, the National War Museum, and enough regimental museums to keep military buffs busy till closing time. Don't miss the One O’Clock Gun, which is fired daily (except Sundays) at 1 PM with Swiss-watch precision-yes, Edinburgh literally sets its clocks by it...
Also, in the Crown Room, you will see Scotland’s royal bling-crown, scepter, and sword-resting under heavy guard. Period-costumed actors occasionally swoop in to re-enact history with full flair. And if you’re visiting in August, the Military Tattoo takes over the esplanade with kilts, cannons, and bagpipes galore.
Oh, and in the north-east corner of the esplanade, don't miss that rather unassuming little iron fountain. Called Witches' Well, it marks the spot where, back in the day, many women accused of witchcraft were burned at the stake. Spooky, grim, and sadly true...
The panoramic views are postcard-worthy, the historical nooks are endlessly fascinating, and honestly, it just feels epic to stand where centuries of royals, rebels, and rock-solid drama unfolded.
Pro Tips:
The entry is cheaper, and more importantly, faster, if you book online.
Take a free guided tour – running every hour. Otherwise, consider grabbing the £3 audio guide if you like facts with flair.
Being at the mountain's top, it may get breezy, so definitely bring a windproof jacket if visiting in cold weather.
Perched atop Castle Rock (a hardened basaltic plug from an extinct volcano eroded by glaciers), this area has been drawing humans since the 9th millennium BC. The first castle on the site was built in the 12th century by King David I. It remained a royal residence until 1603, when the monarchy packed up and moved to London-presumably for better weather and indoor plumbing...
Indeed, as a fortress, it was virtually impregnable, except for one major-geological-drawback: the basalt rock on which it stands doesn’t hold water (literally). The 28-meter-deep well inside the fortress was about as useful as a chocolate teapot during a siege. So, when the well ran dry, surrender-or dehydration-was the only choice for those inside.
The original castle was mostly destroyed during the Lang Siege of 1573. The only remainder from its early days is St. Margaret’s Chapel. By the 17th century, it had shifted from royal digs to military barracks, housing troops up to the 1920s.
Presently, the castle hosts the Scottish National War Memorial, the National War Museum, and enough regimental museums to keep military buffs busy till closing time. Don't miss the One O’Clock Gun, which is fired daily (except Sundays) at 1 PM with Swiss-watch precision-yes, Edinburgh literally sets its clocks by it...
Also, in the Crown Room, you will see Scotland’s royal bling-crown, scepter, and sword-resting under heavy guard. Period-costumed actors occasionally swoop in to re-enact history with full flair. And if you’re visiting in August, the Military Tattoo takes over the esplanade with kilts, cannons, and bagpipes galore.
Oh, and in the north-east corner of the esplanade, don't miss that rather unassuming little iron fountain. Called Witches' Well, it marks the spot where, back in the day, many women accused of witchcraft were burned at the stake. Spooky, grim, and sadly true...
The panoramic views are postcard-worthy, the historical nooks are endlessly fascinating, and honestly, it just feels epic to stand where centuries of royals, rebels, and rock-solid drama unfolded.
Pro Tips:
The entry is cheaper, and more importantly, faster, if you book online.
Take a free guided tour – running every hour. Otherwise, consider grabbing the £3 audio guide if you like facts with flair.
Being at the mountain's top, it may get breezy, so definitely bring a windproof jacket if visiting in cold weather.
8) St. Giles' Cathedral (must see)
Smack in the middle of the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral-otherwise known as the High Kirk (or High Church) of Edinburgh-isn't one to be missed. The original building went up in the 12th century but didn’t survive a nasty fire-only the central pillars lived to tell the tale. The replacement was built in 1385. Over the years, it had numerous chapels added-known as aisles-resulting in a kind of charming architectural chaos. At one point, the church had over 50 side altars, like a medieval supermarket of holiness...
In 1466, St Giles’ became a collegiate church, which, in 1490, saw the now-iconic, crown-shaped lantern tower completed. During the Reformation, in 1560, things got a bit dramatic. Most of the church’s treasures vanished-stolen, sold, or just spirited away-including its star relic: Saint Giles’ withered arm and hand, complete with a diamond ring on one skeletal finger (macabre bling at its finest...). In addition to that, the church was partitioned by walls into multiple preaching zones-a kind of Protestant “feng shui,” if you will...
