Location: Cowgate
Top Things to do in Cowgate
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9 Monuments & Statues 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. 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.
2. William Henry Playfair Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By anoomk
This statue is outside the National Museum of Scotland. William Henry Playfair is considered one of the greatest architects of the 19th century and is the brains behind many of Edinburgh's neo-classical landmarks.
3. 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
4. Statue James Braidwood
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Travelling_SE_Asia - St. Albans, United Kingdom
One of many statues dotted around Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Situated near ther entrance to Parliament Square just behind St Giles Cathedral. Complements the aesthetic of the area well.
5. Estatua David Hume
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By permia
Overseeing busy High Street, the eminent philosopher and Enlightenment thinker would no doubt have fascinating observations and comments on modern day city life. It was interesting to learn that because of his beliefs Hume never held an academic post. In fact there was a significant amount of public hostility to his published atheism. A feature of the monument is the shiny toe of the great man. Apparently philosophy students from afar come to rub the toe in the hope that good luck and wisdom will be imparted from the master. Somewhat ironic given that Hume advocated that philosophical reason can counter superstition.
6. Charles II. Monument
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Travelling_SE_Asia - St. Albans, United Kingdom
Located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, in Parliament Square on the Royal Mile, the Equestrian Statue of Charles II is situated behind St Giles Cathedral. A bronze statue on a stone plinth, in a really picturesque area of Edinburgh.
7. Adam Smith Statue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
Adam Smith was Scottish thinker and philosopher, author of ''Research on the nature and causes of the wealth of nations'' , which was one of the first attempts to systematize knowledge about the history of industrial and trade development in Europe. His works are among the most famous and appreciated studies on the market economy, capitalism and liberalism. Smith was a multi-faceted thinker and one of the most educated Britons of the eighteenth century. You'll find it while walking around the Royal Mille, so it's a place not to be missed when visiting Edinburgh.
8. Mercat Cross
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By anoomk
While walking the Royal Mile, keep an eye on the Mercat Cross, an old Marketplace structure which is definitely one of the Old Town main sights. A large octagonal stone structure, topped with a unicorn, the national animal of Scotland. It was first erected to display a burghs right to trade, as well as acting as a gathering place for townsfolk to hear important public announcements and were once known as the dreaded theatre of public punishment. Nowadays, it's a main tourist attractions and important announcements.
