If you’re planning a visit to Edinburgh, you’ll pass through the Royal Mile and, from there, you won’t be able to miss the massive silhouette of St. Giles Cathedral. Don’t hesitate to push open its heavy door and admire the treasures it houses – you won’t regret it.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit St Giles’ Cathedral?
Is the cathedral worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, St Giles’ Cathedral is well worth a visit. It’s particularly striking. The exterior of the monument is already very impressive, with its massive, dark silhouette and crown spire. But it’s the interior that captivated us most. The variety of points of interest and the many surprises on offer along the way really won us over.
In our opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
Why is St Giles’ Cathedral famous?
Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, the cathedral is famous for its crown spire, a particularly rare masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Visible from afar, it’s surprisingly slender and original. Inside, we were impressed by the colorful stained glass windows, the ceilings and themonumental organ. It’s even possible to get inside the instrument. The Chapelle du Chardon, with its impressive sculpted walls, is a real gem.
Our favorite moments
We particularly appreciated it:
- The contrast between the dark, massive exterior and the richly decorated interior.
- The Chapelle du Chardon(Thistle Chapel) charmed us with its calm atmosphere, soft light and fine detail.
- Finally, access to the interior of the organ was a rare and original experience, almost intimate, at the heart of this monumental instrument.
WHERE TO STAY IN Edinburgh
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Edinburgh (coming soon)
History in brief
Founded in the 12th century, St Giles Cathedral is one of Edinburgh’s oldest monuments. Partially destroyed during English attacks in the 14th century, it was rebuilt in the 15th century in Gothic style, with its famous crown spire added in 1495. In the 16th century, it became a focal point of the Scottish Reformation, led by John Knox. A symbol of Presbyterianism, it has survived the centuries, preserving traces of its eventful history and multiple transformations.
How to find us: St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
Where is Saint-Gilles Cathedral?
- St. Giles Cathedral is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
- It is located on the Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare between the castle and Holyrood Palace.
- It’s surrounded by many iconic monuments and attractions, including The Real Mary King’s Close, just across the road.
RENT YOUR CAR IN Scotland
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that’s not too wide, as some roads have only one lane.
- Book early for choice.
See our tips (coming soon)
How to get there?
- On foot: the cathedral is easily accessible from anywhere in Edinburgh city center.
- By train: Waverley station is less than 10 minutes’ walk away.
- By bus: the nearest stop is South Bridge.
Parking
Parking is particularly tight in Edinburgh’s historic district. There is no dedicated parking for The Real Mary King’s Close, but you can opt for the Blackfriars St parking lot, about 5min walk away.
discover edinburgh
- What to do in Edinburgh (coming soon)
- Best hotels (coming soon)
- Best restaurants (coming soon)
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
We visited the cathedral in the late morning. The sun was barely filtering through, bringing out the best in the stained-glass windows. The early hours of the day and the late afternoon also offer a quieter atmosphere.
Length of visit and main difficulties
- Allow between 30min and 1h, depending on your interest, to explore the cathedral at your leisure.
- The tour is easily accessible, with no major difficulties, but some areas may be narrow or occupied by groups.
- If you want to take photos inside, you’ll need a permit. It cost £2 at the time of our visit.
Advice on how to visit
We recommend that you take the time to observe the façade, the crowned spire and the details of the portal before entering. Inside, the first thing you’ll notice is the stained glass windows and flags hanging everywhere as you stroll through the nave. We then moved on to the Chapelle du Charbon, before finishing with a visit to the organ.
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP AROUND scotland
All the information you need for your trip:
- 15 maps for easy planning
- + 170 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 170 photos to help you choose
Schedules and rates
The cathedral is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
Admission is free, but a donation is recommended. Find out more here.
Guided tours
- Audioguides are available in English and German, accessible from your phone via a QR code. The cost is £5.50. You can prepay here.
- Free daily guided tours are organized at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. They last 45 minutes. Reservations are essential, as there are many requests. Find out more here.
Discover the exterior of St Giles’ Cathedral
A massive and impressive silhouette in the heart of the Royal Mile
We couldn’t miss the imposing silhouette of St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile. This great block of grey stone, often referred to as the Grey Bulk, has dominated Edinburgh’s main street for centuries. The whole thing exudes a real power, more massive than slender, strongly marking the urban landscape. The sculptures on the outside of the building are rather discreet, but invite you to get up close and discover the details.
The crown spire, a Gothic emblem
The most striking feature of the exterior is the crowned spire, completed in 1495. This openwork Gothic structure, unique in Scotland, symbolizes the country’s royal and religious history. We particularly admired it as we stood back in the square, where it stands out perfectly against the Scottish sky.
The gateway and heart of Midlothian
Before entering, we took the time to observe the west portal of St Giles Cathedral. The doors and frames feature fine carvings that caught our attention. We didn’t photograph it, but on the floor you can see a heart-shaped paving pattern, the Heart of Midlothian. This pattern marks the former site of the Tolbooth, Edinburgh’s former parliament, court and prison. Tradition has it that passers-by spit on it to ward off bad luck… a local curiosity!
Explore the interior of the cathedral
Colored stained glass
The interior of St Giles Cathedral surprised us with its play of colored light, projected by the many stained glass windows. They depict biblical scenes, but also pay tribute to key figures in Scottish history. We appreciated the diversity of styles, reflecting the different periods of creation and restoration.
The interior of St Giles Cathedral didn’t really impress us with its height, but we did like the elegance of its stone vaults and the overall balance of the nave. The central pillars, remnants of the Norman church destroyed in the 14th century, add a special relief to the space. When we looked up, we also discovered the beautiful painted ceilings, whose blue hues add an unexpected touch.
Another eye-catching feature is the many flags hanging over the aisles. They are a reminder of St Giles Cathedral’s close links with military history and the various Scottish units. Their colorful presence gives the place a solemn, memorial dimension that contrasts with the surrounding gray stone.
In the heart of St Giles Cathedral, theThistle Chapel offered a more intimate and refined experience. Built in 1911 for the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s highest honor), it is magnificently decorated with carved stone and wood.
The stalls and coat of arms impressed us greatly. This is undoubtedly the most precious and elaborate space in the whole cathedral.
The monumental organ, an immersive experience
The modern organ intrigued us with its imposing dimensions and clean lines. We were given access to the interior of this monumental instrument. A stunning immersive experience that rounded off our visit magnificently.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to visit the interior of the organ all year round?
Built in 1992, it has been designed so that you can walk around the back and discover the inside of the instrument. Simply walk up to the red wooden panel and press the top button to illuminate the interior.
Can you climb the crown spire of St Giles Cathedral?
The crown spire of St Giles Cathedral is not open to the public. This spectacular piece of Gothic architecture is purely decorative and closed to the public for safety and structural reasons. There are no stairs or viewing platforms inside the spire itself. The best way to admire this crown of stone is to stand back on the Royal Mile, or to enjoy an overall view from the heights of Edinburgh, as from the castle or Calton Hill.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
