E dinburgh is one of the most striking and historic cities to visit, with gorgeous architecture and a brooding charm found nowhere else. As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh boasts a rich and fascinating history, dating back to the 7th century.

Edinburgh's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an extinct volcano, and the Royal Mile, a medieval street lined with beautiful architecture, shops, and restaurants.

But Edinburgh isn't just about history and heritage, though, it is found in abundance. The city is also celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, with the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe taking place every August.

Foodie also love Edinburgh, thanks to its thriving restaurant scene that combines traditional Scottish cuisine with modern twists. And of course, you can't leave without trying some haggis, neeps, and tatties, a traditional and delicious Scottish dish.

So, whether you're in Edinburgh for just 48 hours or considering it for a longer break, you'll be sure to find something that piques your interest. We've listed the top spots and must-see places in the Scottish capital, to make your city break planning that little bit easier!

Edinburgh Castle has dominated the Edinburgh skyline for centuries with parts of the castle dating back as far as the 12th century. The Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510, the Half Moon Battery was built by Regent Morton in the late 16th century and the Scottish National War Memorial was built just after the First World War. You simply cannot visit Edinburgh without taking a trip to the famous castle.

Edinburgh Castle also houses the Honours (the crown jewels of Scotland) and the Stone of Destiny (an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy). The castle is large enough to spend at least 2 hours walking around exploring the history and heritage. For first time visitors it is recommended to take a guided tour which includes all the major points of interest. These tours range in time and offer visitors the choice of prioritising what they’d like to see.

Admission to the castle starts at £19.50 for adults . You can book a guided tour whilst at the castle, amble around yourself or purchase an audio tour to listen directly from your phone.

The National Museum of Scotland is home to several beautiful collections relating to Scottish antiques, culture and history. The museum houses a vast collection of artefacts that tell the story of Scotland's history, from its geological beginnings to the present day. Visitors can explore the diverse exhibits on offer, including the Scotland galleries, which showcase the country's rich cultural heritage through a range of interactive displays and fascinating objects.

The museum can be found in the gorgeous old town of Edinburgh. Inside you’ll find soaring pillars, high windows and a light-filled atrium. As well as some truly remarkable exhibitions surrounding Scottish history and archeology, world culture and the animal world.

In addition to its historical exhibits, the museum is also home to a range of science and technology galleries, featuring interactive displays on subjects such as space exploration, robotics, and renewable energy.

The Grand Gallery is a must see when visiting the museum, holding some of Scotland’s most extraordinary collections. Entry to the museum is free and there’s no need to book.

Arthur’s Seat is the highest point of an extinct volcano and offers the most spectacular views over the whole of Edinburgh. The walk to the seat is around 2 hours and there are some more beginner friendly routes to the top.

The hike to the seat can be strenuous so make sure you’re wearing comfortable and appropriate clothing and shoes. The walk to the summit is worth the effort for some magnificent views across Edinburgh.

Arthur’s Seat is at the end of the Royal Mile, in the gorgeous Holyrood Park. Arthur’s Seat is also the site of a large and well preserved ancient fort with one of four hill forts dating from around 2000 years ago.

Within the park, you’ll also be able to visit St Anthony’s Chapel, a 15th century medieval chapel, Salisbury Crags, a series of 150 foot cliff faces overlooking Edinburgh’s skyline, and the beautiful Duddingston Loch, a freshwater loch rich in local wildlife, especially birds.

Holyrood Palace , located at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Scottish history, architecture, and culture. As the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, it has been home to Scottish royalty throughout the centuries, and today serves as a popular tourist attraction.

When visiting the palace you’ll find an abundance of things to do, including tours of the palace's state apartments and the Queen's Gallery, which showcases works of art from the Royal Collection. The palace's architecture, which features a mix of medieval and Renaissance styles, is also a highlight of any visit.

Additionally, the palace is surrounded by stunning gardens and grounds that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. You’ll be able to spot views of Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags from the palace's gardens, as well as exploring the ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey.

The walk from the city centre to Holyrood Palace is relatively easy and takes around 20 minutes from the bottom of the Royal Mile.

Lauriston Castle and Gardens stand as yet another splendid facet of Edinburgh's enchanting landscape, representing another one of the city's museum sites.

The Castle became a museum in 1926 and has been maintained and managed by Museums & Galleries Edinburgh who continue to maintain the castle’s Edwardian decor which remains unchanged from nearly 100 years ago when the last residents moved out. There are a variety of collections displayed within the museum.

Keep a keen eye for the beautiful mezzotint engravings, Sheffield plate, and the Chinese and Dutch blue and white ceramics which were all fashionable collector’s items of the period.

Stroll around the house and enjoy a specialist guided tour within the castle before venturing outside to explore the elegant Japanese gardens in some brisk Scottish sunshine. Finish off your visit with a spot of cake and a hot drink at Mimi’s Bakehouse found onsite.

The Royal Mile is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Edinburgh. This historic street runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is steeped in centuries of Scottish history and culture.

Stroll around like a local and enjoy the Royal Mile and its vast selection of shops. You'll find everything from traditional Scottish souvenirs and beautiful tartan textiles to contemporary fashion boutiques and artisan food and drink shops. You can also explore a number of historic buildings along the way, such as St Giles' Cathedral and the Scottish Parliament for the complete tour of Edinburgh.

The walk along the Royal Mile is just over a mile long, and it's a relatively easy stroll that can be completed in an hour or two. However, if you take the time to explore some of the side streets and hidden alleyways, you could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring this fascinating and historical area of Edinburgh.

While on the Royal Mile, you can also expect to catch stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat, street performers showcasing their talents, and a wide variety of pubs, cafes, and restaurants serving up traditional Scottish grub. You may also encounter the occasional bagpiper, adding to the authentic Scottish atmosphere!

The Scottish Monument, also known as the National Monument of Scotland, is a striking landmark that offers a unique perspective on Edinburgh's rich history and culture. This impressive, almost gothic structure is located on Calton Hill in the heart of the city. The monument was built to commemorate the Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars.

The monument itself is a great sight to behold, with its towering columns and sweeping views of the city below. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for even more breathtaking views of Edinburgh.

In addition to the monument itself, there are a number of other attractions to enjoy on Calton Hill, including the Old Observatory , the Nelson Monument , and the City Observatory . The hill also provides a beautiful setting for a leisurely stroll or picnic, with panoramic views of the city in every direction.

The walk up to the Scottish Monument is relatively short but steep, so visitors should be prepared for a bit of a climb. However, the views and experience are well worth the effort. Additionally, the monument is located near several other popular Edinburgh attractions, such as the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens, making it easy to incorporate into your city break itinerary.