Best historic in Edinburgh
8 places curated from 9 travel vlogs — the more a spot gets mentioned, the higher it ranks
Edinburgh Castle
Fortified birthplace of the city on Castle Rock, a royal residence and fort since the 11th century. The one o'clock gun is fired daily, and admission includes a guided tour past the Great Hall, Mary Queen of Scots' apartments, the crown jewels and the Mons Meg cannon.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
A historic graveyard that is a common stop for visitors. Harry Potter fans visit it to see the grave of Thomas Riddell, said to be the inspiration for Tom Riddle.
Scottish National War Memorial
Memorial inside Edinburgh Castle to Scottish soldiers lost in World War I and later British wars. Each bay is dedicated to a regiment, and its books of remembrance list the fallen.
St Margaret's Chapel
Edinburgh's oldest building, dating from around 1130, inside the castle. This tiny chapel still hosts baptisms and weddings.
Tron Kirk
A 17th-century church on the Royal Mile that closed in 1952. It now houses a small market that preserves its architecture.
St Anthony's Chapel
Ruins of a 15th-century chapel reached by a short side path off the Arthur's Seat trail. They overlook St Margaret's Loch.
Queen Mary's Bath House
A small building from around the 1560s, associated with Mary, Queen of Scots and possibly her bath house. It can be seen outside the palace without a ticket.
Canongate Kirkyard
One of Edinburgh's two most famous graveyards, very creepy at night on a ghost tour.