Edinburgh Tourist Map: 15 Best Attractions in Town

City Tour

Hey, so if you’re planning to visit Edinburgh and you’re wondering where to go and how to get around, having an Edinburgh Tourist Map can honestly save you a lot of time and confusion. 

Trust us, the city has so many amazing places to see, but they’re all quite close together, with lots of small streets going in different directions. A tourist map of Edinburgh, Scotland, doesn’t just show you where things are. It helps you plan your day, see what’s nearby, and avoid walking in circles. 

Let’s walk through it together, one spot at a time, so you feel ready before your trip even begins.

Edinburgh Tourist Map – Top Places You Must See and Where to Find Them

Before you head out to explore Edinburgh, it’s helpful to know where the most popular spots are, what they’re all about, and how to find them on your map. 

So here’s a full list of the must-see places in the city.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous places in Scotland, and it’s right at the top of the Royal Mile. Edinburgh Castle sits high up on a big rocky hill called Castle Rock, and you can see it from many parts of the city. On the map, you’ll spot it on the western side of the Old Town, and it looks like it’s sitting right on a hill – because it is! The castle is full of amazing history and offers a great view of the city. Inside, you’ll find the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the famous Stone of Destiny, and if you’re there at the right time, you can watch the One o’clock Gun being fired.

Royal Mile

This is the main street that runs through the Old Town, and it connects the castle at the top to Holyrood Palace at the bottom. If you’re holding a map, it’s the long straight road you’ll see right in the middle. The Royal Mile is made of cobbled stone and is full of life – from shops and little cafes to old churches and museums. You’ll walk past St Giles Cathedral, street performers, and loads of narrow side streets called closes. Everything on both sides of this street is interesting, so take your time and explore.

Holyrood Palace

This royal palace is found at the very end of the Royal Mile, just before you reach the big green area called Holyrood Park. It’s the official home of the King when he’s in Scotland, and you can actually go inside and see the beautiful royal rooms, the ruins of the old Abbey, and lovely gardens. On the map, it’s right at the east end of the city centre, just beside Arthur’s Seat. It’s a peaceful spot with lots of history.

Arthur’s Seat

If you look at your map, you’ll see a large green area called Holyrood Park. Inside that park is Arthur’s Seat – a huge grassy hill that used to be a volcano. It’s one of the best spots in the city for a walk or a quiet picnic. If you climb to the top, you’ll get an amazing view of all of Edinburgh. It’s not a hard hike, but you’ll want to wear good shoes. On the map, just find the tallest point in the park, and that’s it.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is a smaller hill compared to Arthur’s Seat, but it’s much easier to climb and gives you great city views too. It’s located just east of Princes Street near Regent Road, and you’ll spot it easily on your map. There are a few interesting monuments on top like the Nelson Monument and the National Monument, which make great photo spots. It’s especially beautiful during sunset.

Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens

On the north side of the Old Town, just below the castle, you’ll find Princes Street – the main shopping street in Edinburgh. It runs straight along the edge of Princes Street Gardens, which is a big green space perfect for relaxing, walking, or enjoying the view of the castle above. On the map, this area runs from west to east with the gardens in the middle and shops on one side. It’s a great mix of nature and city.

Scott Monument

Right on Princes Street, next to the gardens, you’ll notice a very tall, pointy tower – that’s the Scott Monument. It was built to honour Sir Walter Scott, a famous Scottish writer. You can climb up a narrow staircase inside the monument and enjoy lovely views at the top. On your map, look for a spire symbol near the gardens – it’s one of the tallest things in the area.

National Museum of Scotland 

This museum is located on Chambers Street, just a short walk from the Royal Mile. It’s one of the best free attractions in the city and is filled with fun exhibits about science, nature, history, and culture. You’ll see dinosaur skeletons, old tools, and even learn about space. It’s fun for both adults and kids. On your map, look to the south side of the Old Town, just a few streets down from the Royal Mile.

