Discover Edinburgh’s 56 best Landmark Hunter spots for your trip

St Giles' Cathedral

★ 4.6 · 13,535 reviews

Walk into St Giles' Cathedral, the crowned Gothic landmark at the heart of the Royal Mile. Inside, take in the carved details and calm atmosphere that contrast with the busy street outside.

Edinburgh Castle

★ 4.6 · 110,311 reviews

Climb to Edinburgh Castle, the fortress that dominates the city skyline. Explore the Crown Jewels, the National War Museum and the ramparts with sweeping views over the Old and New Towns.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

★ 4.6 · 23,633 reviews

Walk through the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Stuart dynasty's historic seat at the end of the Royal Mile. Follow the multimedia guide through royal reception rooms, then explore the atmospheric ruins of Holyrood Abbey.

Real Mary King's Close Guided Tour

★ 4.7 · 4,514 reviews

Go below the Royal Mile on the Real Mary King's Close Guided Tour. Walk the preserved streets with a costumed guide who tells the stories of the traders and residents who lived and worked here.

Royal Attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

★ 4.7 · 3,162 reviews

Cover Edinburgh's royal highlights with the Royal Attractions and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus pass. Tour the castle, Holyroodhouse and Britannia, using the three bus routes to move between the centre and Leith.

Scott Monument

★ 4.7 · 8,042 reviews

Look up at the Scott Monument, Edinburgh's soaring Gothic tribute to its most celebrated author. Climb the 287 steps to the top for views across Princes Street and the Old Town skyline.

Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

★ 4.6 · 20,737 reviews

Cover the best-known corners of the Highlands on the Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour. Ride through Glencoe, stop by Fort William, and explore Loch Ness before heading home via Inverness.

3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

★ 4.8 · 3,005 reviews

Travel deep into the Scottish Highlands over three days with a driver-guide. See Glencoe, Skye and Loch Ness, and sleep in Inverness along the way.

Greyfriars Kirk

★ 4.6 · 135 reviews

Pause at Greyfriars Kirk, an early 17th-century church in the heart of the Old Town. Look around the interior, hear the stories from the volunteers and stroll through the atmospheric graveyard outside.

Nelson Monument

★ 4.6 · 2,300 reviews

Climb the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill, a tower honouring the hero of Trafalgar. Ascend to the top and take in the view across the city rooftops to the Firth of Forth.

Victoria Street

Wander down Victoria Street, one of Edinburgh's most photogenic corners. Follow its sweeping curve past painted shopfronts, independent boutiques, and small eateries as it drops from the Royal Mile toward the Grassmarket.

National Monument of Scotland

★ 4.7 · 3,188 reviews

Climb Calton Hill to the National Monument of Scotland, an unfinished Parthenon-style memorial. Stand among the stone pillars and look out across the city and the Forth.

The Royal Yacht Britannia Ticket

★ 4.9 · 3,285 reviews

Board Britannia, the royal family's former floating home, in Leith. With audio interpretation you will tour five decks, from the State Apartments to the crew quarters and engine room.

John Knox House

★ 4.3 · 518 reviews

Pause at John Knox House, a Royal Mile townhouse that dates back to the 15th century. Climb its three floors to see period artefacts and richly painted wooden ceilings.

The Georgian House (National Trust for Scotland)

★ 4.6 · 1,218 reviews

Step inside The Georgian House on Charlotte Square, an Adam-designed townhouse from the 18th century. Walk its grand staircase and period rooms, taking in Scottish art and furniture that bring New Town life back to view.

Craigmillar Castle

★ 4.7 · 3,212 reviews

Explore Craigmillar Castle, a genuine medieval fortress on the edge of Edinburgh. Roam its corridors, cellars and prison, then climb to the roof for sweeping views over the city.

The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse

★ 4.4 · 718 reviews

Visit The King's Gallery beside the Palace of Holyroodhouse for a rotating display from the Royal Collection. Study art and antiquities in a calm Victorian setting before wandering the surrounding grounds.

Scottish Parliament Building

★ 4.3 · 1,035 reviews

Step inside the Scottish Parliament Building, where modern architecture meets working democracy. See the debating chamber and exhibition space, then stop at the cafe in a visit that costs nothing.

Dean Bridge

★ 4.6 · 1,175 reviews

Cross Dean Bridge for a high view over the Water of Leith and Dean Village. Pause mid-span, then head down to the river path among the old houses.

Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria

★ 4.7 · 1,596 reviews

Spend a day beyond the border with Holy Island and Alnwick Castle. You will cross to Lindisfarne when the tide allows, then continue to Alnwick to explore its town or castle before returning to Edinburgh.

Gladstone's Land (National Trust for Scotland)

★ 4.5 · 1,096 reviews

Step inside Gladstone's Land, a merchant's tenement on the Royal Mile with four centuries of history. Wander the furnished floors at your own pace and chat with the volunteers who bring each room to life.

St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral

★ 4.7 · 2,589 reviews

Discover St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, the soaring Gothic landmark many visitors walk straight past. Step inside to take in the scale of the nave and, with luck, catch the choir rehearsing.

Rosslyn Chapel & Scottish Borders Tour

★ 4.7 · 708 reviews

Trade the city for Rosslyn Chapel and the rolling Scottish Borders. You will visit Roslin, lunch in Melrose by its abbey, then stop at the Wallace monument and Scott's View.

Canongate Kirk

★ 4.4 · 317 reviews

Pause at Canongate Kirk, a quiet 17th-century church on the lower Royal Mile. Walk among the kirkyard's old stones, find Adam Smith's grave and step inside to see the building's design.

Queensferry: 'Firth of Forth' Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise

★ 4.7 · 2,759 reviews

Set sail on the Firth of Forth Three Bridges cruise from South Queensferry. Glide beneath the rail, road and cantilever spans while commentary fills in their story, and keep an eye out for seals, seabirds and porpoises along the coast.

Dugald Stewart Monument

★ 4.7 · 1,036 reviews

Climb to the Dugald Stewart Monument, a Greek-inspired hilltop tribute to a Scottish Enlightenment philosopher. Take the steep steps up and look out across Edinburgh's Old and New Towns.

Advocate's Close

★ 4.6 · 239 reviews

Slip into Advocate's Close for one of the Old Town's most characterful viewpoints. Walk the narrow stone slope down from the Royal Mile and frame the city skyline and castle at the bottom.

Old College, The University of Edinburgh

★ 4.7 · 507 reviews

Step into Old College, the stately heart of the University of Edinburgh's historic campus. Cross the wide courtyard, study the imposing stonework and soak up the academic atmosphere in a quick, free stop.

McEwan Hall, The University of Edinburgh

★ 4.7 · 288 reviews

Look up at McEwan Hall, the University of Edinburgh's domed ceremonial hall. Take in the grand classical interior and tiered auditorium, or admire the striking exterior if the doors are closed.

Tron Kirk Market

★ 4.3 · 1,569 reviews

Browse Tron Kirk Market, a historic Royal Mile church now filled with stalls. Look at the 17th-century architecture, then pick through the artwork and handmade gifts on offer.