Despite being called a cathedral, it only technically wore that title twice, briefly, during the 17th-century Bishop Wars. The statute of “High Kirk” remains its real claim to fame. A 19th-century restoration gave the church a glow-up-partitions were removed and several chapels pulled down. Among the surviving chapels, perhaps the most beautiful is the Thistle Chapel from 1911: a jaw-dropping High Gothic gem dripping in wood and stone carvings, fluttering heraldic banners, and a breathtaking, delicately carved vaulted ceiling.
Once here, look out for a bronze plaque to Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island, in the Moray Aisle, a marble tribute to the dashing but doomed 1st Marquis of Montrose, in the Chapman Aisle, and another to his bitter rival, Archibald Campbell, the 1st Marquis of Argyll, in the Saint Eloi Aisle. Fun fact: these two, once the main signatories of the National Covenant in 1638 (the document signed to oppose attempts to impose Anglican religious practices on the Church of Scotland), became sworn enemies towards the end of their lives. Edinburgh drama, anyone?
Aside from all that, the place is absolutely gorgeous, packed to the rim with stained glass beauty. You’ll walk out with neck cramp from all the ceiling admiration-and it’ll be worth it.
Pro tips:
Entry is free or by donation, but if you’re planning a photo shoot, prepare to fork over £2 for a "permit".
Best to get onto a tour, as there's much you could miss just wandering on your own. Also, if you're feeling adventurous, take the rooftop tour (worth £6).
And yes-don't miss a cozy café downstairs that serves tasty bites. Praise be!
In 1466, St Giles’ became a collegiate church, which, in 1490, saw the now-iconic, crown-shaped lantern tower completed. During the Reformation, in 1560, things got a bit dramatic. Most of the church’s treasures vanished-stolen, sold, or just spirited away-including its star relic: Saint Giles’ withered arm and hand, complete with a diamond ring on one skeletal finger (macabre bling at its finest...). In addition to that, the church was partitioned by walls into multiple preaching zones-a kind of Protestant “feng shui,” if you will...
Despite being called a cathedral, it only technically wore that title twice, briefly, during the 17th-century Bishop Wars. The statute of “High Kirk” remains its real claim to fame. A 19th-century restoration gave the church a glow-up-partitions were removed and several chapels pulled down. Among the surviving chapels, perhaps the most beautiful is the Thistle Chapel from 1911: a jaw-dropping High Gothic gem dripping in wood and stone carvings, fluttering heraldic banners, and a breathtaking, delicately carved vaulted ceiling.
Once here, look out for a bronze plaque to Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island, in the Moray Aisle, a marble tribute to the dashing but doomed 1st Marquis of Montrose, in the Chapman Aisle, and another to his bitter rival, Archibald Campbell, the 1st Marquis of Argyll, in the Saint Eloi Aisle. Fun fact: these two, once the main signatories of the National Covenant in 1638 (the document signed to oppose attempts to impose Anglican religious practices on the Church of Scotland), became sworn enemies towards the end of their lives. Edinburgh drama, anyone?
Aside from all that, the place is absolutely gorgeous, packed to the rim with stained glass beauty. You’ll walk out with neck cramp from all the ceiling admiration-and it’ll be worth it.
Pro tips:
Entry is free or by donation, but if you’re planning a photo shoot, prepare to fork over £2 for a "permit".
Best to get onto a tour, as there's much you could miss just wandering on your own. Also, if you're feeling adventurous, take the rooftop tour (worth £6).
And yes-don't miss a cozy café downstairs that serves tasty bites. Praise be!
9) Holyrood Abbey
If you wander to the far end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, you’ll stumble upon the hauntingly beautiful remains of Holyrood Abbey-an epic blend of crumbled stone, royal drama, and deer-related miracles. Founded in 1128 by King David I, the abbey takes its name from an old Scottish term for the "Holy Cross" on which Jesus was crucified. Legend says that the king had a brush with death while hunting when a stag with a glowing crucifix between its antlers (or maybe just a particularly shiny sun reflection) charged him. Divine intervention or optical illusion, but the king took it as a holy sign and built an abbey right there in gratitude.
