Must See Sights and Landmarks in Kinnesswood Area

"Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a quirky little museum just down the hill from the Castle. It’s one of the most popular Edinburgh attractions and great fun for the whole family. The museum is set over 5 floors and contains hundreds of illusions, many of which are interactive."

"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."

"Climb Calton HIll Towards the end of the day, I’d suggest you head up Calton Hill. This is a wonderful spot for a view of the city and can be found at the east end of Princes Street. This hill is home to a series of monuments, including the National Monument of Scotland, which bears more than a passing resemblance to the Parthenon in Greece."

"Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's main hills, set right above the heart of the city. You can walk there easily from the city centre, and in return you’ll get an incredible panoramic view once you’re there. It’s part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sight, with an Athenian acropolis that  makes photos even more Insta-worthy."

"If you are not ready for the summit of Arthur’seat you could see Calton hill. It’s a perfect place to take photos of Edinburgh. On top of the hill you can also visit Nelson's monument and the National monument."

"Why not walk in the footsteps of royalty with a visit to Ocean Terminal in Leith for a tour around the Royal Yacht Britannia. This palace on the sea was a home away from home for the Royal family, touring the world for over 40 years. The Royal Apartments on board hosted world leaders such as Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Rajiv Gandhi."

"Frequently voted Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction, this is one you mustn’t miss. Her Majesty The Queen’s official yacht for over 40 years, this floating palace is steeped in history. The kids will love hearing the tales of life at sea, and getting involved in fun activities like treasure hunts."

"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."

"With its mercat cross, cobbled streets, tolbooth, and narrow wynds (alleys), seaside Culross is a picturesque little town. It's also…"

"Address: 61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 556 1798 This popular Roman Catholic church dates back to 1814, being designed by James Gillespie Graham. Each month on the third Tuesday, look out for the organ and choir recitals. The adjacent Cafe Camino provides a rather tempting menu, offering bacon sandwiches, freshly made soup, lunchboxes for children, a choice of beverages (including coffee, tea, wine, beer and cider) and tubs of locally produced ice cream."

"St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, originally called the Chapel of St Mary’s, held its first masses in August 1814. The Cathedral houses the National Shrine of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, and even has an underground passage leading to a priest’s house in York Place. It wasn’t until the 1970s that passers by could see the Cathedral in its full splendor when tenements in front of the building were demolished."

"Edinburgh's 18th-century City Chambers were built over the sealed-off remains of Mary King's Close, and the lower levels of this medieval Old Town alley have survived almost unchanged amid the foundations for 250 years. Now open to the public, this spooky, subterranean labyrinth gives a fascinating insight into the everyday life of 17th-century Edinburgh. Costumed characters lead tours through a 16th-century town house and the plague-stricken home of a 17th-century gravedigger. Advance booking recommended."

"Real Mary King’s Close This is the perfect tour to learn about medieval life in Edinburgh. Journey back in time to 1645 Edinburgh, down Mary King’s Close, a real alleyway in the city. This was the year of the Black Death, when one-third of Edinburgh’s population succumbed to this terrible illness."

"A truly hidden hotspot for caffeine cravers in the know, Lowdown Coffee is one of the best-kept secrets in George Street, a pretty thoroughfare famed as one of New Town’s high-end shopping districts. Located in the basement of just one of many of the street’s stunningly crafted Georgian buildings, Lowdown becomes somewhat lost beneath all the hubbub, but given their minimalist décor and outlook – we imagine that’s just the way they like it. Using only seasonal and expressive beans, Lowdown is one of the few places in the city to get truly unique coffee as the barista’s pride themselves on matching beans to specialist brewing methods such as Clover Machines and Torch Mountain Drippers to unlock unfathomable flavours you never thought possible!"

"Another George Street wonder, Lowdown Coffee brings a minimal and simplistic touch to this round up of coffee lovers places to try. With its simple attention to detail, teamed up with incredible cakes and sweet treats, this basement spot is a perfect place to meet a client or grab a coffee on the go. Not only do they serve up a spectacular cup of joe, they also create exceptional hot chocolate recipes and chai lattes, allowing the non coffee drinkers of the world to enjoy a visit."

"Bread Meets Bread is a great place to go for lunch when you need some much needed catch up time with your bestie. With a large menu, including a specialty glazed doughnut burger; this is the best place in Edinburgh for a good old catch up and great food."

"Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch (affectionately known as BBL) is an Edinburgh deli-cafe and takeaway on the Pleasance that’s open from 8am to 3pm daily, hence its name. They might not do dinner, but their breakfast options are out of this world, and they also have a very special home made vegan Lorne sausage that is made with their signature blend of herbs and spices. A vegan roll and sausage is a fantastic hangover cure, and you can combine it with a tattie scone if you want something that’s extra filling, or go the whole hog and opt for the full vegan breakfast, a bargain at just £5.50, and just sit, relax, and watch the world go by."

"Amid a lively atmosphere, this spacious bistro presents traditional regional French cuisine in dishes such as pig's trotters with hazelnut, spinach and Dijon mustard, whitebait with aioli, and chicken supreme..."

"Found on Bristo Place, close to the university, theatres and visitor attractions, Elfalafel serves fresh, halal food made on the premises using family recipes. There’s a daily salad bar with 15 options and 10 sauces to slather over them. The bohemian Arabic takeaway and restaurant is famous for its spinach falafel with natural original spices, but also popular are the burgers, shawarma and kebabs."