Best things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Essentials

Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, offer a dense concentration of historical landmarks. This selection covers the city's royal heritage from the 12th-century Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, connected by the medieval Royal Mile. It includes architectural highlights like the Victorian Gothic Scott Monument and St Giles’ Cathedral, alongside natural features such as the volcanic peak of Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill’s monuments. For cultural depth, the list features the Scottish National Gallery, the underground history of Mary King’s Close, and the former royal yacht, HMY Britannia.