Edinburgh ...

We have listed attractions that are open for all or most of the year but please check opening times. If you are interested in seeing interiors that are not generally open to the public Doors Open Day in September each year offers visitors the opportunity to visit a wide range of buildings from the Old to the New.

• City Sightseeing Edinburgh - 0131 555 6363
• Mac Tours - 0131 556 2244
• The Majestic Tour - 0131 220 0770
• Guide Friday - 0131 220 0770

A variety of walking tours is also possible depending upon your interests. Companies such as Auld Reekie Tours www.auldreekietours.com and Mercat Tours offer a range of Ghost Tours through the Old Town. The Edinburgh Tourist Guides Association offer private guided walking or coach tours www.edinburghtourguides.com which can be tailored to your particular interests. A daily 10am walking tour of the Royal Mile that anyone can book on to at www.etga.co.uk is also recommended.

Around the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Castle at one end down to Holyrood Palace at the bottom. Many of Edinburgh's major tourist attractions are to be found in this vicinity though half the charm of this vibrant part of town is to explore the City's ancient mediaeval closes which lead off the main thoroughfare. This area with its mediaeval origins also extends to the Grassmarket and Victoria Street which have an array of enticing shops, bars and restaurants.

Edinburgh Castle looms over the city from its perch atop a volcanic rock and offers the visitor fabulous panoramic views over the city. Home to Edinburgh's famous Tattoo and the Stone of Destiny the Castle complex offers a fascinating insight into the way in which the city developed from being first and foremost a military stronghold.

The Camera Obscura was installed in the Outlook Tower in the 1850's and offers breathtaking Cityscape views from the deck at the top. The observation deck provides powerful telescopes enabling visitors to zoom in on the sights that interest them. The building also has an exhibition of photographic equipment and holograms.

The Scotch Whisky Experience gives the visitor the opportunity to learn all about our National drink as well as the chance to taste it – this tour provides an excellent prelude to visiting individual distilleries throughout Scotland.

The Museum of Childhood entrances all generations. Reminisce with your children about toys of yesteryear and remember fondly all the toys and crazes from your childhood.

St Giles Cathedral is not only one of Edinburgh's historic landmarks but is also renowned for its Sunday evening and lunchtime concerts.

John Knox's House is one of Edinburgh's oldest houses. Originally built in the 15th century the property has changed little since the mid 16th century and now houses a museum dedicated to the life and work of John Knox.

The Canongate Kirk was built in 1688 and was to replace Holyrood Abbey as the local parish church. Many Edinburgh notables are buried in the churchyard and the interior has a simple elegant style.

Mary King's Close was one of several streets that were blocked up during an outbreak of the Plague in 1645 in an attempt to spread the halt of this dreadful disease. According to myth the victims were left to die in situ and this close is reputedly one of the most haunted spots in Edinburgh.

Gladstone's Land, with its wood panelling and painted ceilings, gives the Visitor a realistic insight into the way the Old Town was lived in during the seventeenth century. Buildings were inhabited by all social classes. The rich tended to live on the first floor and the poor lived either at the top of the house or at basement level. Gladstone's Land has been furnished with reference to the well to do merchant family that owned and lived in part of the building.

Holyrood Palace was founded as an Augustinian monastery by David 1st of Scotland. By the 15th century it was the official residence of the Kings of Scotland and remains the Queen's official residence in Scotland. Opening times vary, particularly in the summer.

Holyrood Abbey lies just next to the Palace. Sadly this building is now ruined after the collapse of the roof in 1758. Many Scottish kings were crowned here and the visitor can see the remains of the Royal burial vaults.

The Queens Gallery – part of the Holyrood complex – is a lovely small gallery that hosts some really excellent exhibitions from the Royal Collection.

The Scottish Parliament building has been controversial since its inception. However, it draws visitors from all corners of the globe and has had the effect of regenerating this end of the Royal Mile.

Dynamic Earth makes an excellent family day out and offers time travel with a difference.

The Royal and National Museums in Chambers Street offer some wonderful permanent collections as well as temporary exhibitions. There is something for everyone here.

The Bank of Scotland's Museum on the Mound gives an intriguing history of Money.

The Tron Kirk is now deconsecrated and acts as a Tourist information centre but it is well worth popping inside to view the remains of Marlin's Wynd – an ancient Edinburgh Street.

