You’d probably get a different list from each different person you asked about what they think are the best attractions Edinburgh has to offer. That’s perfectly fine, but at National Hotels we believe the 10 best attractions of any destination you visit should have you coming away with a complete experience unique to that destination.
1. Camera Obscurer & World of Illusions
One of the main attractions of the Royal Mile, the camera obscurer is a great way to have a bit of fun that’ll have you feeling like you’ve come away from Edinburgh with a unique experience. Great views and exhibits come together to account for some fun for kids and adults alike.
2. Braehead Park
Braehead Park offers the rare opportunity to see the beautiful Shetland ponies up close and you can also indulge in a game of pooh sticks on the adjacent River Almond walkway.
3. Calton Hill
Taking a walk up Calton Hill is an adventure that’s all about the Edinburgh views as the reward. Climb atop the Nelson Monument and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
4. Gilmerton Cove
Get in touch with your inner-explorer self through your exploration of Gilmerton Cove’s alluring hand-carved chambers and passageways — underground!
5. Edinburgh Castle
If you’ve not been to the castle you perhaps can’t really lay legitimate claim to having visited Edinburgh. It’s not exactly the number one attraction, but a picture at the Edinburgh Castle grounds epitomises a trip to this part of the world.
6. Pubs
The Mitre Bar and Royal McGregor’s make up just two of the many bars you could visit in Edinburgh. The idea is to experience ordinary, everyday life like the locals do.
7. Palace of Holyroodhouse & the Scottish Parliament
Also forming part of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and building of the Scottish Parliament is a must-see, if only so that you can say you’ve been there and you’ve actually been to Edinburgh by extension. There’s naturally a lot of history contained within those high stone walls and it’s actually still the official residence of the Queen in Edinburgh.
Also forming part of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and building of the Scottish Parliament is a must-see, if only so that you can say you’ve been there and you’ve actually been to Edinburgh by extension. There’s naturally a lot of history contained within those high stone walls and it’s actually still the official residence of the Queen in Edinburgh.
8. Dynamic Earth Science Museum
Located within the vicinity of the Scottish Parliament is the Dynamic Earth Science Museum, which you can perhaps visit on the same day that you visit the parliament building. You probably won’t be expending too much energy at the parliament building in any case, but the Dynamic Earth Museum is all about Mother Earth. This is about as interesting as museums get, with interactive activities and exhibitions about volcanoes, earthquakes, dinosaurs, rainforests and icebergs on offer.
9. Museum on the Mound
It’s all about money at the Museum on the Mound where you can steal a view of £7 million pounds and also learn all about what people used to use as currency.
10. Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens make for a very beautiful retreat to go and relax in and take in the surroundings, but if you go armed with some nuts, you can get up close and personal with some furry residents in the form of squirrels.
