I've been there not so long ago and I'd recommend this place for anyone who wants to get away from…read morethe city rush but not move away from the city itself. Large gardens with lots of footpaths around the castle plus stunning views over the Firth of Forth (especially on a bright and sunny day), quiet with a bit of Victorian atmosphere stil in the air. A trip for a half a day with a picnic basket higly recommended!!

Circus Lane is probably one of the most picturesque parts of Edinburgh, thanks to Instagram. It's a…read morebeautiful place and a hidden gem to visit. We went here early on a weekday morning, and it was quite quiet. However, be respectful, as this is a normal street where locals live. If you're looking for a quick pick with a beautiful background, this is highly recommended!

We stayed in Stockbridge area during our visit, so it only took 3-4 minutes walk from my place to…read moreCircus Lane. I took advantage of that and went here a few times during our stay since it's such a picturesque cobbled street. It gets quite busy in the afternoon since everyone wants a photo here, but if you're patient you can get some good shots without people in the background.

Standing just over 200ft (61m) high, and known as the Gothic Rocket, the Scott Monument is often…read moremistaken for a church - understandably, perhaps - and dominates the view of the eastern section of New Town along Princes Street. Following Scott's death in 1832 the people of Edinburgh decided that a monument should be built in memory of one of Scotland's best-loved literary figures. At the time he was probably the most widely read British author of the era. The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world. some data says, its 2nd largest though. This is especially fitting, given that Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature, having been home to many notable writers, such Scott, Burns, Stevenson, Conan Doyle and many more! There are 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.

This gothic monument to the famous Scottish writer (Sir Walter Scott) is so dark and mysterious…read morelooking during the day. It's an even better view at night when it's all lit up. It kind of makes you wonder what it actually looked like before it soaked up "auld reekie's" pollution back in the 19th century. In a way, the black soot actually gives it more character. It's also a nice contrast with the white Carrara marble statue of the writer. Do you see his dog (named Maida) laying to the right of him? So cute! So, if you can actually see the outer architectural details then you're in for a treat. It stands at 200 feet tall and has about 64 statues that represent some of the most notable characters in his novels. To be honest, I was more impressed with the gargoyles. We didn't attempt to go inside to climb up to the top of it, but many pay to do that. I'm sure it's a nice view. The courtyard surrounding it was being decorated for Remembrance Day celebrations. I loved seeing all the crosses and red poppies around it. It's definitely a must see monument, and certainly one that you're going to eventually pass by at some point during your stay in Edinburgh.

This is VERY much worth doing. We did a lot in Edinburgh but this will be by far the most…read morememorable. DO THIS. This is not a good tour for handicapped as there are stairs and these are real caves so you must be sure footed and not afraid of the dark or small spaces. You must get tickets ahead of time before leaving the U.S. This is a VERY small operation and you must email or call many times to get the tickets. Calling from the U.S. is VERY expensive so try emails and keep at it as you will need to do quite a few back and forth emails. To get there from the center of Edinburgh. Get a one day bus pass for Lothian Buses today. Have exact change. Buses only take cash. It was 1lb 70 per person when we went. Take bus #3 to Mayfield or Dalkeith (2 #3 busses) or #29 to Burkenside/Gorebridge from North Bridge, it takes 25 minutes. Get off bus at Gilmerton Crossroads. Arrive 10 minutes ahead of time and knock on white door in Gilmerton Cove bldg. Bathroom is across the street in Gilmerton Cove Community Center (just walk in and follow the signs). Grocery store is right where the bus lets you off (in case you need shortbread or other cookies!). Return by bus #3 Cloverstone or #29 Silverknowes to go back to Northbridge.

I randomly came across this place when I was looking through activities in Edinburgh for work stuff…read moreover a year ago. It was ranked number three on Trip Advisor of places to see in Edinburgh and I had never ever heard of it before, even though I worked just around the corner from it!!! You could easily drive past it as it's on a main road and the entrance is into a small cottage which you wouldn't necessarily notice. It's out in Gilmerton which is only a short bus ride (no. 3 or no. 29) away. Once you go downstairs into the basement you'll see underground passageways and chambers which have been hand-carved from sandstone. You need to make an appointment to see it as it's a very small place and they only take up to 12 people. It's a simple, very enjoyable tour and it will leave you with lots of questions about the place that can't be answered, yet! I would recommend anyone to pay a visit.

