Top attractions

From museums with world-renowned collections, to tours exploring the city’s ancient past, there’s a wealth of attractions for all the family to enjoy in Edinburgh. Here’s our guide to the ones that should definitely be on your to-do list.

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Get thrust back in time to the very beginnings of our universe and witness first-hand the very first moments of our galaxy and solar system, then make your way back to the present day through volcanic explosions, landscape-forming glaciers and the evolution of our life on Earth. The perfect place for curious minds, a visit here is both fun and educational.

Providing alterations to lighting and audio features and permitting smaller visitor numbers, Relaxed Openings are available on a regular basis.

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Serve your own head up on a silver platter, visit the room where little and large become interchangeable, and pick the people of Edinburgh up in your hand in the city’s 150 year old Camera Obscura show. Will you find your way out of the magical mirror maze or manage to stay on your feet in the Vortex Tunnel?

Great fun for all the family, this top attraction is also dog-friendly.

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Free audio guides are available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish and Hungarian. A scripted copy of the tour is available for guests with hearing impairment needs.

Please note that, for safety reasons, the tour is not suitable for children under 5 years of age.

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Follow in the footsteps of Royalty through the state apartments and pay a visit to the Queen’s favourite room, the sun lounge. Explore life below decks in the crew’s quarters and marvel at the gleaming engine room.

With a complimentary audio tour available in 30 languages, discover the heart and soul of this special royal residence.

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Take a look at Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers, where she resided after her return from France in 1561 and take a stroll around the romantic ruins of the 12^th century Holyrood Abbey and royal gardens – all of which can be enjoyed with a multimedia tour in ten languages.

The Palace hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, from family activity days and lunchtime lectures to workshops and short talks.

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The art of blending is revealed in the 1870s blender’s sample room, while the spectacular vault contains one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky.

You can then round-off a visit by paying a visit to their exquisite Amber Restaurant, which offers a menu showcasing the best of Scotland’s natural larder.

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Their latest history tour, Witches; Trial And Truth explores the true history behind Scotland’s witch trials and visits the sites in the city connected to this sad period in Scotland’s history.

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With immersive actor-led shows, state-of-the-art special effects and two thrilling underground rides, this is a must-visit for anyone fascinated with the dark side of the city. Are you brave enough?!

Tours last approximately 70 minutes, the majority of which are standing. Guests should be aware that large parts of the Dungeon are very dark and have uneven flooring.

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With its collection of 100,000 plants and 70 acres of beautiful green space, the Botanics (as it is locally known) should be on everyone’s Edinburgh to-do list.

Free to visit (exclusions apply to special events) you can easily loose a few hours exploring their diverse collection. Highlights include the serene Chinese Hillside, world-famous Rock Garden and the magnificent Giant Redwood trees in the Woodland Garden.

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Featuring a diverse range of exhibits, interactive displays and games, a visit to this free museum (charges may apply for some special exhibitions) will appeal to all ages.

The huge variety of galleries in this grand and visually stunning building means that you could quite easily spend an entire day here. Refuel with a range of tasty food and drink options in either the Balcony Café or Museum Kitchen.

For those who appreciate a calmer visit, relaxed sessions take place on the first Sunday of every month.

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Why not learn more about this mighty fortress by taking a guided tour with a castle steward, or hire an audio guide, available in 12 languages. The audio guide is free to blind and partially sighted visitors.

You can request a mobility vehicle to Crown Square. This can accommodate most wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

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Step inside this stunning building and you’ll find walls adorned with masterpieces from Raphael, Rembrandt, Monet, Cézanne and Van Gogh, and a comprehensive collection of works by Scottish artists, including Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie and McTaggart. Don’t miss Raeburn’s much-loved The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch or, as it has become known, The Skating Minister.

A year-round programme of events offers plenty of opportunities to delve deeper into this wonderful collection – you can join a guided tour, take part in a life drawing class, or take the kids to a storytelling session, amongst other things.

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There’s also a jammed packed schedule of daily talks given by expert keepers and throughout the year they offer a variety of family-friendly events.

Many of the paths around the zoo can be accessed by wheelchair. A downloadable accessibility map of the zoo is available. You can collect sensory bags from the admissions area which contain a map, ear defenders, sunglasses, fidget toy and binoculars. Please note, there is a refundable deposit.

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Learn about the building’s art and architecture and the history behind the Scottish Parliament on a free guided tour or take a self-guided tour and visit the visit the permanent exhibition. You can even visit a debating chamber and if, Parliament is in session, view proceedings from the public gallery.

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