United Kingdom · Europe

Discover Edinburgh with Rafeek

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and one of its 32 council areas.

Seeing Edinburgh without the story is only half the trip

The problem

Group tours run on someone else's clock, printed signs say too little, and searching for context on your phone pulls you out of the moment. Most travellers leave Edinburgh with photos but no sense of what they actually saw.

How Rafeek fixes it

Rafeek is a personal audio guide in your pocket. Press play at each landmark in Edinburgh, listen at your own pace, and keep your eyes on the place instead of a screen. Guides work offline, so no roaming or signal worries.

What you'll discover in Edinburgh

39 landmarks with their own audio guide — tap any one to read what you'll hear.

Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat is an ancient extinct volcano that is the main peak of the group of hills in Holyrood Park. A climb to its 251-meter summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is a prominent hill in central Edinburgh, known for its collection of neoclassical monuments and its panoramic views of the city. It is home to the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, and the City Observatory, making it a key part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Located next to Edinburgh Castle, this attraction offers five floors of interactive exhibits and optical illusions. The highlight is the 17th-century Camera Obscura, which provides a unique live panoramic view of the city.

Canongate Kirk

This historic parish church on the Royal Mile was founded in 1688 and is the parish church of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It has a distinctive Dutch-style gable and is the resting place of several notable figures, including the economist Adam Smith.

Craigmillar Castle

Often referred to as Edinburgh's 'other castle', Craigmillar is a magnificently preserved medieval fortress on the outskirts of the city. It is famous for its association with Mary, Queen of Scots, who sought refuge here in 1566.

Cramond Village and Beach

Cramond is a historic village at the mouth of the River Almond, offering a picturesque harbor and a sandy beach. At low tide, visitors can walk across a causeway to Cramond Island, but must be mindful of the tide times.

Dean Village

A tranquil oasis just a short walk from the city center, Dean Village is a picturesque former milling village on the Water of Leith. Its charming historic buildings and peaceful riverside setting make it a popular spot for a quiet stroll.

Dynamic Earth

This science center and visitor attraction takes you on a journey through the history of planet Earth, from the Big Bang to the present day. Interactive exhibits, a 360-degree dome cinema, and a simulated earthquake make it a fun and educational experience.

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the city skyline from its position on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a world-famous historic fortress. It has been a royal residence, a military garrison, and a prison, and now houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Edinburgh Zoo

Set in 82 acres of parkland on Corstorphine Hill, Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 1,000 rare and endangered animals from around the world. The zoo is a leading center for conservation and education, known for its penguin parade and diverse animal habitats.

Festival Theatre

The Festival Theatre is one of the largest performance venues in Edinburgh, with a modern auditorium behind its original 19th-century facade. It hosts large-scale touring productions, including opera, ballet, and major musicals.

Gladstone's Land

This is a surviving 17th-century high-tenement house on the Royal Mile, offering a glimpse into the lives of wealthy residents in Edinburgh's Old Town. Restored by the National Trust for Scotland, it showcases period rooms and an impressive painted ceiling.

Grassmarket

Situated in a historic valley in the Old Town, the Grassmarket is a vibrant area known for its lively pubs, restaurants, and independent shops. It was once a site for public executions but is now a popular social hub with stunning views of the castle.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

This historic graveyard is one of the most famous in Scotland, associated with the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who guarded his master's grave. The kirkyard is also known for its Covenanters' Prison and its reputation as one of the most haunted places in the city.

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

This Edwardian castle overlooks the Firth of Forth and is preserved with its interiors exactly as they were in 1926. The castle is surrounded by beautiful grounds, including a notable Japanese garden, making it a peaceful retreat from the city.

Museum of Childhood

Located on the Royal Mile, this was the first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood. It features a fascinating collection of toys, games, and artifacts from different generations, appealing to both children and adults.

Museum of Edinburgh

Housed in the 16th-century Huntly House on the Royal Mile, the Museum of Edinburgh tells the story of the city's history and legends. Its collections include iconic objects like the National Covenant and the collar of Greyfriars Bobby.

National Museum of Scotland

This vast museum houses a diverse collection covering Scottish antiquities, culture, and history, as well as science, technology, and natural history from around the world. Its striking modern building is combined with a beautiful Victorian one, offering a rich experience for all ages.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Located at the end of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Visitors can explore the magnificent State Apartments, the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey.

Portobello Beach

Located a few miles from the city center, Portobello Beach offers a long stretch of sand and a classic seaside promenade. It's a popular spot for walking, swimming, and enjoying the fresh sea air, with charming cafes and arcades nearby.