Calton Hill offers arguably one of the best views across Edinburgh's city centre. From here, you…read morecan see most of the city, Arthurs Seat, and of course the castle. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and you'll be treated to awesome views of the castle in the distance. Calton Hill was formed over 340 million years ago. It has a huge history from the prehistoric era to today. It was originally a hill fort in ancient times, then King James II of Scotland granted the lands to Edinburgh in 1456. Calton Hill sits just off Leith Street near Edinburgh's popular commercial area. Like many of the parks in the area, it's free to enter so you won't need to reach into your wallet for this one. If you're looking for some of the best views in Edinburgh then make sure you spend some time here. There's also an art gallery up on Calton Hill and an unfinished national monument so there's plenty to see! If you only have time to visit one viewpoint in the city, let this be it. It's a fantastic place to watch the sunset or see the breathtaking views.

Worth the climb! The view was stunning! You can see a good amount of the city from on top of the…read morehill! Aside from the stunning view was plenty to see on top of the hill. I think this used to be a battle ground or a fort. I'll have to dust off a history book.

Hundreds of people pass by them every day. These gracefully decorated pillars stay by the promenade…read morein Portobello like ancient guards. My friend and me thought they were from Roman times. As a matter of fact, they are only from eighteenth century and were part of the Argyle house construction. Have a close look at the patterns - it is a true art of masonry. One of the pillars is covered in small cute elephants.

It's just one of many interesting closes along the Royal Mile. This one is named after the Lord…read moreAdvocate's House. The house of Sir James Stewart used to be at the lower end the stairs near Cockburn St. It's literally steps away from the Supreme Courts building in Parliament Square. Well, about 70 steps up. Today, it's more of a shortcut between Market Street and the Royal Mile. The best feature of Advocate's Close is actually the perfectly framed view of the Scott Monument through the archway. You'll also see how high you are on the hill when walking up or down this steep & worn set of stairs. Hopefully they will add handrails to it one day like others that we've seen throughout the city. I mean, they don't call them "Death Stairs" for nothing. Oh, and theres's a very popular gastropub called the Devil's Advocate near the bottom of the steps. We didn't get to visit it, but it came highly recommended. It's just another reason to visit it.

Edinburgh is riddled with closes and Advocate's Close is a fine example of these narrow lanes that…read moreconnect streets throughout and behind the Royal Mile. The tall buildings that line the path give many closes a canyon-like feel with many of them sloping steeply down from the Royal Mile. It's like walking into the underground! Advocate's Close is particularly popular with tourists and I can see why. At the top, it offers a beautiful peek-a-boo view of the Sir Walter Scott Monument in the distance and some of Edinburgh's central buildings. Walk all the way down and it connects you to Cockburn Street below. Definitely try walking through a close or two as they are great shortcuts to get from one street to another along the Royal Mile.

As others have said, it's the reigning Monarch's official residence in Edinburgh. It was the…read moreprimary home of Mary, Queen of Scots in the 16th century. It's here where you can still see her private residence within the palace as well as the staterooms that are currently used today for official engagements. Especially during Holyrood Week when Queen Elizabeth II would host grand garden tea parties and lunches to recognize public service and non-profit organizations. The summer activities celebrating Scottish culture continues today with the Celebration of the Keys. It kicks off the week-long event when King Charles III accepts the keys to the City of Edinburgh. Our tour guide stopped here to give us a brief rundown of the history of this palace. It's located at the foot of the Royal Mile. We sadly didn't get a chance to go back for a tour of the palace, abbey, and gardens. Give yourself at least 3 hours to experience it all. There's also a palace café located in the Mews Courtyard (near the King's Gallery & Ticket Office) that serves lunch and afternoon tea. The Scottish Parliament and White Horse Close are nearby as well. It's a great place to be when starting that journey up to the castle.

the official residence in Scotland of the British monarchy, The Palace of Holyroodhouse is an…read morecurrent palace residence, home to the Royal Family, specifically the Queen of England Royal Mile, the road which runs like backbone through the middle of the city, connecting the two royal residences - Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Holyrood Palace or (The Palace of Holyroodhouse) is one of the "must see" attractions in Edinburgh. Full of history and incredible displays of Royalty. It's had a long and chequered history, but nowadays is the official residence and offices of the Queen in Scotland. She spends about a week here every year, performing royal engagements. When she is not in residence the palace is open to visitors. It's really well worth a visit!

A beautiful old country house with historic charm. This gigantic mansion is home to one of the…read moreworlds finest art collections. The whole place can be rented for events and is truly worth it. Think Wayne Manor just for your group. We had a bbq reception there and it was just breathtaking to stand on the terrace and watch the sunset, and then going inside to listen to the jazz band playing their tunes.