Must-Visit Spots in Edinburgh to Explore Nature and History

Edinburgh, the beautiful and magical capital of Scotland, is renowned not only for its vibrant festivals and inspiring the Harry Potter franchise but also for the city itself—surrounded by nature, filled with historical sites, and steeped in legend.

One of the most famous areas, right at the heart of the city, is the Edinburgh Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with unique architecture from days past, preserving the story of Edinburgh’s beginnings with each step you take.

Many of Edinburgh’s famous sites can be found in or around this area, like the National Gallery of Scotland, the Writers’ Museum, and the Royal Mile. This makes the town the perfect place to go to if you truly want to have a feel of the city’s essence when you visit.

Perched atop a hill, the Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, which is easily accessible to visitors because of its location at the end of the Royal Mile. It has over a thousand years of history woven into its walls, where it’s served as a royal residence, military fortress, and even a prison during wars over the centuries. Today, it houses the “Honours of Scotland,” which is the oldest set of crown jewels in the British Isles, and the “Stone of Scone or Destiny,” which is used in coronations of Scottish and British monarchs.

Calton Hill is part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its striking skyline of monuments, where you can get one of the best views overlooking the city. Edinburgh earned the nickname “Athens of the North,” and the hill is one of the best places to see why. Here, you’ll find the unfinished National Monument, modeled after Athens’ Parthenon, as well as the Nelson Monument. Calton Hill is open all year-round with free public access, and the walk to the top is short and straightforward. If you want to pair history with views of the sunrise, sunset, or city lights, this is a must-visit spot for you.

If Edinburgh Castle is at one end of the Royal Mile, Holyrood Park is at the other. It’s a vast green space that feels like a peaceful escape in nature right in the heart of the city. Once used as a royal hunting ground dating back to the Middle Ages, the park surrounds the Palace of Holyroodhouse (more commonly known as Holyrood Palace), which remains the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland when visiting. The park itself is free to enter and offers everything from gentle walks to challenging treks, making it a peaceful retreat for both locals and visitors.

Within Holyrood Park is Arthur’s Seat, the highest of Edinburgh’s hills and an extinct volcano with dramatic cliffs and sweeping 360-degree views. Its name is steeped in legend; some say it was the site of King Arthur’s mythical Camelot, while others say it looks like the back of a sleeping dragon. There are many routes to get to the top, but generally it would take around an hour or so. Once you reach the summit, you will find one of the most breathtaking panoramas in all of Scotland. Though manageable for most walkers, the climb can be rocky and steep in places, so sturdy shoes and weather-ready gear are recommended. 

Edinburgh can be explored in countless ways, from wandering its cobbled streets on foot to cycling its scenic paths. Here are a few great tour options to make the most of your visit:

The Edinburgh Castle to Arthur's Seat Private and Custom Walking Tour is a great option if you want to explore the city with your own two feet. You’ll have a tour guide who will lead you through Edinburgh’s iconic spots and share the history and stories of each place you go to. This tour lasts for approximately 2 hours, and you’ll be able to witness local life alongside iconic landmarks like the Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, the Writers’ Museum, and more!

Another great option is the Edinburgh Royal History E-bike Tour, where you can pedal your way around the city with the wind on your face. This is a guided tour where your bike and helmet are provided and would last around 2 hours and 30 minutes. You’ll be able to cycle through sites like the Craigmillar Castle, Innocent Railway Tunnel, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat, and more. If you want a peaceful but exciting way to go around, this might be the tour for you.

If you want to explore Edinburgh at your own pace and time, then the Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Pass is what you can get for something more flexible but convenient in terms of transportation. The pass lasts for 24 hours, giving you enough time to explore the city’s must-see sights. You even get an audio guide available in 9 languages, so you can still gain insights on the spots you visit during your trip.

If you also want to explore more of Scotland, Edinburgh serves as a perfect base or starting point for a lot of other breathtaking areas of the country. Here are some day tours you can check out for a memorable trip.

In the West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles Day Tour, you’ll embark on a scenic adventure through nature with landmarks like the Kilchurn Palace by Loch Awe, Arrochar Alps, and the Rest and Be Thankful Pass. Also part of its itinerary is Doune Castle, which is one of Scotland’s best-preserved great halls and was used as a set for Game of Thrones and Outlander.

In the Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria Day Tour, you’ll journey across the Scottish border into England to explore historic landmarks and coastal beauty. Highlights include the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, famous for its priory ruins and serene island views, and Alnwick Castle, known as the “Windsor of the North” and a filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Along the way, you can also opt to pass the Flodden Field, adding rich history to this scenic and cultural adventure.

Depending on the route, the hike to Arthur’s Seat can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes round-trip. The path from Holyrood Palace is the most popular, while the shorter but steeper Dunsapie route offers a quicker climb.

It’s more of a proper hike than a casual stroll, with rocky, uneven sections near the summit. While accessible to most people with moderate fitness, sturdy footwear is recommended.

Legend has it that Arthur’s Seat may have been the location of King Arthur’s Kingdom, Camelot—hence the name of this hill. It’s also tied to the legend of the sleeping dragon, which is about a dragon that never woke up and turned into a hill.

Sections like the Radical Road have been closed due to rockfall risks. Temporary closures may also occur for safety, maintenance, or conservation, so make sure to check before your adventure to Arthur’s Seat.