Location: Cowgate
Top Things to do in Cowgate
10 Things to do in Cowgate 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. Little Fish Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,317 reviews
Free walking tours of Edinburgh at 10:30 daily. Find us at Caffè Nero on The Royal Mile. Look for green and white umbrellas. Our other tours are all listed here.
2. The Potter Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,820 reviews
Grab a wand and join your robed guide on the original tour in Edinburgh designed for Harry Potter fans! You'll discover magical locations that inspired characters and scenes in the series, visit places where JK Rowling wrote the books and even learn a spell or two along the way... Even if you're not a Harry fan, there's still plenty to entertain you on this lively and atmospheric tour. Suitable for families, although we would recommend a minimum age of 7 to get the most out of the experience. Our tour is free to join but does now require booking via our website. We also run private tours which can booked through Viator or through our website and you can even now book a virtual version of our tour from anywhere in the world! Our tours in Edinburgh will resume on April 26th
3. St Cecilia's Hall & Music Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
St Cecilia's Hall brings together one of the world's most important collections of historic musical instruments into the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. As well as being Scotland's oldest purpose-built concert hall, St Cecilia's Hall is open as a free public museum and hosts a range of concerts and public events. St Cecilia’s Hall is proud to be part of The University of Edinburgh. In response to Covid-19 we are currently open Thursday - Saturday with a free bookable 1 hour slot. Please visit our website for more information.
Reviewed By SallyMilan
The museum has a wonderful collection of old and new instruments from around the world, such as the ‘love violin’ (violin d’amore). There are drawers to open in the room on the ground floor with videos, interaction, sounds etc. There are also volunteer guides, happy to walk around with you, who are very friendly and really bring the history of the instruments to life, even demonstrating the odd one. Amazing collection of spinets, clavichord, harpsichords and pianos. Wonderful! Sally
4. 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
5. Tweeddale Court
6. St Giles' Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,424 reviews
St Giles’ Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed crown spire it stands on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen). Please do not book any tours through TripAdvisor, as they are not endorsed by the cathedral.
Reviewed By laurabW3205XC - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
From outside it's only a church more, but from inside it's hughe. Photo permit costs around £2. There's a shop and a cafeteria inside, children's space and a wee secret place at the very end, it's a must see!
7. Edinburgh Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,961 reviews
Edinburgh's oldest neighborhood, dating back to medieval times: these small streets are lined with wool shops, pubs and historical monuments.
Reviewed By annemacmillan
When in Edinburgh you must visit The Old Town, .. See the Old Tenement Buildings.. Feel the History of this old Historical Town, with its cobbled streets....Take a walk along the Royal Mile, from the Castle to Holyrood Palace.. You can easily feel what it must've been like living in "Auld Reekie" centuries ago.. and hearing the words being shouted from the tenement windows "Gardy Loo" ..the warning that Waste was going to be thrown out the window...Visit Grassmarket.. and the weekend Farmers Markets... If you looking for souvenirs to take home you will definitely find them here, from the array of shops to choose from,.. if your looking for Cashmere, Whisky., Tablet or some nice Edinburgh Rock..You will find it all in the Old Town and much more.
8. National Library of Scotland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By f2s - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Most of the ?15 floors are below the street entry. Good cafe and fun shop with tables and chairs. Across the hall are small exhibition rooms always interesting.
9. 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.
10. 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.
