Palace of Holyroodhouse

The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland sits at the foot of the Royal Mile. The 16th-century palace contains the apartments of Mary Queen of Scots, where secretary David Rizzio was murdered in 1566. The ruins of Holyrood Abbey adjoin the palace grounds. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Edinburgh, especially paired with nearby Arthur's Seat. Tickets cost £18 adult, £16.20 senior, £10.40 child and 1.5-2 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 1.5-2 hours Best for: authentic royal palace with genuine historical Skip if: You've visited other royal palaces recently or aren't interested in royal history Cost: £18 adult, £16.20 senior, £10.40 child

You walk through tapestry-lined state rooms with ornate plasterwork ceilings, then enter Mary Queen of Scots' actual bedchamber where bloodstains supposedly remain. The ruined abbey next door has roofless Gothic arches open to the sky.

Accessibility: Ground floor accessible, upper floors via stairs only, wheelchairs available

Authentic royal palace with genuine historical connections to Scottish monarchy. It is not the first thing you should see in Edinburgh, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Arthur's Seat and Royal Mile - together they fill a solid half-day. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.

Skip if: You've visited other royal palaces recently or aren't interested in royal history

• Check if royals are in residence (palace closes).
• Audio guide included in admission.
• Abbey ruins are distinctive for photos.

Insider tip: The palace gardens are often overlooked but offer good Arthur's Seat views without the climb

No interior photography allowed, good exterior shots from abbey ruins and gardens