St Giles Cathedral

Right in the middle of the Royal Mile, you’ll come across this beautiful historic church. It has lovely stained glass windows and a calm, peaceful vibe inside. You don’t need a ticket to go in, and it’s a nice place to take a quiet break during your walk. On the map, you’ll see it marked with a church symbol almost exactly halfway between the Castle and Holyrood Palace.

Grassmarket

This area is just below the castle on the west side and is known for its lively atmosphere. Grassmarket is full of pubs, restaurants, and outdoor seating. It’s a great place to stop for a meal, have a drink, or just relax and look up at the castle. On your map, it looks like a wide square with roads forming a U-shape around it, southwest of the castle.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Just a few steps before you reach the castle on Castlehill, you’ll find this fun and quirky museum. It’s packed with mirrors, puzzles, optical illusions, and interactive exhibits. Perfect for families or anyone who loves something playful. On your map, it’s marked right on Castlehill Street, near the entrance to the castle.

Dean Village

Dean Village is a peaceful, beautiful old village with lovely paths along the Water of Leith. It’s northwest of the city centre and feels like a step back in time. You’ll see stone bridges, old buildings, and quiet walkways along the river. On your map, look just outside the centre, following the Water of Leith pathway. It’s perfect for a slow walk away from the busy streets.

Stockbridge Market

Just north of New Town, you’ll find Stockbridge – a cosy local area with a weekend market. The market is full of tasty food, handmade crafts, and friendly people. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a small souvenir or something tasty to eat. On your map, follow the Water of Leith north past Dean Village and look near Raeburn Place.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Way out on the northeastern side of the map, near the water in Leith, is the Royal Yacht Britannia. It used to be the Queen’s royal ship and is now a floating museum. You can tour the luxury rooms and decks and learn what life was like on board. It’s docked beside the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, and on the map, you’ll usually see a ship symbol in that area.

Waverley Station

This is the main train station in Edinburgh and sits right between the Old Town and New Town. Even if you’re not taking a train, it’s a useful landmark to help you know where you are. On the map, it’s easy to find – just look between Princes Street and the Royal Mile, right in the centre of the city.

You can also check out some of the best day trips from Edinburgh if you want to explore beyond the city.

Best Tips When Using an Edinburgh City Map

Here are some super helpful things to keep in mind when using a map in Edinburgh:

• Always carry a paper or offline version – WiFi isn’t everywhere

• Look at elevation lines – Edinburgh has hills, so routes might be steep

• Plan breaks – Use your map to spot coffee shops or benches

• Highlight must-sees before you start exploring

• Use both map and street signs – They’ll help you feel more confident.

Want to see more of Scotland? These are the top coach trips in Scotland for 2025 you shouldn’t miss.

How Hire Society Makes Group Travel Easy in Edinburgh

Sure, you can take a map and explore Edinburgh on your own, and that’s totally fine. But if you’re with a group and just want to relax without worrying about directions, traffic, or where to park, then going with Hire Society is a much easier and smoother option.

We help make group travel simple and stress-free through our luxury and private coach hire services. No matter if you’re with family, friends, or a team, it’s so much nicer when everyone’s together in one comfy vehicle instead of taking separate cars. You don’t need to think about how to get from one place to another. We handle all of that.

Our modern coaches and minibuses are super comfortable, and our friendly drivers take care of everything. You just sit back, enjoy the views, chat with your group, and have a good time.

If it’s a short tour around the city or a full-day trip to the Highlands or a nearby castle, we’ll match your group with the right ride. The whole point is to keep things easy, relaxed, and fun, so you can focus on making memories, not managing the journey.

Wrapping Up – Let the Edinburgh Tourist Map Be Your Guide

Edinburgh is a city full of charm, mystery, and magic. Having a detailed Edinburgh tour map makes everything easier. It’s like holding a little key to the city in your hand. From the heights of Arthur’s Seat to the narrow lanes of the Royal Mile, every place tells a story.

So print your Edinburgh tourist attractions map, mark your favourite spots, wear comfy shoes, and enjoy every step. If you ever get lost, don’t worry, getting lost in Edinburgh often leads to the best discoveries!

Still planning your visit? Don’t miss this list of the best things to do in Edinburgh for every type of traveller.