Edinburgh Old Town

Tourist attraction
★ 4.8 (47K+ reviews) • 11K+ booked
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the historic charm of Edinburgh Old Town, the oldest part of Scotland's capital city. With its preserved medieval street plan and Reformation-era buildings, this area is a treasure trove of cultural and historical significance. Together with the New Town and West End, it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past. Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, is a must-see destination rich in history and things to do. Old Town Edinburgh, home to the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, is the oldest part of the city with a unique character that captures the essence of Edinburgh. Explore the cobblestone streets and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and history. Step into the enchanting world of Edinburgh's Old Town, where history, culture, and charm collide to create a truly magical experience. From the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the vibrant food and drink scene, this district is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Discover the heart of the Scottish capital in the Old Town, where every cobblestone tells a story and every corner hides a secret.
See more
See more
Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh, UK
Overview
Things to do
Hotels

Edinburgh Old Town Reviews

4.8 /5
47K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Shoshannah ***
29 Jun
Our guide Marty was very funny and quite memorable! He made it so fun to be on that long ride to the highlands, and we also learned a few fun facts from him. Safe driver, good tour!
2+
Klook User
25 Jun
The guide Valarie was awesome!!! She was informative and knowledgeable.
Vastupal ****
24 Jun
Best Hop -On-Hop-Off Bus Service Citisight seeing, Edinburgh city tour and Regal citi tour ( Red, Green and Blue buses) Drivers are very cooperative and jolly and very supportive to showing places and how to reach their
2+
Klook用戶
24 Jun
fun, enjoyable, happy, highly recommended.
2+
Vanessa *******
20 Jun
great idea for first timers to see Edinburgh. 24hrs validity so we were able to still hop on the next day. very educational and funny stories of the audio tour guide. photos taken while on bus
2+
Ng *********
15 Jun
Thanks to Timberbush's guide Neil for his 2-day tour. He is a very generous, enthusiastic, attentive and friendly guide! We started from Edinburgh and picked up in Glasgow. Although it rained for more than half of the journey, we still got to see the beauty of the Highlands. After all, this place is very vast and the drive is quite long. 2 days is really the minimum number of days, so that we don't rush to see the sights. The time to stay in each place is still enough (of course, you can stay longer if you drive by yourself, but it is very tiring). It is worth recommending!
2+
Klook User
7 Jun
We had a great stay in this aparthotel. It was quite a walk from the center but it is okay which can be counted as exercise. The neighborhood was quiet and accessible. The Tesco was nearby and got what we needed during our stay. The place was nice and spacious. However, we noticed that some issues: the shower rod was detached at the holder and reported it to the receptionist and it was immediately attended to because they might charge it to us. Also, I noticed some stains and crumbs of food on the throw pillows at the sofa. This is just a minor issue, but I think they should double-check the cleaning. But overall, it was a lovely stay in this service apartment.
Diana ****************
24 May
good partner guide of Klook! very clear instructions and they send an email reminder with meetup instructions the day before! highly recommended!

Popular places near Edinburgh Old Town

11K+ visitors
11K+ visitors
75K+ visitors
261K+ visitors
237K+ visitors
10K+ visitors

FAQs about Edinburgh Old Town

What are the best times to visit Edinburgh Old Town?

What transportation options are available in Edinburgh Old Town?

What important travel advice should I know for visiting Edinburgh Old Town?

What to know about Edinburgh Old Town

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Royal Mile

Explore the iconic Royal Mile, the main street of the Old Town that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Wander through narrow closes and alleyways, visit St. Giles' Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall, and the National Museum of Scotland, and discover hidden underground vaults and passages.

Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop Castlehill, Edinburgh Castle offers breathtaking views and a wealth of history to explore. Don't miss the Dog Cemetery and St Margaret’s Chapel.

National Museum Of Scotland

Explore the rich tapestry of Scotland's history at the National Museum of Scotland, where ancient artifacts and interactive exhibits bring the past to life. From geology to the industrial era, this museum is a journey through time.

Street Layout

The picturesque street layout of the Old Town showcases the historic development of the city, with the castle perched on a rocky crag and the main street running down a ridge. Explore the unique 'crag and tail' landform and discover the evolution of Edinburgh's urban design.

Residential Buildings

Experience some of the world's earliest 'high rise' residential buildings in the Old Town, dating back to the 16th century. Learn about the Great Fire of Edinburgh in 1824 and the subsequent reconstruction that led to the creation of underground spaces and vaults.

Archaeology

Delve into the archaeological history of the Old Town through excavations that have uncovered medieval tenements, 12th/13th-century deposits, and evidence of the city's development over the centuries. Gain insights into the past through ongoing archaeological work in the area.

Culture and History

Old Town Edinburgh is steeped in history, with landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, and Greyfriars Kirkyard. Explore the rich cultural heritage of the city through its architecture, museums, and historic sites.

Local Cuisine

Indulge in the flavors of Edinburgh's Old Town with popular dishes like small plates at Mother India's Café, delightful cakes at Lovecrumbs, and contemporary fine dining at Timberyard. From traditional Scottish fare to modern culinary creations, the local cuisine is a feast for the senses.