Most Scenic Places In Edinburgh: Edinburgh is not just a city but the very heart of Scotland, famous for its remarkable beauty. The historical stories attached to every stone and street of the city are what make the city even more fascinating. However, the true magic of Edinburgh is the scenic splendor of the Scottish capital that features volcanic hills, historic architecture, and sceneries that are widely known as the most beautiful places all across the globe. If you are someone who is visiting Edinburgh for the first time and wishes to know about the most scenic spots of the city, the following article is for you. It brings you a detailed guide to the most scenic places in Edinburgh.
1. Calton Hill
Calton Hill is often considered one of the most scenic spots for visitors who wish to enjoy nature’s beauty and witness Edinburgh’s historical splendor at the same time. The hill is not as high as Arthur’s Seat but offers you a view of all the major landmarks of the Castle. Calton Hill also features various monuments like the Nelson Monument, City Observatory, Dugald Stewart Monument, and much more. The best time to visit Calton Hill is at the time of sunrise or sunset. This is because the stunning skyline of Edinburgh looks even more beautiful when the city is bathed with a golden hue.
2. Edinburgh Castle
If you are someone who is visiting the Scottish capital for the first time, your visit is incomplete if you don’t witness the splendid glory of Edinburgh Castle. The enormous castle, which is situated on top of the extinct volcano, is not only historically significant but also offers sceneries that will leave an imprint on your heart and mind. You can actually see the Royal Mile that leads to the Holyrood Palace from Edinburgh Castle. The castle in itself is an architectural marvel that will definitely offer multiple snap-worthy angles.
3. Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is considered one of the most popular and scenic places in Edinburgh that connects the iconic Edinburgh Castle with the Holyrood Palace. If you are someone who wants to witness the historical glory of Edinburgh, this is the place for you. It features some of the most beautiful architectural wonders of Edinburgh including the Scottish Parliament House and the St Giles’ Cathedral. It also offers the famous Arthur’s Seat as the background for your pictures. The mile-long street also has multiple closes branching off from it that lead to beautiful courtyards and gardens.
4. Holyrood Palace
The Holyrood Palace is also considered the best place to visit if you are looking for scenic beauty in Edinburgh. It not only features stunning architecture that represents the historical significance of the palace but also beautiful gardens that surround the palace making it one of the most scenic places in the city. The palace also has the ruins of Holyrood Abbey right adjacent to it which makes it all the more worth a visit. Holyrood Palace also has the stunning natural beauty of the Holyrood Park in the background.
5. Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is located 251 meters above sea level, which offers visitors a stunning view of the city of Edinburgh. You can easily spot some of the most famous landmarks of Edinburgh, like Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Royal Mile, Calton Hill, and more from Arthur’s Seat. It is situated in the center of Holyrood Park that offers you a stunningly beautiful backdrop, featuring grass slopes and rock mountains. The hike up to Arthur’s Seat is pretty easy as it has well-defined walkable paths for an easy climb.
6. St Giles’ Cathedral
If you are someone who’s a fan of Gothic architecture, St Giles’ Cathedral is what you’ll like the most in Edinburgh. The architectural wonder features pointing arches along with high ceilings that will leave you in awe. It also features the iconic crown spire which acted as the symbol of the Scottish monarchy. The Cathedral also features various statues and beautiful carvings on the outside that make it even more beautiful. It also has the Thistle Chapel which has a gold-leaf ceiling. The historical significance, as well as the architectural beauty of the St Giles’ Cathedral, makes it one of the most scenic places in Edinburgh.
7. National Museum Of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is also one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Edinburgh. If you are someone who wishes to learn more about the history of Scotland and witness the stunning views of Edinburgh city, this is the place for you. The rooftop terrace of the 7th floor of the museum offers you a perfect and snap-worthy view of the most popular landmarks of the city. It is also considered another one of the architectural wonders of Edinburgh that combines the old Victorian style architecture with modern elegance. The interior of the museum is also designed to catch the eye of the visitors.
8. Prince Street Gardens
The main reason why Prince Street Gardens are included in the list of the most scenic places in Edinburgh is because it offers you a stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. In addition to that, the greenery and serenity of the Prince Street Gardens will definitely make nature lovers smile. It features several widely famous monumental structures including the Scott Monument, the Ross Fountain, the Floral Clock, and so much more.
9. Water Of Leith Walkway
The 12-mile-long Water of Leith Walkway is considered one of the most scenic places in Edinburgh. It is known for its serenity and snap-worthy landscapes. You can spot various historically significant monuments including the St Bernard’s Well and the old mills. If wildlife excites you, the Walkaway also has something for you. You can easily spot species of birds or even otters during your walk. It also features various artistic installations that will interest art lovers.
10. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is simply heaven for those who wish to enjoy the natural scenic beauty in Edinburgh. It features around 13,000 living species along with a total of 35,000 kinds of plants. The garden also has a total of 10 glasshouses and the breathtakingly beautiful Rock Garden. It also has several spots that will offer you a beautiful view of the Edinburgh skyline. The gardens are going to leave you in awe no matter which season you visit them in. In case you visit in Spring, you’ll get to witness the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom. On the other hand, a visit in the cold months will offer you an opportunity to witness Winter Snowdrop blooming.
