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53 Cool Things to Do in Edinburgh: Hidden Gems, Unusual Attractions & Quirky Tours

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Seeking out Edinburgh’s hidden gems? If you’ve done the castle, hiked up Arthur’s Seat and spent a pretty penny drinking in the Grassmarket and feel it’s time to consider the unusual things to do in Edinburgh to kill boredom, impress friends or gift to a loved one, keep reading! 

From lesser-known locations to unique tours, this guide is ideal for visitors who like to do things a little off the beaten track while keeping it accessible. We hope locals pick up a few quirky tips, too. Tell us in the comments.

We’ve collated cool things to do in Edinburgh during the day and at night. Some of these activities are season-specific, so bookmark this post and refer to it throughout the year.

Hidden Gems in Edinburgh

Union canal .

Did you know Edinburgh had a canal?

Stretching from the capital all the way to Glasgow via The Kelpies in Falkirk, this waterway is a lesser-known thing to do in Edinburgh!

Walk or cycle along the canal starting at Lochrin Basin and Leamington Lift Bridge, close to Lothian Road.

There’s a barge cafe at this location. 

A popular stop along the canal is the abandoned Ashley Terrace Boathouse. 

Give Bum the Dog a Pat

We’re all familiar with Greyfraiar’s Bobby, but did you know that there is a statue of another dog in Edinburgh?

Bum, a bronze statue of a St Bernard-spaniel mix, is located at West Princes Street Gardens and like Bobby, there’s a backstory .

He is said to have arrived in San Diego as a stowaway pup and was adopted by Ah Wo Sue, a Chinese fisherman, around 1886-1898.

Edinburgh and San Francisco are twinned cities, so I wanted to celebrate this commonality by gifting Bum to Edinburgh!

Dean Village

Dean Village probably hasn’t been much of a hidden gem since the birth of Instagram , but it’s too pretty to leave out.

If you’ve not wandered from the West End down to Dean Village, give it a whirl for a time-hop experience back to historic Edinburgh.

Look out for the shapes etched into the stone representing the grain mills that once stood there.

Pay The Greek Goddess of Health a Visit in Stockbridge

Along the Water of Leith sits St Bernard’s Well and the statue of Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health.

Sit at the benches near the well and enjoy the tranquillity which once attracted locals taking wellness breaks.

Walk Under The Dene

As you head into Stockbridge, you will walk under The Dene, which is a myriad of steps and tunnels.

Built in 1824, The Dene has some Harry Potter vibes going on.

Spot The Colourful Saunders Sign

A street artist has brought a dull Saunders Sign to life in Stockbridge.

Which version do you prefer?

Poop Your Pants at the Man in the Water

It is a rite of passage to get a fright at Antony Gormley’s sculptures lurking about the New Town.

The Turner Prize winner has six faceless figures placed from the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art down to Leith Docks, and one stands in the water by the bridge on Deanhaugh Street.

Get a Snap of Circus Lane

As with Dean Village, the secret is out about Circus Lane, the cobbled mews with St Stephen’s Church in the background, but it would be a sin to leave it out just in case you missed it.

Wild West in Edinburgh’s Morningside 

Head to Morningside Road and turn right at Springvalley Gardens to find an abandoned spaghetti movie set! 

Find out more in our spooky locations guide.

Colington Tunnel for Street Art

Colinton Tunnel is an abandoned Victorian railway tunnel decorated in graffiti and street art.

The 140 m tunnel has been skilfully transformed and tells the area’s heritage via the poem From a Railway Carriage. 

Parking is located just a few minutes away from the tunnel.

If you prefer to walk, Colington is part of the city walking route, Water of Leith Walkway.

Jupiter Artland

Jupiter Artland is a cool spot just outside of Edinburgh.

Take a leisurely walk around the outdoor sculptures using the key on the garden map to find out more about each installation.

Eat soup and cake at the pink cafe!

In summer, you can reserve a spot to swim in the outdoor pool.

If you like hidden gem tips, check out the new Secrets of Scotland website.

Cool Things to do in Edinburgh

Above, we’ve covered the attractions you’d find off the beaten path in Edinburgh.

Next, we’ll take a look at cool places in Edinburgh where you can do an activity.

Some are daytime activities, others are evening based.

There’s also a mix of unusual indoor and outdoor points of interest, so if it rains , which it does often, you can choose something inside instead.

Watch a Film in a Pub

The Banshee Labyrinth has an actual cinema in it, and The Brass Monkey has comfy cushions and a screen at the back of its bar! 

Alternatively, go to The Dominion for a cinema with drinks. 

Play Vintage Computer Games

NQ64 on Lothian Road is a pub with various vintage computer games.

Is Pacman, Street Fighter or Mariokart your poison?

Do a Drag Show

It’s showtime!

Sing along with the drag artists at CC Booms or Planet Bar during one of their live acts.

Why not add a Mimosa into the mix at Brewhemia’s Drag Brunch events?

Find a Speakeasy

There are surprisingly few speakeasy bars in Edinburgh, considering how many pubs the city has!

The most popular, with those who can find it tucked behind a barber window, is Panda and Sons, its sister bar; Hoot the Redeemer is an Ev Ed fave; Never Really Here is a usual speakeasy with no drinks menu, the Secret Arcade serves a long list of vodka drinks and St Bernard’s Bar is a fun spot in Stockbridge .

Look out for Jackson the Tailor across from St. James’s Quarter for a secret bar with red velvet seats.

Or, Encore in the West End .

Hike 7 Hills 

See all 7 hills in Edinburgh by hiking them in a day!

It can be done, we promise. 

While the 7 Hikes Challenge is an annual event for runners, there is no official route.

You might want to get the highest, Arthur’s Seat, out of the way first.

From there, go back down the well-trodden path and walk to Blackford Hill for epic city views of where you’ve just hiked from.

Next, go through the Hermitage to Braid Hill.

Look out for golf balls from the golf course. 

The fourth hill is Craiglockhart; aim for the golf course and ask for directions. 

Hill number five is a stretch away, Corstorphine. 

There’s an opportunity to pop into Saughton Park to see the historic bandstand. 

Enjoy the view from Corstorphine Hill viewpoint, but keep heading to the tower for its summit. 

Head down to the main road from the viewpoint and walk all the way into town until you get to Edinburgh Castle on Castlehill.

Finally, hill seven is Calton Hill. 

In total, the hike took us 10 hours with five stops.

Volunteer at an Edinburgh Park

Join the Friends of Starbank Park or The Meadows to contribute to park restoration and development.

Make friends, give back and enjoy nature.

Kayak the Canal 

Edinburgh’s first canal-based urban outdoor activity centre, Bridge 8 Hub , is located 20 minutes from the city centre. 

You can hire kayak equipment, join programmes or organise birthday party events through the team at Bridge 8 Hub.  

Sleep on Barge

If you love the water, you’ll like this unique accommodation in Edinburgh.

Stay overnight in a boatlet with a terrace for scenic brunching and sundown drinks.

Moored at Lochrin, this quirky accommodation is close to a supermarket, restaurants, bars and Edinburgh attractions. 

The barge has two bedrooms and sleeps up to 6-8 people. Pets welcome.

Party on a Barge

You don’t have to sleep on the barge to enjoy a water adventure!

Hire a party barge like The Lochrin Belle for a unique floating experience.

Gin Cruise in Edinburgh 

Try five different gins while cruising Union Canal with Summer Hall Drinks Lab . 

Don’t like gin? Look out for the cocktail cruise.

This unique activity is also featured in our hen party guide.

Check out our gin guide for more botanical ideas!

Go Wild Swimming 

Portobello Beach is an option for those looking to get in the sea.

Wild swimming is said to have psychological and physiological benefits . 

Relax at a Floatation Tank Spa 

How does relaxing in a floatation tank sound? 

Switch off from the busy world outside, disconnect from technology, and give your body the option to heal and your mind time to zen out during an hour floatation session.

There are several options to consider.

You can float in total darkness or with some light.

There is also the option to have music at the start to help you settle, which then switches off, or you can keep the music on throughout your session.

All you need to take with you is a towel and flip-flops.

Bathing gear is optional.

If you have long hair, tying it in a loose pony or bunches is the best option to stop it from swishing around the water while still allowing you to lie back comfortably.

Couple floatation sessions are also available, which could be quite romantic!

Play Golf For Free

Hit the historic Bruntsfield Links Short Hole Golf Club near the Meadows for a game of golf.

All you need is your clubs and balls.

Try An Adult Dance Class

Visitors can check out the weekly ceilidh at Ghillie Dhu for an evening of being whirled around to Scottish music.

Locals should check out Dance Base at the Grassmarket for classes on every style, from ballet to Bollywood.

Throw an Axe

Feeling a tad annoyed of late?

Let that anger go by throwing an axe in Newington.

Black Axe Throwing (Summerhall Crescent) is where you can throw axes at targets.

It is much harder than it looks!

Go Skating at Ocean Terminal

Tie up your quad skates or inline blades and hit the highs of Boardwalk, the indoor skating rink for kids over the age of 5.

Ninja Warrior

Test your strength and stamina at Edinburgh’s indoor inflatable park, Ninja Warriors (126 Salamander Street).

This obstacle park is for kids and adults.

Jump in a Ball Pit

Kids don’t get to have all the fun in Edinburgh.

At Ballie Ballerson (14 Forrest Rd) you can dive into a giant ball pit with over a million balls then celebrate with a cocktail.

You can also order pizza and listen to the DJ play tunes.

The dress code is smart/casual.

Ski at Pentlands

Sure, there might not be much snow for skiing in Scotland, but you can ski all year round at Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend.

Here, you can hire equipment and enjoy the dry slopes or join a class to learn how to ski.

Night skiing is also available.

Midlothian Snowsports Centre features in our guide on things to do at night in Edinburgh .

Award-Winning Foxlake Park

Adrenaline-filled outdoor activities your bag?

Foxlake (Dunbar, East Lothian) is home to the UK’s first ropes over water course, wakeboarding and segway activities.

Unique Things to Do in Edinburgh by Tour

Laugh and learn at the comedy tour .

If you’ve done the spooky walking tours in Edinburgh before and are looking for a more unique tour, consider the Comedy Tour instead.

Hosted by a local comedian, this one-hour tour takes you through the Old Town with lots of banter and giggles. 

Make Chocolate in the Old Town 

Learn where chocolate comes from and how to make it during this one-hour indulgent chocolate experience . 

If that’s not enough, you can try as much chocolate from around Scotland as you like in the tasting room!

Read our full review or book a tour slot .

Get Intimate at Gladstone’s Land

The R-rated Intimate Lives: The History of Sex and Desire is one of our favourite tours in Edinburgh.

Find out what goes on beyond closed doors at Gladstone’s Land !

The tour discusses who was having fun in each room of this 17th-century high-tenement house located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town.

The factual stories are diverse, voices are given to the town’s sex workers and you get to see what protection looks like throughout the ages.

This is a light-hearted look at intimacy run by the National Trust Scotland and highly recommended by Everything Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Black History Walking Tour

Lisa Williams, founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association and Honorary Fellow in the Department of History, Classics and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh, discusses the links between Scotland, Africa and the Caribbean during  this 2-hour walking tour .

Learn About Craft Beer in Scotland

Taste beers from around Scotland as you learn about the 800 years’ worth of beer history that Edinburgh has influenced.

While the tour’s focus is beer, non-beer drinkers also enjoy it.

Check out the beer-tasting tour here .

Experience Whisky From Around Scotland

Jump into a whisky barrel to learn about how whisky is made in Scotland, then travel to the main regions that produce it from the comfort of the wide-screen cinema at the Scotch Whisky Experience on Castlehill.

Use the scratch and sniff card to decide which whisky is for you, then enjoy it in the bar, complimentary of this whisky attraction in the Old Town.

Don’t miss the warm glow of the vault and the impressive whisky collection. 

Reserve your tour tickets here .

While this is a popular thing for tourists to do, many locals haven’t visited the Scotch Whisky Experience.

Check out our guide to whisky tours for more options. 

Sample Food and Hear Stories

There’s a huge variety of food tours in the city, from traditional story-telling and haggis sampling to afternoon tea on a vintage bus!

There’s even a cheese crawl in swanky Stockbridge.

Check out our guide for full details.

See Edinburgh as Sherlock

This very unusual tour of Edinburgh turns customers into detectives!

The game teaches you about Sherlock’s connections with the city while you use an old map of Edinburgh to solve clues in an escape room-style manner.

Rebus Tour For Book Fans

Are you a fan of Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus novels?

Consider this two-hour walking tour for some insight into the books and readings delivered by a Rebus enthusiast.

Foodie Unusual Things to Do in Edinburgh

Dine at six by nico .

Look out for the menu at Six By Nico, which changes every six weeks and serves up six courses! 

Previous themes have included street Thai food, chippy food and Willy Wonka.

Don’t fancy dining out? Go for the dine-at-home box. 

Granton Garden Bakery 

Pick up a loaf and pay what you think it’s worth, with proceeds going to support the work of Granton Community Gardeners .

Open Saturdays 10am-2pm, Pilton Community Health Project window at the back of the building on Pilton Drive North.

Indulge at the Chocolate Cafe 

Continue your chocolate tour of Edinburgh at Coro The Chocolate Cafe (13 Frederick Street).

Enjoy waffles, pancakes, or fondue at this tasty cafe for wee kids and big kids alike. 

Coro is also featured in our Things to Do with Kids guide.

Visit The Marshmallow Lady

If you like hot chocolate, a visit to The Marshmallow Lady (14 Rodney Street) for a monster drink with homemade marshmallows the size of your hand is a must!

Donut Filled With Gelato

What would make a donut better? Stuffing it with delicious gelato and showering it in sauce.

Enjoy this sugary treat at Smoov Gelato Coffee on the Royal Mile.

The Edinburgh donut tour is featured in our food experiences guid e!

Bacon-wrapped in Naan at Dishoom  

Bacon rolls are ten a penny in Edinburgh, but you’ll only get a lightweight naan bacon sandwich with cream and chill jam at Dishoom by St Andrews Square!

Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Check out our brunch in Edinburgh guide for more tips.

Butter Beer Cocktails at Monteiths 

Harry Potter fans will like the butter beer cocktail at Monteiths off the Royal Mile.

Go through the close-lit fairy lights to get to this lovely Old Town bar.

Drink Vodka at the Secret Arcade 

The Secret Arcade up the lane from Arcade Bar (48 Cockburn Street) has over 60 vodka flavours, including homemade vodka!

Unique Events in Edinburgh

You’ve probably heard about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Hogmanay Street Party but what about the fire festival, Open Days for inquisitive folks and the Storytelling Festival?

Samhuinn Fire Festival

The Samhuinn Fire Festival occurs on Halloween at the top of Edinburgh’s Calton Hill.

Celebrate the transition from summer to winter, watching the costumed artists use fire, music, and dance to tell the narrative.

More information  can be found here .

Have a Nose at Doors Open Scotland

Doors Open Scotland  is a nationwide event that allows people like us to see behind normally closed doors.

Regions have a set date in September when old and new buildings are open to the public and free to visit.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Culture fans enjoy the  Scottish International Storytelling Festival  every autumn since 1989. 

Local and international storytellers deliver shows at the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Netherbow Theatre in Edinburgh’s Old Town. 

Drink Beer at Oktoberfest

It’s not quite Munich, but Edinburgh establishments do their best to bring the Bavarian beer festival to the city.

Look out for your Lederhosen and watch Brewhemia’s social media channels for updates.

Attend a Bonfire Night

Remember, remember the 5th of November…

Watch fireworks explode into the night sky and feel the warmth from a bonfire during Guy Fawkes Night events around the city.

Highland Games Near Edinburgh

Head over to The Kingdom of Fife to see the Highland fling, let the bagpipes make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end and watch a caber being thrown about a field at a games day.

Ongoing Events

Browse Eventbrite for offbeat events in Edinburgh.

There is something to suit every kind of interest, like the Edinburgh Darlings make-up events.

Unusual Things to Do in Edinburgh

Here’s a wee list of unique things to find around the city!

How many do you see?

• The last gallow on the Royal Mile 
• Two faces of Deacon Brodie 
• Ian Rankin’s handprints at the City Chambers
• Blue man scaling a building 
• Laughing theatre faces
• Chinese dragons 
• The ivy heart 
• Letterbox in Holyrood Park
• Cow sculptures
• Little Ireland sign in Little Ireland 

City Centre and Beyond

• Regent Gardens Golf Course, you’ll need to strain your neck at Calton Hill to see it 
• Cale Gates in the West End 
• Lighthouse on George Street 
• Sharpener at Portobello Beach

Our Edinburgh Activities Articles

• Things to Do at Night
• Rainy Day Attractions
• 24 Hours in Edinburgh Itinerary
• Perfect Weekend Itinerary
• All Activities Articles

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15 hidden gems and things to do in Edinburgh

Some of the most secret places in the UK worth visiting are located right in the heart of Edinburgh. Enjoy a wander around the city and you'll find plenty of quirky things to do and hidden beauty spots. So, what hidden gems should you be looking for?

Jupiter Artland West Lothian

Jupiter Artland

Open from May - September, Jupiter Artland is a wonderful green space located just outside the city centre. Pre-book your slot and enjoy hidden walks through the trees in this scenic spot and see the works of art that are installed throughout the gardens.

Edinburgh Gin Distillery Edinburgh - City Centre

Edinburgh Gin Distillery

Located on Rutland Place at the west end of Princes Street, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery produces a delectable range of gins and gin liqueurs. Book a tour of the distillery to learn all about the history of gin and how it's made. You'll see the two gleaming copper stills that make every drop of Edinburgh Gin before tasting a sample for yourself.

Dean Village Edinburgh

Dean Village on the Water of Leith in Edinburgh

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Bordering the Water of Leith and just a few minutes from the local favourite Stockbridge, Dean Village boasts some of the most spectacular architecture and is one of Edinburgh's best kept secrets. Follow the peaceful path along the water's edge and towards the west of the city, admiring the distinctive sandstone mills and stylish Tudor revivals en route. You're not far from the  Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art  either.

Water of Leith Leith

Leith Shore

Continue along the leafy, quiet pathway which weaves its way through the city and you'll eventually reach the Shore on the Water of Leith, an area of Edinburgh packed full of hidden gems including  Michelin-star restaurants , seafood spots and trendy cafés and bistros! Stop along the way at  The Pitt Street food market  which takes place most Saturdays during the year, or reward yourself with a refreshing pint on the waterfront terrace at  Teuchter's Landing  - nothing beats this spot on a summer's evening! 

Leith was also ranked as the 16th coolest neighbourhood in the world for 2023, according to Time Out . How cool is that? 

Panda & Sons Queen Street, City centre

Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

© @pandaandsons

This classic Prohibition-style speakeasy offers an array of classic and creative cocktails, with fun décor and nods to a vintage barber shop. Panda & Sons is a little hidden away in Edinburgh's city centre but keep looking - it's worth a visit for a delicious tipple! If you're looking for more quirky bars to add to your pub crawl, try the legendary boozy ice cream, vending machine treats and slushies at  Hoot the Redeemer  on Hanover Street.

Dr Neil's Garden Duddingston

Dr Neil's Garden

© @drneilsgarden

Sometimes referred to as Scotland's secret garden, Dr Neil's Garden is a little piece of haven. Located beside Duddingston Kirk on the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat, it's a fabulous place for a little escape from the real world, with brightly-coloured plants to admire everywhere you look. In one corner, there's Thomson's Tower, built in 1825 as a place for storing Duddingston Curling Society's stones, and whilst you're in the village, a stop to the  Sheep's Heid Inn  is a must for a hearty roast dinner.

Rooftop Terrace, National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh - City Centre

National Museum of Scotland entance (c) Andrew Lee

© Andrew Lee

You may have visited the wonderful and unique National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street before, but did you venture up to the rooftop viewing platform on the 7th floor? It's one of the best places to see incredible 360 degree views of the city skyline.

• On Public Transport Route
• Hearing Loop
• Level Access
• Accessible toilets
• Cafe or Restaurant

Cramond Edinburgh

Looking towards Crammond island at low tide, with Fife visible behind. The causeway's striking line of of triangular pillars crosses diagonally across

Don't worry beach bums, a city break in Edinburgh can quickly turn into a beach break holiday with several coastlines to choose from! At Cramond, walk out along the tidal causeway to Cramond Island (be sure to  check the tides  and leave enough time to return to dry land!), stop for a cuppa at the Boardwalk Beach Club or sit down for fish and chips in the cosy Cramond Inn. 

St Giles' Cathedral City centre

The Thistle Chapel at St Giles' Cathedral

Also on the Royal Mile, why not pop into St Giles' Cathedral and marvel at some of Edinburgh's most impressive architecture? As well as Victorian stained glass windows and Gothic style stonework the stunning Thistle Chapel's magnificent ceiling is a sight to behold. Further down the Royal Mile, look out for  Dunbar's Close Garden , this Edinburgh hidden gem is laid out like a 17th century garden, tucked away down an alley just off the main street.

Surgeons' Hall Museums Edinburgh - City Centre

A picture of the lower pathology gallery

Just a five minute walk from the Royal Mile, the Surgeons' Hall Museums are a treasure trove of surgical tools, fascinating paintings and - yes - more than a few body parts in jars. Learn about the evolution of surgery throughout the ages and find out how great Scottish minds brought us some of the medical breakthroughs we take for granted today.

Portobello beach Edinburgh

The promenade at Portobello Beach which is just a few miles from Edinburgh city centre.

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved.

Just a few miles from the city centre, Portobello Beach oozes traditional seaside charm. Enjoy a hot crêpe or an ice cream as you stroll along the promenade, play fun games at the amusement arcades or visit the indoor swimming pool with  Turkish Baths  where you can unwind with three hot rooms, a steam room, a relaxation area and cold plunge pool.

The Stand Comedy Club Edinburgh - City Centre

The Stand Comedy Club

Edinburgh is famed for its annual Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world, but you don't need to visit in August to be guaranteed some laughs. One of the cool places in Edinburgh to see a comedy gig is The Stand Comedy Club. Popular comedians who have taken to its stage include Frankie Boyle, Sarah Millican, Kevin Bridges and many more.

Lauriston Castle & Gardens Edinburgh

Lauriston Castle from the air

This 16th century tower house on the west side of Edinburgh, is just three miles from Princes Street, in the leafy suburb of Cramond. Explore Lauriston Castle's beautiful grounds overlooking the sea. The grounds feature a stunning Japanese Friendship garden gifted by the prefecture of Kyoto.

• Pets Welcome
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point

Museum on the Mound Edinburgh - City Centre

Museum on the Mound sign

This small but interesting museum explores the history of money, quite fitting as the building was once the former head office of the Bank of Scotland. The Museum on the Mound is just one of the many quirky things to do in Edinburgh where you'll marvel at millions of pounds, view the country's oldest banknote, and mint your own coin. Put your problem-solving skills to the test by cracking open the safe, you might even be treated to a chocolatey reward!

Craigmillar Castle Edinburgh

Craigmillar Castle

Last but by no means least, we have another castle hidden gem to add to your Edinburgh bucket list. Craigmillar Castle sits three miles south-east of the city centre and plays an important part in the capital's history. Mary Queen of Scots fled here following the murder of David Rizzio, her private secretary, before a plot was hatched to murder Mary's husband, Lord Darnley.

Today you won't be faced with any unexpected surprises. Kids can let off steam by playing hide-and-seek in its labyrinth, climb the tower house or enjoy a picnic feast fit for a king or queen in its courtyards.

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Things to do in Edinburgh: 29 amazing ideas

By Alice Howarth , Olivia Morelli , Nonie Niesewand and Caoilfhionn Rose

There are plenty of things to do in  Edinburgh , whether you’re after a fun day out packed with adventure or a relaxed stroll through historical haunts. For a start, wander down the Royal Mile (actually one mile and 107 yards long), the name given to the road that runs along the crest of the ridge linking the Castle with Holyroodhouse, a working 17th-century palace where Mary Queen of Scots once lived. Art lovers, meanwhile, should head to the National Galleries of  Scotland on the Mound or the Gallery of Modern Art a few minutes away from the West End. For museums, there’s Dynamic Earth, which was built to celebrate the millennium, and the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, which features important artefacts from Scottish History. If you’re after a shopping spree and a bite to eat, try the new St James Quarter, or for great  pubs and  restaurants , head to Leith and the Shore. To marvel at the city’s beauty, take a stroll up Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat, from where there are excellent views out to the sea.

