Edinburgh is a city of subtle but profound enchantment. Spending just one afternoon exploring Edinburgh's steep hills, historic architecture, and vibrant restaurants, cafes, and shops will leave you with a treasure trove of fond memories.
Traveling to the capital for a vacation or moving here to work or study, you'll want to see its most unique and memorable sights. Here’s a helpful list of some of the best to get you started!
Watch the sunset from Arthur’s seat.
If you have always wanted to climb up an extinct volcano, Edinburgh gives you the opportunity to do just that. Arthur’s seat rises 251 m above sea level, surrounded by the lush lawns of Holyrood Park. It’s a relatively easy climb—or cycle if you have a bike available—and the views from the top are undeniably breath-taking.
Who knows—if you relocate to Edinburgh, this majestic spot could soon become a regular favorite. Learn about moving to Edinburgh, including removals, to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden
Nestled on the outskirts of the New Town, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is the perfect place to spend a sunny day, wandering through its lush glades and admiring its exotic horticultural delights, which hail from around the world.
It's also a perfect place to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and take in the picturesque views.
While the wind gently sighs in the boughs overhead, you plan the next stop on your itinerary in Edinburgh itself.
Marvel at Jupiter Artland
Jupiter Artland combines contemporary artworks with lush landscapes, creating a unique artistic experience.
This is an attraction you definitely won't want to miss.
Located on the grounds of majestic Bonnington House, this sprawling sculpture park features works by prominent landscape designers and artists such as Charles Jencks, who famously devised the Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Jim Lambie, and Ian Hamilton Finlay. Everywhere you look, surprising artwork erupts out of the landscape to charm and beguile you.
Have a Coffee at Harry Potter’s Birthplace
Dedicated Harry Potter fans may be keen to pull up a chair at Nicolson’s Café, where the majority of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was penned. Although it may not be as well-known as the Elephant Café, JK Rowling's brother-in-law once owned this humble watering hole, which undoubtedly deserves recognition as another birthplace of the beloved wizard.
Take a Spooky Ghost Tour
Edinburgh is legendary for its brutal and bloody history, with plenty of stories of grave robbing, murder, and witchcraft to titillate and terrify.
If you are keen to learn more, all you need to do is participate in one of the city’s highly popular ghost tours, which will guide you around some of Edinburgh’s most haunted locations. As darkness descends on the city, you will be both thrilled and probably a little frightened as stories of ghosts, corpses, and witches transport you back to a dark past.
Each one of these adventures can help you uncover parts of Edinburgh you might have otherwise missed. Keep these in mind when visiting one of the world's most beautiful cities.
Photo by Gavin Young
