Famous Landmarks In Edinburgh That You Must Visit

Table of Contents

Welcome to our guide on the iconic landmarks that define the enchanting city of Edinburgh!

From its ancient castle on top of Castle Rock to the historic Royal Mile bustling with charm, Edinburgh boasts a wealth of famous landmarks waiting to be explored.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a virtual journey through the city’s rich history and culture, highlighting must-visit attractions such as the beautiful Calton Hill, the iconic Scottish Museum and so much more. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of Scotland’s capital, join us as we uncover the treasures of Edinburgh’s most renowned landmarks.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle 

Edinburgh Castle is a world-famous and historic landmark in Edinburgh that you shouldn’t miss. Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe filled with history and culture!

This caste is located on top of Castle Rock and has breathtaking views of the city. 

With the castle being quite big, there are several tours of the castle for you to choose from. If you are an early bird, you can choose the morning tour that lasts 2-3 hours and covers the highlights of the castle like Portcullis Gate, Argyle Battery, Lang Stairs and so much more!

If you want a quick and short tour, then the one-hour tour covering the major landmarks will be perfect for you. 

They also offer other interesting tours like the king’s tour and the military march where you can learn more about the history of the castle.

Visit the Edinburgh Castle website and find out how you would like to explore this stunning castle!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Edinburgh Castle (@edinburghcastle)

Calton Hill 

If you want to take a look at the stunning city skyline of Edinburgh, then there is no better place to do it than Calton Hill. 

Located on the eastern side of Princess Street, Calton Hill is part of the UNESCO World Heritage that you shouldn’t miss. 

There is nothing better than catching the sunrise at this beautiful spot. 

It is also home to monuments like the National Monument, the Robert Burns Monument and so many more which you can explore!

Read this blog on 8+ Best Things to Do on Calton Hill Edinburgh to find out more. 

Calton Hill - Famous Landmarks in Edinburgh

St Giles’ Cathedral 

St Giles’ Cathedral, which was founded by Kind David 1 has a history that dates back 900 years! It is a testament to Scotland’s religious history and has seen the beginning of the Civil War and was even John Knox’s parish church during the Reformation.

Right now, St Giles’ Cathedral is open to the public to come worship, explore and enjoy arts and music. 

They regularly host a range of musical concerts, art exhibitions and so much more. It also holds significance as it hosts the Kirking of the Parliament when a new Scottish Parliamentary Term begins. 

Visit the St Giles’ Cathedral’s website to find out more about how you can explore and contribute towards this historic Cathedral. 

The National Museum Of Scotland

Among the famous landmarks in Scotland, The National Museum is certainly one that you shouldn’t miss. 

There is no better place to learn about the rich history of Scotland than this museum. It encompasses a wide range of topics like science, art, science, technology and so much more in just one building. How cool is that?

They also have regular events and exhibitions that you can enjoy on your visit there. Currently, they have the Wildlife Photographer of the Year event where you can browse through the works of extremely talented photographers from around the world!

The best part is that entry to this amazing museum is absolutely FREE!

Visit the National Museum Scotland website to learn more about how you can spend your day there!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @nationalmuseumsscotland

The Royal Mile 

The Royal Mile is among the famous landmarks in Edinburgh, and it stretches from the Old Town to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

By taking a walk through the Royal Mile, you can cover a range of other attractions in Endingh including the castle, cathedrals, restaurants cafes and so much more!

If you are planning to visit Edinburgh, then be sure to explore everything that the Royal Mile offers, we are sure you will have a fun and exciting time!

Read this blog on 9 Best Things To Do On The Royal Mile In Edinburgh to get some inspo! 

Picture of Scotland taken from top

Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament, located in the heart of Edinburgh is a must-visit famous landmark in Edinburgh.

 Designed by architect Enric Miralles, the modern building opened in 2004 and is renowned for its unique and innovative architecture.

Its distinct exterior features a mix of steel, granite, and oak, while the interior has spacious and light-filled chambers for parliamentary debates and meetings. 

You can explore the public areas of the building, including the debating chamber and committee rooms, and learn about Scotland’s democratic process through interactive exhibits and guided tours that occur on select days. 

Whether you are an architecture student who would like to admire this beautiful building or someone who is just curious about politics, this is definitely a place that you will enjoy! 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Scottish Parliament (@scotparl)

In conclusion, Edinburgh’s famous landmarks offer a captivating journey through history, culture, and architectural wonders. From the majestic Edinburgh Castle to the National Museum, each landmark tells a story of Scotland’s rich heritage and vibrant spirit. 

Whether you’re exploring the Royal Mile’s historic streets or admiring the stunning views from Calton Hill, each of the famous landmarks in Edinburgh promises unforgettable experiences for travellers of all interests. So, pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks!

If you would like to learn a little bit more about Edinburgh, then read our blog on What is Edinburgh so Famous for? | The Student Guide.

On the topic of fame, check out this blog on 8 Of The Most Famous People From Edinburgh. You will certainly be surprised to know how many talented artists call this beautiful city their home. 

Follow us on Instagram @prestigestudentliving and let us know which is your favourite among the famous landmarks in Edinburgh.

And if you are still in search of accommodation for the next year, you are in the right place. Visit our Prestige Student Living website and browse through the range of luxurious properties in Edinburgh and beyond.