How many days should I spend in Edinburgh?

We recommend spending two to three days in  Edinburgh to give yourself ample time to explore all the nooks and crannies this historical city has to offer. From hiking up Arthur's Seat and looking out over Edinburgh to shopping in the city centre, these are the best places to visit in Edinburgh.

The best things to do in Edinburgh

1. Watch the sunset from Calton Hill

This is one of the city’s best vantage points. Head to the top of the hill as the sun begins to set to see the capital bathed in a vibrant light of purples and pinks. The picturesque Old City Observatory on the hill earned the city its title as 'The  Athens of the North'. It was designed by William Henry Playfair in 1818, inspired by a Greek temple – and it was here that astronomer Royal Thomas Henderson discovered how to measure the distance between stars in 1834. Bring a flask of something hot to keep warm and gaze across the city’s rooftops. And while you’re up there, pop into the contemporary art gallery Collective which has a fantastic programme of exhibitions, walks, and events.

Address: Old City Observatory, 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh Website: collectivegallery.net

2. Explore Leith

This waterside neighbourhood has come into its own recently, with city slickers looking for a slower pace of life flocking to nab property before others catch on. Spend an afternoon shopping on Custom Lane and on the boutique stores along the shorefront or wandering along the Water of Leith. Rewarding your efforts with a pint at Teuchters Landing, the renowned pub at the docks serving some of the city’s best pints. Spend cosy afternoons in cafés and bars along the shore, or book into one of a couple of Michelin-starred spots for dinner – Martin Wishart uses fresh Scottish ingredients and French techniques to create a stellar European menu.

Address: Teuchtars Landing, 1c Dock Place, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6LU ; Martin Wishart, 54 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6RA Website: teuchtersbar.co.uk; restaurantmartinwishart.co.uk ; customlane.co

3. Visit a food market

As well as being home to some of the best restaurants in the UK , Edinburgh has some seriously tasty food markets. On Sunday mornings, head to Stockbridge, just west of the New Town, for the weekly street food and farmers’ market. Casa Roble’s paella stand is a reliable favourite, and the queue for Harajuku Japanese Kitchen’s udon noodles is worth it – but don’t forget to take home a bag of Scotch & Co’s Scotch eggs for their gooey soft centres. The Leith Market on Dock Place, meanwhile, is open every Saturday with a regularly rotating line-up of stalls and guest traders. During the summer months, locals gather on the Stockbridge playing fields for live music, drinks and street food from Scottish vendors at Neighbourhood Market.

Address: Stockbridge Market, Saunders Street, Edinburgh EH3 6TQ ; The Pitt Market, 125-137 Pitt Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 4DE Website: stockbridgemarket.com ; thepitt.co.uk

4. Visit Edinburgh Castle

Visit imposing Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city's skyline. St Margaret's Chapel is the oldest surviving part of the castle and dates back to the 12th century. Summer festivities bring with it gigs that fill the castle esplanade from famed stars such as Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, and Paolo Nutini. During August’s Fringe Festival the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo play twice-daily to a sold out crowd on the castle grounds.

Address: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG Website: edinburghcastle.scot

5. Go to the Museum of Scotland

Scotland's story, from geology to sociology, is told in a fresh and lively style in a bold new building in the romantic Old Town. 

Address: Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF Website: nms.ac.uk

6. Discover amazing artists at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

The work of many major names in 20th-century painting, from German Expressionism to American Pop Art, plus an impressive collection of Scottish Colourists are housed here. Plus, you can spend time on the dramatic lawn at the front of Modern One, designed by landscape architect Charles Jencks.

Address: Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR Website: nationalgalleries.org

7. Visit the National Galleries of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery

European paintings from the Renaissance to post-impressionism, plus important Scottish artists, have a home in the National Galleries of Scotland, a classical gallery that's a work of art in its own right. At the National Portrait Gallery, the men and women who helped shape Scotland , from Bonnie Prince Charlie to Sean Connery, were painted by modernists such as Oskar Kokoschka and old masters such as Van Dyck.

Address: National Galleries of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL ; Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JD Website: nationalgalleries.org

8. Go on a day trip

While there’s plenty to do in the city itself, it would be a shame not to explore some of the charismatic towns and villages just outside Edinburgh. Half an hour’s train ride from Waverley Station, North Berwick has recently garnered a foodie reputation. There are independent coffee shops littering the cobbled streets, while the seaside Lobster Shack sells lobster, crab, sea bass and line-caught mackerel straight from the harbour. Venturing further north, a trip to St Andrews makes for a busy day exploring the medieval ruins, university grounds, old pubs and windswept beach. OM

Lily Bonesso

Mary Lussiana

Sophie Heawood

Monica Mendal

9. Eat at the city’s most celebrated restaurants

The city may be small in size but the number of incredible  restaurants in Edinburgh may well surprise you. Classic options include the long-established Michelin-starred The Kitchin, a perennial favourite with locals and visitors alike, and the eponymous Martin Wishart, where classic French haute cuisine is combined with fresh Scottish produce. Since opening in 2012, Timberyard has gained a reputation as the go-to for those looking for a sustainable and seasons-led menu. It’s housed in a former warehouse and run by a family who prioritise local suppliers, with many of the ingredients on the menu foraged from just outside the city. The Little Chartroom, an intimate bistro on Bonnington Road, is run by a husband-and-wife duo and has caused waves on the Edinburgh foodie scene due to its bold and innovative offerings.

Address:   The Kitchin, 78 Commercial Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6LX ;  Restaurant Martin Wishart, 54 Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6RA ;  Timberyard, 10 Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DS ;  The Little Chartroom, 14 Bonnington Road, Edinburgh EH6 5JD Website:   thekitchin.com ;  restaurantmartinwishart.co.uk ;  timberyard.co ;  thelittlechartroom.com

10. Book tickets to The Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh Festival is actually several  festivals . Since 1947, the International Festival has been an annual forum for the finest music and drama from around the world.  Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which grew up around it, ranges from student Am Dram to accomplished world premieres. The book, art and jazz festivals are sophisticated yet unpretentious and the TV festival is more of a media trade fair.

Website:   edinburghfestivalcity.com

11. Hike up Arthur's Seat

The climb to the top of this ancient, extinct volcano from its base in Hollyrood Park takes only 45 minutes. From the summit, there are city-wide views: spot the clocktower of Edinburgh’s grandest hotel, The Balmoral , the Nelson Monument and the imposing bulk of Edinburgh Castle.

Address: Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh EH8 8AZ

12. See some contemporary art at the Fruitmarket Gallery

Originally a fruit and vegetable market built in the 1930s, the Fruitmarket Gallery has been one of the city’s most impressive spots for contemporary art since the 1970s, when it was transformed into a warehouse-like gallery space. Exhibitions have included works by American-French sculpturist Louise Bourgeois and Canadian sound-installation artist Janet Cardiff, but you’ll also find pieces by up-and-coming artists. Skip exiting through the gift shop in favour of leaving by route of the café, which serves up cake, coffee and dishes with the freshest of ingredients. In 2021, the Gallery reopened after a period of redevelopment, adding to its space a cavernous warehouse which has since hosted music, theatre and club nights.

Address: The Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DF Website: fruitmarket.co.uk

13. Get green-fingered at the Royal Botanic Garden

Set in 72 acres just outside the city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh started life as a 17th-century physic garden. This urban jungle now has thousands of plant varieties, an enormous, slightly otherworldly lily pond and a serene Chinese garden on a hillside. But the biggest draw is its Victorian glasshouses: made up of 10 huge structures, each with a different climate, they teem with ancient palm trees, giant lily pads, orchids and more. Keep an eye out for any special events running at the gardens, too.

Address: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ Website: rbge.org.uk

14. Go guilt-free shopping

The city is packed with cute stores, with plenty of second-hand shops to choose from. Among the independent sellers of Stockbridge, Treen is a vegan fashion retailer with an ethos of living ethically and sustainably . Visit for a curated collection of clothing, homeware, skincare products and shoes on one of Edinburgh’s prettiest streets.

Address: Treen, 2-4 Stephen Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AJ Website: shoptreen.com

15. Go on a historic cinema trip

The Cameo Cinema stands as a timeless gem and a testament to the city's rich cinematic history. With its charming facade and vintage interiors, it’s a welcome change for modern-day moviegoers who seek an aura of nostalgia. As one of the oldest and most iconic cinemas in Scotland, the Cameo has been an integral part of Edinburgh's cultural landscape for over a century. Its carefully curated selection of films caters to diverse tastes, from contemporary blockbusters to thought-provoking indie gems and stellar lineups for Halloween and Christmas.

Address: 38 Home Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LZ Website: picturehouses.com

16. Take a walk on Portobello Beach

Portobello – or Porty, as it’s known to locals – lies three miles east of the city centre. Home to Georgian crescents, a promenade and a tight-knit community of creatives, it’s filled with interesting shops and cafés. Visit the bakery of Bross Bagels, Edinburgh’s famous Montreal mouthfuls, sample a Twelve Triangles doughnut, stroll on the beach with its views of the conical peak of North Berwick Law, or stop for a tipple in The Espy – it’s an Edinburgh institution. If the sun is shining, do as the locals do and order a delicious Civerinos pizza and frozen margaritas for an elevated beach picnic.

Address: Portobello Beach, Edinburgh EH15 2DX

17. Browse the independent book shops

It’s home to literary stars, including Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith, not to mention a prestigious international literary festival, so it is little wonder that Edinburgh has a range of incredible independent bookshops. Opened in 2019, Toppings is the largest independent bookstore to open in Scotland in decades: with multiple library ladders, hand-crafted shelves and more than 70,000 books to leaf through, don’t turn up in a rush. Housed in a former fishing-tackle shop, The Portobello Bookshop is well worth a browse too; as is Golden Hare Books in Stockbridge (pictured) and Lighthouse, Edinburgh’s radical bookshop – both firm favourites of local bookworms. Rarebirds is a new bookstore that spotlights female authors in a colourful corner of Stockbridge, regularly hosting panels, poetry evenings and workshops for women and non-binary people.

Address:   Toppings, 2 Blenheim Place, Edinburgh EH7 5JH ;  The Portobello Bookshop, 46 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh EH15 1DA ;  Golden Hare Books, 68 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh EH3 5AQ ;  Lighthouse, 43-45 W Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DB Website:   toppingbooks.co.uk ;  theportobellobookshop.com ;  goldenharebooks.com ;  lighthousebookshop.com

18. Sample a different Scottish spirit

Sure, you’ve heard of Scottish whisky but did you know Scotland is actually one of the biggest gin producers in the world? Dutch jenever, a precursor to gin, flooded into the port of Leith in the 1700s and recently, after a late-20th-century hiatus, the capital has re-established itself on the scene with its many small-batch distilleries. Go for a tour or tasting at the new Holyrood Distillery on St Leonards Lane, visit the Summerhall Distillery in the old veterinary hospital where they make Pickering’s Gin or book a tour at the Edinburgh Gin distillery .

19. Venture into haunted vaults

Scare the bejeezus out of yourself on a spooky candlelit tour of Edinburgh at night. The Underground City of The Dead tour follows in the footsteps of 18th-century bodysnatchers Burke & Hare, digging up the dead for the School of Anatomy, down beneath the city in dark vaults said to be haunted by a malevolent presence.

Address: Underground City of The Dead tour, 26b Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE Website: cityofthedeadtours.com

20. Get yourself a bespoke kilt

As Scottish souvenirs go, this beats shortbread. Edinburgh designer Howie Nicholsby has managed to turn the traditional Scottish skirt-for-men into something millennial and manly. As well as plaids and tartans, he uses leather, pinstripes, camouflage print and gold for his 21st Century Kilts designs. Mario Testino has got one, and so has Lenny Kravitz (in black leather, of course). If you’re less leather, more traditional tweed and tartan, however, you can’t beat Walker Slater on Victoria Street. Its two stores sell an extensive range of tailored items for both men and women.

Address: 21st Century Kilts, 48 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, Scotland Website: 21stcenturykilts.com

21. Try the city's best ice cream

Step into the nostalgic world of Mary's Milk Bar, a retro gelato parlour ranked number one in Scotland. Here you can explore Mary’s boundless imagination of flavours, from an exotic fusion of cumin and mango ripple to an indulgent scoop of gorgonzola and fig. The magic lies in the use of fresh ingredients, handcrafted into delectable ice cream each morning, ensuring a taste that is nothing short of heavenly. The menu changes regularly, so a second visit is advised. Relish your delightful sweet treat while seated on the Vennel Steps, right next to Mary's, where you can savour the most underrated view of Edinburgh Castle.

Address: 19 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HS Website: marysmilkbar.com

22. Explore a secret garden full of creatures

Find herons, butterflies and frogs in the meadows flowering in the world's smallest inner-city wildlife reserve. Victorian town planner Sir Patrick Geddes, whose motto was 'By leaves we live', started The Johnston Terrace Garden behind Edinburgh Castle in the early 1900s. Usually, the gated secret garden – now run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust – is locked shut; but there are occasional open days as well as other events which warrant a visit.

Address: The Johnston Terrace Wildlife Garden Website: scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk

23. Go to the city's best drag show

Edinburgh’s Cowgate, famed for its underground music scene, has a little extra sparkle now with Casablanca Cocktails Club’s raucous drag queens. Hailed as being “gloriously outrageous”, The Majesties of Mayhem have created the city's most celebrated drag night. Sip on the master libations by Casablana’s mixologists, while trying not to burst into joyous laughter as cheeky (literally) behaviour unfolds before you. Stay for a classic disco party afterwards.

Address: 235 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JQ Website: casablancacocktailclub.com

24. Get blow-you-away views

Find out why author Bill Bryson called the monument to Walter Scott “a Gothic rocket ship” and climb up inside the spire to send your Instagram followers a sky-high 360-degree panoramic view of Edinburgh. Not for claustrophobics, the spiral staircase has 267 steps and narrows as you climb, but there are viewing platforms along the way for a breath of fresh air. The Scott Monument is closed in high winds.

Address: Scott Monument, E Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH 2 2EJ Website: edinburghmuseums.org.uk

25. Gaze up at the stars and down at the city

In the city’s south side, The Royal Observatory sits high atop Blackford Hill. Dating back to 1786, the observatory is now one of the UK ’s top centres for astronomical research. Book a session online to spend the evening learning about the night skies and galaxies above – the observatory has regular open evenings – check out gostargazing.com to check out the weather conditions and light pollution before you visit.

Address: Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ Website: visit.roe.ac.uk

26. Learn how to drink whisky properly

Head to The Vaults in Leith, where you can taste what Scotland does best with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Or try mixing your drinks with the Scotch Whisky Experience, where you can take a ride in an oak barrel (bit cheesy but, hey, it's kind of educational too) before enjoying a whisky sour or a Hebridean Sunset cocktail - whisky shaken with Grand Marnier, Cointreau, lemon, orange and grenadine - which glows as crimson as late-night midsummer sunset in the far north.

Address: Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ ; The Scotch Whisky Experience, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE Website: scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

27. Catch a band or DJ at Sneaky Pete’s

Glasgow may officially be a UNESCO City of Music, but Edinburgh has plenty to offer by way of music thanks to its terrific grassroots venues. One of the city’s best – and most intimate – is Sneaky Pete’s, located in the Cowgate area just minutes from the Grassmarket. Here, you might just catch a musician on the cusp of something huge (Lewis Capaldi played here in his early days), as well as the best local acts around and world-renowned DJs.

Address: Sneaky Petes, 73 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JW Website: sneakypetes.co.uk

28. Get arty in an old animal hospital

A vibrant and bustling multi-arts complex, Summerhall is home to everything from art exhibitions and unmissable gigs to a microbrewery and a radio station. With its diverse programme of events and activities, this hub is popular amongst the city’s creatives, but the Royal Dick pub is also a welcoming space to grab a coffee or pint in a chilled-out setting.

Address: 1, Summerhall, Newington, Edinburgh EH9 1PL Website: summerhall.co.uk

29. Have a laugh at the Monkey Barrel

The Fringe isn’t the only time of year to catch the world’s best comedians in Edinburgh – Monkey Barrel boasts a year-round programme of popular regular nights featuring local comics as well as extra-special guest stars on tour. Since opening in 2017, this alternative comedy venue has played host to everyone from Cat Cohen and Richard Gadd to John Kearns and Josie Long.

Address: Monkey Barrel Comedy, 9-12 Blair Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QR Website: monkeybarrelcomedy.com

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40 Insanely Fun Things to do in Edinburgh

Home » Blog » Europe » United Kingdom » 40 Insanely Fun Things to do in Edinburgh

A lovely blend of old and new, renowned for its gastronomic scene, historical sights and high culture, Edinburgh truly has something for everyone. We’ve curated this list of the best things to do in Edinburgh to help you plan your trip. 

Edinburgh is one of those cities that is just easy to fall in love with . 

Steeped with history and oozing with charm, Edinburgh has a lovely blend of old and new . Medieval architecture plays host to world class restaurants, and cozy shops are nestled in centuries-old alleyways. And perched above it all, Edinburgh’s majestic castle overlooks the entire city.

As the kids say these days, this place is a vibe.  

Edinburgh is touristy, yes, but for good reason. It is utterly magical; and we’d be surprised if you didn’t fall in love, too.

There are so many things to do in Edinburgh that you could easily spend a week in this historic city and still not get around to everything. From off-the-beaten-path gems, to the top views in town, to memorable foodie experiences, Edinburgh truly has something for every type of traveler.

We’ve curated a list of the very best things to do in Edinburgh, including free and cheap activities for travelers on a budget, kid-friendly experiences, and unique things to do that’ll make you feel more like a local than a tourist. 

This guide is not only packed with the best things to do, but we’re also sharing top places to eat in Edinburgh as well as where to stay to ensure you have the best possible stay.  

If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, this article has everything you need to have an unforgettable visit.

Good to know: We visited Scotland with a baby (9 months old at the time) and in our opinion, Edinburgh is the best city to visit in Europe for families. So throughout this article, you’ll also find tips for traveling in Edinburgh with kids. That said, this guide will have tons of information even if you aren’t traveling as a family.

Edinburgh Travel Guide

For more tips and advice for planning your trip to Edinburgh, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).

Best time to visit Edinburgh

• How to get around
• Where to eat
• Where to stay
• What to pack

Psst! If you have time to discover more of the country, don’t miss these epic places to visit in Scotland .

Top things to do in Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital city is packed full of culture, history and adventure. There are so many things to do in Edinburgh, you could easily spend a month exploring the city’s nooks and crannies.

If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Edinburgh, here are our top  recommendations. 

• Experience Scottish cuisine on a food tour
• Hike to Arthur’s Seat
• Cheers at Scotland’s oldest pub (& play a historic game!)
• Check out Victoria Street
• Wander the streets of Dean Village
• Get fancy at afternoon tea
• See sunset at Calton Hill
• Go on a free walking tour

Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these things and more ideas of fun things to do in Edinburgh. 

1. Experience Scottish cuisine on a Food Tour

If you’ve been following this blog for any amount of time (we see you!), you probably know we LOVE food. 

Yes, that is all caps for a reason. 

One of our very favorite parts about traveling is being able to experience the cuisine in the places we visit because you can truly learn so much about the people, culture and history through the food.

And there’s no better way to do that than by taking a food tour. 

We took a food tour in Glasgow (which was our 11th around the world!), and it was truly wonderful. 

On our food tour, we had five food stops and drinks paired with most of them. We got to try traditional Scottish dishes in some really cool spots. 

Plus, we spent the afternoon with a local, so we could pick her brain with questions we had as well as local recommendations.

Insider Tip: Book your tickets early! Originally, we wanted to take a food tour in Edinburgh , but all tour companies were completely booked up during our travel dates, so be sure to reserve your spots well in advance.

Best food tours in Edinburgh:

• 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour : This guided tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town will take you to 6 different places to sample traditional Scottish fare and learn the culinary history and culture of the city. 
• A Wee Taste unique Scottish food experience : This Scottish food journey, led by a qualified history teacher, is an opportunity to taste all kinds of Scottish bites and drinks while learning about the history. (Find out more about the venue in #29 on this list!)
• Chocolatarium Tour, Tasting & Chocolate Making : Calling all chocoholics! This hands-on tasting tour of Edinburgh’s Chocolatarium lets you follow the journey of chocolate from the jungles of South America to Scottish chocolate makers and the finished chocolate bar.

Good to know: Most food tours in Edinburgh will accommodate dietary restrictions, so be sure to contact them.

Want to save time and energy on planning?

We traveled in Scotland for about 2 weeks and were able to visit most of the highlights of the country, including most of the top places to visit.

We took our 2-week travels and created the perfect Scotland road trip itinerary.  We’ll send you our complete 2-week itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your  2-week Scotland road trip itinerary  today!

2. Hike to Arthur’s Seat

Looming on the horizon just beyond the city center, is an extinct volcano known as Arthur’s Seat.

Hiking to the top is one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh, as you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views over the city! 

If you have good weather while in Edinburgh and are up for a bit of a hike, definitely add this to your itinerary.

Be prepared! Wear sturdy shoes (some of the rocky parts near the top can get slippery, especially if it has rained recently). I can get quite windy at the top, so bring layers and rain gear. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll definitely want to pack a snack to enjoy at the top!

Fun Fact: Like Rome, Edinburgh was built on 7 hills. And Arthur’s Seat is one of them! 

Arthur’s Seat Hike

• Distance: 2.4 miles (3.8 km)
• Elevation gain: 853 feet (260m)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: There are different loops you can take, as well as doing an out and back path

We have a complete guide to hiking Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, including all the information you need to plan your hike.

What time of day is best to hike to Arthur’s Seat?

Any time is good! Some people love coming up here at sunset to witness the sky change colors over the city. Personally, we’d recommend hiking Calton Hill for sunset (#20 on this list), as it’s a much shorter walk and won’t require you to bring a headlamp for the return hike.

3. Cheers at Scotland’s oldest pub (& play a historic game)

Nestled in a quaint village at the south end of Holyrood Park, the Sheep Heid Inn is said to be the oldest surviving pub in Scotland. 

While in Edinburgh, make the trek to this pub for a pint and a glimpse into history! 

Grab a pint or cocktail (I had two really great cocktails with gin), and make a toast to making it to Edinburgh’s oldest pub. 

Well, we think…

Sheep Heid Inn History

While there is some debate on this, it is said that there has been an inn on this site since 1360 . If this is in fact correct, this would make it the oldest pub not only in Edinburgh, but in the whole of Scotland. 

In addition to its longstanding history, it has drawn famous patrons over the years, including Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth II.

Now I’m about to burst your bubble… the core of the structure that you will actually visit has only been around since the 18th century, with even more recent additions and restorations. 

Today, the Sheep Heid Inn has a thoughtfully curated blend of old and new . Historic relics and woodwork work alongside plush seating and stylish modern touches, giving the whole place an undeniable charm. 

Play the historic game of Skittles

While at the Sheep Heid Inn, be sure to check out the skittles alley, which is located in the back of the restaurant and is arguably the most unique feature of this establishment .

Similar to bowling , this alley has two lanes where players roll a ball (much smaller than a bowling ball) to knock down a set of pins. There’s even a set of rules on the wall, so you can play the game as it was intended. 

Make a bet with your travel companion, and the loser can buy the next round of drinks!

While you’re in the skittles alley, be sure to check out the old photographs on the wall of people playing this game in centuries past. It’s pretty cool knowing you’re standing where they stood all those years ago.

Do it yourself: You can make reservations for the skittles alley here , which costs £20 per hour for up to 6 guests. Alternatively, you can show up and see if it’s available. We asked the bartender, and there was nobody using it so he told us to head back there and play. He didn’t charge us to play since it was empty.

Transportation to and from the Sheep Heid Inn

This historic inn is quite a trek from the city center (about a 50-minute walk each way!), but in our opinion is worth the effort getting there. 

