Exploring Edinburgh’s rich heritage with Dollar Car Rental promises to be an immersive journey through history, royalty, and splendid architecture. The city’s must-see sights include Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Parliament, the historic Royal Mile, and the renowned St Giles’ Cathedral. From the majestic views atop Edinburgh Castle to the regal ambience of Holyroodhouse Palace, each destination paints a vivid picture of Scotland and the UK’s cultural tapestry. As you traverse these iconic landmarks, convenient parking options, like NCP car parks, metered spaces, and other nearby parking facilities, ensure a seamless and delightful experience. Book your car rental at Edinburgh Airport and check out its must-see sights on an unforgettable journey through Scottish heritage.
1. Edinburgh Castle
It is one of the best sights to visit in Edinburgh for views over the city. A visit to Edinburgh Castle combines two experiences in one. To make the most of your visit, arrive ten minutes early. When you’ve finished seeing the Scottish Crown Jewels, Royal apartments, and any other buildings in the castle, look down from the walls and decide where you want to go next!
You can park nearby in one of the many NCP car parks.
2. Palace of Holyroodhouse
If you visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse with your car hire in Edinburgh, you’re in for a true historical experience. This Edinburgh must-see sight, the Scottish residence of the royal family, is steeped in history, including notable connections to Mary Queen of Scots.
You can park at the Broad Pavement car park near Holyroodhouse Palace or St. Margaret’s Loch and Duddingston Loch. Parking is free on weekends and certain holidays.
3. Royal Mile
Another must-see sight in Edinburgh is the Royal Mile, a road that descends from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse Palace. It is a little over a mile long and filled with history.
Numerous walking tours cover the Royal Mile, showcasing its key attractions, perfect for a stop during your car rental journey from Edinburgh Airport. For parking, you can use the nearby NCP car park on St John’s Hill and metered spaces on St John’s Street.
4. The Scottish Parliament
If you visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, you will also be close to the Scottish Parliament building, another one of Edinburgh’s sights to visit. The Parliament Building offers an hour-long tour guided by Edinburgh locals.
Finding parking near the Scottish Parliament, much like finding parking for other spots along the Royal Mile, can be challenging.
5. World’s End
The oddly named World’s End is a famous old-fashioned pub located on the Royal Mile. One theory behind its name is that when the city was walled in, the pub was located where the gates leading into and out of Edinburgh originally stood. In the past, entering Edinburgh through these gates incurred a significant tax. Due to this tax, residents of Edinburgh were unable to leave the city and return, making this gate the end of their world.
However, another theory suggests that when England built and reinforced this wall after defeating Scotland, the local people began to believe that everything outside these walls marked the end of their existence.
Today, however, World’s End is a great place to enjoy traditional Scottish cuisines during your car rental Edinburgh journey. They serve fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and a favourite among tourists: delicious Cullen Skink Soup!
6. St Giles’ Cathedral
Another must-see sight to explore in Edinburgh, located on the Royal Mile, is St. Giles’ Cathedral. It is among Scotland’s most significant churches. After all, John Knox once preached here during the Reformation. St Giles’ Cathedral is home to stunning stained-glass windows, a spectacular organ, and, of course, the statue of John Knox.
While entry to this Edinburgh sight to visit is free, you can make a small donation.
If you wish to park close to the cathedral, it takes eleven minutes to walk to King’s Stables Road. Additional JustPark spaces like Hermits Croft Car Park are also available for your convenience.
Exploring Edinburgh’s must-see attractions with Dollar Car Rental offers an intriguing tour through Scotland’s rich history and culture. Each site, from the panoramic views from Edinburgh Castle to the royal allure of the Holyroodhouse Palace, provides a unique and immersive experience. Visiting these landmarks allows you to delve into the tales of royalty, religion, and architectural grandeur. As you begin your Scottish car rental journey, you can explore the stunning landmarks of Scottish heritage from the comfort and convenience of your rental vehicle. Edinburgh’s must-see attractions captivate visitors with their timeless appeal. Every turn reveals a hidden gem and amazing surprises. Wherever you decide to travel, your discovery of Scotland will be an unforgettable journey on your terms. It’s a journey that will leave a lasting impression and a deep appreciation for Scotland’s captivating cultural legacy.
