St Andrews

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Palace of Holyroodhouse
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Palace of Holyroodhouse

8.8
4.7/5
384 reviews
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and serves as the official residence of His Majesty the King of Scotland, used for state ceremonies and official entertainment. This palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is deeply intertwined with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the palace includes the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, where many dramatic events occurred during her brief and tumultuous reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary David Rizzio by her husband Lord Darnley. In the palace's State Apartments, visitors can admire the magnificent Great Gallery, where grand balls were held in September 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie established his Jacobite court at the palace. Today's State Apartments reflect the evolving tastes of successive monarchs, renowned for their exquisite plaster ceilings and an unparalleled collection of Brussels tapestries. They house a significant portion of the Royal Collection's artworks, many of which have long-standing connections to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scotland. A visit to the palace also includes the opportunity to explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the palace's unique gardens, set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat. At the palace café, visitors can enjoy homemade dishes made from local produce, ranging from light snacks and lunches to afternoon tea.Edinburgh · 48.9 km from St Andrews

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Featured Food & drink in St Andrews

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Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour and Beer Tasting
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Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromAU$89.57AU$94.29
Gothic Edinburgh: afternoon tea tour of women's stories and hidden history
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FromAU$90.43
Edinburgh: Historical Gems Tour with Whisky & Local Flavours
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FromAU$65.81AU$69.28
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour
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4.8/5
· 3.3k reviews· 297 booked
Duration: 750 mins
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95% of travelers recommend
FromAU$95.93

Featured Day tours in St Andrews

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1-day tour of St Andrews Cathedral + Old Course + Fife Coast | Medieval University Town
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 6.2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromAU$126.13
St Andrews + Fife Fishing Villages + Falkland Day Tour from Edinburgh, UK - The Home of Golf
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FromAU$162.41
Glasgow: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
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4.6/5
· 74 reviews
Free cancellation
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94.6% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$36.56AU$38.49

Featured Outdoor & sports in St Andrews

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Edinburgh: Guided Hike to Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park
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5.0/5
· 73 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
73 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$43.87AU$46.18
Edinburgh: Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh
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5.0/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$145.31AU$152.96
Aberfeldy: Rafting on the River Tay
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4.5/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromAU$109.67AU$115.45
Edinburgh: Arthur's Seat Hike with Mountain Guide
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$87.19AU$91.78
Edinburgh: Hill & Nature Hike With a Local
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5.0/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$36.48AU$38.41

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What travelers say about St Andrews

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Lavender and SunJune 22, 2023
5.0
Located in the Fife administrative district on the east coast of Scotland, St Andrews is one of the most famous towns in Scottish history and the religious capital of the Kingdom of Scotland in the Middle Ages. St Andrews is not only home to the oldest university in Scotland, but is also known as the "hometown of golf" for its many contributions to the development of golf.

St Andrews Links

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西溪老翁April 11, 2021
5.0
St. Andrews Cathedral was once known as the greatest building in medieval Scotland. Due to wars and the invasion of time, there are only ruins left here. Only some broken walls allow us to vaguely see the splendor of hundreds of years ago. The two spires of the church ruins have become the landmark of St. Andrew. Although it is a relic, it is backed by the North Sea and has a beautiful scenery.

St Andrews Cathedral

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Tania Akter (Sumi)October 29, 2026
5.0
Edinburgh Castle is an absolutely breathtaking historical landmark! ❤️ Perched high on Castle Rock, it offers spectacular views of Edinburgh and the surrounding city. The impressive stone walls, ancient architecture, and rich Scottish history make this place truly special. Walking through the castle feels like stepping back in time, with fascinating stories of kings, queens, battles, and royal traditions waiting to be discovered. I especially love the dramatic setting and the way the castle stands proudly above the city. It’s a perfect destination for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys exploring beautiful historical places. 😊 Definitely a must-visit attraction in Scotland!

Edinburgh Castle

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M AhemMay 3, 2025
5.0
Awesome place! Had an amazing experience—highly recommended for everyone to visit!

Edinburgh Old Town

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Anonymous userSeptember 24, 2026
5.0
Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse was easily one of the highlights of my time in Edinburgh. Located right at the end of the Royal Mile, it offers a fascinating contrast to the medieval drama of Edinburgh Castle, providing a much more intimate glimpse into British and Scottish royal history.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in St Andrews?

Don't miss these attractions in St Andrews: St Andrews Links, St Andrews Cathedral, and West Sands Beach. If you like Food & drink, try Prestonfield House restaurant reservation service in Edinburgh, UK. If you enjoy Day tours, try 1-day tour of St Andrews Cathedral + Old Course + Fife Coast | Medieval University Town.

You can give Prestonfield House restaurant reservation service in Edinburgh, UK and Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour and Beer Tasting a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 1-day tour of St Andrews Cathedral + Old Course + Fife Coast | Medieval University Town, 1-day tour to St Andrews, Falkland & The Kelpies | Kingdom of Fife | Comfortable minibus, and St Andrews + Fife Fishing Villages + Falkland Day Tour from Edinburgh, UK - The Home of Golf. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 4, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in St Andrews is around AUD 36.56 – AUD 1,077.42. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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