Temples & religious sites
Greyfriars Kirk
Greyfriars Kirk
Located in Edinburgh's Old Town, this Church of Scotland parish church is surrounded by the Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery. Visitors go here to explore the historic graveyard and the church building, providing a space for quiet walking and contemplation amidst the city's urban environment.
Getting There
The site is situated within the city centre. From the Royal Mile or the Princes Street area, it is accessible via a short walk of approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your starting point.
Time Allocation
Allow roughly 1 to 2 hours to walk through the kirkyard and visit the church. The amount of time spent depends on whether you are interested in reading the headstones or simply strolling through the grounds.
When to Visit
The grounds are open throughout the year. Morning visits are generally quieter. During the summer months and during the August festivals, the surrounding Old Town area becomes very crowded, which can affect the atmosphere of the cemetery.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, this site can be combined with several other nearby points of interest:
- National Museum of Scotland (0.1km)
- Grassmarket (0.3km)
- St Giles' Cathedral (0.3km)
- Camera Obscura (0.3km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors