Discover Edinburgh

Edinburgh combines impressive history with unusual landscapes and a wide range of experiences. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in the city can plan their trip according to their own interests: highlights include a castle steeped in history, distinctive gardens, interactive exhibitions and views of an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park.

Scottish history and distinctive landmarks

Edinburgh Castle was the scene of many significant events in Scottish history. The castle stands on a volcanic rock, shaping not only the city’s history but also its character. During a visit, you can see the Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel and the One o’clock Gun. Edinburgh Castle is therefore a good starting point for planning a trip if you want to combine culture with Scotland’s past.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse also provides a clear historical focus. The State Apartments are part of any visit. The Grand Gallery showcases Victorian design: tall columns, large windows and a glass ceiling fill the gallery with natural light and make this design immediately tangible.

Gardens, volcanic landscapes and outdoor activities

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers a great variety of garden areas. Highlights include the Rock Garden, the Alpine Houses, the Woodland Garden, the Pond and the Arboretum. These are joined by the Chinese Hillside, the Rhododendron Collection and the Scottish Native Plants Collection in the Heath Garden. Depending on how you plan your day, you can focus on different plant worlds and garden styles here.

To reach the East Gate on Inverleith Row, bus routes 8, 9, 23 and 27 serve the gate from the city centre. This specific connection is particularly helpful if the garden is to be a fixed stop on your Edinburgh trip.

Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano and also the highest point in Holyrood Park. This means that, alongside its buildings, Edinburgh also offers a distinctive landscape experience. Those who enjoy alternating cultural sightseeing with outdoor activities on a city break can include Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park in their daily plans.

Interactive experiences for different interests

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has five floors and more than 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits. This experience is particularly suitable for families who do not want to visit exclusively historical spaces while sightseeing in the city, adding a playful and active perspective to the programme.

One museum offers self-guided Family Puzzle and Staff Top Picks trails, as well as an audio-guided Reset Trail. These different formats allow you to tailor your museum visit to your own interests without limiting your trip to just one method of interpretation.

Which accommodation suits your trip plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Edinburgh, it is worth first deciding what kind of daily routine you want. If castles, galleries and historic interiors are the main focus, a trip plan centred on culture is a good fit. If you also want to visit gardens and Holyrood Park, you can make your stay more varied by combining city history, plant life and landscapes. For families, the combination of interactive exhibitions, self-guided trails and classic sights is also appealing.

This means that your choice of accommodation is not determined by a single attraction, but by how you want to experience Edinburgh. A holiday apartment can serve as an independent base for a culturally focused stay, varied family days or a combination of city exploration and outdoor activities.

More destinations for your search

If you would like to discover other places alongside Edinburgh, you can continue your search with the following destinations: Currie, Newbridge, Queensferry, Leith and Ratho.

To the main travel overview: Scotland.

More travel destinations

More places within the same destination:

Hawick, Kingussie, Newtonmore.