See stunning artwork, beautiful chapels, poignant memorials and musical performances at this ancient place of worship.

For more than 600 years, the crowned spire of St. Giles’ Cathedral has been a prominent feature of Edinburgh’s skyline.

St. Giles’ was founded as a Catholic place of worship in 1120 and switched to Protestantism after the Scottish church severed ties with Rome and the pope in 1560. It was recognized as a cathedral from the 17th century. The landmark spire was a late 15th-century addition.

St Giles’ Cathedral is the official Church of Scotland and the Mother Church of Presbyterianism. It’s named after the patron saint of beggars and disabled people.

The most elaborate part of the cathedral is the Thistle Chapel, the spiritual home of The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle. This is an order of chivalry with roots in the Middle Ages. Take your time to study the decorative and highly detailed interior with its oak carvings, ornate stonework and distinctly Scottish features such as angels with bagpipes.

The cathedral has many memorials to distinguished Scots and Scottish soldiers. They include a bronze memorial to the writer Robert Louis Stevenson and a statue to the Protestant reformer John Knox.

Try to time your visit with a musical performance. The cathedral has an extensive schedule of lunchtime concerts, organ recitals and choral pieces. Many are free. Visit the cathedral’s website for details.

Volunteer guides are available to answer questions and can conduct free guided tours on request. If you want to take photographs inside the building you’ll need a permit. These can be obtained for a small fee at the information desks at the Thistle Chapel and the main West Entrance.

St. Giles’ Cathedral is located on The Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town. It’s open to visitors every day of the year except after the mid-morning service on Christmas Day, December 26, and January 1 and 2. There are different opening times at different times of the year for details check the cathedral’s website.

Plan a trip to see St. Giles' Cathedral

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Mercure Livingston Hotel

￥261,574

per person

Oct 10 - Oct 13

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Osaka (OSA) to Edinburgh (EDI)

7.8/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)

Best place we stayed in out 2 weeks in Scotland. Room was large and clean. The staff went above and beyond to help us. We traveled with a handicapped person who rented a scooter that was defective. The staff helped us with emails and communication with the rental company. They helped us book a taxi to get to the Military Tattoo..everone was amazing, kind and helpful. We stayed here at the start and the end of our travels. Would highly recommend this place. The food for dinner was delicious and well priced and their breakfast buffet was amazing!

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2026

Grassmarket hotel

Old Town Edinburgh

￥308,716

per person

Oct 10 - Oct 13

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Osaka (OSA) to Edinburgh (EDI)

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)

Hy was incredibly hospitable and resourceful!

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2026

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket

Old Town Edinburgh

￥303,852

per person

Oct 10 - Oct 13

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Osaka (OSA) to Edinburgh (EDI)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)

We choose Wilde Aparthotels in Grassmarket at the base of Edinburg Castle for a short visit in August, the peak of Festival Season. The location was ideal, virtually all of the city was walkable from the front door. We arrived 3 hours before check-in. The staff was warm and accommodating. They stowed our luggage, then contacted us as soon as our room was ready. We selected the 1 bedroom apartment, with a king bedroom and a pull out couch in the living room. It was absolutely spotless. The three of us were very comfortable. The master mattress was firm, but comfortable. The pull out couch featured two separate single beds, which was very nice (particularly for older siblings who don't want to sleep in the same bed). The room was very well appointed, the kitchen had a toaster & electric kettle, microwave, small hob, pots & pans, and storage, even a dishwasher. There was cream in the refrigerator for tea/coffee & a selection of teas, coffee were provided. There were guest laundry facilities, a fitness center, and a small pantry for snacks & beverages. The bathroom was efficient with a stand up shower (rain head & spray hose), vanity with storage. Plenty of towels. Housekeeping was every 4 days, or could be added for a fee. Staff was available onsite 24-hours. Our room was on the first floor (2nd floor if you're American) facing the castle. If you travel in August, request a higher floor. The only issue was street noise (people, not traffic), late at night after Fringe Fest.

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2026