Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
32 minute walk from Edinburgh station · Edinburgh and South East · Free entry
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world-renowned scientific center and popular tourist attraction. Founded in 1670 as a medicinal physic garden, it is the second oldest of its kind in the UK. Today, it serves as a major site for plant conservation and study, housing a living collection of more than 13,302 species across 70 acres.
The garden is home to remarkable historical features, including the Temperate Palm House, which is the tallest in Scotland. Visitors can explore the 18th-century Inverleith House, now a contemporary art gallery, or see an original cottage from the 1700s that was moved to the grounds brick by brick. The site also manages a library of 70,000 books and a herbarium containing over 3 million preserved specimens.
Known locally as "The Botanics," the garden offers a beautiful setting for a walk. Visitors can discover the Giant Water Lily pond, carnivorous plants in the montane tropical house, and exotic species from around the world. The garden hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live performances, exhibitions, and guided tours, with free entry to the main grounds.