Most Famous Landmarks in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year. There’s a beauty here that stems from its abundant nature, its history, its architecture, and the warmth of its people. The city honours many notable figures who have shaped Scotland - real, fictional, and even canine!

Around every corner, you’ll discover a fascinating historic building or monument. Join CrossCountry and uncover the stories behind the most famous landmarks in Edinburgh.

Scott Monument

As you exit Edinburgh Waverley, your first destination has to be the Scott Monument, just a short walk away. Towering 200 feet over Princes Street Gardens, this gothic marvel is a tribute to the great writer, Sir Walter Scott. After he died in 1832, a competition took place to design a monument that would honour his legacy.

A self-taught architect, George Meikle Kemp, impressed the judges with his plans and was awarded the contract to construct what, today, is the second-largest monument to a writer in the world. Sitting inside the monument is a marble statue of Sir Walter Scott and his dog, Maida. Visitors can climb a series of spiral staircases to experience some fantastic views of central Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle (Caisteal Dhùn Èideann) has lived many lives, from its beginnings as an Iron Age stronghold to the sanctuary of the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in Britain. Sitting atop the plug of an extinct volcano, this ancient castle is Scotland’s most popular ticketed tourist attraction, bringing in nearly two million visitors in 2024.

There’s plenty to see and do on a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Learn about the castle’s role during the Wars of Independence, marvel at grand banquet halls adorned with medieval swords, shields, axes, and armour, and explore the dark and dingy Victorian prisons.

Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit attraction in Edinburgh, proudly earning its spot as one of the most famous landmarks in the UK. You can get there on foot from the train station in ten minutes, though be aware that it’s uphill all the way. 

St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral has been welcoming worshippers for over 900 years. Six minutes walking distance from Edinburgh Waverley, the building is an astounding example of bygone architectural mastery. The technicolour brilliance of the stained glass, the meticulous detail in the stunning ceiling, and the grandeur of its vast hall all point to St Giles’ being one of the most important historical sites in Edinburgh.

St Giles’ offers daily walking tours that allow visitors to delve deeper into the cathedral’s history and impact. Alternatively, you can pay a visit during their opening hours and quietly reflect on the beauty around you without a guide.

Forth Bridge

The Forth Bridge is a striking red railway bridge that crosses the Firth of Forth from South Queensferry to North Queensferry. The bridge was opened in 1890 by King Edward VII (though he was a Duke at the time), and it boasts the world’s second-longest single cantilever span.

The Forth Bridge is a great idea for a day trip from Edinburgh. You can catch a bus from Edinburgh Waverley to South Queensferry, where you’ll find a range of viewpoints to really appreciate the impressiveness of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The harbour and colourful streets of South Queensferry, plus the interesting surrounding islands, make for a very interesting hidden gem destination.

Greyfriars Bobby Fountain

The tale of Greyfriars Bobby is equal parts charming and tragic. When John Gray, a night watchman and Bobby’s owner, passed away, the little dog remained faithfully by his master’s grave for fourteen years until his own death in 1872. A year later, the Greyfriars Bobby Fountain was erected at the corner of Candlemakers Row in his memory.

More than 150 years later, Greyfriars Bobby’s steadfast loyalty continues to touch the hearts of people all over the world. His story has been told in books and movies, and he has been memorialised with a statue once more, closer to his actual burial site in Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery.  

When you visit the fountain, you’ll notice that the little statue’s nose has been worn smooth. This is due to a modern trend in which tourists believe that rubbing the nose brings good luck. However, it’s best to resist the temptation, as the practice has already caused noticeable damage and wear. 

Sherlock Holmes Statue

Did you know that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, was born in Edinburgh? Head to Picardy Place and you’ll find a bronze statue of the author’s internationally beloved character. Sherlock Holmes is holding his pipe in his hands and donning his iconic deerstalker hat and Inverness cape. He commemorates the life, work, and impact of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

If you decide to visit the Sherlock Holmes Statue, it’s an eight-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley. The Conan Doyle pub is also nearby, where you can enjoy traditional pub food and a selection of real ales.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill holds some of Edinburgh’s most famous buildings and monuments. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the Dugald Stewart Monument, dedicated to the celebrated philosopher and writer; the National Monument, which commemorates Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars; and the Nelson Monument, honouring Admiral Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. It’s also home to the Scottish Government building, making it both a cultural and political centrepiece of the city.

The hill is a great itinerary item if you’re looking to experience Edinburgh on a budget. The bottom of the hill is a short walk from the train station, and upon reaching the top, you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful city panorama. 

If you’re planning to visit these iconic buildings in Edinburgh, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. You can also find more inspiration with our most famous landmarks in Manchester blog. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.