Not only a capital city, Edinburgh is also the leading festival city in the world, home to the phenomenal summer festivals, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are plenty of things for visitors to do and see in and around Edinburgh. Your best resource will be the official Visit Scotland (external link) website.
You're never far from a cultural attraction in Edinburgh. Perhaps you'll scale a monument dedicated to a wordsmith, admire traditional and contemporary artworks in galleries, see treasured wonders in museums or explore the city's many royal connections? You might even want to hop on a sightseeing bus to see them all!
There's always time for a bit of retail therapy on Princes Street or George Street. And the evenings? Well, they could be filled with night-time tours, musical or theatre performances, or finding your favourite dram in a charming whisky pub.
And then there's that extinct volcano to climb (Arthur's Seat)…
Please find below a little 'taster menu'.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle (external link) is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction.
Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth (external link) - invites you to take a journey through time to witness the story of planet Earth. Situated at the foot of Edinburgh's spectacular Salisbury Crags.
A visit to Dynamic Earth is like nothing else on Earth. It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on a 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be embarking on the interactive adventure of a lifetime - the lifetime of our planet.
Scotch Whisky Experience - Visitor Attraction
Take a sensational journey (external link) through a replica distillery, before your expert guide imparts the secrets of the Whisky regions. Finally, you'll choose your perfect 'dram', and taste it in The World's Largest Whisky Collection. An experience for everyone. 20 Languages, Child-friendly exhibits and tailored tours, fully wheelchair accessible, Expert tour guides and whisky advisors are on hand throughout the experience to tailor make your visit and ensure the enjoyment of every member of your party.
Surgeons' Hall Museums
Surgeons' Hall Museums (external link) is an award winning Museum that is home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in the United Kingdom.
Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery (external link) is one of Scotland’s top free visitor attractions. It houses Scotland’s national collection of fine art from the early Renaissance to the end of the nineteenth century.
The Real Mary Kings Close
Explore uniquely preserved streets... Journey back in time and follow in the footsteps of former residents. Step down and explore the rooms, streets and spaces underneath the famous Royal Mile - a unique glimpse into the city's past, and Edinburgh's only preserved 17th century street. Experience over 400 years of history, and discover the stories of your character guide. From myths and legends, to the deadly plague epidemic, and a famous royal visitor - there's a myriad of tales just waiting to be told on this one hour guided tour (external link).
Ghostly Underground
The true history of the Blair Street Underground Vaults (external link) is terrifying enough – so abandon thoughts of manufactured frights and make-believe. The skill is in the storytelling: the vaults witnessed the deeds of mischief-makers and murderers, vagrants, and torturers. It’s one of Edinburgh’s most haunted sites, where restless spirits still tread.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland (external link) is one of the Top 10 UK visitor attractions, and in the Top 20 of the most visited museums and galleries in the world. It is also the venue of the Conference Dinner on 6 June 2019, where you will have exclusive access to some of its collections.
