Places to visit in Edinburgh

61 people recommend, 7 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh, r/uktravel

Most visitors recommend the National Museum of Scotland, many say they return again and again, and several mention that entry is free. One visitor says it keeps children entertained when it rains, another enjoyed the Cold War display, and one recalls seeing the Declaration of Arbroath. Some people miss displays removed in the redevelopment, such as the fish ponds and the whale skeleton, and several find it odd that visitors no longer enter through the main front doors.

27 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh, r/uktravel

Many visitors recommend the Royal Botanic Garden, several for a relaxed stroll, and several list it among the city's free things to do. A couple enjoy it year-round, with one praising autumn and another winter strolls, and a couple mention the cafe. One visitor suggests the upper part of the gardens for a view over the city, and another says they avoid the festive lights as too busy.

15 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/uktravel, r/Edinburgh

Most visitors recommend Dean Village, and several describe it as stunning, gorgeous or idyllic. Several suggest it as part of a walk along the Water of Leith to or from Stockbridge. One visitor notes it is a residential area with no shops or cafes, and a few say residents dislike visitors photographing their homes, so stick to the riverside and bridges. One visitor says it now often feels packed and another remembers it as peaceful and quiet.

12 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Many visitors recommend the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. A few praise a recent photography exhibition, one says its murals are worth returning to, and a couple enjoy the cafe. One visitor likes its central position and handsome building and says the exhibits change, and another calls it a favourite even though it is awkward to get to through the busy centre.

12 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh, r/uktravel, r/AskUK

Many visitors recommend the Royal Mile, with several suggesting a wander along it and a few finding its closes and old buildings worth a closer look. A couple find it striking at dawn and one in misty weather. The caveats are that a few visitors say the shops are mostly tourist souvenirs, a few feel it does not need a whole day, and one calls it dismal. One says Leith Walk is nicer these days. One visitor suggests peeking into the closes once crowds ease.

9 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh, r/uktravel

Many visitors recommend Holyrood Park, and a few mention walking there. One visitor thinks it is lovely in winter, with plenty of birds around, and another suggests going early for the deer. A couple suggest staying on the flatter ground at the bottom if you skip Arthur's Seat. One visitor who used to exercise there some years ago found it packed and hard to switch off.

9 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Nine visitors name Dr Neil's Garden as a place to visit in Duddingston. One calls it peaceful, and two suggest pairing it with a walk to or around Duddingston, either across the crags from Parliament or through the old village.

9 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh, r/uktravel

Many visitors rate Mary King's Close highly, with one calling it excellent and another amazing for the chance to walk beneath the modern streets. A couple say it is a must or well worth the time, one finds it fun for people who like history, and another says their children really enjoyed it.

8 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh, r/uktravel

Many visitors list St Giles' Cathedral among the Old Town sights worth a stop, and a couple call the building attractive. One recommends it to architecture fans and singles out the Thistle Chapel. Three visitors mention its evening classical and choir concerts, though one adds that the music does not suit everyone. One visitor says it is only free for Edinburgh residents after September.

6 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Six visitors mention the People's Story, a museum telling the city's story, and one finds it interesting and well put together. A couple feel it suits families and children, and another lists it among the smaller museums worth seeing. The caveats are that one visitor finds it barely advertised, one found it closed on the day they went, and another thinks it appeals more to residents and school groups than to tourists.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Most visitors recommend Cramond. One praises its attractive streets and woodland walk, and another enjoys the walk in from Granton, which feels quieter than busier Forth spots. A couple say it is quieter than busier places nearby, and one recommends a New Year sunrise outing there, though it depends on suitable weather and tides. One visitor warns of few good pubs and cafes and crowds at Christmas, while another calls it great but says the sea sometimes floods the walkway.

5 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Five visitors recommend Colinton Tunnel, two of them with only a brief mention. One calls the former railway tunnel a cool thing to see, one says the murals inside are amazing, and another suggests a downhill walk from Balerno toward Colinton that passes it.

5 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Visitors recommend Craigmillar Castle, and one visitor says they prefer it to Edinburgh Castle. A few say it is off the usual tourist route, and another feels it holds its own against the central sights despite being further out.

5 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Several visitors recommend the Meadows, and one describes it as a central, scenic park where something is always going on. One says it is mostly flat with plenty of green space and popular with runners, another notes a signposted route to follow on foot, and another says it is better lit than Holyrood Park for running.

5 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh, r/uktravel

Several visitors recommend Surgeons' Hall Museums, and one describes it as a quirky, offbeat place to visit. One says it is mostly about anatomy and medicine but may be worth a look anyway, and one enjoyed it a lot. A couple of visitors were let down: one found it unsettling rather than quirky, and another says it affected them very differently than they had hoped.