If you’re not in the mood to walk, there are other options:

• Uber: From the city center, you should be able to get an Uber to the Sheep Heid Inn. However, the return trip is a different story. Since it is located in a very small village outside of town, Ubers can be very hard to find. We learned this the hard way! 
• Bus: Taking a bus will be the cheapest option (other than walking).
• Taxi: You can have the host at the Sheep Heid Inn call you a taxi to get you to your next destination.

Our advice: Visit the Sheep Heid Inn after hiking Arthur’s Seat

If you don’t mind a nice walk, we’d recommend visiting this pub after completing the hike to Arthur’s Seat (#3 on this list), as they are in the same general(ish) area of the city. Plus, grabbing a pint makes a great reward after completing your hike! 

Good to know: It is a 25-minute walk from the bottom of Arthur’s Seat to the Sheep’s Heid Inn. You will not want to return down the mountain the same way you climbed up. Instead, you’ll want to take the trail to the southwest and end near the Innocent Railway Tunnel , as this will be the quickest way to get to the pub.

4. Check out stunning Victoria Street

There are few places in Edinburgh more iconic and picturesque than Victoria Street. 

With a gentle slope and curve, photographers love this little corner of the city, and it’s easy to see why.

Colorful shop fronts represent all colors of the rainbow, from cheery orange to pastel pink to eye-popping blue. Overhead, brightly colored flags sometimes hang, billowing in the breeze.

Postcard perfection.

And as diverse as the color of their facades, a variety of businesses occupy these spaces. Pop into a cheesemonger selling artisan goods, browse an independent bookstore, grab a pint in a cozy pub, and shop for souvenirs in a wizard-themed gift store.

Speaking of wizards, it is rumored that J.K. Rowling gleaned inspiration from Harry Potter’s magical Diagon Alley from this very street. Even though Rowling denies the connection, Potterheads will still want to wander this street and imagine they’re collecting supplies for an upcoming year at Hogwarts.

Oh, and don’t think you need to be a Harry Potter fan to appreciate Victoria Street. It is truly one of the most beautiful (and most photographed) places in Edinburgh.

Feeling hungry?

While you’re on Victoria Street, grab a famous hog roast sandwich at Oink . It is quick, cheap and sure to satisfy the appetite you’ve worked up while wandering the city. Their menu is pretty simple: Choose the size, the bread, one topping and one sauce.

Our recommendations: pulled pork + haggis + homemade chili jam or pulled pork + sage & onion stuffing + apple. We split one of each, and they were both great.

Sit-down meals

If you’re looking for more of a sit-down meal, there are plenty more great options on Victoria Street:

• Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips : Casual and sleek fish & chips joint featuring cocktails and desserts
• The Bow Bar : Cozy locale with a variety of whiskeys and pub fare
• The Grain Store : Upscale Scottish dining in an intimate venue

Located on the west end of the sprawling grassy park known as The Meadows, A Wee Taste makes a perfect place to stop for an afternoon nosh. 

Self-described as a “wine and grazing board bar”, you can count me in!

Choose from shareable cheese, meat, and dessert platters… or maybe a combination of all of the above! They also offer small bites, like olives, Scotch eggs, and baked camembert.

And you can’t forget a glass of vino! With a selection of wines from around the world, as well as gin and whiskey, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect pairing for your “grazing board”.

5. Wander the streets of Dean Village

Nestled along the banks of the River Leith just northwest of the city center, Dean Village is a quaint neighborhood that feels a world away from the bustling Royal Mile. 

Exploring the cobblestone streets of this bucolic village will make you feel as if you’ve been transported into centuries past.

Do it yourself

We created a guide to visiting Dean Village so you know exactly how to get there and what to expect.

6. Get fancy at afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is so much more than just a pot of steaming British Breakfast. 

Enjoy your own 3-tiered feast of tiny delights:

• Scones with clotted cream and jam. Of course.
• Savory finger sandwiches of all varieties. 
• Decadent desserts that look too pretty to eat. Almost.

Around the UK, afternoon tea is a thing ; and like I said, it’s much more than just tea.

Do yourself a favor and make a reservation during your time in Edinburgh.  

Our recommendation

Boasting the self-proclaimed “best afternoon tea in Edinburgh”, our top pick for afternoon tea would be at The Colonnades in the Signet Library. It’s a sophisticated venue offering unique and elevated flavors. It’s also widely popular, and for good reason, so you’ll have to make your reservation well in advance.

There are many places around the city for afternoon tea, so we created a guide to help you choose the best place to book your afternoon tea in Edinburgh . 

Read the descriptions, compare prices and availability ( many of these places book out in advance ) before choosing.

7. See sunset at Calton Hill

If you get one view of Edinburgh, let it be this one. Calton Hill is the spot to see the city from.

Calton Hill is an extinct volcano that straddles Old Town and New Town, and it offers unrivaled panoramic views of Edinburgh. Getting there requires just a quick and easy 5-minute walk up a short staircase.

We walked up here on our first morning in Edinburgh, and I got goosebumps at the view. From this vantage point, you can see the city, but you still feel like you’re in it , if that makes sense. 

I loved the view so much that we came back for a second time because I just had to see what it looked like at sunset. Admittedly, we came just a bit too late for the best lighting, but if you get up to this viewpoint for “golden hour”, you’ll have prime conditions.

By the way: The acropolis structure that sits on the top of the hill and looks as if it belongs in Greece instead of Edinburgh is the unfinished National Monument of Scotland.

8. Go on a free walking tour

We usually plan on taking a free walking tour on our first day in a new city. It is the best way to orient yourself and learn insider tips, all on a budget .

We’ve taken dozens of free walking tours all around the world (too many to count at this point!), and the tour in Edinburgh stands out as one of the best. Our guide, Groeme, is an Edinburgh native and did a fabulous job of introducing our large group to his hometown. 

By the end of this tour, we had seen many of the major Old Town Edinburgh attractions, learned a bit about the history and gleaned some local advice for how to spend the rest of our time in Edinburgh. 

The tour is free to book, but you must make a reservation in advance .

Important note on Free Walking Tours: This is a popular model for walking tours all around the world, and they all operate in the same way: While you don’t pay anything to book your spot on a tour, the guides work for tips. It is expected that you pay what you think the tour is worth. Keep this in mind as you’re planning.

9. Explore Edinburgh Castle

Touring Edinburgh Castle is one of the top attractions in the city and it is likely the most famous castle in Scotland .

On the grounds, be sure to stop inside St. Margaret’s Chapel. While it’s very small and not necessarily the most impressive building, at 900 years old, it is the oldest structure in Edinburgh.

You can also tour the exhibits of Prisoners of War and the Great Hall, as well as many others.

Insider Tip: We’d recommend getting an audio guide (£3.50) so you can explore the castle at your own pace but still soak in the information.

10. Get the best view of the Edinburgh Castle

Visiting the castle is cool indeed, but the best views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle are from outside the castle grounds. 

Whether you’re a budding photographer or just like a pretty viewpoint, the three stops below should be on your list of must-visit places in Edinburgh.

Princes Street Gardens (Ross Fountain)

For a real glimpse of how the castle towers over everything else in town, head to Princes Street Gardens where you’ll get a cool perspective looking up at the castle from down below. 

Photo tip: You can play around with different compositions, as there are trees and fountains that you can photograph with the castle looming behind. My personal favorite view of the castle from Princes Street Gardens is from Ross Fountain .

Perhaps the most iconic yet hidden vista, the Vennel viewpoint offers a unique view, with a narrow staircase in the foreground and the castle towering in the back. This spot is stunning rain or shine! 

Grassmarket

In the Grassmarket area, just in front of Cold Town House , look up and you’ll see a lovely view of the castle.

11. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Located on the east end of the Royal Mile, Holyroodhouse is the King’s official residence in Edinburgh . Visitors can explore inside the Royal family’s Scottish residence, and see both history and modern Royal life at the same time. 

Check ticket prices and make reservations here.

Holyrood or Edinburgh Castle?

If you only have time to see one, which should you choose? Well, it is entirely subjective, as they are quite different. 

We were in Scotland during the Queen’s funeral, and Holyrood Palace was closed indefinitely at the time. Since we were only able to visit Edinburgh Castle so we can’t personally speak to both.

However, a friend of mine who studied abroad in Scotland put it this way: 

• Edinburgh Castle is best for history buffs , as it is mostly ruins and wartime exhibits.
• Holyrood, on the other hand, is best for people who are interested in the Royal family and current goings-on , as it is a working palace where the Royals still spend time.

12. Wander the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile refers to streets that lead from the Edinburgh Castle in the west of town to Holyrood Palace in the east.

The distance between the two landmarks is roughly 1.81km, a measurement that was once known as a “Scots mile”. While it’s a bit longer than what we know as a mile today, the name still sticks.

The Royal Mile is the most crowded part of Edinburgh, but for good reason. 

Many of the city’s most famous landmarks can be found along this stretch of road :

• Edinburgh Castle
• St. Giles Cathedral
• Mary King’s Close
• Museum of Edinburgh
• Holyrood Palace

In addition to the iconic sights listed above, you’ll find all sorts of other places to check out. Excellent restaurants as well as overly touristy eateries; and cute boutiques as well as cheap souvenir shops. 

Even though it would take just 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other, you’ll definitely want to spend a fair amount of time wandering the Royal Mile.

If it is your first time in Edinburgh, we’d recommend staying near this area, as it will put you in close proximity to many of the top things to see and do. 

Our top hotel pick: This is the hotel we stayed at just off the Royal Mile and we couldn’t recommend it more! 

Fun Story: Our time in Edinburgh just happened to align with the Queen’s funeral (total coincidence!). Our hotel was just a half a block from the Royal Mile, which was closed to cars during this time. It turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, seeing the procession of the Queen’s coffin from Holyrood Palace to St. Giles Cathedral.

13. Explore the Closes

Wandering around the streets of Edinburgh, you’ll see all sorts of signs that have “close” in the name… 

So what is a close? 

That’s a great question (one we had too).

At first glance, they appear to be alleyways, but they are actually more than that.

On our Free Walking Tour of Edinburgh, our guide gave us the following analogy and we thought it was pretty spot on:

The Royal Mile is like the spine of Edinburgh , and the closes are like the arteries .

The closes are narrow pathways that lead off the main streets , and they often open up into small courtyards. The Royal Mile is crowded at all times, but if you walk into a close, you’ll escape all the people and feel a world away.

You won’t have to look far to see a close. Royal Mile itself has about 80 of them. 

Some of them have hidden cafes and others have small community gardens. You never know what you might find!

So go ahead and wander! 

14. Walk through Greyfriars Kirkyard

Wandering through this graveyard is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh , as it holds some interesting pieces of history.

Just so you know: Kirk is the Scottish word for church . It’s helpful to know this, as you’ll see the word everywhere in Scotland. 

The first burial in the cemetery took place in 1562, and today there are between 500,000 and 1 million bodies buried here. 

How is there such a large range? Well, during the Plague, people were dying so quickly that they were often buried together, without tombstones. So there is no way of knowing an exact count today.

Regardless of the exact count, it is one of the largest burial mounds on the planet.

Our recommendation is to go on a Free Walking Tour of Edinburgh (#7 on this list) so you can get all the interesting details, but here are a few notable sights:

Pay homage to the statue of Bobby the dog

Near Greyfriars Church stands a small statue of a dog and it is surrounded by flowers. It is one of the top sights in Greyfriars Kirkyard and often has a small crowd gathered nearby. 

If you plan on taking a free walking tour, I’ll leave it up to your guide to share the beautiful story with you. However, if you’d rather explore on your own, be sure to read up on the story behind this statue .

Find the “Harry Potter graves”

In this graveyard, fans of the series will recognize names on some of the tombstones, like Moodie, McGonagall and Tom Riddle. 

It can be a fun scavenger hunt to try to spot them. Or you can jump to #23 on this list to get the exact locations of each.

Fun Fact: Our tour guide told us that it is tradition amongst authors in Edinburgh to take names from gravestones to inspire characters in their novels. In a way, this sort of allows the people to live on. You’ll find a John Watson in this graveyard. And there was once a headstone for a man named Ebenezer Scroggie in Canongate Kirkyard (the headstone was removed during development, but it is said this is where Charles Dickens got the name.)

15. Experience the haunted side of Edinburgh

Being that it is such an old city with a storied past (oh, and there was that Bubonic Plague thing that came through) , it should come as no surprise that Edinburgh has its fair share of ghost stories.

From the real life Jekyll and Hyde to public hangings to a body snatching epidemic, there are a lot of tales to be told.

Taking a ghost tour is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Edinburgh at night .

If you’re into spooky things, there are a few interesting tours that will give you a peek into Edinburgh’s dark side…

Free Ghost Tour

Budget travelers will be happy to hear that there is a Free Ghost Tour . This is the one we personally did. It was through City Explorers, which is the same company we booked our general walking tour through (which was fantastic). 

In truth, the ghost tour was just alright. It was mostly because we didn’t love the guide. The stories were quite interesting and it was fun wandering around the city with a local (and other travelers) at night, hearing spooky tales along the way. And oh man does Edinburgh have a lot of them!

Invisible Cities Crime & Punishment Tour

Not only will you learn about crime, hangings and jail, but by taking a tour with Invisible Cities , you will be supporting a very cool social enterprise. 

The tour guides of these walking tours are people who have experienced homelessness. Showing you around their city not only empowers them to build a new future for themselves, but it shows you a different perspective of the city as well.

Explore Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults

This popular tour brings guests into the mysterious Blair Street underground vaults where they will hear tales of torture and infamous murderers.

Take the infamous Mary King’s Close tour

​​Go beneath the Royal Mile to the city’s only street preserved just as it looked in the 17th century. On this infamous tour, Edinburgh’s darkest secrets will be revealed to you.

16. DIY Harry Potter tour

Calling all Potterheads!

While in Edinburgh, there are quite a few sights you’ll want to see. Call it an HP Pilgrimage, if you will.

But one thing I should mention first is that the Harry Potter movies were not filmed in Edinburgh, so there are no filming locations in the city. That said, there are still some very interesting things to see…

Guided Harry Potter Tour

• Option #1: This guided Harry Potter tour earns consistent rave reviews and is led by an animated guide who will bring the magic of Edinburgh alive.
• Option #2: If you’re traveling to Edinburgh on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that “The Potter Trail” tour is totally free! Reserve your spot here. Remember, that while the tour is free, it is expected you tip your guide if you enjoy the tour.

DIY Harry Potter Tour

However, if you want to see the sights on your own time, we’ve put together a DIY Harry Potter tour just for you!

• Victoria Street : Often referred to as the “real life Diagon Alley”, this street is downright beautiful. Take a stroll and pretend you’re shopping for a new wand! 
• Tom Riddle’s Grave
• William McGonagall Grave
• Elizabeth Moodie Grave
• FYI there was a fire here in the summer of 2022, so it has been boarded up during renovations. Be sure to check and see if it is open if you do in fact want to dine inside. 

Ready to have more magical fun?

While not exactly related to Harry Potter per se, these magical activities are perfect to carry on your wizarding fun throughout the evening!

• Make your own (drinkable!) potions at The Cauldron . After brewing up the perfect molecular cocktail using fire, smoke and dry ice, toast with your fellow witches and wizards to the perfect night in Edinburgh! 
• Challenge yourself at a magic-themed escape room. The Department of Magic is located in the heart of Old Town and has different puzzles you can solve in groups with as few as two people. They also have an attached magical cocktail bar. We’re huge escape room fans and think this would be a super fun way to spend part of an evening in Edinburgh!

17. Try Haggis with Neeps ‘n Tatties

There’s no Scottish food more famous than haggis.

But I’ll be the first to say that haggis doesn’t sound very appetizing.

If you type the phrase “what is haggis?” into Google, you’ll get the following description from Wikipedia:

“…savory pudding containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt […] and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach…”

Yep. It’s enough to make one gag and vow to never, ever try haggis. 

But that would be a mistake, because it truly is delicious.  

First off, today haggis is not usually encased in the stomach. So don’t worry about that part. In fact, if you order haggis at a restaurant, it won’t come in any type of casing. Instead, it will appear similar to a ground and crumbly sausage, like chorizo.

So what does haggis taste like?

I’ll start by putting your fears to rest. 

Personally, I don’t care for organ meat, gamey flavors or chewy texture, and I actually really enjoyed haggis.

It tastes similar to regular ground sausage, with a rich, peppery flavor. The oats give it a thicker consistency and an almost nutty taste. And you might detect the same underlying flavors as liver paté.

It’ll typically be served atop “ neeps and tatties”, which is Scottish lingo for mashed turnips and potatoes. And you may have the option to add a whiskey gravy or mustard sauce.

Truly, it is pretty delicious, and if you can get past the ingredients, we’d highly encourage you to give it a taste!

Best haggis in Edinburgh

• Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House : We were told by a local that this is his favorite haggis in all of Edinburgh. (FYI Kids are not allowed so we were turned away.)
• The Haggis Box : Touristy? Yes. Convenient and quick way to try haggis? Also, yes. Allows children? Yup.

Best vegan haggis in Edinburgh

That’s right, vegetarians and vegans can try haggis too! Well, sort of…

It’s not haggis in the traditional sense, but there are vegetarian versions at restaurants all around the city.

• The Auld Hoose
• The Haggis Shop
• The Baked Potato Shop

18. Try a super unique ice cream flavor

My life motto is, “There’s always room for ice cream. Even if you’re full, it fills in all the cracks!”. So you better believe we got a scoop while in Edinburgh!

If you’ve got a craving only ice cream can satisfy, there are a couple of places in the city you’ll want to keep in mind. 

Both of these shops specialize in super high quality gelato, featuring inventive flavors you’ve probably never tried anywhere else.

Moo Pie Gelato

This teensy hole in the wall shop has just a few inventive flavors at a time – think Earl Grey shortbread, carrot cake and roasted banana. 

While it’s a small menu, what they make, they do well. They had a sesame cookie flavor while we were visiting and it was fantastic. 

They weren’t serving ice cream sandwiches on the day we visited, but we’ve heard they’re fab, as well as their hot chocolate with toasted marshmallow fluff.

Mary’s Milk Bar

This popular spot in Grassmarket often has a line and serves up top notch gelato, made fresh daily as well as hot chocolate. 

They have a variety of ever-changing flavors, highlighting unique combos, like pear & gorgonzola and rose & rhubarb sorbet. 

19. Do a Scotch whisky tasting

Scottish whisky, or simply Scotch , is a big deal in these parts. And if you’re a fan, you’ll certainly want to carve out some time to get your Scotch on !

Many pubs in Edinburgh – and all over Scotland, for that matter – offer whiskey tastings. Just ask!

Fun fact: In American English it is spelled whiskey (with an “e”). However, the British/Scottish spelling is whisky. So you’ll find both spellings in this article!

Sometimes there’s a set menu of different types of try. Other times, you can talk with the bartender and they can curate a tasting based on your preferences.

Enjoy a few drams of Scotch and see if you can find your favorite.

Good to know: A dram is the Scottish lingo for a swig or a shot of whiskey. 

If you’d rather go to an establishment that has a more educational approach (rather than just bellying up to the bar at a pub), here are some places to check out:

The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour & Tasting

Known for the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky , this tour is both educational and fun. You can select a couple of different tour options (each with a different number of tastings included). 

Insider Tip: Booking at the link below is the same price as tickets at the door, but you can skip the line!

Johnnie Walker

If you’re a fan of this label, plan to visit their spot on Princes Street for a whiskey-tasting experience.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Staff at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society have a wealth of knowledge and they have some really good whiskey. Their tasting bar is open to non-members who want to experience Scotch in a laid back setting. No tours or tickets required.

Taste whiskey with a local

This “whisky and folklore” tour (through Airbnb Experiences) looks ahhhmazing. For one, it has nearly 2,000 5-star reviews. It’s affordable. You get to hang out with a local. And it takes place in a cozy pub we passed by at least 10 times; each time saying to ourselves, “ this place looks super cute – if only we weren’t traveling with a baby!”

Want to tour a distillery?

If you’re taking a road trip around Scotland , you can save your whiskey experience for later on your trip. There are plenty of distilleries to choose from, especially in the Highlands and the Isles, where you can learn about the production process.

20. Do a gin tasting

Raise your hand if you love a good G&T!

Heyyy! I know you can’t see me right now, but I have a hand in the air, too!

Well my friend, Scotland is a hotspot for our favorite spirit, and it’s the perfect place to do a wee tasting.

Many restaurants and bars throughout Scotland will have an extensive gin list, and they typically serve tonic in a bottle on the side so you can sip the spirit straight before blending to your desired taste.

But if you want a proper tasting experience, read on…

Tour a gin distillery

Summerhall Distillery has a long history producing Pickering Gin. It is the first gin exclusively distilled in Edinburgh – for more than 150 years. Their tour is said to be wonderful, and of course, includes a tasting.

Fun Fact: The current distillery was once part of a veterinary school.

The Edinburgh Gin Distillery is a perfect place to learn about the process of making this spirit, and to try some too, of course! 

Enjoy gin cocktails

• Heads & Tales is a bar specializing in gin cocktails, and not surprisingly, it is connected to the Edinburgh Gin Distillery. It feels like a hidden gem and the cocktails are truly top notch.
• Juniper is a cocktail bar with more than just a cool name (our daughter’s name is Juniper, so we’re biased!). They have all spirits, but they have an especially large list of gins from across Scotland. Enjoy a couple of cocktails paired with food for a fun evening in Edinburgh. 

Good to know: They also have whiskey flights here, so it’s a good spot for parties that have both a gin and a whiskey fan.

21. Make your own magical cocktail 

Fancy yourself a witch or wizard? 

Make your dreams come true at a magic-themed cocktail bar where you can conjure up a potion that tastes as good as it looks!

At The Cauldron, you can book a potion making experience during which you’ll be able to create two molecular cocktails from scratch.

Don your own wizard’s cloak and grasp a magic wand in hand, and watch as your potions bubble and smoke and steam in front of your eyes. 

Fire, dry ice and smoke, along with a technology-filled wand, all work together to make fantasy come to life , as The Cauldron’s tagline proudly boasts .   

If you want the magic without the work, you can simply book a table and order a cocktail from their whimsical menu, like the Bubbling Shot of Death or the Dragon’s Breath. 

Cocktails not your thing? The Cauldron has a magical afternoon tea experience that might be a little more up your alley! Plus, they have the option to make mocktails, which would be perfect if you’re traveling with children.

22. Experience Edinburgh’s lively nightlife scene

Edinburgh has a wide range of nightlife – from nightly live music to hidden speakeasies to DJ dance parties, the city really has it all. 

Let’s go over some of the best places to get a taste of Edinburgh’s nightlife scene:

• Stramash : Live music in a restored church.
• The Ensign Ewart : Cozy pub dating back to 1690 is a cool place to grab drinks and food in a historic setting.
• Whistlebinkies : Down-to-earth atmosphere with nightly live music, cask ales and whiskey. (Monday is open mic night.)
• Dragonfly : This classy cocktail bar features live plants and DJs on the weekends.
• Never Really Here : This intimate speakeasy style bar is known for its creative cocktail offerings. 
• The Three Sisters : Lively beer garden with indoor and outdoor space and a lively atmosphere during sporting events.
• Paradise Palms : Funky, tropical atmosphere with fun cocktails, vegetarian soul food and DJs. 

23. Walk through the Meadows with a hot chocolate in hand

This is one of the more laid back, yet still quintessential things to do in Edinburgh. 

Step 1. Grab a hot chocolate 

Brace yourself because I’m about to tell you where to get the best hot chocolate of your life. 

Yes, your life .

Start your morning at a small stand called Uplands Roast , located at the north end of The Meadows. Being that it’s located adjacent from the University of Edinburgh’s library, you’ll likely be standing in line amongst clusters of students waiting to get their caffeine (or sugar!) fix, but the line goes pretty quickly. 

The stars on the menu are their Vietnamese coffee (their beans are even sourced from Vietnam), and their hot chocolate. I’m not usually someone to order hot chocolate, but I couldn’t turn this one down. 

Once the hot chocolate is made, it is topped with chocolate shavings and marshmallows, which are then heated with a torch to get the perfect amount of toasted. 

I have to say that this ranks in the top 3 hot chocolates of my life, matching up only to true drinking chocolate I’ve sipped in Italy and Argentina.

