Location: Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
10 Monuments & Statues in Edinburgh 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. Scott Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,739 reviews
A 200-foot spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish poet.
Reviewed By Andrew081 - St. Albans, United Kingdom
One cannot fail to be impressed by the 61m high Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scot (his books included Rob Roy and Ivanhoe) Completed in 1846 the monument, on Princes Street, is blackish in colour giving it an eerie beauty. The spire is decorated with 64 figures representing various characters from the writer’s novels. In contrast to the blackened construction, the white marble statue of Sir Walter Scott, with his dog Maida, that shines. The monument is split into four levels, but there ere are 287 steps up to the top (cost £8).
2. Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Statue of Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" and his keeper unveiled on the 7th November 2015 by the Wojtek Memorial Trust to commemorate remarkable story of Wojtek and as a tribute to all brave men, women and children who fought in the World War II.
Reviewed By johnhp702 - Derby, United Kingdom
What a fabulous and moving story from when the world was in great danger and the heroic sacrifices of people and of course Wojtek who fought so that we could have our freedom, I loved everything about this.
3. St John's Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By ian_dempster - Wigan, United Kingdom
As an avid Church visitor this is a most strikingly beautiful church inside. The decor is stunning with magnificent ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows. A very serene church.
4. Dean Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By weekak - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Dean cemetery is in a beautiful location near Dean village but is a bit of a hike uphill. This is a huge cemetery with lots of influential, important, interesting people like Elsie ingles, John Bellamy, Henry Cockburn, Agnes Henderson Brown, people involved with Queen Victoria, people involved with William Burke are all buried here and many more. It is worth doing a bit of research beforehand to find out exactly who is buried here and seeking them out. I wish there was a map or something as a guide, I visited at least 5 times, in search of specific memorials and still haven't found them all but there are beautiful interesting monuments but it's the ones that don't necessarily stand out that are worth seeking. There are no toilets that I could see in or around Dean cemetery so I was always on a mad dash to Princess street to find a loo, sometimes having to cut my visit short which was frustrating. But if your into historical graveyards, this is a must see.
5. Memorial Duke of Buccleuch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Y8837LLgabriela - Ploiesti, Romania
The monument is situated in the Parliament Square, Edinburgh, on the Royal Mile. This is a tribute to an important Scottish conservative politician, and it was erected in February 1888. This memorial is placed in front of St Giles Cathedral.
6. William Wallace Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By scottmW2380ZF - Swedesboro, United States
It is a statue to the right of the entry gate to Edinburgh Castle. May disappoint Mel Gibson/Braveheart fans but Wallace is depicted in period armor. He did not wear kilt, did not wear blue facepaint, and was not five foot tall. While you are there, look to the left to also pay respects to the staute of Robert the Bruce, another hero son of Scotland.
7. Scottish National War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By EAN44 - Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
This is such a wonderful memorial and very emotional the design of the building is grand with dark stone and then granite and rock, the memorials in the roof are excellent and you stare in ore at there beauty Along the walls are the books of all the soldiers that had died fighting for freedom you can look through to see if your family mane appears It’s just very emotional and a tribute to all those Scottish soldiers
8. Gladstone Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By craigluscar - Dunfermline, United Kingdom
First time I had noticed this impressive Statue in Coates Crescent. Designed by James MacGillivary for this site . The residents objected to its installation and it was eventually installed in St Andrews square . Relocated to this Coates Gardens in 1955 . It is an asset to the area and of great interest to adults and childrens with its many figures
9. National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 307 reviews
This monument, although begun in 1822 was never finished. It was to have been an imitation of the Parthenon and now remains an unfinished but authentic part of Edinburgh's skyline.
Reviewed By anoomk
Classical style Scottish National monument. Looks like Parthenon in Athens. This monument is in fact the unfinished memorial to those who lost their lives in Napoleonic wars. Great spot for photography and selfies.
10. Greyfriars Bobby
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,880 reviews
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh, Scotland, after reportedly spending fourteen years guarding his owner's grave, until his own death on 14 January 1872. The story continues to be well known in Scotland, through several books and films. A prominent commemorative statue and nearby graves are a tourist attraction.
Reviewed By jellymirelly - London, United Kingdom
Worth a quick stop just before or after your trip to the National Museum of Scotland. The statue is a lovely tribute to a touching story of the love and loyalty between man and dog
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