What are the most famous landmarks in Edinburgh?

What are the top landmarks to visit in Edinburgh?

If you are visiting Edinburgh for the first time, some of the city’s best-known landmarks include:

Edinburgh Castle, the city’s historic fortress on Castle Rock
The Royal Mile, the historic route through Edinburgh’s Old Town
Calton Hill, one of the city’s most recognisable viewpoints
The Scottish Parliament Building, a distinctive modern Edinburgh landmark
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland
Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags, Edinburgh’s best-known natural landmarks
The Forth Bridges, three striking crossings over the Firth of Forth
Portobello Beach, Edinburgh’s popular seaside and promenade

Some of these landmarks are close enough to combine in one day, while others are better explored as part of a wider Edinburgh and East Lothian break.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is arguably the most famous landmark in Edinburgh. Sitting high above the city on Castle Rock, the historic fortress dominates the Edinburgh skyline and is one of the capital’s best-known visitor attractions.

The castle is home to the Honours of Scotland, also known as the Scottish Crown Jewels, and the Stone of Destiny. Visitors can also see the Royal Palace, Mons Meg and the Scottish National War Memorial. The One O’clock Gun has been fired from the castle since 1861 and is still fired daily at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Edinburgh Castle also provides the backdrop for the Edinburgh Tattoo, which takes place on the castle's esplanade each summer.

Tickets can sell out in advance, particularly during busy periods, so it is worth booking before your visit.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile runs through Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle at one end with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other.

Although it is not a single landmark, the Royal Mile is one of the most recognisable parts of Edinburgh. Its historic streets are lined with traditional shops, places to eat, visitor attractions and centuries-old buildings.

As you explore, look out for the narrow closes and passageways leading away from the main street. The route also passes several well-known Edinburgh sights, including St Giles’ Cathedral and the Scottish Parliament Building.

Walking the Royal Mile is a good way to explore several of Edinburgh’s historic landmarks in one visit. However, there is plenty to see along the way, so allow time to stop rather than treating it purely as a route between the castle and Holyrood.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is one of the best-known viewpoints in Edinburgh and forms part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located close to the eastern end of Princes Street, the hill provides views across the city and is a popular place for photography. It is particularly recognisable at sunset, when the skyline and Edinburgh’s historic buildings can be seen from above.

Calton Hill is home to several monuments, including the National Monument, which was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens but was never completed. Other landmarks on the hill include the Dugald Stewart Monument, Nelson Monument and the Political Martyrs’ Monument.

The City Observatory has also been restored as part of Collective Gallery, a contemporary art centre with exhibition space.

Calton Hill even appears in the Drummohr logo, reflecting the holiday park’s connection with nearby Edinburgh

The Scottish Parliament Building

The Scottish Parliament Building sits at the lower end of the Royal Mile, close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags.

Opened in 2004, it is one of Edinburgh’s newer landmarks. The building was designed by Spanish architect Enric Miralles using a combination of steel, oak and granite. Its unusual shapes, windows and rooflines give it a very different appearance from the historic buildings found elsewhere along the Royal Mile.

Visitors can enter the public areas of the building, and guided tours may be available depending on parliamentary business. Check the Scottish Parliament website before visiting for current access and tour information.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle.

Also known as Holyrood Palace, it is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. The palace is closely connected with Scottish royal history, particularly Mary, Queen of Scots.

Visitors can explore areas including the State Apartments, the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots and the remains of Holyrood Abbey. The palace also has gardens set against the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat.

Because it is located beside the Scottish Parliament Building and Holyrood Park, the palace can easily be included in a day exploring the eastern end of the Royal Mile.

Opening arrangements can change when the palace is in official use, so it is advisable to check before travelling.

Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags

Arthur’s Seat is one of the most famous natural landmarks in Edinburgh. Located within Holyrood Park, it is the city’s highest hill at 251 metres and offers panoramic views across Edinburgh and beyond.

The hill is part of an ancient volcanic landscape and can be seen from many areas of the city. It is a popular place for walking, with several different routes leading through Holyrood Park and towards the summit.

Nearby Salisbury Crags provide another dramatic feature in the Edinburgh landscape. The crags can be explored without walking all the way to the top of Arthur’s Seat, making them another option for visitors who want to experience the park.

