Arthur's Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the rugged centrepiece of Holyrood Park, an ancient volcano shaped by ice ages. Its summit, rising 251 metres above the city, offers one of Edinburgh’s most rewarding panoramas, stretching from the Forth bridges to the Highlands.
A climb from Holyrood Palace takes around 45 minutes, leading past dramatic Salisbury Crags and the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel. The park itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to diverse geology and wildlife around Duddingston Loch. More than just a hike, Arthur’s Seat is a journey through natural and ancient history — a must for experiencing Edinburgh’s wilder side without leaving the city.
Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens is a dramatic swathe of greenery in Edinburgh’s very centre, directly beneath Castle Rock. These twin parks — East and West — were created in the 1820s after the draining of the polluted Nor Loch, a medieval defensive lake. They are separated by The Mound, an artificial hill formed from excavation debris during the New Town’s construction.
The West Garden is larger and home to the Ross Bandstand, a stage for summer concerts and Hogmanay celebrations. Near The Mound entrance, the intricate Floral Clock blooms with a new design each year since 1903.
More than just a scenic shortcut, the gardens are a testament to city-making: a Victorian solution to urban blight that became one of Edinburgh’s most beloved civic spaces, perfect for a stroll, a picnic, or simply admiring the iconic views.
Underground Vaults
Beneath Edinburgh’s South Bridge lie a network of 18th-century chambers known as the Underground Vaults. Originally used for storage by bridge merchants, these damp, lightless spaces later descended into slums, illicit taverns, and hideouts for criminals and body snatchers. A one-hour guided tour will lead you through this spooky labyrinth, with costumed guides sharing dark tales of the city’s past inhabitants, from the desperate poor to the infamous Burke and Hare body snatchers.
For daredevils seeking a stronger thrill, the same operator offers themed variations. These include ghost tours focusing on paranormal activity, tales of persecution and witchcraft, or visits to a nearby cemetery, often incorporating displays of historical torture devices.
