In our latest reporters’ recommendations feature, we take a look at what we think are the best tourist attractions in Edinburgh. There are so many great places to visit for locals and tourists to enjoy in the Capital and we have chosen our favourites, including the time capsule that is Mary King’s Close off the High Street and Camera Obscura just down from the Castle Esplanade with its weird and wonderful optical illusions.
. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Evening News deputy editor Ginny Sanderson chose this popular attraction at the top of the High Street. She said: "Camera Obscura is one of Edinburgh's best known tourist attractions and it really is worth a visit. They pack in so many optical illusions in that tower that it makes you feel like a big kid exploring the place and trying things out. I am not ashamed to admit I have spent hours there. Besides the Camera Obscura itself, the highlights are the vortex tunnel which makes you feel like you've had about 10 pints, the mirror maze, and the voyeuristic little camera bit where you can zoom in on the people wandering around the Castle Esplanade." Photo: Ian Georgeson
. National Museum of Scotland
This popular tourist attraction on Chambers Street was chosen by Evening News reporter Rachel Mackie as her favourite in Edinburgh. She said: "I used to go there with my family when I was a child, and it's still one of the best places to spend an afternoon in Edinburgh. It's free entry too, which makes all the difference as everyone can enjoy it...and the building's absolutely stunning in that old Great Exhibition style way, and all the animals, and the interactive bits... I just love every inch of that place!" Photo: Phil Wilkinson Photography
5. The Writers' Museum
Evening News lifestyle editor Gary Flockhart chose this as his favourite Edinburgh tourist attraction. He said: "The Writers' Museum on Lady Stair's House, just off the Lawnmarket, is one of my favourite attractions in the city. The building itself is steeped in history and was actually built in 1622. It's stunning. The museum is dedicated to three of Scotland’s greatest literary figures - Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. There's a room for each writer, packed with early editions, manuscripts, portraits and personal belongings. It's a real treasure trove." Photo: Graham Clark
6. Calton Hill
Trainee reporter Neil Johnstone chose this Edinburgh landmark as his favourite tourist attraction. He said: "Calton Hill is a magnificent city centre location that gives you some of the best views of the city. You can see almost every Edinburgh landmark from the top of the hill and also enjoy the incredible Greek-inspired structures as you wander around. It also has a great cafe at the top and I love taking my family there when they come to visit." Photo: SNS Group
7. Edinburgh Castle
Perhaps Edinburgh's most famous tourist attraction, this historic castle is also Evening News editor Rhoda Morrison's favourite tourist attraction in the city. She said: "I know it's probably the most obvious choice but ever since I was wee, I've loved Edinburgh Castle. I went for the first time when I was really young, back when you could climb inside Mons Meg and I have a photo of four-year-old me peeking out the cannon. I'm smiling slightly but I remember being absolutely terrified! I most recently went along at Christmas time and there are just so many things to see. If you time it right, you can guarantee the best views of the city as the One O'Clock Gun is fired too." Photo: Stock