Location: Old Town
Top Things to do in Old Town
The 10 Best Architectural Buildings in Old Town, Scotland
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. Scottish Poetry Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
The SPL is one of three poetry libraries in the UK, but the only one to be independently constituted and housed, with a collection that covers 45,000 items. It is the only poetry house in the world to have an extensive lending library at its core. It is housed in an award-winning building. A magical experience for anyone interested in Scotland's literature.
Reviewed By 227ianc - London, United Kingdom
One of the joys of exploring cities which you think you know is discovering something new. I once lived in Edinburgh and used to visit quite frequently after that, but I only discovered the Scottish Poetry Library on my latest visit when I was walking up from Holyrood Road to the Royal Mile through a narrow close which also contains the offices of the Scottish National Party and the European Union in Scotland. What an asset! A traditional library, full of books, but here focused on poetry, and Scottish Poetry in particular, set in a light spacious inviting new building where visitors are invited to explore, relax and enjoy poetry, old and new. It also holds a number of events in its upstairs space and has spaces designed for younger readers. The staff were very friendly and welcoming in this unique asset for Edinburgh and Scotland.
2. Milne’s Court
3. Castle Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
This massive rock towering over Edinburgh is the setting for Edinburgh Castle and serves as one of the most defining symbols of Scottish history.
Reviewed By pasowine - Paso Robles, United States
What a rock - no wonder the Castle was so strategic! An absolute must see in Edinburgh. In fact, the rock dominates the skyline from just about everywhere in Edinburgh. So much to see and do, from the moment you start walking up the Royal Mile to the Castle at the top of the Castle Rock. Don't miss the included guided tours and audio self-tour at the Castle as well.
4. Magdalen Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
I spotted this chapel as I walked down Cowgate towards the Grassmarket. I am really glad that I noticed it and it was open to visitors. The Magdalen Chapel is a 16th century chapel located almost beneath the George IV bridge in the Cowgate in the Old Town of Edinburgh. The chapel was built between 1541 and 1544. It was bequeathed by Michael MacQueen and also his wife Janet Rynd who is buried within. A semi-circular wooden platform was installed at the east end around 1615 and the layout of the Chapel was altered. The tower and spire were added about 1620. The stained glass in the middle window of the south wall features the Royal Arms of Scotland and the Arms of Mary of Guise. It is the only intact pre-Reformation stained glass window in Scotland. The Victorian façade obscures the ancient stonework. An inscription over the door reads 'He that hath pity upon the poore lendeth unto the Lord and the Lord will recompence him that which he hath given''. Architects Simpson and Brown undertook a major restoration programme in 1992/93. It is now the headquarters of the Scottish Reformation Society. A small but really interesting chapel worth seeing.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. North Bridge Arcade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
North Bridge Arcade is a beautiful, covered shopping arcade. It connects North Bridge with Cockburn Street . This Victorian passage is one of the few objects that type, we can see in Scotland now. Built in 1900 and features original shop windows with bowed plate glass. You can also see coffered ceilings and a beautiful dome with stained glass windows. A beautiful, historic place.
8. The Scottish Parliament
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,782 reviews
The Scottish Parliament building is currently closed to visitors. Information on the parliament can be accessed through our website. Parliamentary business and debates can be viewed online. In the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Scottish Parliament building opened in 2004 and has since welcomed over 3 million visitors. Usually open from Monday to Saturday, visitors can join a free guided tour or see parliament in action, depending on which day you visit (booking essential). Discover the parliament through our exhibition, and enjoy our cafe and shop. A free creche is also available, Monday to Friday. We look forward to welcoming you to this 'landmark for 21st century democracy'.
Reviewed By A_Saunterer - Missoula, United States
If you're interested in the Scottish Parliament Buildings' design and purposes, going inside to walk through the exhibits and talk to the people at reception is very worthwhile. Some of the architectural motifs that Enric Miralles used--like the "vesica," or lens-, boat-, leaf-like shape--speak to most anyone, but some of the other design elements built into the interior and exterior aren't as easy to read. The exhibits explain these parts of the buildings and much more, and, if you want to take part in a tour or sit in the public gallery during proceedings in the Debating Chamber, the staff at reception will help you find what will fit into your schedule. You may need to return on a subsequent day to do one of these, so plan ahead. We felt grateful for the models and other exhibits about the landscaping and buildings themselves, but the exhibits about the spirit and work of the Parliament were what, in the end, affected us most. Passages from the poems of Edwin Morgan and Jackie Kay on the walls led first to looking up the source poems once we were home and then to a lot of thought. There's a wealth of information to read and learn in these exhibits, and it seems very valuable spend time absorbing what you can of it.
9. Waterloo Place
10. Royal Scottish Academy
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 75 reviews
Formed in 1826, The Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture has a proud tradition of promoting excellence in contemporary art in Scotland. Led by eminent artists and architects the Academy has re-established itself as a leading organisation for the visual arts in Scotland, and has successfully garnered a reputation for the strength of its engaging and diverse exhibitions and the fantastic opportunities it offers both established and emerging artists.
Reviewed By 227ianc - London, United Kingdom
The building, built by the architect William Henry Playfair in 1822-6 and extended in 1831-6 for the Board of Manufactures and Fisheries, is one of those classical buildings which contributed to the reputation of Edinburgh as the 'Athens of the North'. The Academy supports contemporary arts in Scotland and today the buiding is connected into the National Galleries of Scotland Building at the rear which gives it flexibilty in the way that it shows exhibitions I visited in late February when the Academy was housing the 2020 edition of 'New Contemporaries' - showing a selection of the best new talent in Scotland from the 2019 degree shows at universities and art schools in a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, film-making, photography, printmaking, installation, performance and architecture. The art was varied - reflecting the world outside - with some comfortable, some challenging. For me, the architectural projects - rooted in reality - were the best.
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