Things to do in Edinburgh
The cobbled Old Town has landmark sights including dramatic Edinburgh Castle. Have a tipple at The Scotch Whisky Experience before exploring the medieval world of The Real Mary King's Close. The view from Calton Hill takes in the romantic architecture of the New Town, and centuries of fine art are on display at the National Gallery of Scotland. Laugh with Robbie Burns on the Literary Pub Tour.
Museums and Galleries
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1. Scottish National Gallery - Museums and Galleries
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Housed in a grand neo-Classical building on the New Town's Mound, the National Gallery of Scotland boasts one of the world's best collections of European art. Admire the extensive Scottish collection, and look out for Raeburn's famous Skating Minister.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Permanent collection free; special exhibitions vary
Opening hours
Daily 10am-5pm (until 7pm Thu)
Address
The Mound, Princess Street, New Town, Edinburgh EH2 2EL
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 624 6200
Transport
Buses to Princes Street - tram works may cause disruption
Website
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2. National Museum of Scotland - Museums and Galleries
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The award-winning National Museum of Scotland building in the Old Town showcases Scotland's history. The imaginative displays bring to life the light and dark sides of Scottish life. Look out for replicas of Scottish burghs and Dolly the Sheep.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free (donations welcomed)
Opening hours
Daily 10am-5pm
Address
Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 225 7534
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3. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art - Museums and Galleries
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The grand Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art building is located west of the city centre in a spectacular sculpture garden. It houses notable works by Matisse, Picasso, Bacon and Warhol as well as an extensive collection of Scottish works.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free; special exhibitions various
Opening hours
Daily 10am-5pm
Address
75, Belford Rd, Dean Village, Edinburgh EH4 3DR
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 624 6200
Transport
Bus 13 - tram works may cause disruption
Website
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4. The Scottish Storytelling Centre - Museums and Galleries
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The Storytelling Centre in the Old Town preserves the folk tradition of accessible storytelling. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the interactive displays and replicas. The 15th-century John Knox House next door tells the story of old Edinburgh through objects and architecture.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free; John Knox House £3.50; concessions £1-£3
Opening hours
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Jul & Aug Sun 12pm-6pm
Address
43-45, High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 556 9579
Attractions
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5. The Real Mary King's Close - Attractions
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Underneath the Old Town's streets lurks the parallel neighbourhood of The Real Mary King's Close. In this preserved piece of medieval Edinburgh, you'll meet resident ghosts and find out how they lived until the plague exterminated them in the 1600s.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
£10.50; concessions £9.50; children £6; no under 5s admitted
Opening hours
Apr-Oct daily 10am-9pm (Aug from 9am); Nov-Mar Sun-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-9pm
Address
2, Warriston's Close, Writers' Court, Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 1PG
Telephone
+44 (0) 845 070 6244
Transport
Bus 23, 24, 27, 41, 42, 45 or 67 - tram works may cause disruption
Website
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6. St Giles' Cathedral - Attractions
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Gothic St Giles' Cathedral in the Old Town is known as the High Kirk. Here, Reformationist John Knox gave speeches, inciting religious riots. Look out for medieval carvings of bizarre creatures and impressive stained-glass windows. There are concerts on Sunday night.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening hours
May-Sep: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 1pm-5pm; Oct-Apr: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 1pm-5pm
Address
High Street, Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 225 9442
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7. The Palace of Holyroodhouse - Attractions
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The 12th-century Palace of Holyroodhouse in the Old Town is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. When she is absent, the splendid apartments and galleries are open to the public. Audio guides tell of Mary Queen of Scots witnessing a murder here.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Palace £10; Palace and Queen's Gallery £14Seniors & Students: Palace £9; Palace & Queen's Gallery £12.50 6-16s: Palace £6; Palace & Queen's Gallery £8; under 5s free
Opening hours
Nov-Mar daily 9.30am-4.30pm; Apr-Oct 9.30am-6pm (closed during Royal Visits)
Address
Holyrood Road, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8DX
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 556 5100
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8. Our Dynamic Earth - Attractions
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One of the Millennium Commission's success stories, Our Dynamic Earth is a testament to the forces that shape our planet. A fantastic journey takes visitors through the fascinating story of the Earth, with a multi-sensory insight into the past, present and future.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
£9.50; concessions £7.50; 3-15s £5.95; under 3s free
Opening hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last entry 3.50pm)
Address
Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 550 7800
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9. Edinburgh Castle - Attractions
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Above the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city and is at the epicentre of Scottish history. Tour guides tell of former royal residents, showing visitors the crown jewels and Stone of Destiny, as well as the dingy Vaults below.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
£12; concessions £10; children £6
Opening hours
Apr-Sep 9.30am-6pm; Oct-Mar 9.30am-5pm (last admission 45 min before closing time)
Address
Castle Hill, Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 225 9846
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10. The Scotch Whisky Experience - Attractions
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Take a light-hearted, child-friendly barrel ride through the making, storing and imbibing of Scotland's national drink at The Scotch Whisky Experience in the Old Town. The ticket includes a dram of whisky, and a visit to the well-stocked shop is recommended.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
£11; concessions £8.50; children over 5 years £5.95
Opening hours
Sep-May daily 10am-6pm; Jun-Aug daily 9.30am-6.30pm
Address
354, Castle Hill, Royal Mile, Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 2NE
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 220 0441
Special things to do
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11. Literary Pub Tour - Special things to do
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The two actor-guides in the Literary Pub Tour take visitors around old and new Edinburgh with dramatised stories of the city's literary wits. Starting at the Beehive Inn, it takes in historic pubs and quirky landmarks, ending at the Café Royal.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
£8.50; concessions £7
Opening hours
May-Sep daily 7.30pm; Mar, Apr & Oct Thu-Sun 7.30pm; Nov-Feb Fri 7.30pm
Address
18-20, Grassmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh EH12JU
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 225 7171
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12. Dean Village - Special things to do
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The mansions of Dean Village, just north of the New Town, are from the 19th century, but the milling village dates back 700 years. Walk along the Water of Leith to see ivy-covered statues, quaint houses and the 17th-century baxters' building.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening hours
Daily all day
Address
North of the New Town, Edinburgh EH3
Transport
Bus 13, 19, 36, 37, 47 or X47 - tram works may cause disruption
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13. Calton Hill - Special things to do
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Calton Hill in the New Town offers an easier climb than Arthur's Seat with equally rewarding views of Victorian buildings and chimneys. It's sprinkled with neo-Renaissance structures such as the unfinished replica of the Parthenon and the telescope-shaped Nelson Monument.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening hours
Daily all day
Address
New Town, Edinburgh EH7
Transport
Bus 1, 5, 7, 14, 15, 25, 34 or 49 - tram works may cause disruption
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14. Arthur's Seat - Special things to do
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Edinburgh has an extinct volcano at its heart. Rising above Holyroodhouse Palace, Arthur's Seat is an easy get-away from the bustle of the centre. Climb the well-trodden paths to take in the panoramic city views.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening hours
24 hours daily
Address
Edinburgh
Transport
Bus 36 or 69 - tram works may cause disruption
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15. Royal Botanic Garden - Special things to do
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The plants of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Stockbridge live in their own secluded world. Visitors can stroll among ponds, a rock garden and rare flowers, or experience the 10 different climate zones of the glass-houses. Some species are 200 years old.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Garden free; glasshouses £3.50; concessions £3; children £1
Opening hours
Apr-Sept daily 10am-7pm; Nov-Feb daily 10am-4pm; Mar & Oct daily 10am-6pm
Address
20A, Inverleith Row, Stockbridge, New Town, Edinburgh EH3 5LR
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 552 7171
