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Activities and Places to Visit in Edinburgh

(all the following suggestions are in the city centre or within a short bus ride)

Arthur's Seat - Enjoy the views from the summit of Edinburgh's very own volcano - in the heart of the city. 

Bike hire and personalised cycling tours - A memorable way to see more of the city or the countryside beyond, whether it's on a road, hybrid or e-bike.

Calton Hill - Centrally located, and famous for its historic monuments and inspiring views.

Camera Obscura - The oldest visitor attraction in town, and still one of the most popular for all ages.

Craigmillar Castle - One of the most perfectly preserved castles in Scotland and a frequent star of the silver screen.

Dynamic Earth - A 4D, time-travelling 5* visitor attraction telling the history of the planet's development.

Edinburgh Castle - Royal palace, battle site, treasury, prison, museum, weaponry and memorial - and one of Scotland's most popular attractions.

Edinburgh Gin Distillery - Their goal is to 'educate, excite and liberate' with all things gin.

Edinburgh's New Town - The neat and ordered grid to the north of the centre boasts spectacular buildings and streets of designer shops.

Edinburgh's Old Town - Dripping in atmosphere and history, with cobbled street, narrow alleys and hidden courtyards.

Edinburgh Zoo - From the panda house to the penguin parade, a great day out for all. 

Ghost Tour - A wide range of history walks and ghost tours, above ground or under, by day or by night.

Greyfriars Bobby and Kirkyard - World-famous for the little dog, multiple ghosts, and its influence on Harry Potter.  

Harry Potter Walking Tour - Discover the real-life sites that influenced the Potter phenomenon.

National Museum of Scotland - A wide range of world-class exhibitions, events and collections to explore.

Palace of Holyroodhouse - The Queen's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history.

Photography Tours and Workshops - From beginner to advanced amateur, hone your photography skills while discovering the famous landmarks and also the hidden gems of Edinburgh.

Royal Yacht Britannia - The Queen's former floating palace, and a 5* visitor attraction.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art - The country's leading collection of modern and contemporary art.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery - The story of Scotland displayed through its most famous faces.

The Real Mary King's Close - Explore an atmospheric warren of streets beneath the city centre

The Royal Botanic Gardens - One of the world's leading botanic gardens

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - A world-famous spectacle of military music and marching against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle

The Scotch Whisky Experience - Based at the top of the Royal Mile, learn all about the joys - and tastes - of Scotch whisky. 

The Scottish Parliament - Visit the seat of the country's government, in a showcase of modern architecture

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