First Visit to Edinburgh
If you’re planning on booking your first visit to Edinburgh, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to see and do. Our historic city is bursting with attractions, festivals, shops and pubs that cater for all. If you’re looking to enjoy some Edinburgh sightseeing, check out our rooms at Parliament House Hotel and enjoy a central stay. Whether you’re looking to book one week or two days in Edinburgh, here are some must-see sights to visit in Scotland’s capital.
Edinburgh Sightseeing on the Royal Mile
If you love shopping, history, pubs, cafes and sightseeing, you’re going to love the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Connecting the Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle, this mile-long road is made up of four streets. Here you’ll have access to High Street, Castlehill, Lawnmarket and Canongate, each boasting its own unique shops, cafes and sights. Here, you can visit the Scotch Whisky Experience on Castlehill, and sample the local tipple. Or, delve into Edinburgh’s history during a visit to St Giles’ Cathedral or Parliament Hall. Then, go shopping for souvenirs, before ending up in one of the pubs and bars for a well-deserved drink.
Edinburgh Castle
At the top of your Edinburgh itinerary should be a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Set atop the Castle Rock volcanic plug, this historic castle dominates the city’s skyline. Carry on walking up the Royal Mile and you’ll reach this magnificent fortress where royalty have lived and died. A major feature of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle boasts a history of more than 3,000 years. While taking a tour, you’ll see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, and some of the best views of our capital city. Why not book a stay at Parliament House Hotel and visit the castle for the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
A Night-time Ghost Tour
What better way to delve into Edinburgh’s past than with a tour of the city and its haunted sites? Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard where the city’s most famous spooky resident lives, the MacKenzie Poltergeist. Here, many sightings of George MacKenzie, a man who persecuted the Covenanters, have been witnessed over the decades. Next, visit Edinburgh Playhouse and you might see a sighting of Albert the Stagehand in his grey coat. Then, the Underground City is one of Edinburgh’s spookiest places with a series of dark streets, tunnels and vaults. Here, you might experience the eerie presence of the South Bridge poltergeist.
Harry Potter Shops
Edinburgh is said to have inspired the JK Rowling’s famous series of mystical wizard tales. If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series, you’ll want to visit the two shops during your Edinburgh sightseeing tour. Start your journey on the cobbled Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, and visit 40 Victoria Street with its plethora of Harry Potter memorabilia. Here, you’ll find Harry Potter lambswool scarves in your favourite house colours and other pieces of themed merchandise. Then, visit 42-44 Cockburn Street and browse Potter items like marauders maps and wonky wands.
National Museum of Scotland
One of the top places to visit in Edinburgh is the National Museum of Scotland. Here, you’ll be transported through Scotland’s natural world, fascinating history and modern times. In the Grand Gallery, watch the Millennium Clock come to life, before taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum. Then, discover Scotland’s science, technology, art, design and fashion and discover how Scottish life has changed over the centuries.
The Pubs
After visiting attractions, shopping and sightseeing, you’ll want to take a rest and plan what else to see in Edinburgh. So, why not stop at one of the city’s many pubs and sample delicious food, drink, and our friendly Scottish atmosphere? Book a room in our centrally located hotel and you’re just a short walk from Edinburgh’s best pubs and bars. You’ll find historic cosy pubs with open fires and local ales and chic bars with handcrafted cocktails and DJs.
So, now you know what there is to do when Edinburgh sightseeing. Now, take a look at our special offers and book your stay at Parliament House. Your first-time visit to Edinburgh will leave you wanting to come back to our beautiful city again and again.
‘Wonderful, charming hotel! We stayed at the Parliament House Hotel for five nights and absolutely loved it! The location is handy; we were able to walk to the Royal Mile and other places of interest. You can’t possibly find a nicer, more affordable, typical Scottish hotel anywhere in Edinburgh!’
– Tripadvisor Review
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