1 / 10

University of Edinburgh Old College

4.7

·370 reviews·, United Kingdom

A breathtaking neoclassical masterpiece, Old College is the historic heart of the University of Edinburgh, offering stunning architecture and a glimps...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise

Magical light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Loading map...

University of Edinburgh Old College

Best Time

Sunrise

Magical light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking neoclassical masterpiece, Old College is the historic heart of the University of Edinburgh, offering stunning architecture and a glimpse into academic heritage.

4.7

(370 reviews)

"The most beautiful building that UoE has. You can see the old architecture while they developed the interior into more modern."

TIP

📸 Capture the Sunrise

Catch Old College bathed in golden light for breathtaking photos.

🚶‍♂️ Admire from Outside

Interior access is limited; focus on the stunning exterior architecture.

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 370 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

Address

University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK

Website

canmore.org.uk/site/52400

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Old College Courtyard

Central quadrangle

Admire the stunning 18th-century architecture and soak in the academic atmosphere of this historic heart.

Law Library Exterior

Part of Old College

A grand and imposing structure, even from the outside, showcasing impressive historical design.

Robert Adam's Design

Throughout Old College

Appreciate the masterful neoclassical architecture by Robert Adam, a true masterpiece.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Accessing Old College

While the exterior of Old College is a must-see, access to interior spaces like the Law Library is restricted to University of Edinburgh students and staff. Plan your visit to admire the architecture from the outside or check for any public tours that might be available.

Best Photo Spots

Capture the grandeur of Old College, especially during sunrise for a magical atmosphere.

The courtyard and the main facade offer stunning backdrops, but be mindful of students and staff if you're visiting during term time.

Best Times

When

Sunrise

Why

Magical light, fewer crowds

Crowd

Low

When

Weekdays, mid-morning

Why

See students, capture atmosphere

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Save this hidden entry to the most beautiful backyard of Edinburgh. #fy #fyp #travel #foryou #edinburgh #Scotland

@bokehmons

959.3K likes • 5.9M views

📸 Capture the Sunrise

Catch Old College bathed in golden light for breathtaking photos.

🚶‍♂️ Admire from Outside

Interior access is limited; focus on the stunning exterior architecture.

I never expected Edinburgh to be a foodie city but it really suprised me! Here’s everything I did when I was there! #edinburgh #edinburghscotland #Scotland #scotlandtravel #travelbucketlist #traveltips

@calebthill

118.3K likes • 1.3M views

Edinburgh Law School 🏫 Edinburgh Law School, founded in 1707, is a school within the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom dedicated to research and teaching in law. It is located in the historic Old College, the original site of the University. 📸 @pandeyrr #edinburghuniversity #edinburgh #scotland #universityofedinburgh #scotlandexplore #travelscotland

pandeyrr

5.1K likes • 72.4K views

🎬 Film Location Spotting

Visit spots featured in 'One Day' for a cinematic experience. +1

📚 Hogwarts Vibes

Feel the magic of this historic university, often compared to Hogwarts.

We would like to introduce you to our Law Library ⚖️📚 Based at Old College and one of the largest law libraries in Europe, this beautiful library hides a secret link to a grim part of Edinburgh's history (that we'll tell you about another time). The Law Library is well worth exploring but entry requires your University of Edinburgh student or staff card. See link in bio for opening times. #Univ...

edunilibraries

147 likes • 5.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Sunrise

Catch Old College bathed in golden light for breathtaking photos.

🚶‍♂️ Admire from Outside

Interior access is limited; focus on the stunning exterior architecture.

🎬 Film Location Spotting

Visit spots featured in 'One Day' for a cinematic experience. +1

📚 Hogwarts Vibes

Feel the magic of this historic university, often compared to Hogwarts.

What Travellers Say

4.7

(370 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the University of Edinburgh's Old College for its stunning 18th-century architecture and historic atmosphere, often comparing it to Hogwarts. While interior access is limited, the exterior is considered a must-see landmark for its grandeur and photographic potential. Some note that certain areas could benefit from modernization, but this doesn't detract from its overall appeal as an architectural gem.

"Beautiful just to walk through. Must be amazing to study here too!"

Brian

"It was an affordable place to stay and very comfortable. The rooms are like 8'x12' and they have a sink and a desk. The bathrooms are shared, but I never had to wait, and they were very clean. Breakfast was included and it was great. A huge cafeteria with lots and lots of variety of fresh food."

Doug Dodd

"The Old College is a stunning example of historic architecture. I visited on a quiet day and was able to capture some really great photos without any crowds."

Nitchanun W.

What People Like

Stunning historic architecture

Grand facade and courtyard

Photographic opportunities

What People Dislike

Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Old College is centrally located in Edinburgh's Old Town. You can easily reach it by walking from most city center locations. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and Waverley train station is a short walk away.

On-street parking in the Old Town is very limited and expensive. It's best to use public transport or park at a city center car park and walk.

The exterior of Old College is freely accessible and a popular spot for photos. However, access to interior spaces like the Law Library requires a University of Edinburgh student or staff card.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No ticket is required to view and photograph the exterior of Old College. Entry to specific internal areas, such as the Law Library, is restricted to university members.

The grounds and exterior of Old College are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific building access, if available for tours, would have separate hours. Check the University of Edinburgh's website for any public tour information.

There is no entrance fee to admire the architecture of Old College from the outside.

📸 📸 Photography

The central courtyard offers a grand perspective, and the main facade is iconic. Sunrise provides particularly beautiful light for photography.

Photography inside Old College is generally not permitted for visitors, as access is restricted. Focus on capturing the stunning exterior architecture.

While exterior photography is welcome, be respectful of the academic environment and any ongoing university activities.

🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History

The original design for Old College was by Robert Adam, with later additions by William Henry Playfair.

Construction began in 1789, making it a significant historical landmark in Edinburgh.

It's the historic heart of the University of Edinburgh, representing centuries of academic tradition and architectural evolution.