Insider Tips: 

• If you want a little caffeine kick, add a shot of espresso to your cocoa, like we did. Highly recommend the buzzy boost.
• If you’re hungry, there’s a sausage roll stand right next to this booth, and it is delish!

Step 2. Walk through The Meadows

Now that you’ve successfully completed step 1 (aka you’ve got your hot chocolate in hand), wander through The Meadows. This wide grassy expanse is a popular hangout for University of Edinburgh students.

Walk past discussion groups and hacky sack circles (yes, they’re back, folks!), and take a moment to imagine yourself as a student here…

Quick story: I was actually pretty close to enrolling in a masters program at the University of Edinburgh in sustainable tourism. So wandering about The Meadows amongst all the students really made me wonder what could have been. Le sigh…

24. Take a bike tour of Edinburgh

If you want to really pack in as much as possible during a short trip to Edinburgh, you may want to skip the walking tour and opt instead for a bike tour. This way, you can cover far more ground than you can on foot.

This bike tour , from A Wee Pedal, earns rave reviews, with guests saying, 

“Bikes were excellent quality and well maintained. Leanne we very friendly and interested in our small group, happy to ride at our pace and make recommendations for nice local treats at a quaint cafe near the beach. The kids rated this as number one experience of the weeks holiday in Edinburgh, I kid you not! We will defo be back! Thanks Leanne for a great day.”

The tour brings you from the oldest pub in Scotland (see #4) all the way to the coast at Portobello beach. You’ll stop at many other top attractions in Edinburgh along the way, making it a perfect way to see a lot in a short amount of time.

25. Catch a film in the Scotsman Picturehouse

If you happen to be in Edinburgh on a rainy day – and let’s be real, the chances of this happening are quite high – we’ve got a pretty cool idea for you…

See a movie at the Scotsman Picturehouse! Located inside the iconic Scotsman Hotel between Old Town and New Town, if you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh on a rainy day, this is a great option !

Now before you roll your eyes, this theater isn’t like your typical cinema. With just 48 seats – or to be more specific, red leather arm chairs – this intimate venue is AMC’s fancy step sister. Or maybe there is no relation at all because she bougie. 

On either side of each seat is a dimly-lit lamp, and the room itself is handsomely appointed with crown molding and an intricate ceiling. Instead of sticky floors and questionable seats of a normal movie theater, the Scotsman Picturehouse oozes charm and opulence, making viewers feel as if they’ve been transported back to the time when going to the cinema was a luxe affair. 

Oh, and you can enjoy the big screen with a cocktail in hand.

Like we said, not your typical movie theater experience.

The picturehouse has a diverse screening schedule. From classic films, like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to modern hits, independent productions, and cultural showcases such as ballets and opera, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Search your travel dates and see what films are playing . You can make your reservation online (£1.50 booking fee) to ensure you have a seat. Remember there are just 48 seats available, so they do book up in advance. 

Cost: Standard ticket is £16, and a sofa ticket is £32 (and includes two seats). There are also student discounts.

Good to know: Unlike typical movie theaters, the Scotsman Picturehouse doesn’t show a seemingly endless array of trailers before the feature film begins. For this reason, it’s important to actually arrive on time. Or 15 minutes early, as they recommend. We’d advise getting there even a bit earlier if possible so you can grab a drink in their adjoining bar so you can truly get the whole experience.

Unfortunately for those traveling with kiddos, this is an adults-only movie theater. I know, I know, we were bummed too.

26. Enjoy traditional Scottish folk music in a pub

There’s truly no better way to spend a night in Edinburgh than with a pint and live music.

That’s what the Scots would call “a good craic”. Aka a good time.

So where do you go to catch live music? Just about any pub. Wander around near your hotel and pop into the coziest pub you see. Chances are they’ll have traditional music late in the evening, and there’s no doubt they’ll have beer and whiskey.

Want some ideas of where to start?

• The Waverly Bar : We walked past this place a bunch, as it was near our hotel and it looked like a really fun place to grab a pint. 
• Dirty Dick’s Pub : Yikes, that name! But it does look like a good time!

27. Eat Indian food

When in Scotland, do as the Scots do, right?

Well, then dining on Indian food should be part of your Edinburgh itinerary. 

Indian is one of the favorite cuisines in Scotland (and in the UK in general). The country has a longstanding love affair with dishes from this former British colony. In fact, Indian is the most popular type of takeaway food in Scotland ( it’s true! ).

While you’ll find excellent Indian food all around the country, Edinburgh has its fair share of gems.

Often making the lists of the best restaurants in Edinburgh, Dishoom is an elevated dining experience featuring shareable dishes, a large vegan menu, and handcrafted cocktails. 

Known for their haggis pokhara, which is a distinctly Scottish twist on an Indian favorite, Pakora Bar has a cozy atmosphere and reasonably priced food.

* Currently closed as they are moving locations

Mother India’s Cafe

A buzzy restaurant serving Indian classics such as curries, samosas and lassis. We ordered takeout from Mother India’s Cafe during our time in Edinburgh, and it was excellent.

28. Go vegan for a day

When you think of Scottish cuisine, haggis, fish ’n chips, and shepherd’s pies all come to mind in all their carnivore glory. But we were surprised to find that amongst all the meat-centric menus in town, there is actually a burgeoning vegan scene.

Whether you’re fully veg or you’re just looking for some lighter fare to balance out all that haggis, you’re sure to find what it is your vegetable-loving heart is searching for.

Oh, and while we’re on the topic, there are many places around the city to try a vegan version of haggis (see #15 on this list)!

• Our experience: Their breakfast sandwiches sound like what you’d find at any bakery — “eggs” and “bacon”, but they are fully vegan. They are also delish and big enough to split. They have a variety of scrumptious vegan baked goods. We loved the cookie butter cruffin (I still dream about it, so if it’s in the bakery case I’d highly recommend grabbing one, or two!).
• Soul Vegan : Vegan Malaysian dishes, including rave-worthy laksa. 
• Holy Cow Cafe : Cozy eatery featuring vegan burgers, sandwiches and bowls.
• Novapizza : Vegan Italian fare with a focus on pizzas and pastas.
• David Bann Restaurant : Eclectic vegetarian fine dining.
• Paradise Palms : Vibrant vegetarian and vegan soul food served in a funky, tropical atmosphere. This doubles as a cocktail bar and often has a DJ later in the evening.
• Seeds for the Soul : Healthy bowls and wraps as well as decadent vegan desserts
• Hendersons : Sleek vegetarian restaurant serving upscale meals. This is known to be one of the best spots in the city to try vegan haggis.

Good to know: In addition to restaurants that are totally vegetarian or vegan, many places around town have a vegan menu in addition to their regular offerings. So whether you’re a vegetarian or a carnivore, you’ll have no problem eating well in Edinburgh!

29. Graze on a charcuterie platter almost too beautiful to eat

30. Cozy up with a drink in these Secret Domes

These secret domes look so freaking cool! 

Perched on the rooftop of Cask Smugglers , these transparent domes provide guests with sweeping views atop the city, with the Edinburgh Castle front and center. 

Sip an Old Fashioned or a Bramble (gin, lemon and black currant) and take in the views as you graze on a beautifully-curated charcuterie board.

Does this sound like the perfect evening to anyone else?!

I was stoked to sip a cocktail with a view of the city in a cozy little snow globe-thing (one of the only cool things to come out of the “Covid era”), but alas, they do not allow anyone under 18 in their globes. 

Womp, womp. (But I get it.)

If you are traveling sans kids, do me a favor and order a gin and tonic here for me! Bonus points if you send me a pic!

Be sure to make a reservation here , as the domes do fill up. Note that you will need to provide your credit card to hold your spot. If possible, try to time your visit around the sunset hour so you can enjoy Mother Nature’s nightly show of colors.

You’ll need to select whether you’ll be enjoying only drinks (cocktails, wines and beer) or ordering from their small, but nice, food menu as well (think charcuterie boards, and small bites, like olives and bread). Check out the menu here . 

Good to know: There is an hour and a half time limit, so other guests can enjoy the domes. 

31. Discover the dark secrets of Mary King’s Close

Discover Edinburgh’s hidden history on this fully-guided tour of the preserved 17th century street beneath the Royal Mile, known as Mary King’s Close. Step back in time and find out how the Close, which used to be a bustling trading street open to the skies, came to be underground. 

Voted Scotland’s Best Heritage Tourism Experience, you’ll learn some of the intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s past residents, from a deadly plague to famous royal visitors. 

What you need to know

• Duration: 1 hour
• Price: $25.33 USD per person
• Meeting point
• Not suitable for children under 5 or those that suffer from claustrophobia, and wheelchair inaccessible

What guests are saying:

“Fantastic, and surprising. I’ve been on a few tours now and this one was NOT hokey like some of the others! […] As a history graduate, I was awed to see this part of Edinburgh’s underground history, which can’t be accessed on your own due to the need for preservation. To walk this hidden Close, to see these amazingly preserved areas and to hear the true history – not the myth we’ve all been told – was a privilege. Would definitely recommend.” – Claire, New Zealand (September, 2022)

32. Walk to Cramond Island at low tide

If you’re looking for a free and unique thing to do in Edinburgh, exploring this tidal island will be right up your alley. 

At low tide a paved walkway is revealed, leading adventurous explorers to this interesting island that holds more than one role in history.

From a Roman defense location, to an area for sheep to graze, to a farmstead to a strategic place in both World War I and II, Cramond Island has known many purposes.

Cramond Island Walk

The pathway to get to this island is roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) long, but if you plan to explore the island, it’ll nearly double the distance one way. 

Distance: roughly 3.7 miles (6km), round trip walk, including exploring the island itself

Cramond Island Trail Notes

During high tide, several feet of seawater cover the walkway, rendering it uncrossable; so planning your timing accordingly is key. 

Cone-shaped concrete structures line the walkway, and are the most photographable feature of this path. Fun Fact: These were installed during World War II as a submarine defense.

To get to the island using public transport, you can take bus 41 from Princes Street toward Cramond. The bus stops just outside Cramond Kirk Hall (church), and from there it’s just a short walk to the causeway.

True Story: We have a good friend who got stranded on the island when the tide came in and she had to call the Coast Guard! So learn from her and be sure you check the tides before you go .

Insider Tip: If you have more time to explore after your visit to Cramond Island, head south of the water toward Cramond Falls . Continue on River Almond Walkway for a tranquil path that few tourists ever see.

33. Explore Leith

This up-and-coming city is a historic port on the north shore of Edinburgh known for its booming dining and art scene. The neighborhood has undergone some serious change in the last 10 years and is now described as one of the coolest ‘hoods in Edinburgh. 

Be sure to check out The Shore, a highlight of the neighborhood with an abundance of water-front restaurants, Leith Walk, which is the main shopping area, and the historic port on the Firth of Forth. 

How to get there: 

You can easily walk to this area via the Leith Walk, a mile-long stretch of road connecting to the east end of Princes Street in Old Town. 

If you don’t feel like walking, it’s a short Uber ride away. The two bus lines that take you to Leith are 33 or 35. There is also a tram connecting the center of the town to Newhaven, via Leith Walk, that will be available in the near future. 

34. Have a mini picnic at St. Bernard’s Well 

Along the Water of Leith, there is a path through lush foliage that leads to a small structure known as St. Bernard’s Well. Inside the historic well is a statue of the Greek goddess of health, Hygeia, which is a nod to the spring waters that were rumored to have healing properties.

While the well is interesting to see, the main draw is that this portion of the river feels like a tranquil oasis from the city streets. 

Take a seat on one of the many benches that dot the path. Take a few moments to rest your feet and find a few moments of zen. Enjoy a book or just sit and people-watch, as this is a popular running trail and place for locals to walk their dogs.

Make it a picnic

If you’re a lover of cheese (hello, bestie!), we’ve got the perfect idea for you…

On your way to St. Bernard’s Well, stop at this cheesemonger shop and sample a few local artisan cheeses. Choose your favorite and do as the Scots do by grabbing a package of oatcakes to pair with it. To really round it out, we’d recommend also picking up a chutney or marmalade (we’re big fans of onion jam). 

If you want something more, grab one (or two!) of their hand pies. We had the turmeric cauliflower pie and it was fantastic. I would go back again just for that! They also have Scotch eggs and a handful of other small bites that are perfect for carrying with you to enjoy near St. Bernard’s Well.

You’ll thank us later!

Pair a visit to St. Bernard’s Well with a stroll around Dean Village (see #5) for the perfect afternoon!

35. Walk through a mural-covered tunnel

The Colinton Station & Tunnel is a bit of a ways from the city center, but for travelers who like to get well off the beaten path, walking through this mural-covered tunnel will be a highlight of your time in Edinburgh. 

This tunnel is a popular place for locals to go running or walk their dogs, but not many tourists every see this piece of art.

Once a Victorian railway tunnel, the Colinton Mural Project began in 2016 as a way to bring new life into a scary, dark and dingy tunnel. 

And what a transformation it was!

The tunnel is now well-lit and covered completely in colorful, uplifting artwork and draws people from all over the city. 

How to get there: Take Bus 16 toward Colinton. From the final stop it is just a short walk to the entrance of the tunnel.

36. Laugh the night away at a Comedy show

One thing we love checking out in big cities around the world is comedy clubs. It can be a really fun and unique way to spend an evening on the town amongst locals and other travelers. 

And Edinburgh may just be one of the best places in the world to check out a comedy show because it is known for its legendary venues and unrivaled funny bone.

Here are two of the best-known venues in Edinburgh to see a comedy show:

In some circles, The Stand is regarded as one of the top venues for comedy in the world, playing host to well-known comedians touring the world as well as local hopefuls that get up on stage during frequent open mic nights.

There are shoes nearly every night, so you should be able to catch one during your time in Edinburgh. 

Tickets range depending on the type of show, from just £5 for shows featuring new comedians to £20+. 

Check out what shows will be on during the time of your trip to Edinburgh and grab tickets here . (They do sell out in advance, so get your seats if you really want to see a show.) 

Monkey Barrel

Monkey Barrel earns rave reviews, earning it the title of Edinburgh’s top-rated comedy club. A couple of times a month (on Mondays), the Monkey Barrel hosts a “free for all” open mic night, where there are no tickets and you can come and go as you please.

They also host larger shows requiring tickets. Check out their lineup here to see if you’re able to catch a show while you’re in town. We’d recommend booking tickets in advance, as they do sell out.

37. Go museum hopping (for FREE!)

What do you think all of the museums below have in common…?

• The Scottish National Gallery
• National Museum of Scotland
• Writer’s Museum
• Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Would you believe me if I told you they are all totally FREE to visit? 

They’ll cost you nothing. 

Zip. Nada. 

And actually, that’s not even the full list of free museums. Most in the country are free to visit. Get the full list here .

38. Attend one of Edinburgh’s famous festivals

Edinburgh claims to be the “world’s leading festival city” , boasting unique and exciting festivals all year long. 

But the king of them all – the crème de la crème – is the Fringe Festival , which takes place for nearly the entire month of August each year. 

Fringe claims to be “the single greatest celebration of arts and culture on the planet” , drawing performers and visitors from around the globe. 

Since 1947, Fringe Festival has been a place for people to share their talents and love of theater, comedy, music, art and all types of performance. 

One thing that makes this festival especially unique is that it is an open-access format, meaning anyone can be a performer. 

During Fringe, hundreds of stages are set up throughout the city with thousands of performers – from big names to, well, anyone looking to share their passion.  

We first heard about this world-renowned festival from a couple we met while hiking to Everest Base Camp . They went each year to share their own talents, and they sure piqued our interest! However, when we looked into visiting during Fringe Festival, we realized booking during this ultra popular time of the year had its own challenges (and cost!). 

More on that below…

Something to consider about Fringe Festival 

Depending on your travel style, you may want to plan your visit around this festival or avoid it at all costs. The population of Edinburgh nearly doubles during the month of August each year, meaning that it gets incredibly crowded and you’ll be paying peak prices for just about everything. 

We heard from more than one local that they hate the entire month of August because, and I quote: “the city feels like Disney World”. But if the crowds don’t deter you, you’ll be able to experience a world-class festival in one of the world’s coolest cities.

39. Eat at one of Edinburgh’s Michelin Star restaurants

Renowned for its thriving food scene, it’s no surprise that Edinburgh is home to multiple restaurants with the top accolades of Michelin Stars. In fact, the city has 4 in total!

Whether you’re looking for elevated Scottish fare or something new and exciting, these restaurants have you covered. 

• Number One : One of the highest-rated restaurants in all of Edinburgh, this classic fine dining establishment is serving up sophisticated Scottish fare. 
• Condita : With just 6 tables, this contemporary hidden gem serves up seasonal ingredients on their ever-changing surprise tasting menu. 
• The Kitchin : With the namesake of its famed chef, Tim Kitchin, this contemporary restaurant celebrates Scottish food with seasonal ingredients and French techniques. 
• Restaurant Martin Wishart : The multi-award winning chef heads up this fine dining establishment in Leith, known as one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. 

40. Shop the Edinburgh Farmers Market

If you’re visiting Edinburgh on a Saturday, why not pop into the Edinburgh Farmers Market. The lively outdoor market is a great place to find locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and even beer! 

Make your way around the 35+ stalls as you nibble on samples and load up on goodies. 

The market is open year-round, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Castle Terrace, right next to Edinburgh Castle. 

• Official website
• Exact location

There really is no wrong time of year to plan a visit to Edinburgh. In terms of weather, it never really gets super hot or super cold, so most things to do in Edinburgh are available year-round.

It is important to note that summer is the rainiest season in Scotland (including Edinburgh), whereas spring and fall are the driest. 

In our opinion, visiting Edinburgh in May or September would be best, so you have the best chance of warmer, drier weather and fewer crowds. 

Summer in Edinburgh brings warmer temperatures and of course there’s the famed Edinburgh Fringe Festival each August that draws a huge crowd (accommodation books up months in advance and prices will be sky-high!). 

We’d advise you to avoid visiting Edinburgh during the month of August unless you’re planning to attend The Fringe and can plan your trip well in advance. 

Psst! For an in-depth guide on the seasonal weather patterns and other factors, check out our complete guide on the best time to visit Scotland .

Getting around Edinburgh

The very best way to get around Edinburgh is by walking!

Edinburgh’s Old Town truly is very walkable (if you don’t mind putting on 10,000+ steps in a day!). 

That said, you’ll likely want to venture outside this area at some point. Below are the best ways to get around.

From Old Town, getting an Uber isn’t too difficult. That said, outside of this area, it can be a bit tricky, which we were not expecting. 

Even at the airport, we were waiting to “get connected to a driver”. It eventually worked, but we were a little worried. 

When we were on the outskirts of town a couple of times, Uber just never connected us to a driver. The wheel kept spinning until we realized it just wasn’t gonna happen and got our booties into a bus!

The bus system in Edinburgh is actually pretty good. You may have to do a bit of walking to get to and from the stops, but it’s affordable, punctual and reliable. 

Self-driving 

If you’re planning to rent a car in Scotland , we’d recommend waiting until after your time in Edinburgh. It wouldn’t be very fun driving the city, and parking can be tricky to find (not to mention, expensive!). Our advice is to save your rental car for when you leave the city to go on an epic Scottish road trip ! 

From the airport to the city

Tram: 

Taking the tram from the airport to Edinburgh city center is the easiest and most convenient way to arrive. Trams run every 7 minutes from the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes outside of those hours. 

The airport tram stop is right outside the main terminal next to the plaza and Edinburgh sign.

Services run between the airport and York Place in the Edinburgh city center and make 15 stops along the way. A one-way adult ticket is just £6.50 and can be purchased at the ticket machines at every stop. 

The Airline 100 Bus also runs between Edinburgh Airport and the city center. Departures from the airport are every 30 minutes from 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., then every 10 minutes from 4:00 p.m. to 12:10 a.m. The journey is about 25 minutes (depending on traffic). A ticket costs £4.50 and can be paid to the driver as you board.

Uber also works in Edinburgh, but is a much more expensive option. You can expect to pay around £17-24 for a one way ride to the city center. 

Best places to eat in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a plethora of amazing restaurants – from cozy cafes to hole-in-the-wall pubs to fine dining, there’s truly something for everyone.

Insider Tip: If you’re walking around and you get hungry, open Google Maps and read reviews of the surrounding restaurants to choose a good one. This is what we always do when we’re planning a trip .

You should have no problem finding fantastic places to eat in Edinburgh, but if you want a few key restaurant recommendations, here ya go! (FYI most of these places are in the Old Town area.)

• The Edinburgh Larder : Cute cafe and adjoining coffee shop that serves excellent breakfast and brunch offerings as well as top-notch coffee. This was just next to our hotel (which we highly recommend!), and we loved grabbing breakfast here!
• Rocksalt Cafe : Excellent coffee and baked items at reasonable prices. 
• Oink : With three locations in Edinburgh (we recommend stopping while you’re on Victoria Street!), this pulled pork sandwich shop has a very small menu, but what they do have, they do well. Choose your bread, your sandwich size, your sauce and your topping: haggis or sage & onion stuffing. 
• The Banh Mi Bar : For a quick lunch, this place has excellent Vietnamese street fare, and is conveniently located in the city center.
• Guajira Café & Coffee : For something totally different, this pocket-sized Caribbean cafe serves delicious sandwiches and smoothies and the owner is very friendly.
• The Haggis Box : Located inside the Scottish Storytelling Center, this small haggis shop is a casual and convenient place to try this national dish.

Scottish Pubs

• Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House : We were told by a local that this is his favorite haggis in all of Edinburgh. Plus, it makes a great place to sample local whiskeys in a cozy pub atmosphere. (FYI Kids are not allowed.)
• Cafe Royal : This historic pub has beautiful architecture and stained glass windows, and they serve a variety of whiskies and are known for their seafood specials.
• The Bow Bar : Cozy pub on Victoria Street serving pub fare.
• Under the Stairs : Hidden-feeling gastropub with fantastic drinks and food.
• The Standing Order : Former bank converted into a bustling pub with an all-day menu.
• Amber Restaurant : Connected with the Scottish Whisky Experience, this is no doubt a touristy restaurant, but it is actually a good one. With traditional Scottish cuisine and the option to do a 3-course meal with whisky pairings, the food, service and atmosphere all earn rave reviews.

International

• The Pakora Bar : Famed for their haggis pakoras, this Indian joint has a welcoming and eclectic atmosphere and serves classic Indian dishes.
• Dishoom : Often making the lists of the best restaurants in Edinburgh, Dishoom is an elevated dining experience featuring shareable dishes, a large vegan menu, and handcrafted cocktails. 

Fine Dining

Where to stay in edinburgh.

If you are visiting Edinburgh for the first time, we’d 100% recommend staying in Old Town (and we’ve got a top hotel rec for ya !). 

Old Town is defined as the area between the Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, between which stretches the Royal Mile.

If you stay in this area, you’ll be within walking distance to most of the major attractions in Edinburgh. If you stay outside of Old Town, you will need to rely on taxis and public transportation if you plan to see most of the top sights.

Budget recommendation

Castle Rock Hostel : Consistently rated the best hostel in Edinburgh, Castle Rock has a mix of accommodation offerings ranging in price, from private rooms to gender-separated dormitories. The central location is unbeatable and we love that the property is carbon neutral and encourages environment-friendly practices. 

Mid-range budget / couples stays

Linton Blackfriars Lofts : We stayed at Blackfriars Loft and couldn’t recommend it highly enough. The location is absolutely perfect as a base for exploring the city, and the space is super comfortable. 10/10 from us!

Destiny Scotland – Royal Mile Residence : With a prime location, right on the Royal Mile, these modern, serviced apartments offer a range of different accommodations from single to 3 room apartments. 

Cheval Old Town Chambers : These modern luxury apartments are in a super central location, just a 2 minute walk from the Waverley Train Station in Old Town. The beautifully decorated apartments are available in 1, 2, and 3 bedroom plans. 

Psst! If hotel stays aren’t your thing, we have a curated list of the best Edinburgh Airbnbs for you to browse!

Splurge stay

The Balmoral : As the number one luxury hotel in Edinburgh, The Balmoral is somewhat of an icon. Located on Princes Street, you’ll have views of Edinburgh Castle and Old Town from nearly every room. The elegant hotel is home of the Michelin-starred Number One, an onsite spa and stocked whiskey bar.

What to pack for Edinburgh

With variable weather conditions, excellent hiking opportunities, and plenty of city life, there are a few things you definitely don’t want to forget when you’re packing for your trip to Edinburgh.

Check out the  exact items we recommend  for traveling in Scotland. 

• rain jacket (make sure it’s waterproof, not just water resistant)
• travel umbrella
• dry bag : to keep your valuables from getting wet on a hike
• Lots of layers
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A couple nicer outfits for eating out
• Camera and  lightweight tripod  (optional)

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Scotland !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Scotland trip. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

Round up of the best things to do in Edinburgh

Here’s a recap of all the best things to do in Edinburgh so you can see everything in one place.

• Scottish food tour
• Arthur’s Seat
• Sheep Heid Inn
• Victoria Street
• Dean Village
• Afternoon tea
• Calton Hill
• Free Walking Tour
• Views of Edinburgh Castle
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Greyfriars Kirkyard
• Haunted Edinburgh tour
• DIY Harry Potter tour
• Haggis with  Neeps ‘n Tatties
• Scotch whisky tasting
• Scottish gin
• Magical cocktail making experience
• The Meadows
• Bike tour of Edinburgh
• Scotsman Picturehouse
• Scottish folk music
• Indian food
• A Wee Taste charcuterie
• Secret Domes
• Cramond Island
• St. Bernard’s Well 
• Colinton Station & Tunnel
• Comedy show
• Michelin star dining
• Edinburgh Farmers Market

Are you planning a trip to Scotland?

We have lots of resources on travel in Scotland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Scotland Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• How to Get From London to Edinburgh
• Dean Village: Edinburgh Cutest Neighborhood
• Best Airbnbs in Edinburgh
• How to Get From Edinburgh to Glasgow

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We want to hear from you!

Which of these fun things to do in Edinburgh has made its way to the top of your list? Are there any experiences you think we are missing? Leave your comment below and let us know!

Comments (5) on “ 40 Insanely Fun Things to do in Edinburgh ”

Absolutely amazing blog, thank you so much for your detailed post! It really helped me plan for my upcoming trip in December!

Quite honestly, I have never felt the need to leave a comment on a blog until now. I’m travelling to Scotland in some time and have almost no time to plan. This blog gave me EVERYTHING. I love it – thankyou so much!

Great blog! Heading to Edinburgh with a 1 year old soon. Any special recommendations for to see and do with that age group? Will definitely be doing an afternoon tea with her!

Fantastic post – chock full of information and great links. Thank you!

You are very welcome, Greg! Glad you liked the article. When are you planning on traveling to Edinburgh?

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30 Epic Things to Do in Edinburgh: Ultimate Guide by a Local

Shrouded in myths and legends and steeped in thousands of years of history, Edinburgh is a city like no other.

With an electric mix of architecture, winding cobbled streets, atmospheric alleyways, diverse festivals, plenty of green spaces and one of the best castles in Scotland – It’s hard to beat Edinburgh’s charm. Nearly every type of traveller will find something in this Scottish city to marvel at.

It’s been our home for almost a decade now, and we are so excited to share our favourite experiences and places to help you curate your journey.

Even if the sun doesn’t shine every day, Edinburgh is so incredibly stunning that “it breaks the heart again and again.”

It’s not surprising that in 1995, The Old and New Town of Edinburgh was recognised in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

From Harry Potter writer J. K. Rowling to Irvine Welsh, Robert Louis Stevenson to Sir Walter Scott – this Scottish capital city has inspired many creative geniuses.

So, whether you have only a day or a week, this guide will help you pull together a fantastic itinerary of Edinburgh. Also, there are some great day trip options within easy reach.

We have covered much of what this city has to offer to first-time visitors, as well as some ideas to explore a little further in pursuit of different experiences for returning visitors.

Best things to do in Edinburgh

1. soak up the panoramic views from calton hill.

Located only a few metres off the east end of the busy Princes Street, Calton Hill is a public park housing several Greek-style historical monuments and landmarks. It is one of the best places in Edinburgh to get an interrupted panoramic view of the city’s dramatic skyline.

At the top, you will find the upside-down telescope-shaped Nelson Monument. You can climb 143 steps to reach a viewing platform at the top to admire some of the best views of Edinburgh.

Another historic attraction on Calton Hill is the columned structure of the National Monument of Scotland. The construction of this 19th-century landmark remained unfinished due to lack of funds at that time and hence earned the nickname ‘Edinburgh’s Disgrace’.

We will highly recommend visiting Calton Hill at sunset. It takes only 5-10 minutes to reach the top through the steps on Regent Road. It is open to visitors every day, all year round.

Find Out the Best Viewpoints and Attractions on Calton Hill

2. Explore the Turbulent History of Edinburgh Castle

Sitting at the top of the historic Royal Mile, this magnificent fortress is a prominent part of the city’s iconic skyline. Steeped in over nine hundred years of history, its dramatic setting on an extinct volcanic plug provides a stunning view over the city.

The oldest surviving structure of Edinburgh Castle is the St. Margaret’s Chapel. It was built in the early 12th century by King David I. He named this small chapel after his beloved mother, Queen Margaret. However, historians believe that the origins of the fortress and the geological features of this area are much older.

Read More: 25 Most Beautiful Castles in Scotland You Must Visit

Edinburgh Castle has a chequered past. For many years, this was the home of Scottish kings and queens of Scotland, then it was turned into a mighty military fortress and later served as a prison. The control of the castle changed hands numerous times throughout history.

We would suggest spending at least two hours to explore all the hidden corners of the castle.

Visitors can see the famous Honours of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, Mons Meg, the Royal Palace, the Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, and the One O’Clock Gun. Follow our extensive guide to visiting Edinburgh Castle .

Tickets: Admission fees up to and including 31st March costs £18 online and £21 walk-up for adults.

From 1st April onwards, it costs £19.50 online and £22 walk-up for adults.

3. Step Back in Time in the Historic Royal Mile

A meander along the historic Royal Mile is an unmissable part of sightseeing in Edinburgh. The street is actually longer than a mile. The term ‘Royal Mile’ refers to a Scots mile – an old Scottish measuring unit which became obsolete in the 18th century.

The Royal Mile is one of the oldest thoroughfares in the city. It runs from the historic castle to the Holyrood Palace.

This iconic street is lined with various famous city landmarks, souvenir shops, museums, traditional pubs and restaurants. During Edinburgh Festival in August, this area comes alive with entertaining street performances.

Some of the historical highlights of Royal Mile are the Scottish Parliament Building, St Giles’ Cathedral, The Real Mary King’s Close, John Knox House and the Museum of Edinburgh .

Also, watch out for the narrow alleyways known as closes in Scotland. Advocates Close, Anchor Close and White Horse Close are particularly very photogenic.

Read More: Detailed Guide to Edinburgh Castle

4. Take in Breathtaking Views from Arthur’s Seat

Created by volcanic activity 335 million years ago, Arthur’s Seat is one of the most popular sites in Edinburgh to watch the sunset. Watching the Sun gradually disappear behind the horizon is an absolute treat.

Sitting at the edge of the historic Royal Mile, right next to the Holyrood Palace, the Holyrood Park spreads across a vast area of 650 acres. The highest point of the park is Arthur’s Seat at 251 metres.

Read More: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Arthur’s Seat

There are numerous walking trails all around this park. The hike to Arthur’s Seat is moderately easy and well worth the effort to see the breathtaking view over the sprawling cityscapes of Edinburgh and beyond.

It takes around 1 -1.5 hours to climb the summit, depending on your pace and fitness level. Alternatively, the jagged cliffs of Salisbury Crags are also an excellent vantage point to admire the epic skyline of Edinburgh.

If you are a keen walker, you might be interested in taking a peaceful stroll around Duddingston Loch, Dunsapie Loch and St Margaret’s Loch – home to many wildlife and birds.

5. Unleash Your Inner Harry Potter in Victoria Street and Grassmarket

Frequently referred to as the fictional Diagon Alley of Edinburgh, Victoria Street is one of the most photographed streets in the city. It is like a magic alleyway that will make you disappear from the historic Grassmarket and pop you out at the iconic Royal Mile. The Colourful stretch of old Flemish-styled buildings with arch-shaped facades is bound to cast a spell.

Grassmarket is one of the most vibrant and liveliest places in the Old Town. In past centuries, public hangings used to take place here.

Read More: A Short Guide to Victoria Street

Grassmarket has some of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh. One of them is the White Hart Inn, a 500-year-old pub where many famous people spent the night, including William Wordsworth and Robert Burns. It was also frequented by the notorious body snatchers of the 18th century, Burke and Hare.

Nowadays, Grassmarket is home to many events, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Also, you can visit the farmer’s market on Saturdays.

6. Explore the Prettiest Corners of Dean Village

Nestled in a deep valley on the Water of Leith, Dean Village is only a few minutes away from the busy Edinburgh city centre. This picturesque neighbourhood stands out for its colourful half-timbered houses, medieval cobbled streets and idyllic riverside settings.

For over 800 years, Dean Village was a bustling site with various thriving industries and mills that used to harness power from the Water of Leith. Look out for the millstones and stone plaques decorated with baked bread and pies on the buildings. Dean Village used to supply milled flour and other grains to the residents of Edinburgh.

One of the most impressive houses here is Well Court. The red sandstone building with its landmark clock tower, conical turrets and crow-stepped gables oozes charm. It was built in the late 19th century for the nearby mill workers.

Follow the riverside path towards Stockbridge to visit St. Bernard’s Well, a hidden gem of Edinburgh. This elegant Roman temple-like structure houses a beautiful statue of Hygieia – the Greek goddess of health.

Read More: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Dean Village

7. Discover the Royal History of Palace of Holyroodhouse

The official residence of the British Monarch in Edinburgh, Holyrood Palace is one of the top tourist attractions in the city. This grand palace stands at the east end of the Royal Mile with Arthur’s Seat in the backdrop.

This 16th-century palace was closely associated with Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie – two prominent royal figures in Scottish history. Visitors can explore the grand interiors and the collections of Flemish and French tapestries in the state apartments. Also, you can see the two thrones commissioned by King George V in 1911 in the Throne room.

Outside the palace, you would find the ruins of the historic Holyrood Abbey, which played a pivotal role in Edinburgh’s history. It was founded in 1128 by King David I.

Stroll around the beautiful garden and search for Queen Mary’s Bathhouse. Also, the adjacent Queen’s gallery is worth a visit. It displays paintings, furniture and photographs from the Royal collection.

Opening Hours : 1 November – 31 March 09.30 am – 16.30 pm.

1 April – 31 October 09.30 am – 18.00 pm.

Ticket Price : Adult advance £18, on the day £19.50.

8. Visit the National Museum of Scotland

Located opposite Greyfriars Kirkyard, the National Museum of Scotland is one of the best kid-friendly attractions in Edinburgh.

It features several exhibitions on natural and ancient history, ancient civilisations, archaeology and the history of Scotland. You can easily spend an hour or two discovering all the impressive collections this museum has to offer.

From ancient Egyptian artefacts to ceramics, cultural diversity to wildlife – you can find everything under one roof. Some highlights include Dolly the Sheep, the millennium clock and Lewis chessmen. Also, the Grand Gallery looks very photogenic.

They regularly host several events, including guided tours, workshops and temporary exhibitions.

Don’t forget to visit the rooftop of the museum. It is free and provides a stunning panoramic view over Edinburgh rooftops. If you can’t find it, ask any member of the staff for directions.

Opening Hours : Daily, 10 am – 5 pm.

9. Enjoy Romantic Strolls in Circus Lane and Stockbridge

Travellers visit Circus Lane to admire the vibrant floral displays, cute Georgian mews houses, colourful doors and the picturesque settings of the imposing St Stephen’s Church in the background. This cobbled street is a popular spot with local photographers and tourists.

Regarded as the prettiest street in Edinburgh, Circus Lane was originally a back alley built to cater for the horses, carriages and stable servants of wealthy residents of nearby Royal Circus in the 19th century.

Further Reading: Our Detailed Guide to Stockbridge

Circus Lane lies in the bustling neighbourhood of Stockbridge . From indulging in tasty street food in the farmer’s market to feeding the ducks at Inverleith Pond – there are loads of amazing things to do in Stockbridge.

Packed with trendy cocktail bars, cosy cafes, gastro eateries and several independent shops, Stockbridge is famous for its cool bohemian vibe. Also, it is a few minutes away from some of Edinburgh’s open green spaces and art museums.

Further Reading: Our Brief Guide to Circus Lane

10. Marvel at the Priceless Paintings of the Scottish National Gallery

Housed in an elegant 19th-century neoclassical building just off Princes Street, Scottish National Gallery is the leading art gallery in Scotland. It is undoubtedly one of the best free visitors attractions in Edinburgh. You can easily spend an hour or two discovering priceless art.

Established in 1859, it showcases an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures from the early renaissance to the end of the nineteenth century. Here you’ll find many famous masterpieces by legends like Raphael, Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, Velázquez and Vermeer.

Also, there are paintings by several Scottish artists. Look out for Edwin Landseer’s famous painting ‘The Monarch of the Glen’ and Henry Raeburn’s much-loved ‘The Skating Minister’.

The nearby Royal Scottish Academy is also part of the Scottish National Gallery and hosts many temporary exhibitions.

Opening Hours : Open daily, 10 am-5 pm.

11. Test Your Limits and Climb Scott Monument

Standing proudly in East Princes Street Garden, Scott Monument is dedicated to one of Scotland’s most legendary writers, Sir Walter Scott.

This Gothic structure at the heart of Edinburgh is the second-largest monument to a writer, anywhere in the world. A statue of him with his beloved dog, Maida, sits at the base of this memorial.

Constructed in mid 19th century, Scott Monument is a famous landmark in the city and an iconic part of the skyline. The exterior of the tower is adorned with several small statues of Scottish writers and various characters from Scott’s novels.

Do you know you can actually climb Scott Monument? There are viewing platforms at different levels offering gorgeous views of Edinburgh rooftops and the surrounding hills. Inside, you can visit the exhibitions showcasing the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott. There are 287 steps to climb up to the top. The last few steps are quite steep and narrow.

12. Admire the Interiors of St Giles Cathedral

Founded in 1124, St Giles Cathedral is one of the prominent historic buildings in Edinburgh. It’s technically not a cathedral – rather a church that stands right on the iconic Royal Mile with distinct crown spires, popularly known as lantern towers. The architecture is impressive and worth a visit inside. 

Step inside this medieval building and learn the riveting tale of reformation when John Knox was a priest. They have guided rooftop tours available as well. The view of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Old Town is stunning from the top.

The highlight of your visit would be the Thistle Chapel, situated at one corner of the church. It has ornated roofs and impressive wood carvings, including coats of arms of the sixteen nights, swords and thistles. Also, don’t miss the large stained glass window above the main entrance depicting the national poet of Scotland, Robert Burns.

13. Be Royalty for a Day at Royal Yacht Britannia

A floating palace moored in Leith, Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the top tourist attractions in Edinburgh. This Royal vessel has sailed one million nautical miles, hosted several State Receptions and dignitaries, and a few Royal honeymoons – she served the Royal Family for over forty years.

Built at the shipyard of John Brown & Co in Clydebank, Scotland, Royal Yacht Britannia was launched by Queen Elizabeth II on 16 April 1953. It sailed her first overseas maiden voyage to the Grand Harbour of Malta in 1954.

Explore the five decks of this ship, the State Apartments, State Drawing Room and the Sun Lounge, which was the Queen’s favourite room here. Also, you can uncover the stories of the crew members and learn about their life at sea. Britannia’s fascinating tale of its epic voyages around the globe to its retirement in Edinburgh will intrigue you.

If you fancy a bite with a stunning view, pop into their onboard restaurant, The Royal Deck Tearoom.

Price : Adult £18.50 and child £9.25.

14. Commune with Nature at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Just a mile away from the city centre, The Royal Botanic Garden is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. Home to some of the extensive collections of living plants and more than 13,500 species, this sprawling 70 acres of green space is one of the best places to walk in Edinburgh.

Founded in 1670, this is one of the oldest gardens in the UK. Enjoy the vast collections of plants at the Chinese Hillside, climb to the highest point of the Garden Rock, follow the Beech Hedge and Herbaceous Border or meander around the large Redwood trees in the Woodland Garden.

Also, there are many vantage points offering fantastic views of Edinburgh’s skyline.

The lovely Victorian Temperate Palm House is a must-visit. Entry to the garden is free except for the glasshouses, which require tickets. During the winter months, Royal Botanics hosts Christmas at the Botanics – a popular family-friendly event.

Opening Hours : Daily, November to January 10 am-4 pm; February and October 10 am – 5 pm; March to September 10 am-6 pm.

15. Get Spooked in Greyfriars Kirkyard

If you are a Harry potter fan, Greyfriars Kirkyard should be a must-visit place in your Edinburgh itinerary.

As you stroll around the graveyard, you will spot the name of some of the beloved Harry Potter Characters. Watch out for the names of Tom Riddle, McGonagall, Mad-eye Moodie, and Potter.

The author J.K. Rowling penned some of the chapters of the Harry Potter series at the nearby Elephant House Cafe.

Another unmissable attraction is the adorable bronze statue of the famous Skye Terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. Tourists often rub its nose for luck.

The story goes that Bobby guarded the grave of his master in Greyfriars Kirkyard for 14 years after his death in 1872. Bobby became very famous in his lifetime, and people from all over Edinburgh used to come to watch and feed him.

Greyfriars Kirkyard is said to be one of the most haunted places in the city.

16. Sit Back with a Picnic at Princes Street Garden

This Scottish city doesn’t have any shortage of open green spaces. But Princes Street Garden at the heart of the city centre is a special one. It is a great place to hang out beneath the imposing Edinburgh Castle and enjoy a picnic.

In summer, you will find the garden teeming with locals and tourists sunbathing and chilling out. During Christmas, this ground transforms into a winter wonderland. In East Princes Street Garden stands Scott Monument, an iconic landmark of Edinburgh. Centrepiece of the westside garden is the beautifully ornate Ross Fountain.

You can also see many statues here. Look out for the Statue of Wojtek, a soldier bear who carried ammunition during World War II.

Also, visit the gingerbread-looking Gardeners Cottage, the former home of the head gardener. Today this dinky house is a popular photo spot in Edinburgh.

Another point of interest is the Floral Clock, the first floral clock in the world, dating back to the early 20th century.

17. Take Some Unforgettable Day Trips from Edinburgh

If you are visiting this city for a little longer, we highly recommend adding a few of the best day trips from Edinburgh to your visit.

Take a day trip to Glasgow , famous for various museums , Victorian and art nouveau architectures, colourful urban mural trail , legendary music scenes and nightlife.

A day tour to visit the incredibly beautiful Loch Lomond is a must. Take a boat cruise and explore Luss , one of the prettiest Scottish villages on the bank of Loch Lomond.

Catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley to the coastal town of St Andrews . Frequently referred to as the home of golf, the Old Course is one of the oldest golf courses in the world.

The picturesque fishing village, St Abbs in the Scottish Borders, has featured in the Avengers the Endgame movie and is worth a visit.

History lovers would love exploring the history of Stirling . The bustling city is full of many historical sights.

18. Enjoy a Taste of Haggis

No visit to Edinburgh is ever complete without tasting the national dish of Scotland, haggis. Love it or hate it, you have to try this famous dish at least once. You never know. Maybe you might turn into a fan of this savoury pudding.

Haggis is typically served with a generous portion of mashed tatties (potatoes) and neeps (turnips) and accompanied by a dram of whiskey.

It tastes like crumbly sausage, with an earthy texture and peppery flavour. It is made by combining sheep’s plucks – chopped liver, heart and lungs with oatmeal, onions, salt and spices and cooked in a sheep’s stomach.

Some of the best places to try haggis in Edinburgh are Arcade Bar Haggis and Whisky House  and Whiski Bar & Restaurant . Other delicious Scottish dishes you might be interested in trying are Cullen Skink, full Scottish breakfast, black pudding and Scotch Pie.

19. Watch a Live Performance at the Edinburgh Festival

August is the most happening month in the city’s calendar. Edinburgh comes alive with an array of festivals and events. More than 2500 performances take place every day in August at various venues around the city.

The Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world. Hundreds of street performers entertain the audience in the Royal Mile, Grassmarket and Princes Street Garden.

Also, you can enjoy several standup comedy shows, ballets, operas, cabaret and musicals by renowned local and international artists. We would strongly recommend seeing the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo , an experience of a lifetime. The jaw-dropping performances of military pipes and drums come alongside traditional Scottish highland dance. Tattoo tickets sell out months in advance.

The month-long festivities end with the annual fireworks display. Thousands of locals and tourists gather at various vantage points to witness this breathtaking display.

20. Uncover Gourmet Delights in Leith

Away from the city centre, Leith is a vibrant and culturally diverse corner of Edinburgh. The Water of Leith flows through the heart of this neighbourhood. It has a rich maritime history and was once an important industrial hub of Scotland.

Today, this area is bustling with trendy shops, hip coffee shops and cosy pubs. From fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants to delicious street foods, Leith is a must-visit destination for all foodies visiting Edinburgh.

You can find some of the city’s best restaurants in Leith. Some of our favourites are Fishers, Teuchters Landing , Martin Wishart and The Kitchin . Also, the full Scottish breakfast at Roseleaf Bar Cafe is a reason alone to visit Leith.

If you are here on Saturday, head to the farmer’s market for fresh local produces.

21. Explore Underground History at Real Mary King Close

Steeped in history, the Real Mary King Close lies underneath the busy street of the Royal Mile. This family-friendly attraction takes you back in time and tells the unheard stories of the Edinburgh Old Town.

An hour-long guided tour is the only way to explore this historic close and the surrounding maze of narrow alleyways and tenement houses from the 17th century.

It is named after Mary King, a local businesswoman who was a resident of this close. An expert guide will tell you about the life of some of the notable residents who once lived here. Also, you will learn intriguing tales about the deadly plague that ravaged Edinburgh and this close in past centuries.

Over the years, this site has been associated with various folklore, legends and paranormal activities. It was featured in several books and on television as one of the haunted places in the UK.

Price : Adult £21 and child £15.

22. Enjoy Yourself in Edinburgh Christmas Market and Hogmanay

We are perhaps a bit biased, but this city hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. It shines bright with festive spirit at this magical time of the year.

You can find the beautiful Edinburgh Christmas Market in the Princes Street Gardens. There is an array of beautifully decorated chalets selling everything from hot mulled wine to Christmas decorations.

Also, there are plenty of fun rides and activities for all age groups. Younger visitors would love the Christmas Tree Maze, Santa’s Grotto and Nativity Carol Concert. You would love skating at the Alpine ice rink located on George Street.

Hogmanay is an integral part of the Edinburgh Christmas celebration and Scottish tradition. The three-day-long festivity starts with a torchlight procession.

On New Year’s Eve, there are spectacular fireworks displays from the castle . Locals and tourists enjoy themselves at the world-famous Hogmanay Street Party with live music and a delicious selection of street food and drink.

23. Release Your Inner Child at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions 

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is located at the top of the historic Royal Mile, close to Edinburgh Castle esplanade. If you are not familiar with Camera Obscura, it’s a Latin term for dark chamber and is related to the earliest version of the modern-day camera.

Established in 1835, Camera Obscura is a six-floor building having plenty of entertaining and interactive optical illusions suitable for all age groups. The mindblowing puzzles, mirror maze, and vortex tunnel are thoroughly enjoyable.

The Camera Obscura is still in use and can project the buildings and streets of Edinburgh up and close for visitors. The rooftop terrace offers a superb panoramic view of the sprawling city and the Firth of Forth.

Price : Adult £20.95 and child £16.95.

24. Visit Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art lies at the West End of Edinburgh. You can also walk here from Dean Village following the Water of Leith pathway. Sitting side by side, there are actually two separate buildings – Modern One and Two.

You will find an extensive collection of modern and contemporary artworks by reputed Scottish and international artists.

There are many interesting outdoor sculptures and art installations on the surrounding ground. The landform by Charles Jencks in front of Modern One looks stunning.

