Busy Princes Street is the New Town's main thoroughfare. It extends for almost a mile and is lined with colorful gardens and elegant shops, including the tradition-conscious Jenners of Edinburgh, founded in 1838 and one of the world's oldest department stores. Of course, life aboard the Royal Brittania wasn’t quite so luxurious for everyone. So you also get to see the engine room and all the other areas of the ship where the Royal Yachtsmen both worked and lived. St Giles’ is a working church in the city’s Old Town and is the High Kirk (church) of Edinburgh. Interestingly, though, it’s not technically a cathedral, because it doesn’t have a bishop! Nevertheless, it’s wonderful to visit, with its varying architecture representing many reformations throughout the ages.

Also fun are the "Animal Antics" shows, which provide a fascinating insight into the training and care of a variety of species. There's a great garden area to explore, too, plus a number of casual food options and a gift shop. The star of the show is the Camera Obscura itself. A Victorian ancestor of the modern cameras we use today, it projects an image of Edinburgh onto a large, bowl-shaped screen. It may not sound exciting, but it’s actually quite amazing to witness first-hand! Edinburgh is full of hidden gems – and The Real Mary King’s Close is one of its most popular. Located beneath buildings on the Royal Mile, just across from St Giles Cathedral, the Close is a subterranean maze of preserved 17th-century streets, homes, and alleyways. READ ALSO: Isle of Skye– Best things to do & suggested itinerary for one of the most beautiful areas in ScotlandEdinburgh may seem at times to be two separate cities, so different are the 18th-century New Town's elegant Georgian neighborhoods of stately terraces from the Old Town's narrow winding lanes, steep staircases, and hidden passageways. If you’re not feeling up to the challenge to climb all the way to the top, there’s an easier path you can follow. Whilst it may not go all the way to the summit, you will still find countless opportunities to take exceptional photographs of the breathtaking scenery. This museum is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family, combining a fantastic educational experience with lots of fun. Lined with cobbles and bustling with visitors, it has a vibrant atmosphere and is one of the most famous streets in Britain.

Take a tour that goes beyond tartan and bagpipes to get to the grimly fascinating facts. Learn why the city may have felt less than safe in times gone by when medical schools were happy to pay for dead bodies and murderers roamed the streets in search of likely victims! Hear about Edinburgh’s famous serial killers Burke and Hare, who cold-bloodedly killed 16 people in 10 months and sold them to Dr. Knox for dissection in his anatomy classes. The Mirror Maze is great fun too – and surprisingly difficult to find your way out of. One of the most disorienting exhibits is the incredible Light Tunnel, a walk through which you’ll never quite forget!Not all the art is housed inside the museum. The building itself is well worth appreciating and is a stunning example of neo-Classical architecture.

Other highlights include the woodland garden with its colorful azaleas, hydrangeas, camellias, and rhododendrons. There's also an aquatic house with tropical water plants, such as the pink water lily from India. Touring displays can be enjoyed in the Exhibition Hall. Located on the Royal Mile a short distance from the castle, the John Knox House & Scottish Storytelling Centre attraction is a treat for anyone interested in Scotland's rich cultural heritage. It was built in 1470 and is said to be the one time home of the protestant reformer after which it's named. One of the highlights of the museum is its 360-degree full-dome film theater with surround sound – the only one of its kind in Scotland. It provides a totally immersive movie experience, taking you on a trek across the globe or whizzing through the solar system. Use controls to display a detailed street map of Edinburgh and get a Edinburgh city centre map showing the St Giles Cathedral, the University of Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland, the Calton Old Burial Ground, Holyrood House, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh Rail and Haymarket Rail. So in this guide, we selected only the most unique experiences, the very best things to do in Edinburgh. This list features the most famous landmarks and best tourist attractions in Edinburgh that are worth your time the most. Depending on how much time you have, simply start with the attractions on the top of this list, and work your way down.The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art – also known as "Modern One" – is another must-visit for art enthusiasts. Here, you'll find displays of paintings by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso; surrealistic works by Rene Magritte, Joan Miró, and Max Ernst; and contemporary paintings by Bruce McLean, Callum Innes, and Gwen Hardie. Princes Street marks a clear division between Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns. On one side, you’ll find all the high street stores you’d expect in a big city, along with countless coffee bars and eateries. Whilst on the other side, you’ll find the steps that take you down to the Gardens and, further, to the Old Town.