Edinburgh, Scotland

What to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

The most popular site in Scotland is a dark and brooding fortress atop Castle Rock in the center of the city. Here you can see the oldest structure in the city, St. Margaret's Chapel, and visit the State Apartments, where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James I of England. The Crown Jewels and the Honors of Scotland are in the Crown Chamber, and the etched walls of the French Prisons gloomily flaunt the misery of the hundreds of Napoleonic soldiers captured in the early 19th century. Also here are the Scottish National War Memorial and the Scottish United Services Museum. The Castle Esplanade hosts the Military Tattoo every August.

Palace of Holyrood House

Though the Queen and Royal Family reside in this 16th-century palace when they visit Edinburgh, the rest of the year it is open to visitors. In the old wing, a plaque marks the spot where Mary Queen of Scots' secretary David Rizzio was stabbed 56 times by her jealous husband, Lord Darnley in 1566. The throne room and King's Bedchamber display rich tapestries, antiques, and massive fireplaces, but the most impressive sight is the huge hunting ground of Holyrood Park behind the Palace. A climb up 823 feet will bring you to the prehistoric Arthur's Seat, which doesn't refer to King Arthur but actually Prince Arthur of Strathclyde.

Royal Botanical Gardens

After the castle, these beautiful gardens in Inverleith are the 2nd-most visited site in Edinburgh, with almost a million guests each year. On the 72 acres are 11 exhibition houses that recreate climates from around the world, such as the humid rainforest or the arid desert, plus an arboretum and ecological garden. Both the rock garden and the collection of rhododendrons are internationally distinguished, and the research institution conducts important scientific investigations on conservation and public education. Plus, it's free!.

Calton Hill

With the best view of Edinburgh from atop the giant steps of the Acropolis-inspired, unfinished National Monument, this hill set right in the center of the city is the perfect spot for a picnic. From here you can view the entire length of Princes Street, the northern cliffs of the Salisbury Crags, and the picturesque outline of Edinburgh Castle. There are 2 observatories on the hill as well, the Old one built in 1792 and the New one in 1818; plus Lord Nelson's Tower commemorating his victory at Trafalgar in 1805.

Museums and Galleries

Edinburgh has many wonderful arts and science museums, each with its own unique atmosphere and appeal.

The National Gallery of Scotland is as much a grand piece of architecture as it is a great collection of Renaissance to Post-impressionist paintings. The Duke of Sutherland donated some famous Old Master's works, such as Titian's Three Ages of Man. El Greco's Gallery, Gaugin's Vision After the Sermon, along with some by Rembrandt, Goya, Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, and many others. Scottish artists Ramsay, Raeburn, and Wilkie are also represented.

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is a vast collection of portraits that depicts the history of Scotland through its people. Though Ramsay, Raeburn, and other Scots are featured, there are also portraits by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Rodin, and others. The National Photography Collection is also here, but is not limited to portraits, with a large body of work by Robert Adamson and D.O. Hill.

Opened in 1960, the National Gallery of Modern Art moved to a converted, early 19th-century schoolhouse set on 12 beautiful acres, with works by Picasso, Matisse, and Ernst amongst many others. Across the road is the Dean Gallery, which houses the extensive collection of Dada works and other Surrealist art.

Just completed, the state-of-the-art modern Museum of Scotland weaves the tale of Scotland from the earliest wildlife through the Bronze Age to the Scottish pop culture of today. The building itself is an architectural achievement and offers a stunning view of the Castle, the Scott Monument, and the Pentland Hills beyond the city.

Global artifacts and natural history exhibits sit side by side in the Royal Museum, five minutes from the Royal Mile. The soaring roof in the Main Hall looks like a gigantic bird cage, and branches out to a variety of rooms with scientific revolutions, European Art, Middle East cultures, Japanese and Chinese art, evolution, jewelry and more.

Historic Houses

Offering a glimpse into Edinburgh's past, many buildings are arranged as they would have been centuries ago. The Huntley House, from 1570, displays poetry and silverware, from the Old Town, while the John Knox House has on display items from the life of the religious reformer. Robert Adam's Georgian House in Charlotte Square contains the National Trust for Scotland.