Highlights of St Giles’ Cathedral
History and exterior of the cathedral
St. Giles' Cathedral belongs to the Church of Scotland. It is said to have been founded by King David I of Scotland in 1124 and stands along the Royal Mile, which runs through the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town.
Statue of Adam Smith
In front of the cathedral stands a bronze statue of Adam Smith, known as the “father of economics” and for works such as The Wealth of Nations.
Thistle Chapel
The Thistle Chapel was designed by Robert Lorimer as the chapel of the Order of the Thistle and was completed in 1911. The chapel is adorned with knights’ stalls featuring intricately carved wooden canopies, helmets and coats of arms placed above them, and stained-glass windows. The thistle is Scotland’s national flower.
Royal Mile
St Giles’ Cathedral stands on High Street, part of the Royal Mile running through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Its historic church architecture and the surrounding Old Town streets can easily be explored together.
The streetscape around the cathedral and the highlights of the Royal Mile are introduced in the article about the Royal Mile.
Basic information about St Giles' Cathedral
The information below was checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- Check the official website below for the latest information on visiting, admission fees, and access.
St Giles' Cathedralwww.stgilescathedral.org.uk - 📍 Address
- St Giles’ Cathedral／High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE
- 🕒 Visiting hours
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- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday:10:00～18:00
- Saturday:10:00～17:00
- Sunday:13:00～17:00
Before visiting, check the official website for Thursday’s opening hours and any changes due to services or events. Last admission is 1 hour before closing. A Quiet Hour is held on Saturdays from 9:00 to 10:00.
- 💶 Admission
- Visitors aged 16 or over who are not residents of Scotland pay 12GBP, while those under 16 enter free. The Access Ticket for visitors with disabilities or accessibility needs costs 10GBP. Residents of Scotland aged 16 or over can enter free with a Resident Pass. Admission fees for sightseeing visits were introduced on 5 October 2026.
- ⏱️ Suggested duration
- The audio-guided visit takes about 25 minutes. To explore the architecture and statues at a leisurely pace, allow around 30 minutes to 1 hour. Visit duration may vary due to services, events, crowds, entry queues, and the areas open to visitors.
Getting to St Giles’ Cathedral
From central Edinburgh, it is convenient to head for the Victoria Street bus stop on George IV Bridge. After getting off the bus, proceed from George IV Bridge towards the Royal Mile and walk along High Street to the West Door at the front of the cathedral. From Princes Street, take a bus or tram to The Mound, then walk uphill into the Old Town. The cathedral has no dedicated parking; behind the building, near Parliament Square and Mercat Cross, there are parking spaces for Blue Badge holders. There is a ramp immediately inside the West Door.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Edinburgh: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transport and Suggested Itineraries”.
