'Still' @ Old St Paul's Episcopal Church

Originally commissioned by the Ingleby Gallery for the 2004 Edinburgh Art Festival, Still has remained in the Memorial Chapel of St Paul's ever since.

A monumental 12 foot painting by the Scottish artist Alison Watt, depicting swathes of white fabric, Still is both arresting and calming.

39 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DH

0131 556 3332

office@osp.org.uk

osp.org.uk

Scotsman Steps

When they were finished in 1899, the Scotsman Steps must have looked magnificent: 104 steps in a curving octagonal tower that linked the New Town with the Old Town but a century later, the A-listed steps were more commonly associated with antisocial behaviour than decorative stonework.

In 2009, Turner Prize winning artist, Martin Creed was commissioned to create a public artwork which resulted in the steps and landings being clad in 104 different types of marble from all around the world. The original features were retained, repaired and cleaned

The Scotsman Steps are not only a handy shortcut from North Bridge down to Waverley Station, they are a work of art in their own right.

North Bridge/Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TR

fruitmarket.co.uk/exhibitions/scotsman-steps

The Queen's Gallery

Hardly a secret attraction but included because of a little known perk that allows free access for a whole year. Simply buy a ticket and, at the end of your visit, ask a Warden to stamp your ticket to convert it into a 1-Year Pass, then you are free to revisit as often as you like for the next 12 months. 

If you time your first visit towards the end of an exhibition and you might manage to see as many as three different exhibitions for the price of one entry.

Tip: The cafe is is very elegant but if you are counting your pennies, pop across the road to the Scottish Parliament where the cafe is much more reasonably priced!

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX

royalcollection.org.uk

National Library of Scotland

George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW

0131 623 3700

enquiries@nls.uk

nls.uk

@natlibscot

Don't be put off by the imposing exterior! Although first and foremost a research library, the NLS puts on some fantastic exhibitions and events (including regular 'Getting Started' workshops if you do want to undertake some research). It also has a cafe and a beautiful gift shop.

National Museum of Scotland

Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF


0300 123 6789


nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland


@NtlMuseumsScot






The museum is one of Edinburgh's must-see attractions but if you are limited for time, make sure you see:






Ballachulish Figure (Early People, Level -1) - the mysterious life-sized female figure was carved from a single piece of alder with with pebbles for eyes. It was found under deep peat during building work in November 1880 near Loch Leven. Carbon-dating shows it to be over 2,500 years old.






Group Space (Entrance Hall, Level 0) - Eating at the Museum is pricey but packed lunches can be eaten in the Group Room if it has not been reserved for a group visit. Alternatively, head across the road to the Sheriff Court cafe.






Millennium Clock Tower (Entrance to Discoveries, Level 1) - a 10m high kinetic sculpture in wood, metal and glass With it's themes of death and swinging pendulum mirror, it is quite unsettling to see it chime on the hour.






The Connect and Communicate galleries are some of the most interactive and family-friendly spaces. However, their respective locations are subject to change as new galleries, showcasing decorative art, design, fashion, science and technology exhibits open in 2016.






Arthur's Seat Coffins (Level 4, Scotland galleries) - In June 1836, some boys, hunting for rabbits on on Arthur's Seat, spotted some thin sheets of slate, which, when they pulled out, revealed 17 tiny (95mm in length) coffins hidden inside a gap in the rocks. Their purpose remains a mystery and caught the imagination of Ian Rankin who mentions them in “The Falls”.






Rooftop Terrace (level 7) – take the lift all the way to the top floor for a truly unforgettable view of Edinburgh's skyline.






Alternatively, take a free 'Highlights' tour which lasts an hour and leaves from the Tour Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0

Edinburgh Printmakers

23 Union Street, Edinburgh EH1 3LR

0131 557 2479

edinburghprintmakers.co.uk

@edinburghprints

If 23 Union Street doesn't look quite as posh as its elegant Georgian neighbours, that's because this contemporary arts centre was originally a 'steamie' (wash-house). All the Edinburgh Corporation wash houses closed in the 70s but many of the original features, including the red brick chimney can still be seen here.

The busy studio is set to move in 2017 into a new home at Castle Mills, the former Fountainbridge HQ of the North British Rubber Company.