Modern One houses masterpieces by famous artists like Matisse and Picasso. Modern Two hosts various temporary exhibitions all year round. As you enter the building, you will notice a giant 7.3 metre-tall sculpture, Vulcan. Their permanent display includes the recreation of Edinburgh-born artist Eduardo Paolozzi’s studio.

Opening Hours : Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm.

25. Take a Tour of the Scotch Whisky Experience

If you are a whisky enthusiast, a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience at the top of the Royal Mile will surely interest you. After all, whisky is the national drink of Scotland.

Established in 1988 on the former premise of a school, this visitor attraction in Edinburgh Old Town offers various guided tours to showcase Scotland’s rich history of the whisky industry. It houses the world’s largest collection of whisky bottles. They also have a restaurant and whisky bar on site.

They offer different types of tours. Their expert guide will demonstrate the methods and skills of making scotch whisky. The tour concludes with a wee tasting. Also, you can bring a small bottle back home with you. Audio guides are available in 20 languages. The tour price starts from £21 per adult.

Opening Hours : 10 am – 5 pm.

26. Explore the Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Situated on Queens Street, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery has a superb selection of photographs, sculptures and portraits of some of the most famous Scottish personalities from past and present.

Also, you would be amazed by the glittering friezes and murals of this neo-gothic architectural gem of Edinburgh. The beautifully painted mural at the main entrance hall will surely impress you.

From Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie to Tilda Swinton and Flora Macdonald – You can see all their beautiful portraits here.

This gorgeous red sandstone building was donated in the 19th century by John Ritchie Findlay – the proprietor of The Scotsman newspaper.

It is an amazing free attraction in Edinburgh to spend a rainy day.

Opening Hours : Open daily, 10 am to 5 pm.

27. Discover Writers Museum & Makar’s Court

Located at Lady Stairs close, just a few steps off the Royal Mile, the Writers Museum houses a magnificent collection and memorabilia of three legends of Scottish literature – Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

This picturesque house was built in 1622 by Sir William Gray of Pittendrum, an Edinburgh-based wealthy businessman. Today, the fairy-tale-looking turret draws tourists to this humble museum.

Highlights of your visit would be the first edition of Scott’s Waverley, Burn’s writing desk and a rare cast of his skull, and Robert Louis Stevenson’s personal items. Also, you would get to know a lot about their literary life.

Just outside the Writers Museum lies Makar’s Court, an open space where famous quotes of Scottish writers are etched on flagstones – possibly the most fitting feature to honour Edinburgh, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature .

Opening Hours : Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

28. Admire the Grand Architecture of the Forth Bridge

An iconic landmark of Scotland, Forth Rail Bridge is an engineering marvel over the Firth of Forth – the estuary of the River Forth.

Located about 10 miles west of Edinburgh City Centre, this bridge connects two villages of Scotland – North and South Queensferry.When this rail bridge was completed in 1890, it was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015.

There are several sightseeing tour companies that offer guided trips to the Forth Bridges. Alternatively, hop on board Lothian Bus service 43 from Princes Street to South Queensferry. Also, it takes only 15 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley to Dalmeny by train.

If you have time, we recommend you take a boat trip from South Queensferry to the picturesque island of Inchcolm.

29. Enjoy Strolls on the Grounds of Lauriston Castle

Away from the hubbub of the busy city centre, Lauriston Castle is a hidden gem of Edinburgh. The history of this castle dates back to the middle ages. Completely Destroyed during the Earl of Hertford’s raid around 1544, Lauriston Castle was rebuilt in 1590.

Once there, explore the grand interior of this Edwardian tower house. If you hear some eerie footsteps inside, don’t worry. It must be the resident ghost, who hasn’t reportedly harmed anyone yet.

This historic house has lovely grounds with a nice little pond, an award-winning modern Japanese garden, and an Italian garden. Also, you would admire the gorgeous view across Edinburgh and Fife coastline. The woodland around the castle is very scenic, especially in spring, with bluebells lying all around.

Opening Hours : 1 April – 30 September, 8 am – 7.30 pm and 1 October – 31 March, 8 am – 4.30 pm.

Price : £8.00 for adults.

30. Build Sandcastles at Portobello Beach

Just a few miles from Edinburgh City Centre, Portobello is a seaside suburb with a sprawling sand beach stretching over two miles. In summer, it’s a popular spot with sunbathers, swimmers, and volleyballers.

Take a stroll along the charming promenade. It is lined with busy pubs and cafes, chippies, arcades and ice cream shops. Plus, this award-winning beach hosts events like the Big Beach Bush and an annual music and sandcastle competition event. Catch the local bus service 15 or 26 from Princes Street to get here.

So, in short, Portobello would be a perfect spot for a breezy beach day in summer.

How Many Days to Spend in Edinburgh

You will need to spend at least two days visiting some of the main attractions in the city. Check out our detailed 2-day itinerary of Edinburgh . But if you want to explore the city’s nooks and crannies more closely, you can easily spend a week here. You can also add some great day trip destinations to your itinerary. 

But if you are really short on time, it’s possible to see some of the highlights in a day.

Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

Although this capital city is a delight to explore all year round, June to August is the perfect time to explore Edinburgh.

The weather remains relatively dry, pleasant and warm, with longer daylights. Usually, July is the hottest month here. Also, it is an ideal time to enjoy various festivals. But this is also the peak tourist season. So, expect long queues at the attractions.

Scottish weather is famous for being unpredictable. You may experience all four seasons in one day. So, carry an umbrella or a rain jacket when you go out.

Edinburgh is also a great destination for a short winter city break in the UK. It hosts a lovely Christmas market.

Map of the Tourist Attractions

Here is a map of all the Edinburgh tourist attractions mentioned in this article. We have also marked some of the best cafes, restaurants, and pubs for you. Save this Google Map on your phone to use it later. Also, you can use it offline.

How to Get Around Edinburgh

Most of the attractions mentioned in this article are spread across the historic Old and New Town. The area is not that huge. So, the cobbled streets of Edinburgh are best explored on foot.

This city has an excellent public transport system. If you are venturing out of the city centre, catch a local Lothian Bus service.

Buses run frequently day and night. It costs £1.80 for a single journey and £4.50 for a day ticket. Also, the tram runs regularly from Edinburgh Airport to St Andrew’s Square.

We hope this article on the best things to do in the city of Edinburgh was helpful to plan your trip. Read our other travel guides of Scotland to fuel your travel inspirations further.

3 thoughts on “30 Epic Things to Do in Edinburgh: Ultimate Guide by a Local”

Excellent. This should be used as a leaflet of Edinburgh for tourist and sightseeing. Informative and interesting, make you want to get up and go do.

Excellent piece! We will definitely use this!

Thanks for the wonderful info. Is there a working link to the ‘detailed 2-day itinerary of Edinburgh” ? Would love to see it.

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17 best things to do in Edinburgh - Scotland's lively capital city

Sep 17, 2021 • 9 min read

View of the Edinburgh skyline from Calton Hill © bfurbush / Budget Travel

Edinburgh is renowned for being one of Europe’s most lively and friendly cities. It offers visitors the best of both worlds: urban attractions, and beautiful natural landscapes, there’s plenty of choice to suit everyone. If you want to explore more of what the Scottish capital has to offer here are some of the best things to see and do in easy-to-navigate Edinburgh. 

The Royal Mile

Resting like a gem near Holyrood Park , The Royal Mile is a succession of streets through Edinburgh’s Old Town which connect Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse. The distance between the two royal residences is exactly a mile , hence its name, which it was given in the 16th century.

Along the cobbled streets, there are five sections to explore: Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High St and Canongate. Don’t miss the 15th-century grey behemoth, St Giles Cathedral, which was restored in the 19th century, and The Witches Well, a fountain that commemorates the Edinburgh women executed on suspicion of witchcraft between the 15th and 18th centuries. 

Other things to look for include Cannonball House, which has a cannonball lodged into its west wall (don't worry, it's unlikely to be embedded during a battle, more a municipal solution left there by engineers marking the height for the city's first waterpipe), and former Victorian church houses like John Knox House, which dates from 1470, the oldest building on the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh Castle

No visit to the Scottish capital would be complete without seeing Edinburgh Castle . Originally built in 1103 on a large craggy rock, Britain’s most besieged castle can be seen from almost every corner city. 

Home to both Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, the royal residence also houses Britain’s oldest Crown jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland. They include an imperial golden crown, decorated with pearls and large amethyst, the silver-gilded Sceptre of Scotland and the Sword of State which was a gift to James IV in 1507 from Pope Julius II. Year-round guided tours give visitors a sense of what life was like at the castle. 

Dean Village

 In a city as beautiful as Edinburgh, it can be hard to stand out, but the tranquil Dean Village – which officially became part of the city in 1826 – just about takes the crown. Set next to the Water of Leith, which languorously rolls on past, this former grain milling area to the northwest of the city center is a photographer's dream model. 

Look out for the red sandstone of Well Court which hangs over the river. It was built in the 19th century for the owner of The Scotsman newspaper, Sir John Findlay. Other photo opportunities include the 106ft-tall (32m) Dean Bridge, which is the work of civil engineer Thomas Telford who designed the A5 road from London to Holyhead, and the Germanic-looking daffodil-yellow timber-fronted houses.

Arthur’s Seat  

An unmissable landmark, Arthur’s Seat provides visitors with spectacular views of the city. Some 350 million years ago, these lurching green hills within Holyrood Park formed an active volcano. Long extinct, it's now hikers and visitors that stream down its steep banks like lava. Keen for breathtaking panoramic vistas of Edinburgh from above? You’ll see its spires and rooftops, the Firth of Forth, Murrayfield Stadium, the Pentland Hills and beyond from up here. 

Arthur’s Seat itself is a former hill fort surrounded by three defensive siblings. Self-guided tours of the site are available as a free podcast. Download the Hidden Trax app.

Scottish National Gallery

Edinburgh has plenty of great art galleries, but the Scottish National Gallery is its best. Located just off Princes Street, this imposing neoclassical behemoth dates back to the 1850s. It’s built by William Henry Playfair, who also designed the iconic Dugald Stewart Monument, the Royal Scottish Academy and over 15 other landmarks in the city (yes, including “Edinburgh's Disgrace”, the National Monument of Scotland, his unfinished ode to Parthenon in Athens)

Art enthusiasts can view Van Gogh's Orchard in Blossom (Plum Trees) , Lobster Telephone by Salvador Dalí and the transcendent Wandering Shadows by Scottish artist Peter Graham, among many others. There are paintings here too by Glasgow's prodigal son, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The gallery has a restaurant and cafe that serves up traditional Scottish dishes such as haggis and black pudding, with overlooking views of the city landscape.

Camera Obscura

Close to the Royal Mile, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an observatory established by Maria Theresa Short in 1853. First established as a museum of art and science, today a spiral stairway leads up to an observatory at the top of the Outlook Tower where you will find the camera obscura, a device that uses lenses and mirrors to throw back a visual of the whole city onto a large screen.

Guides provide historical background to the devices used here and the quirky rooms leading up to the tower such as the vortex, a tunnel that seems to spin, and a mirror maze immerse visitors in different types of optical illusion.

Princes Street

Built in 1767, the historic Princes Street takes its name from the sons of King George III. Once a smart residential street, it's now the heart of Edinburgh's central shopping district. As well as independent stores, major high street brands and plenty of places to eat (try Sir Walter's Cafe in the Gardens, or Castello), the nearby Princes Street Gardens are a must. 

Not only a great place for a breather, the park has some lovely unique features worth seeking out including the recently-renovated Ross Fountain, a turquoise-and-gold, Beaux Arts–style water feature first erected in 1872, and a large floral clock (July to October) which is made anew each year from some 35,000 flowers.

The Georgian House 

A lesser-known attraction in Edinburgh’s New Town , the Georgian House was built in the late 17th century by acclaimed architect Robert Adam, the neoclassical revivalist whose exhaustive works include Pulteney Bridge in Bath and Harewood House near Leeds. As you’d expect for the Architect of the King's Works, the property is charmingly luxurious. 

There are paintings here by famed Scottish artists, including John Simmons, and oodles of Regency charm. The vast Drawing Room, which takes over the entire first floor, houses a square piano (the center of the room was for dancing), whilst the Dining Room has a wonderful drop-leaf dining table, a walnut longcase clock from London and black, gilt-carved chimney glass. Visitors can also see the Parlour, the Kitchen, the Basement and the Servants Quarters.

Mary King’s Close

Okay, so the immersive characters might not be for everyone, but The Real Mary King's Close offers a unique perspective on Edinburgh. Located beneath the Royal Mile, this labyrinth of 17th-century alleyways and streets stand almost as they were some 250 years years ago when the City Chambers were simply built on top of them. The tours here take you back in time with characters dressed in period costume adding to what is a memorable experience.

Royal Botanic Garden

 Known locally as the Botanics , this sprawling 70-acre garden has more than 13,500 species of plant to discover across six different gardens. Look for the rare Catacol whitebeam, endemic to the Isle of Arran, located near the huge Victorian Glasshouses, which themselves are home to some of the world’s most endangered plants. There are also a number of tropical palms to discover as well as dwarf daffodils, snowdrops and1000 types of rhododendron.

Museum of Childhood

The first of its kind in the world, the Museum of Childhood homes all things related to children. From 19th-century Victorian dolls and a Raleigh Chopper bicycle to long-forgotten board games like Quintro and a 1920s voice-activated toy called Radio Rex, this place won’t just keep the kids amused, it will revive nostalgia in adults too.

Holyrood Abbey

Founded by David I in 1128, all that remains of Holyrood Abbey are its ruins. But what magnificent ruins they are! The walls of this mighty Gothic church are still intact and the arched window frames and decorative detail on the front-west facade show how important this place of worship was. 

Later, the cloister precinct became Holyroodhouse where the royal family stayed when they were in Scotland. Guided tours help visitors to admire the architecture and learn more about the former abbey's significance.

The Chocolatarium

Chocolate lovers will be thrilled with The Chocolatarium in Edinburgh, located just off the Royal Mile. Visitors can expect to indulge at the micro chocolate factory and learn how the sweet treat is made. Ninety-minute guided tours take you through the growth of chocolate and even gives you the chance to make your very own bar to take home.

Edinburgh Zoo

Ideal for families, the 85-acre (34-hectare) Edinburgh zoo is home to more than 1000 rare and endangered animals and is world-renowned for its conservation efforts. Located on the top of Corstorphine Hill, the views back across the city are nearly as compelling as the wildlife.

Open since 1913, the wildlife park offers visitors a chance to see penguins, Sumatran tigers, monkeys, birds, fish, frogs and a whole host of different animals, including two of the rare greater one-horned rhinos. It is also the only zoo in Britain with giant pandas and koalas. Add in feeding shows, live events and screenings – and there is plenty here to fill a day.

Stockbridge Food Market

From warm, artisan loaves and thick Germagrain batards to filling East African gambos and fragrant three-lentil dahl with coconut and ginger, gourmands will not be disappointed with Stockbridge Food Market . 

Located in a small park between Saunders and Kerr Streets, just northeast of the beautiful Circus Lane mews, this Sunday showing of traditional Scottish food (think haggis or tablets, a traditional Scottish sweet that's similar to fudge) and superb international grub (huge pans of aromatic paella and delicious, nduja burrata taglioni) is where the foodies can be found.

Gladstone’s Land

Gladstone’s Land is an historic 17th-century tenement house on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, which was plucked from the jaws to demolition and lovingly restored to its former glory. Expect thick, dark-wood beams, period furniture and hand-painted ceilings as well as a retelling of the stories of those who lived there. 

Royal Yacht Britannia

If you like the thought of exploring a former royal family holiday home then step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia for a guided tour of the world famous yacht. The Royal Yacht has travelled more than a million miles and its grandeur is exhibited in its 412ft (125m) build. It is moored in Leith Port and visitors are invited to explore the royal decor or indulge in a majestic afternoon tea.

You might also like: The 9 best day trips from Edinburgh Hiking, birding and wild camping at the best beaches near Edinburgh How best to get around the city of Edinburgh  

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The 28 best things to do in Edinburgh right now

From glorious walks to a vibrant arts scene, the Scottish capital has heaps on offer to keep you busy. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Edinburgh

We all know that Edinburgh  is a great place to visit in August, when the city hosts the  Fringe : the world’s largest arts festival, bursting with hundreds of  theatre and comedy shows . But if you’d rather visit at another time, fear not: the Scottish capital is an excellent place to explore all year round. 

From tucking into its top-notch restaurant scene and exploring charming boozers to navigating its rich, fascinating history and checking out the city’s busy cultural offerings, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Oh, and did we mention the scenery? Absolutely braw (that’s the Scots word for ‘glorious’). 

So, whether you’re planning a quick getaway, a longer holiday or even a Fringe-long trip, you won’t be short on options. Better get packing: here are the best things to do Edinburgh.

RECOMMENDED: 🪩 The best  clubs in Edinburgh 🍹 The best   cocktail bars in Edinburgh 🏨 The best  hotels in Edinburgh 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs in Edinburgh 🏰 The best attractions in Edinburgh

This guide was last updated by Time Out’s features editor Chiara Wilkinson , who is originally from Edinburgh.  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

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Things to do in Edinburgh

1.  Climb Arthur’s Seat

• Attractions
• Parks and gardens

What is it? A n extinct volcano with a peak that sits 251 metres above sea level, offering some sweet views of the city.

Why go?  How many cities can boast that they have an extinct volcano? Well, Edinburgh is one of them. Arthur’s Seat is visible from much of the centre since it rises out of the wide grasslands of Holyrood Park. If you want to visit, pop on your hiking boots or grab yourself a bike. It makes for a (relatively) easy voyage and at the highest point you’ll discover matchless views of the city skyline. On May Day it’s traditional for young women to wash their face with the hill’s morning dew to supposedly make them beautiful – although we’d argue that’s a pretty bracing start to the day at any time of year, regardless of gender.

Don’t miss:  Arthur’s Seat can be tackled from various directions, the easiest being the grassy slope on the east side rising from Dunsapie Loch on Queen’s Drive.

2.  Brave the Edinburgh Dungeon

• 4 out of 5 stars
• Recommended

Up for a fright? The Edinburgh Dungeon invites groups of unsuspecting visitors to meet grisly figures plucked straight out of history (beheaded freedom fighter William Wallace, Edinburgh grave robbers Burke and Hare) and hear in their own words how horrible history really is. It’s all deliriously good fun: some of the more elaborate rides (the Sawney Bean boat ride especially) are giddily terrifying, and the actors inhabiting the historical roles are simultaneously eager to get in your face and aware of when to rein in their performances (kids aged eight and up are welcome).

3.  Check out the UK’s first vertical distillery

What is it? A unique drinks attraction for whisky and non-whisky lovers alike.

Why go?  This whisky distillery in the ever-trendy area of Leith offers 360-degree views out over both Edinburgh and the surrounding landscape. It opened up at the end of 2023 and not only does it look good – but the whisky it makes is pretty bloody delicious, too. You can book tours and tastings, check out their programme of regular events or simply take in the view and knock back a dram. 

Don’t miss: Make sure you make a reservation for a cocktail on the ninth floor bar.

4.  See a big-hitting show at Festival Theatre

What is it? One of the city’s most historic performance spaces.

Why go? If you want to catch any big-hitting touring shows, this historic theatrical space is where to go. Opened as the Festival Theatre in 1994, it was built from the remains of the old Empire Palace Theatre, a hall that had been around since 1892, and which was known to locals as a variety and concert hall that had welcomed acts including Laurel & Hardy, Judy Garland, Morecambe and Wise, and David Bowie over the decades. The theatre seats 2,000 and regularly hosts comedy, ballet, opera and live music as well as plays.

Don’t miss: This is the Edinburgh home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, so try and catch a show from the companies here.

5.  Stroll through The Meadows

What is it?   A grassy, wide-open space for joggers, sports teams and sunbathers in the centre of town. 

Why go? The large, leafy expanse of the Meadows lies in the shadow of Edinburgh University’s central campus, so it’s not surprising to see the place swamped with sunbathing students during the summer. A relaxing, airy alternative to the rushing traffic and labyrinthine alleyways of the Old Town, the Meadows also connects the city centre with the calmer suburbs of the Southside, home to many a deli, café and boutique. Try out the excellent  27 Elliott’s  café, plant-based doughnut delights from Considerit Chocolate , ethical grocery shop  The Refillery and  Tills , one of Edinburgh’s oldest second-hand bookshops.

Don’t miss: The community-focused Meadows Festival transforms the area into a large-scale market and entertainment jamboree every June. 

6.  Go to a gig at Sneaky Pete’s

• Music venues

What is it? Late-night live music bar and club. 

Why go? The LCD Soundsystem-inspired murals that cover the rear walls of Sneaky Pete’s should clue you in that this is a club with impeccable taste. It’s open every night to capacity crowds of 100, but don’t let the small size fool you – with past guests including Leon Vynehall and Auntie Flo, as well as regular takeovers by tastemakers Heaters & Rinse FM, it’s probably the finest club in town.

Don’t miss: Sneaky Pete’s is the place to be for the best local talent around, especially during Independent Venue Week. Previous line-ups have included King Creosote, Withered Hand and Carla J. Easton.

7.  Wander through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

What is it?  A publicly accessible garden on the edge of the New Town, containing trees, plants and flowers from across the world.

Why go?  A peaceful spot away from the bustle of the city, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a popular destination for various reasons. There are  more than 13,000 living specimens across the garden itself, set in over 70 acres of beautiful landscape, with panoramic views across the city. What’s more, t he Terrace Café and  Gateway Restaurant are both well worth a visit if you’re stopping for a bite or a drink.

Don’t miss:  Inverleith House Gallery is a very highly regarded contemporary art gallery, and the former site of the city’s Gallery of Modern Art.

8.  Get spooked on a Haunted Edinburgh tour

What is it? An eerie dive into Edinburgh’s famously dark and bloody past.

Why go? With well-known grave robbers, underground vaults and half-dead hanging victims in its fabled history, it’s no surprise there’s a whole host of Edinburgh tour companies aiming to let you in on the city’s shadiest secrets. Get Your Guide  will lead you through the vaults under Old Town, regaling you with tales of the persecution of witches and the local Burke and Hare murders. Put on your bravest face.

Don’t miss:  Go back in time to seventeenth-century Edinburgh with a trip to The Real Mary King’s Close . Learn all about the myths and mysteries surrounding the people who lived, worked and died on the street which sits under the city’s historic Royal Mile. 

9.  Have a royally good time at Edinburgh Castle

• Historic buildings and sites

What is it?  Perhaps the Scottish capital’s most iconic building.

Why go? It’s one of the UK’s most iconic tourist attractions and Edinburgh Castle is worthy of the attention. Sitting boldly atop the city’s other extinct volcano, it’s a grandiose and constantly visible reminder of the settlement’s historic roots. Plan your visit to coincide with one of the castle’s many actor-led historical events – those old stone walls really come to life when they’re hosting an audience with Mary, Queen of Scots.

Don’t miss: If you get peckish, there’s a traditional tea room where you can munch on homemade scones with strawberry jam and a satisfying dollop of clotted cream. Winner.

10.  Enjoy a day out at Portobello Beach

What is it?  A coastal spot just a couple miles from the city centre.

Why go?  Sun, sea and sand are the ultimate trifecta when it comes to organising a fun day out – thankfully, Portobello has all of those things. Chill out on the sandy beach with your pals, head into the amusement arcade or s troll along the promenade, stopping by one of the many glorious foodie spots including ShrimpWreck or Civerinos Prom Slice . Portobello’s bustling high street is also well worth checking out for its various independent shops and cafés. Try Bross Bagels , Twelve Triangles bakery or quirky bottle shop Beer Zoo .

Don’t miss:  The Portobello Swim Centre is home to the beautiful Turkish Baths – highly recommended if you’re looking to escape the city and unwind in luxurious fashion.

11.  Wander down the Water of Leith

What is it?  The main river flowing through the city, which winds down into Leith and into the Firth of Forth. 

Why go?  It’s just darn pretty. For those who fancy a full day trip, the Water of Leith Walkway is a long, 13-mile route passing through Colinton village and the Union Canal. But if you’d rather stick to closer to town, we’d recommend the section from the  Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, up past the trendy neighbourhood of Stockbridge and winding up at the Royal Botanic Garden. There’s something quite magical about the foliage and the way the light hits the water. 

