The courtyard of Ecole of the Beaux-Arts is both fascinating and slightly eerie, yet a beautiful place. This ancient cemetery was historically used for plague victim burials, although little speaks to it in the present. The building around it dates back to the 14th century. It's a great starting point for your sightseeing tour.

Princes Street Gardens is a dramatic swathe of greenery in Edinburgh’s very centre, directly beneath Castle Rock. These twin parks — East and West — were created in the 1820s after the draining of the polluted Nor Loch, a medieval defensive lake. They are separated by The Mound, an artificial hill formed from excavation debris during the New Town’s construction. The West Garden is larger and home to the Ross Bandstand, a stage for summer concerts and Hogmanay celebrations. Near The Mound entrance, the intricate Floral Clock blooms with a new design each year since 1903. More than just a scenic shortcut, the gardens are a testament to city-making: a Victorian solution to urban blight that became one of Edinburgh’s most beloved civic spaces, perfect for a stroll, a picnic, or simply admiring the iconic views.

For a great view of the Cathedral and the city, head up to the rooftop platform at Köln Triangle. It’s over 100 metres up, so you get a full 360-degree look. The lift gets you there fast, and on a clear day, you can spot pretty far across the skyline.

Abri Sadi Carnot is a powerful and sobering memorial of great heroism in the face of devastating tragedy during the Second World War. The tunnel was used as a hideout by civilians when it was hit by a bomb, leaving hundreds of people trapped. The monument is guaranteed to stir up emotion.