Things to Do in Old Town, Edinburgh The Royal Mile runs through Old Town, connecting Castle Crag to Holyrood Palace, and the area is known for its medieval architecture and historic districts like Grassmarket and Southside.
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St Giles' Cathedral ★ 4.6 · 13.2k★
Grand, Gothic medieval building & Presbyterian place of worship where John Knox used to preach.
Mon–Fri 10 AM – 6 PM
Sat 9 AM – 5 PM
Sun 1 PM – 5 PM
National Galleries of Scotland: National ★ 4.7 · 17.2k★
National collection including European masterpieces & Scottish works, with seasonal exhibitions.
Mon–Tue 10 AM – 5 PM
Wed Closed
Thu–Fri 10 AM – 5 PM
Sat 10 AM – 5 PM
Sun Closed
Edinburgh Castle ★ 4.6 · 108.0k★
An 11th-century castle and barracks housing the Crown Jewels and National War Museum of Scotland.
Every day 9:30 AM – 6 PM
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions ★ 4.6 · 16.0k★
Long-standing tower with 5 floors showcasing hands-on exhibits of whimsical optical illusions.
Every day 8 AM – 10 PM
Royal Mile ★ 4.7 · 24.5k★
Buzzing street linking Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, lined with quaint eateries & shops.
Grassmarket ★ 4.7 · 808★
Sloping Old Town street & former 15th-century livestock market with pubs, boutiques & restaurants.
Scott Monument ★ 4.7 · 7.7k★
Spirelike Victorian memorial in honour of the writer Sir Walter Scott, with 287 steps to the top.
Every day 10 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:45 PM – 3:30 PM
National Museum of Scotland ★ 4.8 · 59.2k★
Bright, modern museum housing Scottish industrial history relics, natural history displays & a cafe.
Every day 10 AM – 5 PM
Greyfriars Kirk ★ 4.6 · 124★
church in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Mon–Fri 11 AM – 4 PM
Sat 11 AM – 4 PM
Sun 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Princes Street Gardens ★ 4.7 · 27.2k★
Green Flag park of geological/botanical interest, home to several public monuments and memorials.
Every day 7 AM – 9:35 PM
Royal Mile Whiskies ★ 4.8 · 687
Compact store specialising in single malt whiskies, plus bourbon, blends and Irish whiskey.
Every day 10 AM – 8 PM
The Witches' Well ★ 4.5 · 239
The fountain marks the area where hundreds of accused witches were burned at the stake.
Festival Theatre ★ 4.7 · 4.1k
National opera and ballet shows plus touring productions and comedy on Scotland's largest stage.
Forever Vintage ★ 4.7 · 1.1k
Every day 9 AM – 10 PM Where to eat & drink in Old Town
Hula ★ 4.7 · 4.4k· £10–20
Bright cafe for breakfast, detox drinks and shakes, plus light lunches of soups, bagels and wraps.
Mon–Tue 6:30 AM – 5 PM
Wed–Thu 6:30 AM – 3 PM
Fri 6:30 AM – 5 PM
Sat 6:30 AM – 5 PM
Sun 6:30 AM – 5 PM
Stramash ★ 4.5 · 5.0k
Bi-level venue offering a variety of live music & sports events in a restored church.
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1 St Giles' Cathedral 2 National Galleries of Scotland: National 3 Edinburgh Castle 4 Camera Obscura & World of Illusions 5 Royal Mile 6 Grassmarket 7 Scott Monument 8 National Museum of Scotland 9 Greyfriars Kirk 10 Princes Street Gardens Ready to plan Old Town? Turn these Old Town picks into a day-by-day Edinburgh plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.
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St Giles' CathedralCathedral
National Galleries of Scotland: NationalArt Gallery
Edinburgh CastleCastle Museum
