What does edinburgh have to offer

The New Town was built to provide wealthier residents of the city with more comfortable living conditions than the Old Town could offer. The House has been decorated impeccably with period pieces to provide a glimpse into the life of its elite Edinburgh residents.

On show are pieces of fine art, stunning silverware, and gorgeous furniture. Explore on your own or as part of a special costumed tour, where guides enact a typical day in the life of a noble family. Book online : Georgian House Entry Ticket.

The Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh was the first of its kind in the world, and continues to showcase toys and games from the 18th century to the modern day.

The museum provides an interesting look into the way that childhood has been defined over the generations, and the differences in toy trends over time. Stop by the shop and pick up some toys or retro merchandise to take home with you. In the city centre, seek out the Heart of Midlothian for a uniquely Scottish piece of history. The Heart of Midlothian is set in the pavement on the Royal Mile, constructed from coloured granite blocks that form the shape of a heart and cross.

This building no longer exists but was once used to run the city and also acted as prison and execution site. This formed the origin of a local custom involving spitting on the Heart. Originally this act was done to show contempt for the prison that once stood on this site; today it is believed to bring good luck. The Museum of Edinburgh is the single best location to learn about the history of Edinburgh through the ages. At the museum, you can learn about the city and its formation, as well as its people and trade.

Witness the National Covenant, original city plans and lots of Edinburgh decorative art. The museum features a number of immersive exhibitions to educate visitors about the formation and progression of the city in an entertaining and engaging way. Experience some exotic wildlife in the acre Edinburgh Zoo.

With beautiful views of the city, Edinburgh Zoo makes a wonderful and entertaining day out for all the family. The zoo was the first in the world to house penguins, and is currently the only zoo in Britain with koalas and giant pandas.

There are daily talks on offer and a number of events each week including photography workshops, feeding shows, and film screenings. Edinburgh Zoo is ideal for animal-lovers and a slice of exotic nature in historic Edinburgh. Travel underground and experience the dark underbelly of the city in the Edinburgh Vaults. The vaults are a number of chambers formed from the arches of the South Bridge, built in Originally, the vaults were used by tradesmen and illegitimate figures.

Over time, the vaults became more popular with the poor and the criminal and were excavated in the s, providing a wealth of interesting archaeological and historical artefacts. Today, you can book a guided tour to explore and learn about the vaults. The vaults are rumoured to be haunted, having once been used by murderers and torturers. Recommended tour : Underground Vaults Tour. The monument was designed to commemorate Scottish soldiers who fought in the Napoleonic Wars, but was never completed.

The monument has stood since and is a popular tourist attraction. Locals have mixed feelings about the monument, as it remains unfinished. Nonetheless, the monument showcases stunning architecture and breath-taking views out across the city and surrounding landscape. The hall was built in and features beautiful architecture, including a curved exterior decorated with panels of famous figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Mozart.

The hall has historically been used for a variety of events, including concerts, political events, and sporting events. Usher Hall is particularly popular for classical musical performances, and is praised across Europe for its high-quality acoustics. Visit Usher Hall to attend one of its many concerts, and take in some modern culture in historic surroundings.

Explore the village to find millstones and stone advertisements for bakeries. Read more on the towns and cities to visit in Scotland, here. Housing collections of furniture from that period; you can see porcelain, silver, art and do not forget to look above at the chandeliers which will give you a glimpse as to how affluent residents of Edinburgh once lived.

Oh yeah… and just next door at Number 6, Charlotte Square is the official residence of the First Minister for Scotland. Holyrood Palace is the official home to the Queen whilst in Scotland and her palace of choice when visiting Edinburgh. She once lived in the palace between the years of Read more on the secret spots to visit in Edinburgh, here.

The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is located right in the heart of Edinburgh. The original building was opened way back in the 19th Century and is now the home to the Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera. Apparently, the theatre itself is haunted, by the popular illusionist The Great Lafayette perished during a fire within the building. The Scott Monument is one of the most impressive monuments and one of the best things to do in Edinburgh for a unique perspective overlooking the castle.

Just remember, the staircase is pretty narrow, so you might wanna give this a miss if you get claustrophobic. Make sure to pop in the Artist Rooms, see the Scottish Art and the surrealist collection they have inside. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the Balmoral Hotel is possibly one of the cities most famous hotels.

With its impressive clock in its entrance that runs five minutes early to assist commuters in catching their train. Oh, and they have a gorgeous spa, too. So, one of my favourite past times to do in Edinburgh is to walk the length of the Royal Mile. Stretching all the way from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, the walk itself will take around minutes depending on your pace. Thankfully, this has all changed, with its waterfront setting a great place to spend a Friday evening of drinks and supper.

Read more: Best bars to visit in Edinburgh. Over the last 15 years, these have now been opened to the public and you can go into the streets with a designated guide. It really is quite eerie but totally cool. With stunning architecture, endless winding streets and an awe-inspiring castle perched on a dormant volcano, there's nowhere else quite like it.

Start by sightseeing in the historic Old Town, where some of the best Edinburgh attractions can be found, such as the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

Take a themed tour and discover the many secrets of the city - then pop into a cosy cafe and watch the world go by. With so many places to visit in Edinburgh, you'll be spoilt for choice. The New Town boasts an array of shops and some of Edinburgh's best restaurants. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top of Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano with the best views of the whole city. You're never far from cultural attractions in Edinburgh. By day you can scale a monument dedicated to a wordsmith, admire artworks in galleries and treasured wonders in museums, or even discover the grounds of Holyrood Palace.

By night you can enjoy tours, musical and theatre performances, or find your favourite dram in a charming whisky pub. If you want to experience the bustling Edinburgh Fringe - the world's largest open access arts festival - make sure you visit in August, when the city comes alive with the best performers and shows from around the globe. We've picked out some must-see attractions and things to do in Edinburgh. Use our interactive map to help guide you through the city.

Perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city, Edinburgh Castle houses important Scottish artefacts, such as the Honours of Scotland, which are the oldest crown jewels in the UK, and The Stone of Destiny; an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy.

Explore the vast castle grounds, take a guided tour with a castle steward, or listen to the audio guide, which is available in eight languages. Top tip: Listen out for the firing of the One O'clock Gun from the castle grounds, which can be heard daily except on Sundays. Did you know? Ships in the Firth of Forth once set their maritime clocks according to the sound of the shot. Discover Edinburgh Castle. Scotland is known for having unpredictable weather, and if you happen to get caught in the rain you might be wondering what to do in Edinburgh.

Visit the National Museum of Scotland, one of the best indoor attractions in Edinburgh. And, best of all, entry is free. With over 20, unique artefacts to see, there's something for everyone, and fun for all the family. Spend the day learning about the catacombs of Egypt, the wonders of nature and even modern-day technology. Top tip: If the sun happens to make an appearance, head up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy amazing views of Edinburgh Castle. Visit the National Museum of Scotland.

Perhaps one of the most iconic places to go in Edinburgh is Arthur's Seat, located within Holyrood Park. This ancient volcano sits m above sea level and offers degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians. You can see the medieval remains of St Anthony's Chapel or feed the ducks and swans on Duddingston Loch.

There's an array of paths and trails to follow, suitable for all, including the trail to St Margaret's Loch which is both wheelchair and buggy accessible. Top tip: Climbing up to the top of this dormant volcano is hungry work! Why not pack a picnic and enjoy it from the best 'seat' in Edinburgh?