Edinburgh Essentials

The stops, in walking order

1. 1

   

   Stop 1: Calton Hill

   ~3 min here

   Calton Hill is an elevated landmark in central Edinburgh, and its slopes gather monuments, historic buildings, and broad city views.

2. 2

   

   Stop 2: Scott Monument

   ~3 min here

   The Scott Monument rises as a Victorian Gothic memorial to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, dominating the eastern section of Princes Street Gardens.

3. 3

   

   Stop 3: National Gallery

   ~1 hr here

   National Gallery is Scotland’s national art gallery, housed in William Henry Playfair’s neoclassical building on The Mound.

4. 4

   

   Stop 4: Edinburgh Castle

   ~3 min here

   Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress occupying Castle Rock, a volcanic remnant that has hosted human settlement since at least the Iron Age.

5. 5

   

   Stop 5: Greyfriars Bobby

   ~3 min here

   Greyfriars Bobby is a granite fountain carrying a life-size bronze statue of the dog it commemorates.

6. 6

   

   Stop 6: National Museum of Scotland

   ~1 hr here

   The National Museum of Scotland brings Scottish history and culture together with collections from across the world.

7. 7

   

   Stop 7: St Giles' Cathedral

   ~15 min here

   St Giles' Cathedral is a Gothic church, and its story reaches far beyond worship.

8. 8

   

   Stop 8: Mary King's Close

   ~3 min here

   Mary King's Close is an underground historic close beneath Edinburgh City Chambers, and it now forms a visitor attraction.

9. 9

   

   Stop 9: John Knox House

   ~3 min here

   John Knox House is a historic Edinburgh house associated by tradition with the Protestant reformer John Knox.

10. 10

    

    Stop 10: Palace of Holyroodhouse

    ~3 min here

    Palace of Holyroodhouse is the monarch’s official Scottish residence, and this royal complex has served as Scotland’s principal royal home since the 16th century.

More walks in Edinburgh

• HighlightsEdinburgh Essentials: The Royal Mile in an Hour6 stops · ~1 hr 45 min · 1.1 kmSee the walk
• Royal HeritageCanongate to Holyrood: The Royal End of the Mile8 stops · ~2 hr 10 min · 2.5 kmSee the walk
• Gardens & ViewsPrinces Street to Calton Hill: Monuments and Views8 stops · ~2 hr · 3.0 kmSee the walk
• Weird & UnusualDark Edinburgh: Closes, Vaults and Kirkyards6 stops · ~45 min · 1.8 kmSee the walk
• Hidden GemsNew Town to Dean Village and the Water of Leith6 stops · ~1 hr 20 min · 5.0 kmSee the walk
• Art & MuseumsGalleries and Museums of Edinburgh7 stops · ~5 hr 55 min · 3.6 kmSee the walk
• Food & DrinkWhisky, Oysters and Old Pubs4 stops · ~45 min · 2.6 kmSee the walk
• Nature & ViewsHolyrood Park: Arthur's Seat and Duddingston Loch4 stops · ~1 hr 15 min · 4.9 kmSee the walk
• Local LifeCowgate to the Meadows: Edinburgh's South Side5 stops · ~40 min · 1.8 kmSee the walk