The 7 best churches in Edinburgh to explore

The best churches in Edinburgh are some of the most impressive buildings in Scotland, fitting landmarks for this atmospheric city of dramatic landscapes, dark history, and contrasting architectural styles. Wander through eerie graveyards, stand in the shadow of Gothic spires, or explore ancient ruins like St. Anthony’s Chapel.

The Scottish capital's most sacred sites captivate, fascinate, and inspire, whether you’re swotting up on the Scottish Reformation on a tour of the spectacular St. Giles Cathedral or basking in the silence of St. Cuthbert’s Churchyard. Whatever strikes your fancy — Edinburgh awaits!

1. St. Giles Cathedral, Old Town

Imposing Gothic Cathedral on the Royal Mile

The gloriously Gothic St. Giles Cathedral tops the list of Edinburgh's must-see churches, with a striking crown spire that has towered over the Royal Mile since this magnificent edifice was completed in 1485. St. Giles was the first church in Scotland to convert to Protestantism and subsequently played a critical role in the Scottish Reformation of 1560. John Knox, the first Protestant minister of St. Giles and a prominent leader of the Reformation, is buried under parking space 23 outside the cathedral.

Inside, admire the stunning Victorian stained-glass windows that vividly illustrate various biblical scenes and were created to educate a mostly illiterate congregation. Look out for the intricate wood carvings and gold leaf detailing in the Thistle Chapel, both relics of St. Giles' Catholic past.

Know before you go

Go early, ideally before 11 AM, to beat the crowds and large tour groups on the Royal Mile.

Address

High St, EH1 1RE

Opening hours

Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Sunday, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

2. St. Margaret’s Chapel, Old Town

The oldest building and church in Edinburgh

In the heart of the Edinburgh Castle complex, St. Margaret’s Chapel is tiny and unassuming compared to the other imposing structures around it. Historians have dated this simple stone chapel to approximately 1130, making it the oldest building in the city by several centuries. Its thick stone walls and tiny stained-glass windows create an intimate atmosphere that feels sheltered from the hustle and bustle outside. Despite its plain interior, there’s a distinct sense that you’re standing in a place of tremendous historical significance and this makes it one of the most fascinating churches to visit in Edinburgh.

Know before you go

To access St. Margaret's, you’ll need to enter the Edinburgh Castle complex. Tickets often sell out weeks ahead of time, so make sure you book yours in advance.

Address

Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EL

Opening hours

Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

3. Greyfriars Church, Old Town

Graveyard famous for its dog and Harry Potter connections

This modest building has become one of the most famous churches in Edinburgh thanks to its surrounding graveyard.

Outside the entrance to the Greyfriars churchyard, you’ll find a small statue of the famous Greyfriars Bobby. Bobby was the terrier of a graveyard night watchman in the 1860s, and together, they made their rounds every night to guard against grave robbers. For his years of loyal service, Bobby became a local legend and is commemorated with a memorial in front of the church entrance. Leave a stick for him when you pass by.

Harry Potter fans can embark on a little scavenger hunt to find the names of characters etched in stone that inspired J.K. Rowling, including Tom Riddle and Mrs. Moodie.

Know before you go

Visit the cemetery in the morning to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of one of Edinburgh’s best churches before the crowds arrive.

Address

Greyfriars Place, EH1 2QQ

Opening hours

Monday–Saturday, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM

Sunday, 10:30 AM-2:00 PM

4. St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, West End

Magnificent cathedral with 295-foot spire

The lesser-known of Edinburgh's two cathedrals, St. Mary's Episcopal, tucked away in the West End near Haymarket, is the tallest building in Edinburgh. Designed by architect Sir George Gilbert Scott and completed in 1879, the church's magnificent spire soars 295 feet into the sky.

Inside, the aisles are lined with massive Gothic Revival arches, and the Resurrection Chapel features a Millennium Window with an entrancing turquoise wave pattern.

Insider tip

Don’t miss Sir Walter Scott’s personal pew, located at the back of the cathedral.

Address

Palmerston Pl, EH12 5AW

Opening hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

5. St. Cuthbert’s Parish Church, Old Town

The oldest Christian site in Edinburgh

Don’t let the relatively new 19th-century structure fool you. St. Cuthbert’s is one of the UK's oldest religious sites, with archaeologists finding evidence of a church on this site as early as the 7th century. The steeple of the current structure was salvaged from the earlier Gregorian church it replaced.

The beautiful spire, with a clock on each side, is the oldest standing part of the structure today, while the interior features a beautifully intricate alabaster carving of The Last Supper. Renowned mystery writer Agatha Christie was clearly a fan; she got married here in 1930.

Insider tip

Explore the parish graveyard to find the graves of famous figures like Charles Darwin’s uncle and author Thomas De Quincey.

Address

5 Lothian Rd, EH1 2EP

Opening hours

Tuesday–Thursday, 10:30 AM-3:30 PM

Friday, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM

Sunday, 9:30 AM-noon and 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

6. St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church, Old Town

Artfully designed church inspired by Westminster Abbey

A hidden gem in the heart of the city, St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Edinburgh. Heavily inspired by the Henry VIII Chapel in Westminster Abbey, the stunning vaulted ceiling features intricate plasterwork intended to look like perpetually falling droplets of water. As sunlight filters through the stained-glass windows, enchanting rainbows dance over the black and white marble checkered floor.

Insider tip

The neighboring Princes Street Gardens is a gorgeous public park that's one of the best places to hang out during summer in Edinburgh and offers fantastic views of the castle.

Address

St Johns Church, 1A Lothian Rd, EH1 2AB

Opening hours

Monday–Friday. noon-2:00 PM

Sunday, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM

7. St Anthony's Chapel Ruins, Holyrood Park

Captivating church ruins on the slopes of Edinburgh’s extinct volcano

The atmospheric ruins of St. Anthony's Chapel lie midway up Arthur’s Seat, perched on a jagged outcropping over St. Margaret’s Loch. Dating back to the 12th century, this chapel was once part of the much larger Holyrood Abbey, which was abandoned after the Scottish Reformation in 1560.

Explore the crumbling historic stone walls and peek inside the depths of St. Anthony’s well before taking in one of the most incredible views in Edinburgh as you gaze out over the city.

Insider tip

In 1836, some local children discovered 17 miniature coffins containing wooden figures hidden in a small cave near St. Anthony’s Chapel. Now on display at the National Museum of Scotland, these strange coffins have become one of Edinburgh’s most enduring mysteries, with popular theories ranging from famous serial killers to Camelot.

Address

Holyrood Park, Queen's Dr, EH8 8JA

Opening hours

Open 24 hours