Formerly known as the Outlook Tower, the Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions sits on Castlehill, and is one of the city’s must-see tourist attractions. The camera itself is situated at the top of the tower, is over 150 years old, and affords a complete panoramic view of the city by focusing light down onto an inverted lens. The World of Illusions is a multi-floor, multi-technology experience full of weird and wonderful installations including the light Fantastic hologram exhibition and the Magic Gallery, in which seeing “is not believing”. Shrink yourself, see disappearing sweets and swap your heads around with your family and friends!

Great for: Day Trips

The iconic Castle is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Scotland. It’s full of history and brilliantly built exhibitions. Check out the Stone of Destiny, on which Scottish monarchs used to sit; hear the roar of the One o Clock gun as it fires six days a week (no Sunday noise!); and visit the moving Scottish National War Memorial, which commemorates the nation’s dead. The Castle also contains a War Museum, a royal palace and the Scottish Crown Jewels. The Castle is the focal point for the Edinburgh Hogmanay fireworks celebration, and is regularly used for events and festivals.

Great for: History

Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens, on Inverleith Row, are open between 10am and 5pm daily. Admission to the Gardens is free, though visitors have to pay to get into the glasshouses where the tropical plants are grown. 70 acres of extraordinary landscaping include the famous Rock Garden, the beautiful Arboretum and the Chinese Hillside. An ecological and cryptogamic (fungi, mosses and lichens) garden adds a modern environmental twist – while the Scottish Heath Garden faithfully recreates the classic Scottish countryside location, complete with heathers and pine.. Recommended in good weather, the Botanical Gardens may close at short notice if the weather is poor.

Great for: Day trips