Don't miss:  The highly Instagrammable Dean Village, a gorgeous oasis by the water with old buildings and stone plaques. And to make it even better, it’s only five minutes away from Princes Street in the town centre. 

12.  Take in a unique view of the city at Camera Obscura

What is it?  A neat collection of interactive exhibits themed around optical illusions. 

Why go? This museum of visual illusions seems like an odd fit for the Old Town – we love a wonky fairground mirror as much as the next person, but why is it cheek-by-jowl with historic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle? Everything becomes clear when you reach the top floor. There you find the camera obscura itself – a Victorian structure inside which the whole capital cityscape is projected (without a single bar of wi-fi needed) onto a broad viewing table. It’s a unique, exciting way to see the skyline. 

Don’t miss: The view of the city from the turret atop the building is also worth taking in.

13.  Take a hike in the Pentland Hills

What is it?  A vast cluster of hills south of Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills Regional Park offers scenic hikes and rewarding views of the city and surrounding area.

Why go?  The Pentlands is a refreshing breath of fresh air and an opportunity to get active and immerse yourself in nature without a long drive up to the Highlands. There are a range of hikes for all abilities and convenient starting points, many only a bus ride away from the city centre. 

Don’t miss:  A walk up Allermuir, the closest peak to Edinburgh. On a clear day you get unparalleled views of the entire city and over the Firth of Forth to Fife. 

14.  Sink a wee dram of whisky

What is it? Wet your whistle with a helping of Scotland’s famous spirit. 

Why go? Edinburgh is famous for a few things and whisky is most certainly one of them. It comes as no surprise that there are several ways to wet your whisky whistle in Edinburgh and beyond (try saying that after a few drams). If you’re after a tipple, head out on one of the city’s guided walks where you’ll visit Edinburgh’s best whisky venues for a belter of a tasting laced with folklore and Scottish storyteling. You’ll know your mashing from your malting in no time.

Don’t miss: For a more in-depth look at boozy creation processes, grab a ticket for a distillery tour around the Southern Highlands.

15.  Pay a trip to Leith

What is it?  The ever-evolving Leith area of Edinburgh – known as the Shore – is fast  building a reputation as a cosmopolitan, culturally significant district in its own right.

Why go? The historic Leith Theatre has been saved from disrepair and is now a haven for music and theatre lovers throughout the year. Trendy bars and must-visit restaurants also abound, along with regular events like LeithLate  and the Edinburgh Mela. 

Don’t miss: Try  The Pitt , Leith’s popular independent weekend market, where you'll find an ever-changing array of street food, craft beer and live music.

16.  See stunning views from Calton Hill

What is it?  Enjoy panoramic views over the  Edinburgh skyline from Calton Hill, home to a collection of striking Greek-style historic monuments, as well as the Collective contemporary art gallery.

Why go?  Take a short stroll up Calton Hill and you’ll be rewarded with views across some of the city’s major sites, including Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace, the Parliament and the Royal Mile. You can also spend time exploring the Acropolis, with the Parthenon-inspired National Monument, the Nelson Monument and the City Observatory all taking up residence on the hill. 

Don’t miss:  Head up Calton Hill for the annual Beltane Fire Festival in April, which marks the beginning of summer in Celtic tradition. The colourful procession is led by  the May Queen and the Green Man, kicking off with pounding drums and a huge bonfire at the National Monument. 

17.  Head out to Jupiter Artland

What is it?  A  contemporary sculpture park and art gallery set amid 120 acres of stunning woodland just outside Edinburgh.

Why go?  Jupiter Artland, o n the grounds of nineteenth-century Bonnington House, is a truly magical place. As you walk in, you’ll be greeted by  Charles Jencks’s impressive landscape work ‘Cells of Life’: eight landforms surrounded by four lakes. Elsewhere, there are permanant pieces by Jim Lambie, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Anish Kapoor and others, as well as temporary exhibitions always full of surprises. There’s art to be discovered in every nook and cranny.

Don’t miss: Jupiter Artland has a busy events calendar with regular tours, workshops and fairs on the schedule. One big highlight is the two-night campout festival Jupiter Rising , in August, with its programme of experimental live music, sound art and performance.

18.  Fill up your bags on Victoria Street

What is it? The winding Victoria Street swoops from George IV Bridge down to the historic Grassmarket, and is home to Edinburgh’s finest selection of independent boutiques.

Why go? If you’re ready to drop some pennies, you can discover contemporary fashion items in Swish and more formal, tweed-based couture in Walker Slater ; designer homeware in The Red Door Gallery and Harry Potter paraphernalia at Museum Context . Not to mention the extensive range of foodie delights on offer, from the distinctive scent of cheesemonger I.J. Mellis  to the hog roast at  Oink and the array of flasks and bottles in the windows of  The Whisky Shop .

19.  Catch a film at Cameo

• Independent

What is it? A century-old cinema playing a solid mix of independent and foreign releases alongside selected mainstream blockbusters and special events.

Why go? Apparently one of Quentin Tarantino’s favourite picture houses, the Cameo cinema has been operating under one name or another for more than 100 years. Recently refurbished with some of the comfiest cinema seats in town, it’s the ideal place to catch a well-curated season (usually focused on a specific director’s work) or special cinematic event (such as its legendary All Night Horror Madness marathon sessions).

Don’t miss: Even if you don’t fancy watching a film, the venue’s bar is an easygoing place to sip a pint and eavesdrop on some serious cinephile chatter.

20.  Go masterpiece-spotting at Scottish National Galleries

What is it?  The home of Edinburgh’s grandest collections of both classical and contemporary art. 

Why go? Whatever your artistic preference, there’s a Scottish National Gallery to suit you. The Greek-columned National Galleries complex is located right in the heart of the city, at the foot of the Mound on Princes Street; the red sandstone Portrait Gallery is nestled five minutes away in the New Town; and both Modern Art One and Two occupy the grassy area above the picturesque Dean Village to the west. Set aside an afternoon to absorb some resident masterpieces and visiting exhibitions.

Don’t miss: The gallery’s annual summer show is one of the highlights of the city’s cultural calendar. 

21.  Experience The Balmoral

What is it? More than just a hotel, this is one of the city’s most famous buildings.

22.  Immerse yourself in music at The Queen’s Hall

What is it?  A 900-capacity music venue that hosts an array of live music acts throughout the year.

Why go?  A converted church, this venue has been on the Edinburgh scene for more than three decades. It has a loyal band of music followers who flock here for the unique space it offers (the original pews and high ceilings remain intact), the amazing acoustics and eclectic roster of acts. 

Don’t miss:  As the Edinburgh home of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, you’ll find them regularly playing concert here. Plus, the venue comes into its own during the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

23.  Get cultured at Summerhall

• Arts centres

What is it?  The current king of the city’s arts scene, hosting performances of all shapes and sizes. 

Why go? Art exhibitions, theatre performances, gigs, clubs, films, talks, workshops – there’s very little you can’t do at Summerhall, the multi-arts venue housed in a former veterinary school just off the Meadows.

Don’t miss: The place even has its own microbrewery, churning out the tasty and refreshing Barney’s Beer, which you can sip while enjoying a meal in the wood-panelled bar out back. Or take a tour of Summerhall Distillery, where the lush Pickering’s Gin is made.

24.  Immerse yourself in the National Museum of Scotland

What is it?   Scotland’s premier museum of natural and anthropological history.

Why go?   The big daddy of Edinburgh museums is an eye-catching mix of old and new: the main hall, a grand, airy space ringed by balconies across three storeys, dates from 1866, while the more modern sandstone section was opened in 1998. Its contents, too, are wide-ranging: from dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian sarcophagi and Tibetan prayer wheels in the old galleries to artefacts from Scottish history in the new wing.

Don’t miss: The Corryvrechan Tapestry, a stunning hand-weaved work referencing to the Isle of Jura’s whirlpool designed by Kate Whiteford OBE. You’ll find it hanging in the Scotland galleries.

25.  Laugh yourself silly at The Stand

What is it? Pioneering comedy venue that also serves up local lager. 

Why go? Rightly considered the leading light of the Scottish comedy scene, The Stand (which also has branches in Glasgow and Newcastle) is just as likely to feature old hands like Dylan Moran practising new material as it is new talent treading the comedic boards for the first time. It’s a hugely popular venue during the Fringe, with a lot of shows selling out their run (take note – it’s Daniel Kitson’s Edinburgh venue of choice).

Don’t miss: Keep an eye out for its Monday night Red Raw sessions for a cheap and cheerful night of up-and-comers.

26.  Eat a Michelin-starred meal at Restaurant Martin Wishart

• price 3 of 4

What is it? A Michelin-starred marvel in Leith.

Why go? Martin Wishart opened his flagship venue in Leith back in 1999 and was still well ahead of the curve when he gained his Michelin star just two years later. Back then, the Shore area was finding its feet and just as the area has continued to boom, Wishart’s restaurant has lost none of its appeal. On a weekday, you might catch some local business folk chewing the fat, but this is largely the domain of locals and visitors to the city keen to splash the cash in one of its finest restaurants. This is elegant, decadent dining at its best, with Scottish ingredients laying the foundation for both traditional and modern French cuisine.

Don’t miss: The lunch, à la carte and various tasting menus are always available. The matched wine package is a necessary, if costly delight.

More great things to do in Edinburgh

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Savvy Travel Advice

Hidden Edinburgh Attractions: 30 Lesser Known Things to Do in Edinburgh

Last updated: December 18, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 42 Comments

There are so many fantastic Edinburgh attractions and we keep discovering new ones as we delve deeper into this historical city. A first time visitor to Edinburgh will generally stay busy exploring the city’s many highlights such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, most of these main attractions are located within the UNESCO designated Old Town and New Town. However, for those visitors who have already seen the highlights, there is much more to see beyond these top Edinburgh attractions.

So whether you have a long stay in Edinburgh or are visiting for the second or twelfth time, we’ll share some Edinburgh attractions we think are worth visiting that you may have not yet visited.

These lesser known attractions include Edinburgh’s second castle, small museums on the Royal Mile, two National Trust sites, hidden gardens, walking paths, mysterious underground passages, local markets, and even a beach! We’ll also talk about lesser known Edinburgh neighborhoods and some of the best areas for shopping, eating, and nightlife in Edinburgh.

Table of Contents:

30 Things to do in Edinburgh

If you are visiting Edinburgh for the first time or have not had a lot of time to explore the city yet, I’d start with our 21 top things to do in Edinburgh post. There you’ll find information and photos of some of the top Edinburgh attractions as well information and tips about planning your trip to Edinburgh.

Once you’ve exhausted spots of interest on that list, then I’d come back here to check out this list of lesser known Edinburgh attractions. Also, If you are interested in visiting in August for the festivals, I’d start with this guide to the August Edinburgh Festivals  and if you are a Harry Potter fan check out our guide to the top Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh . 

All of the listed places and attractions in this post are located within the city of Edinburgh so we are not including any places outside the city or days trip from Edinburgh in this post (although there are many great ones!). Some of these Edinburgh attractions are centrally located along the Royal Mile or within walking distance of the Old Town, whereas others will require getting public transit, a taxi, a bike, or driving.

We’ve divided the list into three sections to help you better plan and organize your trip to Edinburgh: centrally located Edinburgh attractions, beyond the center Edinburgh attractions, and other general Edinburgh attractions and recommendations that are spread out around the city.

Centrally Located Edinburgh Attractions

Here are some lesser known Edinburgh attractions that are located in central Edinburgh which is where you’ll also find many of the main tourist services, transportation hubs, attractions, and hotels. All of these are located within walking distance (35 or less minute walk) of the central Old Town or New Town or a short bus ride away from central Edinburgh. All are well connected by public transit.

The list begins with Edinburgh attractions located along the Royal Mile and then lists central sites as they get further from the central Old Town area. One of the great things about many of these sites is that they are free to enjoy.

Gladstone’s Land

Gladstone’s Land is a unique 17th century six-storey high-rise tenement house on the Royal Mile that has escaped demolition. It has been restored and is currently maintained by the National Trust.

Because the Old Town of Edinburgh was surrounded by a large defensive wall, the inhabitants had run out of space and began building upwards leading to a sort-of “medieval Manhattan” with buildings said to be up to 14 stories tall! These “first skyscrapers” were largely built of wood, close together, and many people lived in slum-like conditions with fire being a constant threat.

This particular house, built in 1617-1620, was the house of a wealthy merchant and landlord, Thomas Gledstanes. The building is still used and lived in today making it one of the oldest continually inhabited buildings in Edinburgh, and two of the floors are open to the public to visit.

As a visitor to Gladstone’s Land , you can see how the Gledstanes would have lived and also how his tenants would have also lived and there are several rooms across two levels that show how people of various classes and backgrounds would have lived and worked at the time.

The self-guided tour includes a 16th century kitchen, an office, a lavishly decorated bedroom, a 17th century recreated “Luckenbooth” on the ground floor selling household wares, and original Renaissance painted ceilings. It is definitely worth a visit to learn more about this era and I would recommend talking to the guides who are posted in each of the rooms, as they can tell you much more about the history of the building and the objects in each room.

At the end of the visit, there is a dress-up room for children and free coffee and biscuit samples. Note that the ground floor is now mainly a gift shop and the place is quite small as you only have access to 2 floors, and a visit here takes only about 30-45 minutes. I think many people expect the visit to be much longer given the building itself is 6 stories tall.

Admission is currently £7 for adults and is free to all National Trust members. If you enjoy Gladstone’s Land, I’d highly recommend visiting the Georgian House (discussed later) which is another National Trust property that sheds light on the homes of the wealthy who later fled the Old Town.

John Knox House

This three-story house was built back in 1470 with much of it built in the 1500’s. The John Knox House has been converted into a small museum which tells the story of two of its most famous inhabitants, James Mossman and John Knox as well as the story of the Reformation period and life in 16th century Edinburgh.

James Mossman was a jeweler and goldsmith as well as the keeper of the Royal Mint for the Stuart royalty. He produced jewelry and coins and repaired crowns for the royals such as King James V and Mary Queen of Scots. John Knox was a significant Protestant religious reformer of the 16th century whose ideas clashed with those of Catholic Mary Queen of Scots, and Knox was a key figure in the Reformation in Scotland. Knox only lived in the house for a few months during the siege on Edinburgh Castle and it is believed that he died here, although the evidence is not conclusive.

Our favorite parts of the house was the information about the religious and political differences between Queen Mary of Scots and John Knox, and seeing the beautiful Oak Room with its painted ceiling and wood panelling.

There is a small admission fee that includes an audioguide for a self-guided tour, or you can also book a guided tour with a historian or storyteller to learn even more. The John Knox House is also connected to a café and the Scottish Storytelling Centre  which is a great place to find out about literary walks, storytelling events, and the latest happenings in the City of Literature .

Chocolatarium Chocolate Tours

If you enjoy chocolate (who doesn’t like chocolate?), you may want to take a chocolate tour at the Chocolatarium . This is one of the city’s newest attractions, opening to the public in September 2019.

The 1.5 hour Edinburgh Chocolate Experience tours allow you to learn about the history of chocolate, the chocolate-making process, and the different types of chocolates. You also get lots of chocolate to taste and even get to make your own chocolate to take home with you.

There is also a small shop here that stalks a wide variety of chocolate, including lots of chocolate made in Scotland. We had no idea there were so many chocolate makers in this country!

Located, just off the Royal Mile, it is conveniently located and currently offers two guided tours per day. Just be sure to book in advance, which you can do here . A sweet way to experience some local products! See our full review of Edinburgh’s Chocolatarium here .

Museum of Edinburgh

The Museum of Edinburgh is one of my favorite museums in Edinburgh and the first one I’d recommend if your goal is to learn more about the city.

First, the location itself is interesting as the museum is a bit of a maze with the collection exhibited in a series of now-connected 16th to 18th century buildings. The permanent collection focuses on the history of Edinburgh and Scottish decorative arts, with some of the highlights being a copy of the National Covenant, James Craig’s plans for Edinburgh’s New Town, the collar of Greyfriars Bobby, 18th century Scottish porcelain and pottery, and a lot of fine silver pieces.

Laurence particularly loved seeing the big wooden water pipes that were once used to bring water into homes and I loved looking at the items in the Cabinet of Curiosities.

Although well-visited this museum definitely does not get the crowds of some of Edinburgh’s biggest attractions, which is too bad as not only is there tons of interesting stuff packed into this historical building but it is also free to visit (donations of course welcome)! Be sure to also check out the free video and the outdoor courtyard next to the museum as well.

The People’s Story Museum 

Located just across the street from Edinburgh Museum along the Royal Mile is The People’s Story Museum . The museum is housed in the historic Canongate Tollbooth, which was built in 1591 and has been used for city meetings, tax collection offices, and as a jail.

The museum provides information and exhibits related to the lives of ordinary people who lived in Edinburgh from the 18th century to today. The museum talks about housing conditions, typical Edinburgh trades, holiday celebrations, punishments, working conditions, political reform, civil liberties, and just about everything else associated with daily living.

It was particularly interesting for us to learn more about daily living conditions in Edinburgh in the past, typical trades (e.g., brewers, bookmakers, domestic servants), and the political reform movements in the city.

Entrance to the museum is free but donations are appreciated. 

Museum of Childhood

T he Museum of Childhood is a fun museum for anyone, but particularly appeals to families and children with several hands-on exhibits. It also appeals to anyone wanting to take a trip down memory lane back to their own childhood with lots of memorabilia that you’ll recognize from your childhood whether you were born in the 1940’s or 1990’s.

We thought the museum would just be toys and dolls, and while there are a lot of toys, there are also items related to all aspects of childhood such as health, clothing, books, school, games, and home furnishings. There is also a dress-up area for children, some quirky illusion games, lots of miniatures, and a puppet theater.

Bring some coins as a few of the old machines are still working and visitors can see them in action! The Museum of Childhood, which is located on the Royal Mile, was much larger than we expected and we’ll need to return again as we didn’t get to see all the galleries on our last visit.

Admission is free but donations are appreciated. 

Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament in its current form has only existed since 1999 and the current building was opened in October 2004. Scotland had its own independent parliament prior to the Treaty of Union of 1707 which united Scotland and England into Great Britain. However, a referendum in 1997 called for devolution and powers were transferred to Scotland to make its own legislative decisions on certain issues while other issues are still decided by the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

The Parliament building is located along the Royal Mile just across the street from The Queen’s Gallery and Holyrood Palace, and is an interesting building to just look at even if you are not interested in going inside. The Scottish Parliament building was designed by now deceased Spanish architect Enric Miralles  in partnership with a local Edinburgh architecture firm, and incorporates a lot of nature motifs throughout the buildings. Some of the principal features of the complex include leaf-shaped buildings, a grass-roofed branch merging into adjacent parkland, and gabion walls formed from the stones of previous buildings.

The Scottish Parliament building is open to the public on most days and you can do self-guided visits or take the 1-hour guided Parliament Tour (free, advanced booking recommended). We did the self-guided visit and were able to visit the Debating Chamber, the Parliament exhibition which provides information on how the Scottish Parliament works, and see the current art exhibition.

Special tours related to architecture, art, history, and literature are also sometimes available (check the schedule). You can also sit in and listen to the Parliament Debates or Committee Meetings when Parliament is in session. Seating is limited and these require a ticket but are free to obtain. Note that you do need to go through airport like security to enter the building, and there is a cafe serving sandwiches, snacks, and drinks inside.

It is best to check online or call ahead to find out what is being offered on the day you want to visit and make any advanced reservations as needed.

Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth is an interactive science museum that tells the story of the planet earth from its creation to the current day. Although located near the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Palace, and Arthur’s Seat, it is a bit tucked away so many visitors never see it and in fact we only made a visit after living in the area for about 1 year.

Visits are self-guided but you follow along a path through a sequence of rooms and experiences, learning about things like the geology of the earth, the Big Bang theory, the impact of glaciers and volcanoes, the role of our oceans, and the species that have survived and those which have not. The museum is very interactive with talking holograms, posted live museum guides, things to touch, videos, themed rooms, and interactive exhibits.

We were impressed that although this is a very family friendly attraction, the information is not dumbed down in any way. The design of the exhibits keeps people moving along and interested. Tours end with a high-quality 20-30 minute video show in the high-definition 360° digital fulldome.

You can check what shows are currently playing ; there were several different shows playing while we were there on topics such as astronomers, astronauts, volcanoes, and searches for extraterrestrial life.

I would suggest allowing at least 2 hours to visit and there is also a well-priced on-site café if you want to have lunch or grab a snack before or after your tour.

The Writers’ Museum

The Writers’ Museum celebrates Scottish authors with a strong focus on the lives and writings of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Tucked away just off the Royal Mile in Lady Stairs Close within the 17th century former home of a wealthy merchant burgess, this museum is a delight for anyone with a love for Scottish literature or just visitors wanting to learn more about these three famous authors.

The collection includes objects such as rare books, portraits, Robert Burns’ writing desk, Sir Walter Scott’s childhood rocking horse, and Robert Louis Stevenson’s souvenirs from his international travels. The main part of the museum is split into three sections focused on each of the three writers. The Writers’ Museum also holds a large manuscript library and gift shop.

Visitors must be able to walk up stairs to enter and visit the museum. Entrance to museum is free, although donations are appreciated.

Just outside the museum you’ll find Makars’ Court which includes Scottish authors quotes inscribed on the flagstones. Literature lovers may also want to consider visiting the nearby  Scottish Storytelling Centre , visiting Edinburgh during the Edinburgh International Book Festival , or joining one of several literary walking tours in the city. 

Museum on the Mound

The Museum on the Mound is one of those attractions that people often just stumble upon rather than one they plan to visit. Located in the historic Bank of Scotland Head Office which also currently serves as the Scottish headquarters for Lloyds Banking Group, this museum explores the banking history in Scotland, the history of money, the need for life insurance, and how the work and leisure of the British have changed over the centuries.

A lot of the galleries are made up of traditional museum displays but there are also some interactive exhibits and they do special activities like coin striking on certain days. Some of the things we especially enjoyed here were seeing a million pounds, learning what has been used as currency in the time before coins and paper notes, and trying to open a safe using our newly found museum knowledge (we did it but it was not easy!).

Admission is free and we’d suggest allowing 30 to 45 minutes for a visit. 

Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh

Afternoon tea is a quintessential British experience, and while few people sit down to a formal tea very often, many people still stop to have a midday cuppa throughout the UK and Ireland. We are still exploring afternoon tea spots in Edinburgh, but so far our favorite afternoon tea experience in Scotland has been at the beautiful Colonnades at the Signet Library .

The Colonnades is a beautiful 19th century library lined with fluted Corinthian columns and is part of The Signet Library located just off the Royal Mile. The Signet Library is owned and run by the WS Society, which is composed of a special group of Scottish lawyers known as Writers to the Signet.

If you make a reservation here, come hungry as the afternoon tea includes an amuse-bouche, a 3-tiered tray of savories, a 3-tiered tray of sweets, a sorbet, and of course unlimited tea of your choice! I chose a Darjeeling tea and Laurence a smoky Russian Caravan; teas served are from the Scotland based The Wee Tea Company .

The menu changes seasonally but during our visit the amuse-bouche was a sweet corn soup with smoked paprika. The savories course included a coronation chicken sandwich, an asparagus and ricotta tartlet, a black pudding and apple sausage roll (Laurence’s fave), a mini chicken and mushroom pie, and a goat cheese lemon drop (my fave). The three-tiered sweets course included scones with cream and jam, a piña colada flavored sweet, a mini cherry bakewell, a strawberry macaron, a raspberry cheesecake, apple and gin jelly, and an eclair.  

We loved the library surroundings here and the relaxing 2.5 hours we spent enjoying our food and tea. If you are not a tea fan, you can also enjoy lunch, a coffee and cake, or cocktails here as well. We recommend booking one of the alcove tables if you can, we were at table #7 in the alcove and really enjoyed it. 

Secret Gardens and Closes of Edinburgh

Edinburgh, particularly the narrow streets of the Old Town, is full of closes and secret gardens that are fun to visit as you are exploring the Royal Mile. Closes are the Scottish word for small narrow alleyways leading off a main street; typically these alleys are only wide enough for a horse and cart.

