Edinburgh Things to Do Tips by musbars

Just walking around

Old cemetery

An old cemetery lying on Calton Hill in Edinburgh which opened in 1718 for the burial of tradesmen and merchants. It was extended in 1767, but divided by the building of Waterloo Place (1818). The larger part lies to the south of Waterloo Place and includes a number of grand and interesting memorials. An enormous obelisk by Thomas Hamilton (1784 - 1858) remembers the political martyrs of 1793, who were 'transported' for sedition. The classical monument to philosopher David Hume (1711-76) was built in 1777 by Robert Adam (1728-92) and the Emancipation Monument (1893), comprising a bronze of Abraham Lincoln with a grateful freed slave, remembers the Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War (1861-5).

Calton Hill Calton Hill Review

Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's main hills, set right in the city centre. It is unmistakable with its Athenian acropolis poking above the skyline.

Building began in 1822, but funds ran dry and celebrated Edinburgh architect William Playfair only got to see a facade of his building completed. It was dubbed "Edinburgh's shame" at the time (and some still say a reflection of the Edinburgh temperament - make your own conclusions), but it's now a popular landmark and it's a lot of fun crawling up and down its giant steps. Plans since to complete the building never really get much support.

The top of Calton hill is an excellent and usually quiet place to come on any day, with its grassy slopes and panoramic views of the city, including down the length of Princes street (the main shopping thoroughfare) and Edinburgh castle. There is a good view North of the ruddy-coloured cliffs of Salisbury Crags and the undulating slopes of Holyrood Park.

Edinburgh Castle Castle Review

This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War

The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.

In addition to guided tours provided by the castle stewards, there is an audio guide tour available in six languages. The audio tour takes the visitor on a tour around the castle, explains its architecture, and tells its dramatic history. This guide is available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese and German. The charge for Adults is £3.00, Concessions £2.00, Children £1.00

The Crown Jewel shop in the Royal Apartments offers exclusive lines of specially designed jewellery.

Directions: Castle Hill, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh

Church of Scotland St Giles Cathedral Review

Discover 1,000 years of history in the heart of Edinburgh. Founded in the 1120s, St Giles' was the church of John Knox during the Reformation and is often referred to as the 'Cradle of Presbyterianism'. Highlights of a visit include our beautiful stained glass windows. The impressive Rieger organ was installed in 1992 and the famous Thistle Chapel, home of the Knights of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's great order of chivalry designed by Robert Lorimer for the Order of the Thistle, was added in 1911

St Giles' is situated on the historic Royal Mile, halfway between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Volunteer guides are available to welcome visitors, answer questions and conduct guided tours on request. Groups are asked to book in advance and a donation of £1.00 per person is requested.

Address: Royal Mile

Directions: Royal Mile, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh

Nelson Monument Nelson Monument Review

Perched high on Calton Hill in the east end of the city centre, is the monument to Admiral Lord Nelson's victory, and death, at the battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. The upturned telescope was designed by the architect Robert Burn, and was built between 1807 and 1815.

In 1852, a large time ball was introduced, which is lowered as the one o'clock gun is fired from Edinburgh castle each day.

Climb this monument for stunning views over the city!

Address: Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Scott Monument Scott Monument Review

On the death of Sir Walter Scott in 1832, the great and good of the city came together to agree on a fitting monument to this outstanding Scottish literary figure. In 1836, an architectural competition was launched, inviting designs for an appropriate memorial. Two years later, the trustees approved the design submitted by George Meikle Kemp, and construction began in 1840.

Address: Princes Street Gardens East