The Museum of Edinburgh is located on the Royal Mile in Huntly House, which dates from the 16th century, and houses a collection of Edinburgh related items throughout the ages.

Around the Georgian Newtown

As Edinburgh's Old Town became ever more crowded and squalid plans emerged to build a New Town in the eighteenth century. Originally this area was conceived as a suburb for the rich. However, almost inevitably, public buildings such as The Assembly Rooms and West Register House were soon being designed and the New Town went on to develop a character of its own.

Houses were often built around leafy communal gardens which are beloved by today's residents. The New Town has been jealously guarded over the centuries and remains largely unspoilt being one of the most extensive examples of Georgian Architecture in the world.

Princes Street is Edinburgh's main shopping street and has wonderful views of the Castle. Although it is Georgian in origin the plethora of shop fronts rather obscure this fact. Princes Street Gardens are a pleasant place to relax with their floral displays including the famous floral clock.

The Georgian House is to be found in Charlotte Square and gives the visitor an excellent example of how these grand town houses were originally inhabited.

Physicians Hall was originally situated in George Street in what is now The Dome (it is well worth having a drink or a meal here to enjoy the stunning interior) but has since moved to premises in Queen Street.

The National Portrait Gallery is situated in Queen's Street and was the first purpose built art gallery in the world. It houses a collection of portraits

The National Gallery of Scotland and The Royal Scottish Academy are based at the foot of the Mound on Princes Street. Visitors seeking respite from pounding Edinburgh's pavements would be well advised to visit either of these galleries. Both house wonderful collections and have visiting temporary exhibitions.

Calton Hill bejewelled with its collection of classical monuments is well worth the climb. The energetic are rewarded with stunning views over the City. Nelson's Monument is open to visitors and group visits can be arranged in advance to the City Observatory. A walk along Regent, Calton and Royal Terraces to admire these classical facades makes a very pleasant stroll.

Further Afield

If you have come to Edinburgh without a car it is worth bearing in mind that many of these sights can be reached by bus or train.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are situated at Inverleith and are wonderful to visit at any time of year. Magnificent displays of Rhododendrons abound in the spring and the herbaceous border is stunning in the summer. Winter visitors can shelter in the wonderful Glasshouses. If you feel like a brisk walk then its fun to walk along the Water of Leith to reach these gardens.

Britannia, The Royal Yacht is moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith and is well served by public transport from the centre of town. The imposing staterooms never fail to impress and this floating palace has played host to many of the worlds most famous statesmen.

Craigmillar Castle is on the outskirts of the City and its impressive ruins are testament to its importance.

Edinburgh Zoo has been beloved by Edinburgh's children for generations. Renowned for the Penguin parade and home to all sorts of fascinating species this makes a brilliant family day out.

Inchcolm Island is home to an enchanting 12th century Augustinian priory and lies in the Firth of Forth. It can be visited by boat from South Queensferry or by High Speed RIB from Newhaven. Sea life is abundant and seals are often seen swimming here.

The Dean Gallery and The Gallery of Modern Art are both housed at Belford. Free buses run between these galleries and the National and Portrait Galleries. Alternatively it is possible to take a very pleasant walk along the Water of Leith to reach these galleries.

Newhailes is a short distance from the centre of the City and has been "conserved" rather than "restored". It is a wonderful example of Palladian architecture and has lovely woodland walks.

Lauriston Castle was built as a fortified house in the 1590's and is set in large grounds overlooking the Firth of Forth. Its last private owners left the Castle and its eclectic contents, which they had collected from all round the globe, to the Nation.

Deep Sea World has been fashioned out of an old coal mine and is one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world. The sight of sharks and other species swimming over one is unforgettable. There is also a seal pool and much fun can be had observing these delightful creatures.

Roslin Chapel was featured in the film "the Da Vinci Code" and is supposedly of Masonic origins. The stunning interior is richly carved with mysterious figures and symbols.

Hopetoun House is situated near South Queensferry in extensive grounds overlooking the Forth that offer a series of woodland walks. This important example of Georgian Architecture boasts grand State Rooms and some of the finest interiors in Britain.We have compiled these pages in the hope that they will be of use to the visitor to the City. If you run an attraction or a business that you feel would be of genuine interest to visitors do let us know as we would hate to miss anyone out!

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