Routes across Arthur’s Seat include steep and uneven ground, so suitable footwear is recommended. Weather conditions can also change quickly on exposed sections of the hill.

Nobody knows for certain where the name Arthur’s Seat came from. It is sometimes linked to the legend of King Arthur, although other explanations have also been suggested.

The Forth Bridges

The three Forth Bridges cross the Firth of Forth between the Lothians and Fife at Queensferry.

The Forth Bridge

The red Forth Bridge is the most recognisable of the three crossings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1883, and the railway bridge opened in 1890.

Its distinctive steel structure stretches for approximately 2.5 kilometres across the Firth of Forth and remains a working railway bridge.

The phrase “like painting the Forth Bridge” was traditionally used to describe a task that never ends. This referred to the idea that, by the time painters reached one end of the bridge, it was time to begin again.

The Forth Road Bridge

The Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964. It was the first long-span suspension bridge built in the UK and carried road traffic across the Firth of Forth for more than 50 years.

Today, the bridge is used by public transport and other authorised vehicles, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.

The Queensferry Crossing

The Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017 and is the newest of the three bridges. Its three towers and cable-stayed design have created another distinctive addition to the Firth of Forth skyline.

You can see the bridges from viewpoints around North and South Queensferry, cross the Forth by train or take a boat trip underneath them with operators such as Forth Tours and Maid of the Forth.

Viewing all three bridges together is one of the most memorable sights near Edinburgh.

Portobello Beach

Portobello Beach offers a different side to Edinburgh. Located a few miles from the city centre, it has a long sandy beach, seaside promenade and views across the Firth of Forth.

The promenade is lined with Georgian and Victorian architecture, while Portobello High Street has independent shops, cafés and places to eat. The area also hosts a monthly market in Brighton Park.

Edinburgh Leisure Turkish Bath is a Victorian swimming pool with Turkish baths, adding to the area’s traditional seaside character.

A visit to Portobello can be combined with time exploring Edinburgh or included as part of a wider city-and-coast break. It is also conveniently located for guests travelling between Edinburgh and Drummohr.

Which Edinburgh Landmarks Can You Visit in One Day?

Several famous Edinburgh landmarks are concentrated in and around the Old Town.

One possible walking route begins at Edinburgh Castle before continuing down the Royal Mile towards the Scottish Parliament Building and Palace of Holyroodhouse. From there, you can explore Holyrood Park or walk towards Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags.

Calton Hill is also within walking distance of the city centre and can be added to the route if you have enough time.

The Forth Bridges and Portobello Beach are farther away from Edinburgh’s main Old Town attractions, so it may be better to visit these separately or as part of a longer stay.

Trying to see every landmark in one day could make the visit feel rushed. If possible, choose the places that interest you most and leave time to explore them properly.#

Where to Stay When Visiting Edinburgh’s Famous Landmarks

After a day exploring Edinburgh, Drummohr offers a quieter base close to the city and the East Lothian coast.

Located just outside Musselburgh, approximately 10 miles from Edinburgh city centre, the holiday park has bus and train connections for travelling into the capital.

Accommodation options include:

Holiday lodges with hot tubs, with two and three-bedroom options
Glamping pods & bothies, suitable for year-round stays
Touring & tents, for guests bringing their own accommodation

Staying outside the city gives you the flexibility to explore Edinburgh’s landmarks while also discovering Musselburgh, Portobello and the wider East Lothian coast.

Whether you want to visit Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile, climb Arthur’s Seat or see the Forth Bridges, Drummohr provides a comfortable base for a city-and-coast break.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous landmark in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Castle is arguably the city’s most recognisable landmark. It sits above Edinburgh on Castle Rock and is home to the Honours of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the One O’Clock Gun and several historic buildings.

What landmarks should I see on my first visit to Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill are good places to start. Together, they provide a mix of Edinburgh’s history, architecture and city views.

Can you visit Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat on the same day?

It is possible to visit Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat on the same day, particularly if you travel between them along the Royal Mile. However, you should allow enough time for the castle visit and the walk up Arthur’s Seat. If you prefer a more relaxed visit, consider exploring them on separate days.

Are Edinburgh's landmarks within walking distance of each other?

Many central Edinburgh landmarks are within walking distance of each other. Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Scottish Parliament Building and Palace of Holyroodhouse can all be included in one walking route.