Best Things to See in Edinburgh

Visitor Guide to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Palace, Festival, Hogmanay

Apr 13, 2009

Edinburgh is Scotland's capital city and visitor attractions include its Castle, Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse, National Museum of Scotland, and National Gallery.

Known for the biggest arts festival in the world and its Hogmanay celebrations, Edinburgh has many museums, galleries and other attractions such as Calton Hill, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Writers' Museum and much else besides. Some of the highlights include:

Calton Hill

Containing the National Monument, the Royal Observatory and other features, and found at the eastern end of Princes Street, Calton Hill is worth climbing for its panoramic views of one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Edinburgh Castle

Since the 11th century the grand Castle Rock, on top of which sits Edinburgh Castle, has been home to Scottish royalty. Inside the Castle the 12th-century St Margaret's Chapel is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. The Castle is also home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. See Suite101's Edinburgh Castle Visitor's Guide.

Edinburgh Festival

Every summer sees the city streets, theaters, and galleries filled with art and artists (and visitors) from all over the globe, coming together to enjoy what has become the biggest arts festival in the world. The Edinburgh Festival of Food is but one aspect of it.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay Celebrations

The National Gallery of Scotland

The country's national art collection is displayed in this fine mid-19th century classical building and includes work by international names such as Rembrandt, as well as a large collection of work by Scottish artists.

The National Museum of Scotland

This fine museum was opened in 1998 and is a stunning collection on the history, culture, and people of Scotland. The displays are imaginatively presented and range from ancient and historic items to modern sculptures by artists including Andy Goldsworthy and Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Standing at the far end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse dates its history back to the 12th century and is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. It includes the Queen's Gallery, which displays exhibits from the Royal Collection, and has beautiful grounds. It is, however, closed whenever the Queen or other members of the Royal Family are in residence. See Suite101's Guide to Edinburgh's Royal Palace: Holyroodhouse.

The Writers' Museum

An atmospheric 17th-century building houses this collection of material on three of Scotland's greatest and best-loved writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

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