Edinburgh Attractions and Entertainment

There are hundreds of fascinating and enjoyable tourist attractions on offer in Edinburgh and the surrounding area, from galleries, local exhibitions, festivals, historic buildings and monuments and there’s also a lot on offer for the kids to do.

1. Edinburgh Museums
2. Edinburgh Arts and Entertainment
3. Edinburgh Historic Buildings and Monuments
4. Edinburgh Outdoor Activities and Activities For The Kids
5. Edinburgh Gardens and Parks
6. Edinburgh Shopping

Edinburgh Museums

There is a host of great museum on offer in historic Edinburgh mapping the history of the city, from the history of road, rail and buildings of the Forth estuary at the Queesnferry Museum to the Writer’s Museum in Edinburgh city centre, there is something on offer for everyone.

• The Museum of Edinburgh:
  Home to important collections pertaining to the history of Edinburgh from prehistoric times to the present day.
• Museum of Childhood:
  A great museum for adults and Children alike, telling the story of childhood through the years. This museum has been described as the noisiest museum in the world!
• The People’s Story Museum:
  This museum uses various artifacts and media to tell the story of the ordinary man in Edinburgh from the 18th century up until the present day.
• Newhaven Heritage Museum:
  Overlooking the picturesque Newhaven harbour, this museum recounts the village’s history.
• The Writer’s Museum:
  Dedicated to Scotland’s most famous literary heroes, this museum gives an insight into the lives of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns amongst other. A must-see for literature fans.
• Queensferry Museum:
  Telling the story of road, rail and architecture in the Forth estuary.
• The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum:
  Telling over 300 years of history of Scotland’s Cavalry Regiment.
• Museum of Flight:
  Located in North Berwick, this fascinating museum houses a large selection of rockets, aeroplanes inside a World War II airfield and tells the story of the history of flight.
• National War Museum of Scotland:
  Recounts 400 years of war and military service in Scotland.
• The Scottish Mining Museum:
  Retelling the Scottish mining story through the ages. The sheer size of this museum is a spectacle in itself.
• Scottish Whisky Heritage Centre:
  Situated beside Edinburgh Castle reveals the secrets behind the whisky making process.
• Camera Obscura and World of Illusions:
  This actually comprises of five attractions: Camera Obscura, panorama of the city; Rooftop Views, 360 degree views with free telescope; Magic Gallery, amazing optical illusions; Light Fantastic, hologram display and finally Edinburgh Vision, 3D cityscapes and viewcams.
• Edinburgh Dungeon:
  This attraction depicts the darker side of Scottish heritage and history, this attraction may not be suitable for very young children – or those of a squeamish disposition.
• Our Dynamic Earth:
  A dramatic journey of discovery – using special effects to transport you from the beginning of time to our unknown future.

Edinburgh Arts and Entertainment

There is an abundance of artistic experiences to be had in the city of Edinburgh, from galleries, to theatre and cinema, Edinburgh has them all – and in large supply!

• The Museum of Edinburgh:
  Home to important collections pertaining to the history of Edinburgh from prehistoric times to the present day.
• National Gallery:
  Situated in the centre of Edinburgh, the gallery is home to Scotland’sgreatest collection of European painting and sculptures of the Renaissance period through to Post-Impressionism.
• Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art:
  The gallery now houses more than 5000 pieces ranging in date from the late 19th century up until the present day. Highlights of the collection include works by Picasso, Matisse, Derain, Nolde and Larionov.
• Scottish National Portrait Gallery:
  Located in the centre of Edinburgh, the gallery displays portraits of Scots through the ages by artists from around Scotland and the rest of Europe, such as Gainsborough, Rodin and Raeburn.
• City Art Centre:
  just off Prince’s Street, this art centre regularly hosts exhibitions of international acclaim and deals with varied subjects and media.
• Fruitmarket Gallery:
  Shows an exciting, though-provoking programme of exciting Scottish, British and international art.
• Dean Gallery:
  Houses an extensive collection of Dada and Surrealist art, including works by Dali, Ernst, Miro and Man Ray. The gallery is also home to a sculpture park and magnificent city views.
• Talbot Rice Gallery:
  Georgian gallery exhibiting the University of Edinburgh’s collection of old master paintings and bronzes.
• The Stand Comedy Club:
  The club features Stand-up shows from the best Scottish and international comedians alike, as well as the in-house comedy team.
• Royal Lyceum Theatre:
  One of Scotland’s largest and most successful companies, staging shows of high-quality drama, as well as hosting touring companies.
• The Queens Hall:
  Home to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and well know for its top-quality jazz concerts including the Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival.

Edinburgh Historic Buildings and Monuments

Edinburgh has some great historic building and monuments that are well worth a visit, and a trip to Edinburgh, of course, would not be complete without visiting the world famous Edinburgh Castle.

• Edinburgh Castle:
  Edinburgh’s top tourist attraction is certainly well worth the visit, as well as spectacular views over the city; you can take guided tours and visit the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
• Tantallon Castle:
  This spectacular castle is built on the cliffs looking over Brass Rock and features a massive 50ft high defensive wall.
• Lauriston Castle:
  This castle’s Edwardian interiors have been preserved to display preserve the furnishing as they would have been for wealth middle-class collectors of the time.
• Thirlestan Castle:
  Located in the Scottish Borders at Lauder, the castle dates back to the 13th century. This building really is spectacular and has been described as “Scotland’s Fairytale Castle.”
• Craigmillar Castle:
  Craigmillar Castle was built in the 15th century and is one of Scotland’s best preserved castles. The castle plays an important part in the story of Mary Queen of Scotts, for it was here that she fled after the murder of Rizzio.
• Nelson Monument:
  Spectacular views are visible from this monument at the east end of the city centre on Calton Hill.

Edinburgh Outdoor Activities and Activities For The Kids

There is plenty on offer in Edinburgh to fascinate the children and keep them amused, these include:

• Edinburgh Zoo:
  Located just outside Edinburgh, the zoo houses a great selection of animals and has plenty to keep kids entertained all day.
• Museum of Childhood:
  A great museum for adults and Children alike, telling the story of childhood through the years. This museum has been described as the noisiest museum in the world!
• Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World:
  Free flying exotic butterflies in an indoor tropical rainforest, as well a Reptile Room, Bugs and Beasties display and a chance to cure your phobias with a “Meet the Beasties” handling session.
• Amazonia Rainforest Exhibition:
  Indoor rainforest including exotic plants, free-flying butterflies, dart frogs, lizards, snakes, tarantulas, toucans, the world’s smallest monkeys and ant displays.

Edinburgh Gardens and Parks

Edinburgh has a fine selection of maintained gardens, such as the Royal Botanical Garden, and also great expenses of wild Scottish open National Parks: great destinations for walking and hiking.

• Campbell Park:
  Located just outside Edinburgh, the zoo houses a great selection of animals and has plenty to keep kids entertained all day.
• Malleny Gardens:
  This beautiful walled garden has a fine selection of old-fashioned roses and herbaceous borders as well as housing the National Bonsai Collection for Scotland.
• Almondell and Calderwood Country Park:
  A great destination for picnics and woodland and riverside walks.
• Royal Botanic Garden:
  Established in 1670, this is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions – a real must-see for all gardens and horticulturalists.

Edinburgh Shopping

Edinburgh is a great destination for shoppers, most notably Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street, but there are a plethora of other shopping centres and boutiques to be visited, some include:

• St James Centre, City Centre, Edinburgh
• Waverley Shopping Centre, Princes Street, Edinburgh
• Cameron Toll Shopping Centre, 6 Lady Road, Edinburgh