Whether you're fascinated by construction and engineering or just appreciate striking design, City Observatory is one work of architecture you can't miss.

You can keep your money safely tucked away, because it won't cost a penny to visit City Observatory. Located in New Town, you'll find some interesting attractions not far from this architectural marvel. Why not explore Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre and Royal Yacht Britannia too?

Plan a trip to see City Observatory

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh - Queensferry Crossing

$1,403

per person

Nov 23 - Nov 27

found 20 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Los Angeles (LAX) to Edinburgh (EDI)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (803 reviews)

Lovely view of the Queensferry bridge. Great food in The Shore restaurant. Good choice of drinks too. Spacious modern rooms.

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

The Scotsman Hotel

Old Town Edinburgh

$1,515

per person

Nov 6 - Nov 11

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Boston (BOS) to Edinburgh (EDI)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)

Staff was very attentive and the restaurant was great.

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

Destiny Scotland Royal Mile Residence

Old Town Edinburgh

Save 100% on your flight

$1,871

per person

Dec 8 - Dec 14

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

New York (NYC) to Edinburgh (EDI)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (165 reviews)

Neat and spacious apartments right on the Royal Mile, walkable from several restaurants, shops, and attractions. Having a kitchen with all the necessary appliances and cutlery, and a washer/dryer was a huge benefit! Communication was clear and detailed, and everything was set up in advance to help us have a smooth experience. Luggage storage is available on the first floor. The property is well-secured with several layers of doors with access codes. One minor nitpick is all rooms within the unit had auto-closing doors, including the living room - this was a little inconvenient when moving around the unit.

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore City Observatory

Tours & day trips

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Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Edinburgh: Scottish Tasting Platter at The Tolbooth Tavern

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

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Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

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Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh

Free cancellation available

Holiday & seasonal tours

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Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Free cancellation available

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Sir Arthur Conan Doyle grew up in a house not far away from where the statue of his most famous creation now stands.

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#Detail#
The Tolbooth was built in 1591 and would have formed the local hub for the Canongate burgh, along with the nearby Mercat Cross where merchants met and conducted their business. The Tolbooth would have had many functions, serving as courthouse, burgh jail and meeting place of the town council. The building was constructed for Sir Lewis Bellenden, the justice-clerk for the burgh, and his initials can still be seen over the archway to Tolbooth Wynd.

Canongate Tolbooth

You can study the exhibits at Canongate Tolbooth, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Edinburgh. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.

The Royal Mile which includes heritage architecture, a house and street scenes

People's Story Museum

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