Europe
United Kingdom (UK)
Scotland
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Attractions
Historic Sites in Edinburgh

Historic Sites in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Historic Sites

  • Traveller favourites
    Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
  • Traveller ranking
    Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
All things to do
Category types
Types of Attractions
Sights & Landmarks
Museums
Sights & Landmarks
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
60 places sorted by traveller favourites
Clear all filters
2
Showing results 1-30 of 60

What travellers are saying

  • Cakeman007
    Sandhurst, UK268 contributions
    Great was to visit Edinburghs history
    Great way to spend a couple of hours our tour guide brought the history alive. Glad I live in the 21st century well worth a visit
    Review of: The Real Mary King's Close
    Written 10 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kimwillrule
    Singapore, Singapore2,577 contributions
    Queen’s fav
    Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh: Royal-philes love Holyrood Palace as it’s where the Queen passed and her favourite home in the UK. Liz Truss was famously the last to be received by the Queen before her death. Part museum, part a functioning palace where ceremonies and dignitaries still grace, it’s truly historical and rich with stories. You can’t take pictures once inside and you’re whisked from room to room admiring the banquet rooms, the rich tapestries, oil paintings and self portraits , elaborate Italian frescoes and ornaments. Like many of the old haunts, the place is haunted and you get to see the still bloodied spot where Queen Mary’s fav advisor Rizziano was stabbed more than 50 times and left out to die. You also see Queen Mary’s bed chambers before she was beheaded. We were here to the backdrop of Harry’s court testimony against the press vultures and you’re once again reminded of the royal tragedies that spin on forever. Once outside, you get a view of Arthur’s Seat and you understand why the Palace enjoys a superb location in the city. #eatstylishtravelstylish
    Review of: Palace of Holyroodhouse
    Written 9 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ThePirateWitch
    Ickenham, UK428 contributions
    A very pretty village
    5/10 minutes walk from the top end of Princes St gets you to Dean Village, it’s worth the walk. Really picturesque wander round a village that is so different from the rest of Edinburgh, it’s like a different world. There are many photo opportunities, you’ll find them as they’ll be someone standing with their phone out, snapping away.
    There are no facilities there, we didn’t see a café or shop so take your own snacks if you want to stop. It’s a very pretty walk, allow around an hour for a gentle stroll but you won’t need any longer.
    Review of: Dean Village
    Written 2 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • D3tour
    49 contributions
    Stunning
    The boat trip out to the island was awesome the island itself is amazing and the abbey was absolutely stunning a definite must see
    Review of: Inchcolm Abbey and Island
    Written 14 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andy
    14 contributions
    18th Century House/Museum
    If you want to learn something about Edinburgh in the mid 18th century this might be something for you.
    Review of: Georgian House
    Written 6 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JD007
    21 contributions
    Great way to spend an hour.
    Very interesting history. Loved the yew trees growing inside the castle. Amazing views too. Also an Outlander filming location. Not crowded. Medieval staircases have ropes to assist climbing them. Staff were very friendly.
    Review of: Craigmillar Castle
    Written 1 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Seema G
    Mumbai, India45 contributions
    Take back Memories of Edinburgh
    Grassmkt is famous..nobody can skip..it's lively in evening with variety of food to offer and happening place to enjoy .It's great place to walk n enjoy the view with so many shops for Scotland clothes,t-shirts,scarves,and flagship store of JohnyWalker to take toyr for tasting cant be skipped. We can see variety of souvenirs to take back home.a must visit market
    Review of: Grassmarket
    Written 4 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • donoth p
    Elkridge, MD18 contributions
    Interesting tour
    Guides from the historical society very informative
    Lots of steps but worth the climb
    We’ll laid out
    Review of: Gladstone's Land
    Written 8 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Clevlander
    Springfield, IL4,813 contributions
    Solemn place
    Historic cemetery and Presbyterian Church with such long and distinguished history. The place feels silent and solemn with people being respectful of the place.
    Review of: Greyfriars Kirk
    Written 4 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chucky_2_its_back
    Liss, UK10 contributions
    Hidden underground world
    Our guide Jordan was very entertaining and informative. Fascinating attraction which was quite creepy at times!
    Review of: Edinburgh Vaults
    Written 25 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kimwillrule
    Singapore, Singapore2,577 contributions
    Scottish transparency
    Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh: The Scottish independence card is sadly an almost futile one as they drag their feet to plunging the depths with Britain. You can see and feel the difference of the Scottish spirit and empathise why they’re crying for independence and pass back to EU. Democracy, inclusion and transparency are all apparent. Even the Scottish Parliament House and debating chamber are opened to public. All you have to do is to get a pass at the reception. When we were there, it was academic talk about Philosopher Adam Smith. It’s right across the Royal Holyrood Palace, so enjoy the spatial irony. #eatstylishtravelstylish
    Review of: The Scottish Parliament
    Written 9 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lucie02
    Newcastle upon Tyne, UK185 contributions
    Worth visiting
    Staff very friendly. Self guided round the house, although volunteers in some rooms who will point out key aspects and answer questions. The stairwell is amazing. The grounds are good for a gentle walk. Views over the Firth of Forth. Also saw roe deer and red deer at a distance. Tearoom in the old stables looked good, although they had already run out of the homemade scones by lunchtime so didn’t bother stopping. The house has a rooftop view which is novel and a fun aspect.
    This is definitely worth a visit
    Review of: Hopetoun House
    Written 29 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amy C
    Royal Oak, MI119 contributions
    Must see
    Definitely a must see. Very cool walking tour and very old. Do not need to be adept at hiking very informative and a must see.
    Review of: Holyrood Abbey
    Written 2 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark P
    Hampshire, UK1,623 contributions
    Cramond - Edinburgh parkrun
    Visited to participate in parkrun. The run goes along the promenade and it's lovely. Flat, wide course.

    Great views over the Firth of Forth. A very peaceful and tranquil area.
    Review of: Cramond Village
    Written 27 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Flo12354
    Levenmouth, UK166 contributions
    Unfound treasure
    Have meant to visit here for a long time.

    Staff very knowledgeable and welcoming.

    Well laid out and loads of information for self conducted tour.
    Review of: John Knox House Museum
    Written 15 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh