If you’re looking for a heroic Scottish trip, you should not be missed the top locations to visit in Edinburgh. It offers a sense of this city’s rich culture and heritage. Edinburgh has a superb combination of top-notch museums, historical sites, and stunning churches. The top Edinburgh tourist attractions are ideal for family outings. Spend some time strolling about the city. Edinburgh features a wide range of tremendous attractions to suit all tastes, from family outings to cultural hobbies. It includes some of Scotland’s most popular paid-for and free attractions. This articles is part of our Edinburgh Airport Hotels guide.

Edinburgh castle - Historical attractions in Edinburgh
Edinburgh castle – Historical Attractions in Edinburgh

The top places of historical significance in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

The Edinburgh Castle, with its majesty and top-notch architecture, might live up to your childhood fantasies. Edinburgh Castle is the city’s most iconic building, and Scotland’s top visitor attraction is situated at the Royal Mile on top of Castle Rock. It is the top place to go to Edinburgh to learn more about the city’s history. The antique fortress is perched high above Castle Rock, a volcano built 700 million years. If you don’t stop by Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most iconic landmark, your journey to Edinburgh won’t be complete. It dominates the Old Town skyline and is visible from all parts of the city.

Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH1 2NG, United Kingdom Edinburgh

Timing: 9:30 am – 6 pm

Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey

Edinburgh is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which rivals even the majestic castles from your childhood fairy tales in elegance and grandeur. You can tour one of the Queen’s official Scottish houses in Edinburgh, a sight not to be missed! The Queen usually stays here for a week every summer. During this time, the palace is off-limits to the public. Still, you might see her out and about on official business.

You can tour its lovely rooms and discover more about its illustrious former occupants, including Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The palace has entertained numerous royals since it was founded, including Queen Elizabeth II, James VII, King George V, David I, and others. You will see the thrones, throne rooms, bedrooms, towers, and apartments that the Queen of Scots visited.

Location: Canongate, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH8 8DX, United Kingdom

Timing: 9:30 am- 6 pm

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is a wonderful tourist attraction place, only a short bus journey from the city centre. It is home to over 1,000 notable species, including the only giant pandas in the UK. Beautiful parkland surrounds the zoo, home to adorable koalas, naughty chimpanzees, and magnificent flamingos. You can take part in engaging activities and educational events, such as keeper talks and up-close animal experiences. Additionally, this area has restaurants, play areas, and a gift shop where you may buy gifts for your loved ones.

Location: 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS Scotland

Timing: 10 am- 6 pm

The Edinburgh Dungeon

If you dare, visit The Edinburgh Dungeon to learn more about Edinburgh’s grisly history. Discover the mysteries of the Green Lady and have a close touch with Edinburgh’s notorious killer team, Burke and Hare. It encounters Scotland’s hungry cannibals while laughing and screaming your way through this fascinating visitor attraction.

Good luck as you navigate the plague-ridden streets of 1645, avoid the murderous Burke and Hare, and even go on trial! You’re sure to have a “spooktacular” time thanks to living performers, underground rides, and unique effects. Get ready to face infamous characters from Scotland’s murky past, such as the murdering twosome Burke and Hare, the neighbourhood cannibal Sawney Bean, and the legendary witch Agnes Finnie. As you laugh, study, and scream through the country’s dreadful history, feel the gloomy shadows of the black plague and encounter the terrifying torture chamber!

Location: 31 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DF, United Kingdom

Timing: 11am–4pm

National Museum of Scotland

Explore different cultures, enjoy the wonders of nature, and be inspired by global riches. A trip to the National Museum of Scotland will appeal to visitors of all ages with its extensive collection of art and design exhibitions, interactive displays, and games. Among the items on display, you can examine the Monymusk Reliquary, a tiny box that Robert the Bruce brought into the Battle of Bannockburn. Admire the ancient chess set from the Isle of Lewis crafted in the 12th century from walrus ivory. Imagine the terror of a guillotine execution using The Maiden, a guillotine from the 16th century.

Location: Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

Timing: 10 am- 4:30 pm