Princes Street Gardens

These beautiful public gardens lie in the heart of the city, separating the Old Town from the New Town. The gardens were created in the 1820s and are a popular spot for relaxing, with the iconic Scott Monument and the Floral Clock.

Rosslyn Chapel

Located just outside Edinburgh, the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel is famous for its incredibly ornate and mysterious stone carvings. It gained worldwide fame from 'The Da Vinci Code' and is linked to legends of the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Founded in 1670, this is a world-renowned center for plant science and a stunning public garden. It covers 70 acres and features a variety of landscapes, glasshouses with exotic plants, and spectacular views of the city skyline.

Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Yacht Britannia is now a five-star visitor attraction permanently moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith. Visitors can explore all five decks, from the State Apartments to the crew's quarters, and learn about the ship's history.

Scott Monument

This Victorian Gothic monument is dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, and it is one of the largest monuments to a writer in the world. Visitors can climb the 287 steps of its narrow spiral staircase for stunning views of central Edinburgh.

Scottish National Gallery

Situated on The Mound in the heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery houses Scotland's national collection of fine art. Its collection spans from the early Renaissance to the end of the nineteenth century, featuring masterpieces by artists like Raphael, Vermeer, and Monet.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

This gallery is split across two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two, set in a beautiful sculpture park. It houses Scotland's national collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Scottish Colourists.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Housed in a grand red sandstone Gothic Revival building, this gallery tells the story of Scotland through portraits of its most famous historical and contemporary figures. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and photographs of everyone from Mary, Queen of Scots to Sean Connery.

Scottish Parliament Building

Located at the foot of the Royal Mile, the Scottish Parliament Building is the modern home of Scotland's devolved legislature. Its unique and controversial design, inspired by the Scottish landscape, can be explored through guided tours.

St Giles' Cathedral

Often referred to as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, St Giles' Cathedral is a historic church on the Royal Mile with a distinctive crowned steeple. It has been a central part of Scotland's religious life for over 900 years and features stunning stained-glass windows and the beautiful Thistle Chapel.

Stockbridge Market

Held every Sunday, the Stockbridge Market is a vibrant open-air market popular with locals and visitors alike. It features a wide range of artisanal food producers, street food stalls, and local craft makers.

Surgeons' Hall Museums

Owned by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, this is one of the oldest medical museums in the world. It contains fascinating and often gruesome collections of surgical instruments, anatomical specimens, and pathological artifacts, including items linked to Burke and Hare.

The People's Story Museum

Housed in the historic Canongate Tolbooth on the Royal Mile, this museum tells the story of the lives, work, and leisure of the ordinary people of Edinburgh. The exhibits cover the late 18th century to the present day, using oral history, written sources, and reconstructed scenes.

The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Situated next to the Scottish Parliament, The Queen's Gallery hosts a program of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. The art and treasures on display are drawn from the vast collection held in trust by the monarch for the nation.

The Real Mary King's Close

This unique attraction takes visitors on an underground tour of a hidden 17th-century street beneath the Royal Mile. Costumed character guides tell the real stories of the people who lived, worked, and died on the close, offering a glimpse into Edinburgh's past.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of Edinburgh. It connects Edinburgh Castle at the top with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom, and is lined with historic buildings, shops, pubs, and restaurants.

The Writers' Museum

Tucked away in Lady Stair's Close off the Royal Mile, this museum celebrates the lives and works of three of Scotland's greatest literary figures: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. It houses a collection of their personal belongings, manuscripts, and portraits.

Usher Hall

A premier concert hall in Edinburgh, the Usher Hall is renowned for its stunning Edwardian architecture and superb acoustics. It hosts a wide variety of performances, including classical music, rock concerts, and comedy shows, and is a key venue for the Edinburgh International Festival.

Water of Leith Walkway

This scenic walkway is a beautiful public path that follows the river through the city for over 12 miles. It passes through many areas of interest, including the Dean Village, Stockbridge, and the Royal Botanic Garden, offering a peaceful escape from the urban environment.

How Rafeek works in Edinburgh

Download Rafeek

Get the app on iOS or Android and pick your destination.

Choose a guide

Browse the landmarks nearby and choose the ones you want.

Press play and walk

Listen as you go, at your own pace, online or offline.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and one of its 32 council areas. It is located in southeast Scotland and is bounded to the north by the Firth of Forth and to the south by the Pentland Hills. Edinburgh had a population of 506,520 in 2020, making it the second-most-populous city in Scotland and the seventh-most-populous in the United Kingdom. The wider metropolitan area had a population of 912,490 in the same year.