Location: Old Town
Top Things to do in Old Town
10 Historic Sites in Old Town That You Shouldn't Miss
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Edinburgh Vaults
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Wonderlust1992
Amazing tour! Great tour guide Patrice :) Was so good the best tour I’ve been on And I have found scratches on my back Would recommend to anyone if they dare
2. Tweeddale Court
3. Wellhead At John Knox House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Travelling_SE_Asia - St. Albans, United Kingdom
Situated infront of John Knox House, on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the Neatherbow Wellhead (or Wellhead at John Knox House) is an ancient Ashlar masonry made of large, square cut stone. Once the means of supplying water to the public, the well-head was designed by Sir William Bruce (1630 -1710) and built c.1685 by master-mason Robert Mylne (1633 - 1710). The Netherbow well-head was repaired and restored by the Edinburgh Old Town Renewal Trust and Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Ltd. in 1997. Similar well-heads can be found at other locations on the High Street. A display describing the well-head and including a bronze mouth-piece can be found in the Museum of Edinburgh.
4. Cannongate Tolbooth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Speaking of grudges... All that is left of this old prison, demolished in 1817, is a single stone which is still spat upon with contempt even today.
5. The Real Mary King's Close
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,429 reviews
Hidden beneath the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret: a warren of hidden ‘closes’ where real people lived, worked and died. For centuries they have lain forgotten and abandoned…until now. Visit Edinburgh's most famous Close, which makes Edinburgh's Hidden History unmissable.
Reviewed By plutomad
We found this attraction by accident, and this made our Edinburgh trip unforgettable. We didn’t know what to expect but this place is fascinating. My only warning would be that the attraction is very dark, there are many stairs and low ceilings, sloping and cobbled floors which makes this attraction almost impossible for those with mobility issues. However if you can manage the physical restrictions you are in for a real treat. You are guided through these underground streets by a well versed guide who helps to emerge you in the history and who in our case was happy and capable of answering all questions. There is no photography inside the attraction which was really disappointing, and you can Of course pay to have an official photo taken, we didn’t bother, but have not stopped telling people about this attraction it was amazing.
6. Gladstone's Land
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 535 reviews
GLADSTONE'S LAND IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL AUGUST 2020 FOR RENOVATION. One of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, boasting fascinating hand-painted Renaissance interiors. Just a stone’s throw from the castle, this 500-year-old building is a towering testament to tenement life in Edinburgh’s Old Town and was once owned by merchant Thomas Gladstone. He extended and remodelled the building to attract wealthy tenants for his opulently decorated apartments, as well as for the high-end grocer and cloth shop on the ground floor and the tavern located in the basement. By the mid-1800s, only the poorest of the city’s inhabitants remained in the Old Town. Gladstone’s Land was one of the first buildings that the National Trust for Scotland acquired, rescuing it from demolition in 1934. Today, Gladstone’s Land shows how the wealthy went about their lives at a time when the cramped Lawnmarket was at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing and most influential cities.
Reviewed By redsonya25 - Chesapeake, United States
I had marked this down as something see after reading about it in Rick Steves but I was convinced to visit after the many positive reviews I read about it. It is a guided tour and we had the fantastic and lively Kate, who holds a PhD in Costumes which is so fun it needed to be mentioned. I appreciate that most of the sites that have an entrance fee then provide a guided tour. There are steps to climb - not many. Don’t believe there was a lift available. Toured 2 floors of the building and learned a ton about the structure, design components and a thorough history of Scotland and the Royal Mile during the 1500s. Truly a hidden gem and highly recommended.
7. Lady Stairs House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By SmileyKay - Cluj-Napoca, Romania
This building with a fairy-tale look has almost 400 years of history.Today Lady Stair’s House houses the Writers’ Museum, with displays world-famous authors such as Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.
8. Holyrood Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,212 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Founded by King David 1 in 1128, this Abbey came first, and begat the stunning palace that followed. We visited as part of the palace tour and, taking all parts of the site as a whole, it’s probably the best visit in Edinburgh. Situated in beautiful Holyrood Park, the Abbey and Palace are full of history and interest, and the interactive audio guide provides top class commentary.
9. Grassmarket
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,883 reviews
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, the Grassmarket area is one of the most vibrant, picturesque and convivial areas of the city. A paradise of independent merchants, designers and artisans, the Grassmarket Edinburgh is simply bursting with some of the best shopping Edinburgh has to offer. Far more than simply a retail haven, the area is well known for being home to some of the best restaurants in Edinburgh as well as some of the most vibrant and eclectic bars in Edinburgh. In fact the Grassmarket pubs, many with a history dating back to the notorious days of Burke and Hare, are known throughout the world for their exciting, dark Edinburgh history mixed with some of the best traditional food, ales and music in the city! Well preserved cobbled streets, medieval architecture and inspiring views of Edinburgh Castle help to create an atmosphere unparalleled in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Situated in the heart of the Old Town and just behind Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket is a vibrant area with lots of very good independent shops, cafes and pubs. As it’s name suggests, this was indeed a market place for horses and cattle and was used as such from the 14th century right up to the beginning of the 19th century. It was also renowned as being a place for public executions! Currently, due to COVID restrictions, the pubs are closed so we weren’t able to experience the usual lively atmosphere. Such closures are however temporary and we look forward to coming back and enjoying the unique ambience of this fabulous area.
10. Riddle's Court
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Riddle's Court is a unique survival, a 16th Century courtyard House set behind the Royal Mile, just a stone's throw from Edinburgh Castle. The property contains significant architectural features documenting its 400 year history. Many aristocratic, influential and creative people have lived here or been associated with this building including King James VI, Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, Sir David Hume and Sir Patrick Geddes. Riddle's Court is the historic jewel in Edinburgh's Old Town. Hidden away until recently, it is a beautiful and atmospheric building making it a unique venue for exceptional events, conferences and spectacular entertaining. Riddle's Court also houses the Patrick Geddes Centre which hosts learning events, study days, lectures, live music and tours; tickets are available at Eventbrite.co.uk.
Reviewed By Margo7850p
Full of history and charm it is a real gem in the heart of Edinburgh's old town. A picturesque merchant's house, situated close to the Edinburgh's famous castle. Sixteenth century courtyard house which just has been wonderfully restored. A visit here is like stepping back in time. It is little tucked away, but including exquisite painted ceilings, authentic working fireplaces and panelled rooms. Definitely worth a visit.
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