Sightseeing in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

One of the city's most distinctive and most visited landmarks, Edinburgh castle is perched high up in the city centre on the craggy remains of an extinct volcano. It was believed to have been the site of an Iron Age fort. Among its attractions are the Great Hall, a great siege gun Mons Meg, and the tiny room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI of Scotland and I of England. It is still in use by the British army.

Scottish Parliament Building

The especially designed new Scottish parliament building has received a cool reception. The building opened three years after the opening of the new parliament, and £390 million over budget. Both Catalan architect, Enric Miralles, and the building's champion, the first First Scottish Minister Donald Dewar, died before seeing the building complete and it is widely held that the vision for the building, which was of an upturned boat design, was lost along the way. See it for yourself and decide. It's right next door to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The queen's Scottish residence, and scene of royal garden parties in the Summer. It's on the edge of the hilly green of Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat, if you fancy a walk.

Calton Hill

One of Edinburgh's many hills, it is unmistakable with its Athenian style acropolis poking above the skyline. Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's main hills, set right in the city centre. It is unmistakable with its Athenian acropolis poking above the skyline.

The acropolis is in fact an unfinished monument - originally called the "National Monument". The top of Calton hill is an excellent and usually quiet place to come on any day, with its grassy slopes and panoramic views of the city, including down the length of Princes street (the main shopping thoroughfare) and Edinburgh castle.

Craigmillar Castle

Classic Gothic-looking castle that was built by extremely wealthy merchant family, the Prestons in 1635-1639. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here and the Stuart family used it much like a holiday home from Holyrood Palace. Offers educational tours. Open 9.30am-6.30pm. Prices: £1.80. More information (0131) 661 4445 or at Historic Scotland.

National Museum of Scotland

The new museum of Scotland, completed in November 1998, is a fine example of traditional and modern architecture working in harmony. Inside the displays are fascinating and beautifully presented, with interactivity and evocative exhibits (oldest locomotive engine, Roman treasure, a viking skeleton, and more) adding to the experience. You can find photographs of the building and discover more about Scotland's history at the web site.

Edinburgh's Old Town

Visiting the Old Town of Edinburgh is one of the most fascinating experiences Scotland's Capital City has to offer to its tourists.

Walking down the narrow wynds and closes, visiting historic buildings and coming into contact with the occult are just some of the things to do in the Old Town.

Rosslyn Chapel

Built in 1446, the chapel is steeped in symbolism, mysticism and references to the Knights of the Templar, Freemasonary and the pagan "Green Man". The neighbouring Rosslyn Glen, a rambling, stretch of mature woodland, with fairly deep caves, is also well worth a visit.