Join millions of curious travelers.

Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

We promise not to spam you!
  • How It Works
  • Get Inspired
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  • Login

Navigation

  • Blog
  • Destinations
  • Contact

Follow us

Terms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026, TravelPal, Inc. All rights reserved.
0/200
Get InspiredEuropeUnited KingdomScotlandEdinburghSt Giles' Cathedral

St Giles' Cathedral

GB
Tourist Attraction·Historic, Majestic, Spiritual
St Giles' Cathedral
Photo by Melissa Oswald from Google Places
St Giles' Cathedral
Photo by Pulak Parag from Google Places
St Giles' Cathedral
Photo by Paul McKeon from Google Places
St Giles' Cathedral
Photo by Sadek Miah from Google Places
St Giles' Cathedral
Photo by Francisco Miguel Martin Hoya from Google Places
St Giles' Cathedral
Photo by Melissa Oswald from Google Places
St Giles' Cathedral
Photo by Pulak Parag from Google Places
St Giles' Cathedral
Photo by Paul McKeon from Google Places
St Giles' Cathedral
Photo by Sadek Miah from Google Places
St Giles' Cathedral
Photo by Francisco Miguel Martin Hoya from Google Places

St Giles' Cathedral stands as a testament to Edinburgh's rich history and architectural grandeur. This magnificent Gothic structure, located in the heart of the city, is not only a place of Presbyterian worship but also a major tourist attraction. Visitors are drawn to its stunning medieval architecture and its historical significance, notably as the church where John Knox, a leader of the Scottish Reformation, once preached. Whether you're a history buff or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, St Giles' offers a serene and inspiring atmosphere.

St Giles' Cathedral stands as a testament to Edinburgh's rich history and architectural grandeur. This magnificent Gothic structure, located in the heart of the city, is not only a place of Presbyterian worship but also a major tourist attraction. Visitors are drawn to its stunning medieval architecture and its historical significance, notably as the church where John Knox, a leader of the Scottish Reformation, once preached. Whether you're a history buff or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, St Giles' offers a serene and inspiring atmosphere.

Highlights

  • Gothic medieval architecture.

  • Presbyterian place of worship.

  • Historical significance with ties to John Knox.

  • Central location in Edinburgh.

Reviews

4.6
Excellent12,3 K reviews

St Giles' Cathedral is highly regarded for its stunning Gothic architecture and rich historical significance. Visitors appreciate its central location in Edinburgh and the serene atmosphere it offers. Many are drawn to its ties to John Knox and the Scottish Reformation, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals interested in history and architecture. The cathedral is generally described as peaceful, with some visitors recommending guided tours to fully appreciate its historical context and architectural details.

Address
High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, UK
Websitestgilescathedral.org.uk
Phone0131 226 0674
Hours
Closed
Mon
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tue
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wed
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thu
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Fri
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun
1:00 - 5:00 PM
Best For

History enthusiasts and architecture admirers.

Occasion Tags

Tourists, History Buffs, Cultural Exploration

Add dates for experiences

Location

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Open in Maps

Stays near St Giles' Cathedral

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Ten Hill Place Hotel

4.6(1,7 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Stylish, Comfortable, Welcoming
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Kick Ass Grassmarket

4.3(1,6 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Lively, Social, Modern
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Kick Ass Greyfriars

4.2(1,5 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Lively, Youthful, Casual
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Castle Rock Hostel

4.7(3 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Lively, Social, Historic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate

3.3(484 reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Lively, Central, Basic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

a&o Hostel Edinburgh City

3.7(2,6 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Simple, Budget Friendly, Central
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

CODE The Court

4.6(1,3 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Historic, Trendy, Social, Clean
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

High Street Hostel

4.3(1,1 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Social, Budget Friendly, Historic

Food & drink near St Giles' Cathedral

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

MUMS Great Comfort Food

4.4(4,7 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Bright, Retro, Casual
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Castlegate Cafe

4.7(780 reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Cozy, Welcoming, Rustic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Castle Arms

4.2(2,2 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Traditional, Cozy, Welcoming
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Oink Victoria Street

4.5(3,2 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Casual, Quick, Local
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Elephant House

Edinburgh, Scotland
Casual, Classic, Welcoming
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Scotts Kitchen

4.5(1,5 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Casual, Stylish, Relaxed
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Howies Victoria Street

4.4(3,9 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Bright, Relaxed, Convivial
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Piper's Rest

4.5(3,1 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Cozy, Stylish, Welcoming

Things to do near St Giles' Cathedral

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

George Heriot's School

Edinburgh, Scotland
Stately, Historic, Academic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh

4.7(2 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Historic, Serene, Thought Provoking
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

National Museum of Scotland

4.8(55,8 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Bright, Modern, Educational
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Three Sisters

4.1(5,7 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Lively, Energetic, Social
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Scotch Whisky Experience

4.7(11 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Educational, Interactive, Cultural
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

4.6(15,5 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Interactive, Educational, Entertaining
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Gladstone's Land (National Trust for Scotland)

4.5(1 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Historical, Educational, Family Friendly
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Writers' Museum

4.4(2,1 K reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Historic, Educational, Intimate