Top Attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland

Top Attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle -

Situated at the top of the Royal Mile on top of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is the number one visitor attraction in Scotland and the most iconic building in the city. Perched on top of an extinct volcano, the Castle and its Esplanade offers unparalleled views of Edinburgh. Once inside you can explore some of the oldest and most important buildings of the city, including St Margaret's Chapel, The National War Memorial and the Half Moon Battery. The regal Crown Square is a real highlight, where you will find the magnificent Grand Hall and Scotland's Crown Jewels - including the famous Stone of Destiny.

Edinburgh Zoo -

A fantastic day out for all the family, Edinburgh Zoo is only a short bus ride from the city centre and home to over 1,000 fabulous animals, including the UK's only giant pandas. The Zoo is situated in beautiful parkland settings and includes fabulous flamingos, cute koalas and cheeky chimpanzees. There is a jammed packed schedule of talks every day, given by expert keepers. Get there for around lunchtime and you'll catch the world famous penguin parade, when some of the King, Gentoo and Rockhopper colonies leave their enclosure and have a wee waddle around!

Blair Street Underground Vaults -

The only 5 Star walking tour company in Scotland, Mercat Tours thrill and entertain visitors with their tales of ghastly ghouls, hauntings and mysteries of Edinburgh of old. They offer exclusive access to the renowned Blair Street Underground Vaults, an underground world hidden underneath the streets of the city centre, full of goulish and gory tales of the residents who lived here hundreds of years ago. Since 1985, Mercat Tours have also operated historical tours of the Old Town which are designed to both entertain and educate. Bespoke tours are available to private groups.

Camera Obscura -

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions - where seeing is not believing! Welcome to the oldest visitor attraction in Edinburgh, delighting visitors since 1835. Don't miss this Aladdin's cave filled with illusions, tricks, puzzles, hands-on experiences and unbelievable effects to experience and interact with. Serve your own head up on a silver platter, visit the room where little and large become interchangable, and pick the people of Edinburgh up in your hand in the city's 150 year old Camera Obsura show.

National Galleries of Scotland -

Edinburgh is home to three of the National Galleries of Scotland (website): the National Gallery on the Mound, the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and the Gallery of Modern Art on Belford Road. Offering a mixture of permanent art collections and exciting visiting exhibitions, a visit to the galleries is a great day out for art lovers.