Location: Southside & Holyrood
Top Things to do in Southside & Holyrood
The 6 Best Historic Sites in Southside & Holyrood, 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. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,500 reviews
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen. Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The Queen when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
Reviewed By mvidro - Washington DC, United States
We bought the "Royal Tour" entry, which entitled us to see Holyrood itself (with excellent headset guides and in-room docents for additional questions), a garden tour (EDWARD, our guide was great), and the Queen's Gallery around the corner (showing "Russia, Royalty & the Romanovs"). We spent roughly five hours touring the facility, including lunch in the cafe. Holyrood was one of the highlights of Edinburgh -- don't miss it!
2. 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.
3. McEwan Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By LothiansJack
Attended the performance of Ronnie Scott's jazz orchestra at Hogmanay which was excellent and showcased the interior of the hall. Previously I had attended graduations here so knew it was a lovely building but have to say it was a stunning concert venue.
4. St Anthony's Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Travelling_SE_Asia - St. Albans, United Kingdom
The history of the building is a bit shaky but they reckon this Chapel was built in the early 15th Cetuary (1400's) as in 1426 it was recorded that the Pope gave money for its repair. Very picturesque ruin with stunning views, situated in Holyrood Park
5. Abbey Sanctuary
6. 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.
