St Giles' Cathedral

Beautiful gothic cathedral full of history. It was free to enter but donations are preferred. Plaques from various points in history are installed for your education as well as a mock up of the original scripture for the national covenant and the protests statue of John Knox and details about the Scottish reformation. You could spend about an hour or so exploring the entire cathedral if you choose. The giant organs are impressive as are the windows of stained glass. A vast array of seats are provided. There may be a queue to get in at busy times of the year but well worth a look around.

The most beautiful cathedral i ve ever seen in my life. Absolutely gorgeous from inside and outside. I disliked the fact that there was a person at the entrance, asking every visitor for donations... Made me feel uncomfortable. Its not all about money in this world...

St. Giles Cathedral, a beautiful and stunning architectural masterpiece nestled in the heart of Royal Mile, is a must-visit in Edinburgh. Its impressive and picturesque exterior and interior, adorned with awe-inspiring stonework and stained glass, leave visitors in awe. While the cathedral is free to enter, donations are recommended. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season and time of day. A small souvenir shop inside offers a variety of items to take home. Afterward, relax on the chairs and immerse yourself in the cathedral’s beauty. Overall, St. Giles Cathedral is a highly recommended addition to your Edinburgh itinerary.

St. Giles’ Cathedral gave me total Harry Potter vibes: arches, stone the whole structure really reminded me of Hogwarts. Inside, there are all these historical flags hanging from the ceiling, which adds even more mystery and depth to the place. When we were there, a chamber orchestra was rehearsing, and the sound filled the cathedral so beautifully - it made the whole experience feel magical & cinematic. There’s also a lovely little gift shop inside with charming souvenirs. Absolutely worth visiting✨

​St Giles' Cathedral is a magnificent, essential stop on the Royal Mile, offering so much more than just a historical building. The moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a profound sense of serenity and peace—it's a truly quiet respite from the bustle of the Old Town outside. ​However, the undeniable highlight is the exceptionally good stained glass. It is some of the most beautiful and vibrant I have ever seen. The way the light streams through the towering, richly colored panes illuminates the interior and brings the historical narratives to life is simply breathtaking. The detail and artistic quality of the glass alone make this a five-star experience. ​Highly recommended for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a moment of quiet reflection.

St Giles’ Cathedral is a stunning and peaceful place right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The architecture is absolutely beautiful. It’s full of history and detail—you can really feel the atmosphere of the old city inside. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth visiting for the art, the calm environment, and the impressive craftsmanship. The staff are friendly and happy to share information about the cathedral’s history. A must-see landmark when exploring Edinburgh!

One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Edinburgh. The architecture is breathtaking! The pictures do not do it justice, and sadly the videos will not upload. There are many stain glass windows telling the magnificent Bible stories. There was a choir singing when we were there, and the sound echoing through sounded heavenly. The saddest part was a bit of old Scottish history....John Knox (see statue below) was a lead reformer to start the Church of Scotland was defamed with his grave being marked by the plaque below in the middle of a parking lot outside the church.

A beautiful and stunning cathedral. My travel group was privileged to enter during the tail end of a choir rehearsal with the massive sound of a mighty pipe organ reverberating sonics in the vast stone arches. Absolutely go to a concert there if you love fine choral music and organ works! There is a very special chapel dedicated to the "Order of the Thistle' with unique and intricate carvings to marvel at, and admire. This is where HRH Queen Elizabeth II lay in state. A great visit.