Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Inverleith

"First opening in 1835, this tourist attraction has been entertaining Edinburgh visitors for centuries. So it is certainly one of the best kids activities in Edinburgh. Today there are five floors of interactive optical illusions, where technology and magic meet."

"Originally known as Caltoun or Caldoun Hill, Calton Hill offers one of the best and most iconic views of the city of Edinburgh. Granted to the people of Edinburgh by James II in 1456, the hill is now home to a bewildering number of buildings and monuments including the National Monument (an unfinished folly resembling the front of the Parthenon which is dedicated to those who died in the Napoleonic wars), Nelson's Monument (housing a time-ball mechanism by which ships used to set their chronometers), the Dugald Stewart Monument (a beautiful circular temple of nine columns dedicated to the Scottish philosopher), the Political Martyrs Monument, and the City Observatory (to name only a few). Recommended for Parks because: Calton Hill is home to some of the most famous Edinburgh monuments and offers some of the best views of the city."

"Calton Hill is best known for its monuments and incredible vantage points, popular with locals for viewing the fireworks during the Hogamanay celebrations. It is also the site of many Edinburgh festivals, including the Beltane Fire Festival at the end of April, the Edinburgh Science Festival in June, the Edinburgh International Festival each August, and the Samhuinn Fire Festival each Halloween. The best place for visitors to enjoy views from is the Nelson Monument, which was built in 1816."

"This hill at the east end of Princes Street provides the ideal perch for viewing Edinburgh's loveliest sights, including the Castle, New Town, Holyrood and Arthur's Seat. At 100 feet, you'll be surprised at how extensive the view is from the crest, and it's a great place for a picnic lunch. At the top of the hill, you'll find Nelson's monument, offering added lift for an increased perspective of the city."

"If you don’t want to venture too far out of the city, kids can also play in Prince’s Street Gardens in the shadow of the Scott monument – which you can climb, although at 287 often narrow and twisty steps, you might want to stick to the views from the Camera Obscura instead. At Christmas, the gardens turn into a Winter Wonderland including Christmas market, ice rink and ferris wheel, dubbed the Edinburgh Eye."

"While you're in Edinburgh, be sure to take a walk through the pretty Princes Street Gardens in the centre of town. From here, you’ll see Scotts Monument, a Victorian Gothic building dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It is the largest monument to a writer in the world."

"If weather is good you should take a moment to relax in the green corner of Princes Street Gardens. These beautiful gardens are perfect to take a pic nic or read a book. The people of Edinburgh often visit here to meet friends and take time out."

"Old Calton is situated at the foot of Calton Hill and is the resting place of numerous important people including the philosopher David Hume. Inaugurated in 1718, the cemetery had to be altered due to the construction of Waterloo Place in 1819 and was divided into two. As well as the neoclassical memorial of David Hume, it is also worth highlighting the tall black obelisk erected in the memory of a number of political reformers and an enormous statue of Abraham Lincoln which is Scotland’s American Civil War Memorial."

"If you love gardening, you will love the Archivists’ Garden located in between the General Register House and the New Register House. Home to 57 different plant species, the Garden is not only beautiful, but all the plants are connected to Scotland’s history, be it through folklore, heraldry or association with famous Scots. Child friendly: yes Address: HM Register House, 2 Princess Street, Edinburgh EH1 3YY Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm More information on this green space"

"Calton Hill sits in the center of Edinburgh and boasts the famous Duglad Stewart Monument. This structure is dedicated to the Scottish philosopher of the same name, who taught Economics, Natural Philosophy, and Greek and Logic at Edinburgh University. The monument, built in 1834, was designed by William Henry Playfair, who as we already know, was responsible for the designs behind The Scottish National Gallery."

"The Dugald Stewart Monument is based on the design of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens. But who is Dugald Stewart?. Dugald Stewart was a philosopher and professor at Edinburgh University."

"Avalanche Gapinski was born from a friendship between Avalanche Records owner Kevin Buckle and artist Gerry Gapinski, whose punk, dark, reimagined images of Edinburgh fitted perfectly with Kevin’s new vision for Avalanche. The shop also has prints and t-shirts from the Brazilian artist ‘Butcher Billy’ famous for his post-punk superheroes and photos with matching quotes from the award winning "Dark Edinburgh". Add in a fantastic range of vintage clothing from Armstrongs and upcycled clothing from Psychomoda, and their Waverley Mall store is a treasure trove of unique and interesting finds, spanning music, fashion, art and so much more."

"Image SourceWaverley mall is an ideal shopping destination that has direct access from both Princes Street and from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station. It has recently been renovated creating a perfect space for fashion, food, and Scottish souvenirs.Location: 3 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ, United Kingdom. Suggested Read:10 Hidden Beaches In Scotland To Spend The Most Magical Vacation Ever!"

"With direct access onto both Princes Street and into Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, Waverley Mall is an ideally located shopping destination. It's the perfect place to stop by for fashion, food and a last minute Scottish souvenir before catching your train."

"This century-old tapestry studio is set in the heart of Edinburgh and comes with a rich history. Today, it works with a range of contemporary tapestry artists, who create rugs and textiles for exhibitions and private collections. Visit the gallery’s website."

"The Arusha Gallery prides itself on exhibiting beautiful images and objects covering a range of mediums, including architecture, theatre design, and cinematography, as well as music and literature. Through a mishmash of visually attractive displays, the gallery aims to inspire visitors in every way. Visit the gallery’s website."

"Hidden under a guise of a vintage barber shop in Edinburgh's New Town, Panda & Sons is one of the quirkiest things to arrive in the capital. Led by the award-winning bartender Iain McPherson, this prohibition style speakeasy fused with vintage barber shop offers some of the most innovative cocktails in town. For even more inspiration, check out our guide to the top cocktail bars in Edinburgh."

"An award-winning Edinburgh bar that just won't quit when it comes to the cocktails, Panda & Sons offers the ultimate date night treat. Head down pre-dinner for a few signature sips or make a night of it by working your way through six chapters (yes, chapters) of stunning drinks."

"A post shared by Panda & Sons (@pandaandsons) on Aug 14, 2020 at 6:27am PDT. Don't be fooled by the façade of an old-fashioned barbershop on the corner of Queen Street. Behind lies one of Edinburgh’s best-kept secrets and a true hidden gem."