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Attractions

Edinburgh has a host of fabulous attractions, from iconic Edinburgh Castle to the National Museum of Scotland, great theatres offering excellent shows to the activity sport centres and outdoor attractions.

the ruins of Craigmillar Castle and the branches of a tree, illuminated by the fading sunlight

Craigmillar Castle

visitors admire the Concorde Experience exhibition at the National Museum of Flight, East Fortune, East Lothian

the Concorde Experience at the National Museum of Flight

The Playhouse theatre lit up at night

Playhouse Theatre during the Edinburgh International Festival

inside the National Museum of Scotland

inside the National Museum of Scotland © Kenny Lam

Castles

All the castles in Edinburgh and the Lothians have a different story to tell, whether it’s about the Stone of Destiny, the difficult life of Mary Queen of Scots or one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Crichtons.

looking over Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens west to Edinburgh Castle

Museums

Edinburgh and the Lothians are blessed with all the fascinating museums you would expect. See T-Rex at the National Museum of Scotland, Concorde at the National Museum of Flight and Steiff Bears at the world’s only dedicated Museum of Childhood.

the Tyrannosaurus Rex in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Most-visited attractions

If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration about where to visit next in Edinburgh and the Lothians, have a browse through some of the most visited attractions and see why they attract such big crowds.

the animal world gallery in the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh

See more with the Edinburgh Pass

Experience quick and hassle-free entrance to over 35 top attractions and save money at the same time with the Edinburgh Pass - the essential sightseeing pass for visitors to Edinburgh and the Lothians.

A close up of an Edinburgh pass card

Theatres

Edinburgh and the Lothians offer a fantastic variety of productions staged in amazing theatres. Settle down in a comfy chair and enjoy work by big companies such as Scottish Opera and the National Theatre of Scotland or see leading amateur performances.

the exterior of the Playhouse, Edinburgh, at night

Historic houses and palaces

Step inside Edinburgh and the Lothians’ most magnificent historic houses and palaces and see the birthplace and the home of Mary Queen of Scots, the striking grand home of the Hope family at Hopetoun House and the home of one of Scotland’s oldest families.

looking through the trees across the loch to the substanital ruins of Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian

Galleries

Edinburgh has a collection of fantastic art galleries which feature fine and modern art, portraits and contemporary work. Look out for pieces by Raphael, Monet, Picasso and other great artists from the early Renaissance to the modern day.

the grand exterior of the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art Two, Edinburgh

Entertainment

Edinburgh and the Lothians offers great entertainment with comedy and films shown across the region at great clubs and cinemas. From local comedians to big names, blockbusters to world films, you’ll find somewhere new to go every night.

the exterior of the Fountain Park cinema complex during the Edinburgh International Film Festival

Churches and cathedrals

Explore the churches and cathedrals of Edinburgh and the Lothians and you’ll discover beautiful buildings with their Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows - some are so fascinating, they’ve even been featured in movies!

looking across the Royal Mile cobbles to St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh

Parks, gardens, nature and open spaces

Explore the city of Edinburgh and uncover gems such as the Royal Botanic Garden and the Meadows, or head into the Lothians and discover a region which boasts beautiful countryside, beaches and country parks.

Yellowcraigs Beach

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Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.

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