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United Kingdom/Things to Do in Edinburgh, couple trip

David Hume Statue (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is David Hume Statue?

71%Couple-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 71% Couple-Friendly: Couples can share local luck ritual, snap joint selfies and fold the stop into a romantic Old Town stroll, yet the statue itself offers only minutes of activity.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 315 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free access: No entry fee or booking required at any time.
  • Central location: Right by St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile, easy to combine with other stops.

Challenges:

  • Crowd spots: Small lines form to rub the toe, especially midday.
  • Uneven ground: Cobblestones and steps around the statue can be slippery or uneven.
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🏖️ Explore David Hume Statue with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around David Hume Statue. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is David Hume Statue?

  • A bronze statue of the Scottish Enlightenment philosopher David Hume standing on the Royal Mile near St Giles’ Cathedral
  • Depicts Hume in classical Greek robes with an exposed right big toe that has been polished to a golden sheen by tradition
  • Executed in a refined neoclassical style, the monument commemorates Hume’s intellectual contributions and anchors the historic streetscape

What is so special about David Hume Statue for couple trip?

  1. Touch Hume’s toe for local good luck
  2. Uncover the hidden Helios carving
  3. Snap a fun cone-on-head photo
  4. Join a tip-based walking tour
  5. Explore at your own pace with an audio guide

Recommended visit duration: 0.5-2 hours

Why 0.5-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time to follow local traditions, take photos, and join a short walking tour without rushing.

(View David Hume Statue on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in David Hume Statue

Rub the exposed big toe:

Touch David Hume’s right toe for good luck.

Tip: Queue at the base; the bronze toe is polished smooth from many hands.

Spot the Helios relief:

Discover the Greek sun god carved behind the statue.

Tip: Circle the plinth and look up to find snakes curling around Helios’s head.

Traffic-cone selfie:

Join Edinburgh’s playful tradition of hatting statues.

Tip: Ask a local or teammate to place a cone on Hume’s head and snap quickly.

Join a tip-based walking tour:

Learn Hume’s story on a free Royal Mile tour.

Tip: Meet guides from GuruWalk or City Explorers near St Giles Cathedral–tips around £5–£20 per person.

Use a self-guided audio tour:

Hear historical insights at your own pace.

Tip: Download VoiceMap’s “Royal Mile Highlights” tour (£19.99) before you arrive.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to David Hume Statue

  1. Early arrival: Visit before 10 AM to enjoy the statue with fewer people.
  2. Link nearby sights: Pair the statue stop with St Giles Cathedral and the Royal Mile.
🏖️ Tour David Hume Statue like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in David Hume Statue. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of David Hume Statue

Powered by Google
Matt H

Matt H

Jun 2025

An interesting sculpture in the heart of the city along a very busy tourist path. The toes of this sculpture shine gold as many visitors rub them for luck. A unique and interesting spot to visit.

웅냥냥

웅냥냥

May 2025

Touch his toe and your wish will come true. It would have been nice if there was an explanation for him. There are always many people around, but few people took pictures.

J. Lepianda

J. Lepianda

Sep 2024

The bronze statue of the 18th century British philosopher statue of David Hume in Edinburgh commemorates the influential Scottish philosopher and Enlightenment thinker. The statue was erected in 1997 by Sir Stewart Sutherland, Principal of the University of Edinburgh. People usually rub the David Hume Statue's toe as a good luck ritual, they believe that this will bring luck or knowledge. Locate...

Ghassan Khalel

Ghassan Khalel

Aug 2024

The David Hume statue, located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, is a prominent tribute to the influential Scottish philosopher and historian. Erected in 1997, this bronze statue portrays Hume seated in a contemplative pose, holding a book, symbolizing his contributions to philosophy and literature. Created by sculptor Alexander Stoddart, the statue is a significant landmark for those interested in ...

आकाशदिप धनक

आकाशदिप धनक

Dec 2023

The David Hume statue, gracing Edinburgh's Royal Mile, pays fitting tribute to the Enlightenment philosopher. Capturing his contemplative spirit, the bronze figure invites reflection on reason and skepticism. The details, from the flowing robe to the poised expression, convey a sense of intellectual depth. Positioned near the High Court, it's a philosophical pause amidst historical hustle. While u...

When is the best time to visit David Hume Statue (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?

In summer, arrive before 10 AM to beat tour groups. In winter, wear sturdy shoes and watch for ice on the cobbles.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Edinburgh on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Statue visitGBP 0
Tip-based walking tour (for two)GBP 30
Self-guided audio tourGBP 20
Total EstimatedGBP 50

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of David Hume Statue

Address: 379-381 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PW, UK

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Looking for other Things to Do besides David Hume Statue (Edinburgh)?

← See other Things to Do in Edinburgh (couple trip)

About David Hume Statue

Opening Hours

Monday:Open 24 hours
Tuesday:Open 24 hours
Wednesday:Open 24 hours
Thursday:Open 24 hours
Friday:Open 24 hours
Saturday:Open 24 hours
Sunday:Open 24 hours

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

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