Edinburgh's Must-See Places in a Day

Discover the best attractions of Edinburgh in a single day!

Get up early and visit her Majesty the Queen's official Scotland residence. Nowadays, it mainly serves as a royal palace but it is also open to the public who can marvel at the items of the royal collection and visit regular exhibitions. Then, head to Calton Hill, an absolute must-see when in Edinburgh. Climb it up to enjoy stunning views of the area. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often included in pictures or paintings of the city.

Your next stop is Sir Walter Scott Monument, a huge spire monument dedicated to one of Scotland's greatest historical novelists. Continue to Edinburgh Castle, a fortress dating back to the 12th century and home to the Scottish Regalia. Visit the Great Hall where the kings and queens used to host banquets, see the National War Memorial and view the Scottish royal jewels.

Finish your day at the heart of Edinburgh and the most beautiful historic street in the city full of pubs, restaurants, cafés, museums, hotels and shops - Royal Mile.

Day 1: Edinburgh's Must-See Places in a Day

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Visit her Majesty the Queen's official Scotland residence. It was originally founded as a monastery in 1128 and it is situated at the end of…

The Scottish Parliament

Located in the Holyrood area of the city, this gem of modern architecture houses the Scottish Parliament since 2004.

Calton Hill

Located in the very heart of the city, Calton Hill is an absolute must-see when in Edinburgh.

Dugald Stewart Monument

The Dugald Stewart Monument is a memorial to the Scottish philosopher Dugald Stewart.

Old Calton Burial Ground

This cemetery is the resting place of many famous Edinburgh citizens, such as David Hume, John Playfair, and William Blackwood.

Scott Monument

Come and admire this huge spire monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland's greatest historical novelists.

Edinburgh Castle

The most majestic sight in Edinburgh - a fortress dating back to the 12th century and home to the Scottish royal jewels.

St Giles' Cathedral

Visit this beautiful staple of historical architecture set in the heart of Edinburg, one of the most important architectural landmarks…

Royal Mile

Visit the fascinating heart of Edinburgh and the most beautiful historic street in the city full of pubs, restaurants, cafés, museums,…

Cockburn Street

Cockburn Street is a street in Edinburgh's Old Town, created as a serpentine link from the High Street to Waverley Station in 1856.

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