Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, is steeped in history, charm and beauty. From ancient castles to world-class cultural attractions, Edinburgh has something for everyone to explore. But with so much to see and do, it cannot be easy to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 places to explore while visiting this fabulous city! Whether you’re an old hand strolling the cobblestone streets or a first-time visitor looking for the perfect photo opportunity, our picks offer something fun and unique to make your trip unforgettable. Let’s get exploring!

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is the top attraction of Scotland and features prominently in the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It was recently voted as the best UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards, making it a must-visit for any traveler to Scotland.

The castle has a rich history, with its oldest building, St Margaret’s Chapel, dating back to the 12th century. The Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510, and later, the Half Moon Battery was added by Regent Morton in the late 16th century. Plus, after the First World War, it also houses the Scottish National War Memorial.

It also contains many famous artifacts like Scotland’s Crown Jewels; the Stone of Destiny; Mons Meg; as well as other interesting weapons like The One O’Clock Gun. All these make Edinburgh Castle a great place to explore Scotland’s cultural and historical heritage!

Royal Botanic Garden

When in Edinburgh, don’t miss one of the city’s crown jewels – The Royal Botanic Garden. Located in the city’s center, it offers visitors a peaceful and tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Founded in 1670, it is one of the world’s finest gardens, hovering at 72 acres with a variety of plant life to take in. Stop by during spring or summer when a wide array of plants and flowers bloom, providing perfect photo ops and Instagrammable moments!

Arthur’s Seat

If you want a little cultural trip, head to Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat. One of the most popular attractions in Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat, is one of four hill forts and dates back around 2,000 years ago.

Situated in the middle of Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat offers up something for everyone. Besides its fascinating history, explore walks, solace, wildlife, and unique volcanic geology. Not only that, but it also presents unrivaled views of the city from its many vantage points.

Thanks to its exceptional range of grassland habitats and internationally important volcanic geology, Holyrood Park has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). So if you’re looking for something educational and interesting to explore on your travels to Edinburgh—Arthur’s Seat is worth a visit.

National Museum of Scotland

When exploring Edinburgh, you can’t miss out on the National Museum of Scotland. This incredible museum is a great way to dive into the culture and history of Scotland—you get a huge dose of world cultures, science and technology, art, design and fashion, and Scottish history all under one roof.

The museum invites visitors to explore artifacts from around the world. The exhibits range from ancient times to the modern age—it’s like traveling through a time tunnel! You can marvel at wildlife specimens worldwide and explore mummies in their Egyptian galleries. Plus, take some time to check out the Scottish history exhibitions—you’ll be surprised at how much you learn about this beautiful country’s past.

This isn’t your usual museum experience either; you can enjoy various events year-round—from family-friendly workshops to engaging lectures or guided tours. And don’t forget about the Roseate Edinburgh: located in the grand old building next door, it’s perfect for an after-hours drink or snack surrounded by amazing art.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Want to get a taste of royal life? Head over to the Royal Yacht Britannia! This former floating palace of Britain’s Royal Family has been sailing more than a million miles on official visits for more than 40 years.

Explore all five decks with accessible features like wheelchairs and buggies. Highlights include the elegant Royal Apartments, Crew’s Quarters, Engine Room, and stunning Royal Deck Tea Room. With top 10 status for the last 5 years, it has become one of the most famous ships in the world!

Plus, you won’t have to travel far if you’re in Edinburgh—it’s only 15 minutes from the city center with local busses running every 10 minutes (11, 22, 34, and 35 to Ocean Terminal). Don’t miss out on this iconic 5-star attraction!

The Roseate Edinburgh: Luxury Hotel

While exploring the city of Edinburgh, The Roseate Edinburgh is the perfect hotel to stay in whilst visiting these 5 top destinations and more. Boasting 35 rooms and suites and meetings and event spaces stylishly set across two Victorian townhouses, it is the perfect spot for a luxurious city escape.

The Roseate Edinburgh offers all the amenities of a luxury hotel, like impeccably designed spaces, warm and personalized service, and thoughtful restoration of their heritage properties. If you’re traveling to Edinburgh and looking for a stylish hotel close to Haymarket railway station and Edinburgh Airport, then this boutique hotel in Edinburgh is the perfect choice for getting your sightseeing adventures off to a great start!

Their bar & restaurant serves the best of seasonal food made with local produce. At the same time, their lounge is perfect for an evening nightcap or an afternoon tea break—you can even take advantage of their gorgeous conservatory or private gardens during the warmer months. With all this on offer at The Roseate Edinburgh, you can experience luxury without breaking your budget.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is an incredibly diverse, vibrant and inspiring city, with plenty of things to do and exciting experiences. From the city’s fantastic attractions, gorgeous parks and gardens to its marvelous architecture, Edinburgh has something to offer everyone.

And if you’re looking for a luxurious accommodation option, The Roseate Edinburgh is the perfect place to stay in Edinburgh. With its stylish setting, outstanding hospitality, and dining experiences curated by award winning chefs, The Roseate Edinburgh will surely make your time in Edinburgh even more memorable. So book your stay and start exploring this amazing city today!