The original abbey evolved a lot over the years. Between 1195 and 1230, it went from simple sanctuary to Gothic grandeur. It played host to more than just monks, housing royal ceremonies, meetings of the Scottish Parliament, and even seeing the signing of the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton in 1328, which ended the First War of Scottish Independence. So yes, this abbey has receipts.
Charles I had the place spruced up in 1633 for his Scottish coronation, but things went downhill after 1688, when a post-Glorious-Revolution mob gave the building a not-so-glorious makeover, desecrating it. By 1768, the roof had given up entirely and collapsed, turning the abbey into the picturesque ruin it is today. Restoration plans have come and gone, but so far, Holyrood Abbey remains roofless and moody-just how romantics like it.
Right next door is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and surrounding it all is Holyrood Park-home to Arthur’s Seat, scenic trails, and a recurring cast of joggers, photographers, and mildly confused tourists.
The original abbey evolved a lot over the years. Between 1195 and 1230, it went from simple sanctuary to Gothic grandeur. It played host to more than just monks, housing royal ceremonies, meetings of the Scottish Parliament, and even seeing the signing of the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton in 1328, which ended the First War of Scottish Independence. So yes, this abbey has receipts.
Charles I had the place spruced up in 1633 for his Scottish coronation, but things went downhill after 1688, when a post-Glorious-Revolution mob gave the building a not-so-glorious makeover, desecrating it. By 1768, the roof had given up entirely and collapsed, turning the abbey into the picturesque ruin it is today. Restoration plans have come and gone, but so far, Holyrood Abbey remains roofless and moody-just how romantics like it.
Right next door is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and surrounding it all is Holyrood Park-home to Arthur’s Seat, scenic trails, and a recurring cast of joggers, photographers, and mildly confused tourists.
10) Holyroodhouse (must see)
If you're ticking off Edinburgh landmarks, Holyroodhouse is one you can't skip-not unless you're on the run from the crown... Sitting at the royal end of the Royal Mile, this stately pad is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch and once housed none other than Mary, Queen of Scots. That’s right, drama lives here rent-free...
The whole saga begins with King David I, who founded the nearby Holyrood Abbey in 1128 (after a divine deer encounter, according to legend). A few centuries later, precisely by 1501, a palace was built beside the abbey. Now, calling it a “palace”, back then, was maybe a touch ambitious-a grand country house, more like it, rather than Versailles-but it did get bigger in 1532 and 1536. The property was thoroughly renovated in 1633, only to be trashed when Cromwell’s soldiers used it as barracks and then a fire added insult to injury...
Then came the 1670s, when Sir William Bruce, the architectural fixer of the day, rebuilt the place. The abbey chapel became the Chapel Royal, hosting pious activity until 1768, when the roof rather unceremoniously fell in. More restorations followed after that-first in 1822 for a royal visit, and then again in the 20th century when King George V and Queen Mary decided the palace could really use indoor plumbing. Royal flush, anyone?
When the royals are away, the house is open to the public. Inside, you can marvel at ceiling stucco so delicate it practically whispers, and gawk at an entire lineup of Scottish monarchs-some real, some as fictional as their hairlines-painted by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jacob de Wet. Then, dive into the Royal Collection, a five-century mix of armor, jewels, manuscripts, and silverware. Basically, it’s the attic of your dreams-if your attic had Rembrandts and 17th-century clocks.
Oh, and don’t wander off alone unless you're cool with ghosts. Legend has it that Agnes Sampson, accused of witchcraft and executed in 1592, still makes the occasional appearance here. So, if you feel a chill or hear something whispering about herbal remedies... maybe don’t investigate.
Palace, ghosts, ceilings, swords, and sovereign bling-are all here. Holyroodhouse doesn’t just bring the royal drama-it curates it.
The whole saga begins with King David I, who founded the nearby Holyrood Abbey in 1128 (after a divine deer encounter, according to legend). A few centuries later, precisely by 1501, a palace was built beside the abbey. Now, calling it a “palace”, back then, was maybe a touch ambitious-a grand country house, more like it, rather than Versailles-but it did get bigger in 1532 and 1536. The property was thoroughly renovated in 1633, only to be trashed when Cromwell’s soldiers used it as barracks and then a fire added insult to injury...
Then came the 1670s, when Sir William Bruce, the architectural fixer of the day, rebuilt the place. The abbey chapel became the Chapel Royal, hosting pious activity until 1768, when the roof rather unceremoniously fell in. More restorations followed after that-first in 1822 for a royal visit, and then again in the 20th century when King George V and Queen Mary decided the palace could really use indoor plumbing. Royal flush, anyone?
When the royals are away, the house is open to the public. Inside, you can marvel at ceiling stucco so delicate it practically whispers, and gawk at an entire lineup of Scottish monarchs-some real, some as fictional as their hairlines-painted by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jacob de Wet. Then, dive into the Royal Collection, a five-century mix of armor, jewels, manuscripts, and silverware. Basically, it’s the attic of your dreams-if your attic had Rembrandts and 17th-century clocks.
Oh, and don’t wander off alone unless you're cool with ghosts. Legend has it that Agnes Sampson, accused of witchcraft and executed in 1592, still makes the occasional appearance here. So, if you feel a chill or hear something whispering about herbal remedies... maybe don’t investigate.
Palace, ghosts, ceilings, swords, and sovereign bling-are all here. Holyroodhouse doesn’t just bring the royal drama-it curates it.
11) Arthur's Seat (must see)
Edinburgh is a busy city, but even here, Scotland doesn’t let you forget its wild origins. To the east of Edinburgh Castle, you will find Arthur’s Seat, a testimony of the ancient land.
About 350 million years ago this main peak of a cluster of hills was an active volcano. During the last Ice Age two million years ago, a huge glacier that moved slowly across the land from west to east eroded the volcano, which was by that time, extinct. Located in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat today is a favourite place for hill walkers as it is relatively easy to climb and you have great views of the city from the top.
The peak’s name comes from a corruption of “Ard-na-Said” which translates roughly as “height of arrows”, although legend likes to claim that this was once the site of Camelot and Arthur’s Round Table. There are remains of old forts on the top of the peak, probably built in the Iron Age by the Votadini, who settled here until after Roman times.
An ancient tradition suggests that if a young girl washes her face in the dew here on May Day, she will become beautiful. The peak today is jealously guarded by the population and no building is allowed here. It is a natural habitat for several wild animals, including foxes, squirrels, weasels and badgers, and for some rather rare species of butterflies.
In 1836, seventeen tiny coffins containing wooden figures were found in a cave on the peak. This led to speculation about the site being used for witch’s rites, but this has never been proved. The coffins and their contents remain a mystery.
Why You Should Visit:
Ruins of an old church, hiking trails, fresh air all around, all on a lovely dormant volcano!
Tip:
Go early in the morning to catch the light over the city and to avoid crowds.
Bring water, snacks, comfortable (closed-toe) shoes, and a light windbreaker too, because it's gusty at the top.
Plan your route carefully, as there are multiple routes up, some more direct and steeper, some more leisurely and meandering.
About 350 million years ago this main peak of a cluster of hills was an active volcano. During the last Ice Age two million years ago, a huge glacier that moved slowly across the land from west to east eroded the volcano, which was by that time, extinct. Located in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat today is a favourite place for hill walkers as it is relatively easy to climb and you have great views of the city from the top.
The peak’s name comes from a corruption of “Ard-na-Said” which translates roughly as “height of arrows”, although legend likes to claim that this was once the site of Camelot and Arthur’s Round Table. There are remains of old forts on the top of the peak, probably built in the Iron Age by the Votadini, who settled here until after Roman times.
An ancient tradition suggests that if a young girl washes her face in the dew here on May Day, she will become beautiful. The peak today is jealously guarded by the population and no building is allowed here. It is a natural habitat for several wild animals, including foxes, squirrels, weasels and badgers, and for some rather rare species of butterflies.
In 1836, seventeen tiny coffins containing wooden figures were found in a cave on the peak. This led to speculation about the site being used for witch’s rites, but this has never been proved. The coffins and their contents remain a mystery.
Why You Should Visit:
Ruins of an old church, hiking trails, fresh air all around, all on a lovely dormant volcano!
Tip:
Go early in the morning to catch the light over the city and to avoid crowds.
Bring water, snacks, comfortable (closed-toe) shoes, and a light windbreaker too, because it's gusty at the top.
Plan your route carefully, as there are multiple routes up, some more direct and steeper, some more leisurely and meandering.
