St Giles' Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is a historic church located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1124 by King David I, it has been a significant place of worship and a focal point in Scottish history for centuries. The cathedral is renowned for its distinctive crown-shaped spire and the Thistle Chapel, which houses the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's highest order of chivalry. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful stained-glass windows and the impressive Rieger organ installed in 1992. The cathedral continues to serve as a place of worship and hosts various events and concerts throughout the year.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.6 11,917
- Viator 4.5 7,391
- Tripadvisor 4.5 6,603
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Breathtaking Architecture St Giles' Cathedral boasts stunning Gothic architecture, intricate stone carvings, and soaring spires, offering a visual feast for architecture enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
- Central Location on the Royal Mile Situated in the heart of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the cathedral is easily accessible and can be seamlessly integrated into any sightseeing itinerary.
- Free Admission (Donations Encouraged) Entry to the cathedral is free, making it accessible to all who wish to admire its beauty and soak in its history, though donations are welcome to support its upkeep.
- Rich Historical Significance Founded in the 12th century, the cathedral has been a focal point of Scottish religious life for over 900 years and has witnessed key events in Scotland's past, providing a profound connection to Edinburgh's rich heritage.
- Stunning Stained Glass Windows The cathedral's stained glass windows are true works of art, casting colorful patterns of light across the interior and telling powerful stories through their intricate designs.
Criticised
- Donation Pressure While entry is free, some visitors may feel pressured to donate due to staff actively requesting contributions at the entrance.
- Limited Wheelchair Accessibility While there is ramp access, navigating the entire cathedral in a wheelchair can be challenging due to steps and tight spaces in certain areas.
- Possible Ongoing Renovations Renovation work is sometimes underway that may obstruct certain views or add noise.
- Potential Crowds As a popular landmark on the Royal Mile, the cathedral can get very busy, especially during peak tourist season, potentially impacting the experience.
- Restrooms Not Available Inside Visitors should use restrooms before entering, as there are no facilities available inside the cathedral.
The longer read
St Giles' Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is a highly recommended and iconic landmark located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Dating back to the 12th century, it stands as a significant piece of Scotland's historical and architectural heritage. Visitors consistently praise the cathedral's stunning architecture, highlighting features such as the soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stonework, and the iconic crown steeple. The stained glass windows are frequently mentioned as breathtaking works of art, filling the space with colorful light and contributing to a serene atmosphere. Many reviewers found the interior beautiful and reverent. Reviewers often mention the Thistle Chapel, home to the Order of the Thistle, as a must-see within the cathedral. Its ornate woodwork and heraldic carvings are particularly admired. The cathedral's rich history and its role in Scotland's religious and political past are also frequently noted, providing a sense of connection to the city's enduring legacy. Visitors appreciate the cathedral's welcoming atmosphere and the knowledge shared by staff and volunteers. Many found the experience to be peaceful, awe-inspiring, and full of character. The cathedral is free to enter, though donations are encouraged to support its maintenance. Some reviewers noted a suggested donation amount. Several reviewers mentioned the option to donate via cash or card. Some reviewers experienced a queue, with wait times of approximately 10-15 minutes. Photography is generally allowed inside. The cathedral is an active place of worship. Some reviewers were fortunate enough to witness choir rehearsals or musical performances, adding to the ambiance. The location on the Royal Mile makes it easily accessible and a convenient stop for anyone exploring Edinburgh. The presence of a gift shop inside, with reasonably priced souvenirs, is also a plus for visitors. While some reviewers noted that the exterior may appear moss-covered, the interior is well-maintained. A few reviewers noted that renovation work may be ongoing during visits. Some reviewers mentioned that it is not as grand as some other European cathedrals. A few reviewers mentioned uneven floors.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 131 226 0674
- Website
- stgilescathedral.org.uk
| Mon | 10:00 - 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Sat | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Sun | 13:00 - 17:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.6 across the 173 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Edinburgh Castle.
Still deciding?
- What is the historical significance of St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh?
- What are the main architectural features to look out for when visiting St Giles' Cathedral?
- What can visitors expect during a tour of St Giles' Cathedral?
- When are regular services and guided tours held at St Giles' Cathedral?
- What are some other nearby attractions to visit around St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.