Sights

Edinburgh Castle
The castle is Edinburgh's best known and most popular attraction and one of the most visited ancient monuments in the UK. It has breathtaking views of Edinburgh and tons to interest young and old alike - the Great Hall and Royal Apartments, the Crown Room, the Half Moon Battery, statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, and the Esplanade to name but a few.

Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
Celebrate Scotland's national drink with a visit to this fascinating centre. The exhibition covers three floors and a one hour guided tour, running every twenty minutes, takes you through the distillation and blending processes, explaining the history of whisky production and consumption.

St Giles' Cathedral
Although there has been a church on this site since 854, the earliest remains to be found in St Giles' Cathedral are four pillars which date from about 1120. In 1385 the church was destroyed by an English army but soon afterwards was rebuilt in greater splendour. In 1460 the roof was raised and the main body of the church extended eastwards. The famously elaborate crown spire was completed in 1495 and St Giles' was made a Presbyterian cathedral by Charles I in 1633.

Edinburgh Experience
The Edinburgh Experience is housed in the historic City Observatory, which sits astride Calton Hill. This wonderful building was built in 1818 by the celebrated architect William Playfair. Nowadays, visitors can put on cardboard glasses and view a 20-minute 3-D multimedia extravaganza, showing images of Edinburgh and its dizzying sights. Take a journey through the history of Scotland's capital from its volcanic origins to the present day.

Museum of Scotland
Next door to the Royal Museum, the stunning new Museum of Scotland (opened 1998) details the history of the Scottish people. From the beginning of time through present day, the history of Scotland is explained through galleries and displays in a wonderful, informative exhibition. Wander through the halls and wonder at the fossils, the ancient jewellery and artifacts. Travel back in time to the industrial revolution and the Scottish position in the British Empire. Marvel at the technological advances that have taken Scotland to modernity. Admission is free.

Holyroodhouse Palace
Holyrood has traditionally been a favourite stopping-off point for monarchs travelling to and from Balmoral. The Monarch most strongly associated with the Palace is Mary Queen of Scots, and you can view her private apartments here.

Calton Hill
Calton hill rises dramatically above the eastern end of Princes St, its summit scattered with grandiose memorials. Edinburgh's answer to the acropolis, Calton Hill is one of the city's best viewpoints, with a panorama that takes in the castle, Holyrood, Arthur's Seat, the Firth of Forth, New Town and the entire length of Princes St.

Arthur's Seat
Visit Edinburgh's volcano and walk over its lava flows—there is no danger as its been extinct for 350 million years.

Rosslyn Chapel
This atmospheric and beautiful church is situated just outside the village of Roslin, to the south of Edinburgh. It was built around 1446 by William St Clair - it is unique and famed for the beauty of its extraordinarily detailed carvings and its aura of mystery. The carvings refer to both Christian and Pagan rites, including the Green Man, Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. It is the only medieval building still used by the Scottish Episcopal Church, and has been linked to various legends throughout the years. A fascinating exhibition that draws from the Brydon Collection, explores the craft of the Guilds, Templars, Masons, Celts and Gypsies.

Edinburgh International Festival
The Edinburgh International Festival, held every August, is one of six arts festivals which, together, make up The Edinburgh Festival. The focus of the event is to "provide the world with a centre where, year after year, all that is best in music, drama and the visual arts can be seen and heard in ideal surroundings." Edinburgh is indeed ideal: the beauty of the surrounding landscape provides the perfect backdrop for the music and drama of the International Festival. From opera, to ballet, to symphony concertsperformances take place in most of the larger venues around the city.