When you’ve lived in a city for years it can be easy to walk past its landmarks without really giving them a second thought; or worse still, not really see them at all (confession: I’m a long-time Edinburgh resident and I only visited the Castle for the first time last year… oh, the shame). But with August upon us, the streets will soon be filled with tourists, and chances are you may have some guests of your own coming to soak up the famous Festival atmosphere. This list of attractions might seem slightly tame, almost boring to you – but it certainly won’t bore those who are new to Edinburgh. We’ve chosen the unique and spectacular gems that make this a special place to live, as well as to visit. Isn’t it time you saw them in a new light?
Edinburgh Castle
This should be top of the agenda for any Edinburgh tourist worth their salt. It’s hard to miss the spectacular castle as it perches majestically above the old town, and the views from the top are absolutely unrivalled. Watch as the famous one o’clock gun is fired, then take a tour around the Great Hall, stopping along the way to admire the Stone of Destiny.
Camera Obscura
This popular attraction has been entertaining visitors to Edinburgh for 150 years – quite a feat for some relatively simple technology housed in a Victorian rooftop chamber. Audiences are given a 360° tour of Edinburgh with the help of a few mirrors, lenses and some daylight. It works like a giant pinhole camera and projects a stunning, real-time image of the city onto a large, concave, white table. You can even pick up pedestrians, cars and buses and see them crawl across your hands! An ideal way to see Edinburgh from an unusual perspective.
National Museum of Scotland
The museum is partially closed as part of the Royal museum refurbishment project, and won’t fully open until summer 2011. But fear not; the main Museum of Scotland displays are all in working order and are still well worth a visit for inquisitive tourists interested in the history of our country. There is lots to explore; from ancient fossils to pop culture, and the shop is the perfect place to buy unusual souvenirs and gifts.
Arthur’s Seat & Crags
A bracing walk up Arthur’s Seat and the Crags is always breathtaking (in both senses of the word), and is a great thing to do with visitors to the city. Pick a nice clear day for absolutely stunning panoramic views of the city and make your friends jealous of the fact you get to actually live here.
Scott Monument
Bill Bryson once described this as a ‘gothic rocket ship’ and it’s easy to see why. The 287 steps to the top platform may at first seem to be an intimidating prospect, but trust us, it’s worth it. Plus it’s been in loads of films about Edinburgh such as The Illusionist, and, errr, Death Defying Acts (what do you mean you haven’t heard of it?).
Scottish Parliament Building
The Scottish Parliament building is one of the most controversial developments in Edinburgh in recent years (apart from the trams, of course), but is also one of the most striking buildings in town. With its abstract shape and unique design features, the structure aims to represent a national identity, and symbolise the connection between nature and Scottish people. It tends to elicit a strong reaction from people. Take your guests down and get their views.