Most in Edinburgh run off the Royal Mile and have names ending in close, court, or wynd. It is fun to explore some of the closes of the Royal Mile , some will end in a little garden, many are dead ends, and some are gated and private. Note that several closes lead to private property so be respectful and head back to the main street if you see “Private” or “Residents Only” signs.

Many closes are named after historical sites such as Old Assembly Close which is the location of the original city assembly rooms and Old Fishmarket Close was home to the old fish market, and many have plaques telling a little about their history. Some have interesting views such as Advocate’s Close view of Scott Monument.

Mary King’s Close is a popular tourist site that requires a ticketed tour to explore as it is now located below street level. There are also a number of other below ground tours you can take in the city such as this one .

There are also nice gardens to enjoy both at the end of a few closes as well as other spots around the city. Dunbar’s Close leads to one of our favorite little public gardens in the city, a great little oasis for strolling or reading a book off the busy Royal Mile. Chessel’s Court also leads to a nice raised grassy platform and trees which is a nice place to relax, eat a sandwich, or read a book.

Another great centrally-located secret garden named the Archivists’ Garden can be found by visiting the National Records of Scotland General Register House (2 Princes Street). Perhaps you’ll discover your own hidden garden!

City Art Centre

The City Art Centre is a large exhibition space for art exhibitions and touring shows of art, photography, design etc, and it also contains a permanent collection of Scottish art. During our visit, the temporary exhibit was called Paper Trail and focused on the versatility of paper, featuring watercolors, drawings, and prints.

It was interesting to be able to learn about all the types of printmaking and we even had the opportunity to make our own paper creation. There is also a shop and cafe and the centre also often holds festival related events.

The City Art Centre is an easy place for city visitors to visit as it is in the city center and within a short walk of Waverley train station. It is free to see the permanent exhibition but there is normally an admission charge for the temporary exhibitions.

The Fruitmarket Gallery

If you are visiting the City Art Centre, you might also want to stop at the small art gallery across the street. The Fruitmarket Gallery is a public art gallery that features rotating temporary exhibitions from both Scottish and international contemporary artists.

In addition to the art exhibitions, it also runs regular events, workshops, and tours, and also has a cafe and bookshop. Admission is free to the exhibitions, and many of the events are also free. The gallery is also located just a minute walk from the Edinburgh Dungeon , a popular family attraction. 

St. Cecilia’s Hall – Concert Hall & Music Museum

St. Cecilia’s Hall  is Scotland’s oldest concert hall, having first opened to the public in 1763. In May 2017, the venue re-opened after a major redevelopment with four museum galleries housing more than 400 musical objects which includes a world-class collection of historical  musical instruments. It displays a large array of instruments from the University of Edinburgh’s collection dating from the 16th century to more modern times.

The most spectacular collection is probably the large number of harpsichords which come from the Rodger Mirrey and Raymond Russell collections, many of these are particularly valuable and most are still in working order.

The permanent collection is free to visit and there are activity sheets available to help keep children engaged and entertained. In addition to the museum, the venue is still regularly used for concerts (some free, some ticketed) and you can check the website for events during your stay.

St Cecilia’s Hall is the only place in the world where it is possible to hear 18th century music in an 18th century concert hall played on 18th century instruments! This wonderful little museum is definitely worth a visit for music lovers!

Talbot Rice Gallery

The Talbot Rice Gallery is a public art gallery that is part of the University of Edinburgh with a focus on contemporary art. The museum has three distinct sections, one featuring temporary contemporary art exhibitions, one in the former Georgian natural history museum that has a large collection of 17th century Dutch art, and a third gallery that features young artists and experimental projects.

Temporary exhibits feature both local students as well as international artists. The architecture of the building is also significant as the gallery is part of the Old College of the University of Edinburgh which was designed by Robert Adam and completed by William Henry Playfair.

The art gallery is typically open to the public  5 days a week, closed on Sundays and Monday. Admission to the gallery is free.

Surgeons’ Hall Museums

The Surgeons’ Hall Museums  consists of three joined museums (admission includes all three): the Wohl Pathology Museum, the History of Surgery Museum and The Dental Collection. This unusual museum complex includes one of the largest collection of surgical pathology in the world, including the collections of surgeons Sir Charles Bell and John Barclay. Sir Charles Bell was actually credited by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as being an inspiration for the character of Sherlock Holmes.

Originally founded as a teaching museum for students of medicine, it is now open to the public. The collection ranges from the informative and unusual to gruesome and macabre!

The first part of the museum contains items related to the history of surgery in Scotland, information on famous people involved in the advances in surgery such as Joseph Lister and Joseph Bell, and items related to the story of the infamous bodysnatchers Burke and Hare (including a pocketbook believed to be made out of Burke’s skin!). There is also a large interactive dissection table and theater in the main room.

The rest of the museum includes loads of surgical and dental instruments, lots of jars of preserved human remains of all kinds, a skull from a victim of the Battle of Culloden, and interactive exhibits related to things like keyhole surgery.

When we were visiting there was also a temporary exhibition related to Medicine Men from around the world which included s hrunken heads from the Jivaro tribe! This museum may not be for everyone, but it a great museum for those interested in medical history and anyone who has a love for curiosities. The museum is only a 10 minute walk from the Royal Mile.

Anatomical Museum

If you enjoyed the Surgeons’ Hall Museums, we would also recommend dropping by the Anatomical Museum if it is open during your visit. It is a much smaller museum run by The University of Edinburgh but it contains Scotland’s best anatomical collection that is still used by the university’s medical students.

The university’s collection is vast with items related to pathology, anatomy, zoology, phrenology, and pathology, but only a small percentage can be put on display at any one time. Some of the most notable objects that were on display during our visit included the skeleton of the 19th century murderer William Burke , the skull of George Buchanan (the tutor to King James VI), a large collection of phrenology objects, and a preserved dissected body that had been injected with mercury.

The museum is located on an upper floor of The University of Edinburgh University Medical School building on Teviot Place.  The museum is free to visit although it is only open to the public on select days, typically about twice a month so check the website for opening dates and times.

Comedy Show at The Stand Comedy Club

The Stand Comedy Club is the most popular comedy venue in Edinburgh, hosting stand-up, sketch, and improv comedy acts, ranging from beginners to well-known international comedians. The Stand also hosts a number of acts during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and many of the popular British acts from the Fringe perform here throughout the year.

In addition to individual shows, you can also attend the weekly Red Raw show which is a weekly beginner’s showcase and regarded as one of the best open mic nights in the UK. Red Raw features about ten beginner acts, and also usually has a veteran act or two testing out new material.

We went to Red Raw one evening and it was definitely a mixed bag from the hilarious to the grimace-worthy horrible. There was also one very well-known comedian performing who was trying out new material for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. For £3, this was a wonderful value for a night of comedy.

Note that you’ll want to get there by the time the doors open or before as a line begins forming to get in before the doors even open for the night and seats are first come, first serve. We were in the back row and lucky to get seats together! Several people were standing throughout the show.

The venue has a bar which I think is open every night but food is only served on select evenings. Admission costs generally range from free entry to £17 for an evening show; tickets are required and you must be 18 years or age or older to attend shows. If you are short on cash, consider the free Sunday lunchtime show or the inexpensive weekly Red Raw shows.

The Georgian House & Edinburgh’s New Town

The Georgian House is another National Trust property located on the north side of Charlotte Square. It is located in Edinburgh’s New Town which was designed by James Craig in the mid-18th century for wealthy Edinburgh residents to live away from the squalor and overcrowding of the Old Town (e.g., tenement houses like Gladstone’s Land).

The home at No. 7 Charlotte Square was designed by famous architect Robert Adams, and is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the city.

Today the house is furnished in the style of the late Georgian period to fit with how it would have looked when John Lamont and his family lived here from 1796-1815. Each room contains a fine collection of period furniture and objects to show you how the wealthy and their servants would have lived during the period, and there is also plenty of information on the lives of the former occupants as well as Georgian clothing, social habits, and lifestyle.

Visits are self-guided and we started by watching an informative short film and then went through the various rooms of the house, which included a drawing room, dining room, bedroom, kitchen, and servant’s room. Guides were in most rooms and were very willing to provide information about the furnishings, and the 18th century bed and its bed coverings are definitely a highlight of the collection. There is also a small gift shop and a room where you can try on Georgian costume, handle period pieces from the era, and try you hand at writing with a quill and ink.

Next door to Georgian House is the Bute House , which is the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland. We really enjoyed our visit here and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the New Town and the Georgian period in Edinburgh.

The New Town is a great place to wander around and compare the broad well-laid out streets and squares to the Old Town’s narrow cobbled streets and closes. The New Town contains shopping areas (including the busy Princes Street), bars, restaurants, museums, and residences.

You can actually stay in some of the Georgian terraced townhouses in the New Town, as some have been converted into hotels or B&Bs. For instance, the Moray Place – A Georgian Residence offers four luxury B&B rooms that are perfect for couples.

Inverleith Park

Inverleith Park was established as a city park in 1889 and is a large area of maintained grass parkland and tree-lined paths. It is also has sport facilities and is a popular place for sports such as soccer (football), rugby, pétanque, cricket, tennis, and volleyball.

My favorite sections of the park are the large Inverleith Pond and wet garden area which are perfect places to head on a sunny day and the Sundial Garden.

This is a great Edinburgh attraction for both locals and visitors. There are some great views of the city from around the pond and the park is a perfect place to get away from crowds or let children run around and burn off energy.

Inverleith Park is free and open to the public, and located a short walk from the Royal Botanic Garden.

Stockbridge

Stockbridge is a suburb north of central Edinburgh and one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore. Some notable landmarks include St. Stephen’s Church, the old Stockbridge Market archway entrance, and of course the stone bridge (Stock Bridge) built in 1801 that sits where Deanhaugh Street crosses the Water of Leith (the river).

The weekly Stockbridge Market held on Saunders Street each Sunday morning is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors and worth a visit, but Stockbridge is a great place for shopping throughout the week. There are a number of jewelers, vintage clothing stores, galleries, gourmet food shops, and cafes in this area.

For cheese we can personally recommend George Mewes Cheese  (as well as the popular I.J. Mellis ) and for coffee The Artisan Roast , but there are several cafes and pubs that looks great in this area. Raeburn Place and St. Stephen Street are the two main shopping streets with a number of boutiques, thrift shops, cafes, and galleries.

A number of community events take place here with one of the most notable being the fun Stockbridge Duck Race which is held each summer to raise money for community charities. Each June hundreds of rubber ducks are released into the Water of Leith to race to a catchment area and the owner of the winning ducks win prizes. We attended this past one and it was a lot of fun and a great way to support the local community. 

Stockbridge is nearby to a number of great places for visitors including the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art , Inverleith Park, the  Royal Botanic Gardens , and Dean Village. If you are visiting and have good weather, there is also an excellent walk that takes you from Stockbridge to Dean Village along the river that we highly recommend (discussed below).

Walk along the Water of Leith from Stockbridge to Dean Village

If you are looking for a pleasant walk in Edinburgh consider taking the path along the Water of Leith (main river that flows through Edinburgh) between Stockbridge and Dean Village. The full walkway runs over 12 miles and goes through the city from Balerno to Leith (~ 7 hours to walk the total path), but you can start or stop the walk anywhere in between. The path goes by a number of attractions throughout the city.

A favorite section of this path is the charming section from Stockbridge to Dean Village, which are also two areas of Edinburgh very worth visiting. A favorite landmark along this section of the path is St. Bernard’s Well, which is a mineral water well with a pump room topped by an 18th century Greek temple inspired ornament and a statue of Hygieia the Greek goddess of health. The water was believed to have medicinal qualities that could cure a number of ailments and diseases. The well is normally closed to the public, but is a popular sight along the path.

We also saw the remains of former mills, small waterfalls created by dams, fishermen (you need to pick up a free permit to fish here), birds, and the mighty Dean Bridge during our walk. Most of the path is also open to cyclists and sections of it are accessible by wheelchairs.

Check out the Water of Leith website for maps, access information, and reports of closures. If you have done this one and are looking for another one, you might also want to try walking along the Union Canal between Fountainbridge and Ratho Village, which is more industrial but still scenic.

Dean Village

Dean Village was a grain milling hamlet for more than 800 years, later the village became part of Edinburgh in the 19th century. Today it is a quiet historical residential area northwest of central Edinburgh.

Although there is not that much do to here, it is a popular place for tourists as it is home to a number of photogenic historical buildings and can be a peaceful place to visit. The Water of Leith runs through it and a couple of popular landmarks are the four-arched Dean Bridge and Well Court, which is a historical apartment building built in the 19th century by Sir John Findlay who was the owner of The Scotsman newspaper.

This is an easy part of the city to explore on your own, but some of the city walking tours and bus tours also stop here, and occasionally guided walks are given by members of the Dean Village Association .

Dean Village definitely has a different feel than the rest of Edinburgh and I would highly recommend the Water of Leith walk in between Stockbridge and Dean Village on a sunny day as it is quite beautiful and tranquil.

Beyond Central Edinburgh Attractions

Not all the top attractions in Edinburgh can be found around the city center. All of the Edinbugh attractions listed below are a long walk from the city center and will require taking public transit, a taxi, a bike, or driving to reach for most visitors. These Edinburgh attractions and neighborhoods are great places to go to get away from the busy city center. 

Gilmerton Cove

Many visitors explore some of the covered streets or hidden underground passages while in Edinburgh. The Real Mary King’s Close tour is a very popular one we talked about in our earlier post about top Edinburgh attractions, but Gilmerton Cove is an even more mysterious underground place to explore.

Gilmerton Cove opened to the public in 2003 and is a series of hand carved underground passageways and chambers. No one actually knows the origins of these underground passages or why exactly they were carved.

Various theories have been posited, including that they were the work of a local blacksmith named George Paterson, used as a smugglers lair, a hideout for Covenanters (those who opposed the Divine Right of the Monarch) in the 17th century, or a secret drinking den for the local gentry. There is even a theory that there could be a link between Gilmerton Cove and the Knight Templars. It is possible they served different purposes over time.

Public visits are by guided 45-minute tours where guests begin in a small mining cottage and then descend via a set of 16 steps into the chambers and passageways below. This is a very interesting and unusual tour and the underground passages were more extensive than we thought they would be. It is not surprising that Gilmerton Cove is now often ranked as a top 10 attraction in Edinburgh!  

Because tours are limited to a maximum of 12 persons per tour, visitors MUST book tickets (fee) in advance to do a tour here by either phone or email. Gilmerton Cove is located outside central Edinburgh, and you’ll want to drive or take a taxi (~ 20 minutes) or hop on a local bus (~ 30-40 minutes) to reach Gilmerton Cove (16 Drum Street).

Leith and Newhaven Harbor

Many visitors to Edinburgh end up visiting Leith whether they know it or not, as the Royal Yacht Britannia  and the adjacent Ocean Terminal shopping mall are located in Leith. The Britannia is one of the most popular and well-rated attractions in all of the UK actually! However, there is more to see in Leith beyond Britannia and the shopping mall, and a 15 minute walk brings you past the Leith docks and into the heart of Leith.

For about 900 years Leith played a central role as Scotland’s principal port and it exported Scottish goods around the world, and you’ll find some historical plaques, statues, and buildings such as Trinity House Maritime Museum (free entry, book in advance) here. Head towards Shore Street and you’ll find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants (included a couple of Michelin starred ones) with a lovely harbor side location.

If you are interested in the full 12+ mile Water of Leith walk described earlier, you can start or end it here. On Saturdays, you’ll also find the popular Leith Market off Commercial Street selling local produce, handmade goods, food, and crafts.

Leith is located within a 30 minute bus ride or 20 minute drive from the Royal Mile.

If you enjoy the feel of Leith, you may also want to check out the even less visited Newhaven harbor area. It is a former fishing and shipbuilding village that is now a district of Edinburgh.

Here you’ll find a large Victorian fish market building dating to 1896, a small boat harbor, and a lighthouse built in 1869. Today the fish market building houses a fishmonger along with a couple of seafood restaurants. Commercial boat rides and charters are possible from Newhaven.

Newhaven is a 20 minute walk from Leith, a 17 minute walk from Britannia, a few minute bus ride from Leith or Britannia , or a 30 minute bus ride from the Royal Mile. 

Portobello Beach

Did you know that Edinburgh has a beach? In the coastal suburb of Portobello, you’ll find a sandy beach promenade that was a popular beach resort back in the late 19th century. Most of the Victorian era attractions are long gone but the beach remains and is a popular spot for Edinburgh families to come for a bit of the seaside.

In addition to walking on the beach or swimming in the summer months (although a group called The Wild Ones takes the plunge each Sunday morning year-round!), sailing, kayaking, and other water sports are possible. More comfortable if you bring a wetsuit or drysuit as the waters are never super warm.

Y ou can also visit the retro arcade Noble Leisure (49 Figgate Lane), get relaxed at the Portobello Swim Centre (57 Promenade, Edinburgh, EH15 2BS) which has the last remaining Turkish sauna in Scotland, or explore the many food and coffee spots around Portobello.

It may not be the French Riviera, but Portobello feels like it is a long way from central Edinburgh and is a fun mellow place to spend an afternoon! You’ll need to take public transit (~40 minutes), drive (~25 minutes), or take a cab/taxi to get here from central Edinburgh.

Craigmillar Castle

Edinburgh Castle is definitely a highlight for many visitors to Edinburgh, but if you don’t mind your castles a bit ruined, you may want to head out to also have a look around Craigmillar Castle.

Craigmillar Castle was built in the 14th century by the Preston family (local barons) of Craigmillar as a stronghold. The tower house of Craigmillar Castle dates to the late 14th century and the rest of the building dates from between the 14th and 17th centuries.

Craigmillar Castle is best known for its connections to royal visits and intrigues, particularly that of Mary, Queen of Scots who is believed to have stayed at the castle twice. The area near Craigmillar is still called Little France because of the large French entourage that arrived with Mary, Queen of Scots.

In December 1566, she was staying here when it is said that the “Craigmillar Bond” came to fruitition and was signed. This would lead to the murder of the queen’s husband Lord Darnley in February 1567. Mary would be married again (likely under coercion) a few months later to one of the men accused of murdering Lord Darnley.

The castle was later sold to Sir John Gilmour in 1660 but was no longer lived in and in a ruinous state by the late 18th century. In the 20th century it was given to the state.

The castle has long been a popular tourist stop. In recent years, it has become better known to visitors due to its appearances in a number of films and TV shows, including The Outlaw King and the TV show Outlander.

The castle is in ruins today, but you can still get a very good idea of what it would have looked liked in medieval times during a visit. The castle is maintained by Historic Scotland and has a small visitor center and toilets. There is good signage and paths and you can explore the remains of 5 floors. On a clear day, there are also nice views of Edinburgh from the tower.

There is a fee for entry. You can check the castle opening hours and fees here . It is free to visit for members of Historic Scotland or visitors with the Historic Scotland Pass .

Craigmillar Castle is about 3 miles southeast the city center and can be reached by public transit from central Edinburgh with a 10-15 minute walk from the closest bus stops. It can also be reached by a 15 to 20 minute drive or taxi ride.

Lauriston Castle

We are still exploring our home in Scotland, and Lauriston Castle is one of our latest discoveries in Edinburgh. Most people who travel to Edinburgh will visit the much more famous Edinburgh Castle (and rightly so!) and maybe also Cragimillar, but Lauriston Castle is also a local treasure.

There has been a tower on the site since the 12th century, but the 12th century tower was destroyed at the command of King Henry VIII in 1544 when the Scots refused to marry Mary Queen of Scots to his son Edward, resulting in the unsuccessful revenge period known as the ‘The Rough Wooing’. The castle was rebuilt in 1593 by the Napier family and later two more extensions were added in the 1800’s.

The Reid family gifted their home to Scotland in the 1920’s and it can now be toured and also hosts a few select events. The guided tours include a tour of the principal rooms which are fully decorated as the Reids left them in 1926, giving visitors a glimpse into what Edwardian life was like in a country home in Scotland. One of the interesting decorations throughout the home is the very large collection of Blue John urns, a rare semi-precious stone from Derbyshire.

The 1-hour tour we had here was very good and a great value at £5 per person. Note that the tours are only given once a day on the weekends during the winter months, but more regularly during the rest of the year. The gardens and parkland which were laid out by William Henry Playfair are open each day for free, and include a Japanese Friendship garden and views over the Firth of Forth.

Lauriston Castle is outside central Edinburgh but accessible via the public bus system (30-45 minute bus ride plus a short walk) or a ~ 20 minute drive or cab ride.

Cramond 

Cramond is a suburb and village in northwest Edinburgh. If you are looking for a little village to visit near the water or are visiting nearby Lauriston Castle, this village is worth a stop.

Although now a popular residential suburb, Cramond was once an industrial and fishing village. Located at the mouth of the River Almond, the area is archaeologically significant as there have been findings from Mesolithic, Bronze Age, and Roman settlements here. You can see Cramond Island from the shore which is a small uninhabited island that does have some old ruins and some WW2 era structures still standing.

Today, you can visit the village church (Cramond Kirk), read about some of the history on signs posted around the village, stop in for a drink at the Cramond Inn, see the old traditional harling houses and boats along the wharf, play along the small sandy beach, go fishing in the River Almond (you’ll need a day permit ), and walk across a narrow causeway to Cramond Island.

Before walking to Cramond Island, be sure to check the tides as the tides cover the causeway for 12 or more hours each day so only walk to the island if it is safe to do so as tourists have often been stranded. 

Cramond is outside central Edinburgh but accessible via the public bus system (30-45 minute bus ride plus a short walk) or a ~ 20 minute drive or cab ride. 

Jupiter Artland

Jupiter Artland is a contemporary art and sculpture park and art gallery located on a large 100-acre piece of land outside of Edinburgh. The park is on the grounds of Bonnington House (private, not open to the public), a 19th century Jacobean style house with 17th century origins. The current owners are avid art collectors and started the art park in 1999.

The park is set back off the road and you’ll follow a long driveway to reach the parking area. Then you’ll want to follow the signs to find the ticketing office, which is in one of a group of steadings. Here you’ll also find toilets, a cafe, information, an indoor art gallery, and a gift shop. Here you can buy your ticket and collect a map and enter the beginning of the path.

The path leads you through the woods and along the way are a number of exhibits, garden areas, and land sculptures. The map gives you a description of each and the artist. Some are small and some are gigantic installations. They range from fun to interesting and thought-provoking to just plain strange!

A highlight, especially for kids, is definitely the Cells of Life, or Life Mounds, by Charles Jencks . These huge dirt and turf mounds with little lakes are very impressive. The Weeping Girls by Laura Ford were also a favorite. Don’t forget to check out whatever temporary indoor exhibits are on during your visit. Some of the features are designed to be permanent, others temporary.

You’ll need at least 2 hours to do the visit here. Best visited on a nice weather day. Only open seasonally (generally May to end of September), so do check dates and hours before visiting.

Ok, so Jupiter Artland is technically just outside of Edinburgh in the small village of Wilkieston. But it is worth the visit if you enjoy contemporary art and nature. It is situated about 12 miles from the centre of Edinburgh just off the A71.

The best way to get here is by car, and the drive takes about 25 minutes. But sometimes in summer, during the Edinburgh Art Festival, a free shuttle bus is offered on certain days from Edinburgh. You can also easily get a taxi here.

Other Edinburgh Attractions and Recommendations

The following Edinburgh attractions and recommended places are spread out throughout the city so include both centrally located spots as well as more far flung sites within the city. 

Weekly Markets

Edinburgh is home to several major year-round weekly Edinburgh markets , taking place in central Edinburgh, Stockbridge, and Leith on the weekends. These include the Leith Market, Edinburgh Farmer’s Market, and Greater Grassmarket Market on Saturdays and the Stockbridge Market on Sundays.

You’ll also find a gathering of popular street food vendors every Friday in Fountainbridge. There is also the central Royal Mile Market which is a year-round daily Scottish market located in the Tron Kirk that houses a number of stalls by local businesses and artists with a focus on crafts, art, jewelry, clothing, antiques, and souvenirs.

You’ll also find a Tourist Information Desk and Exchange Center at the Royal Mile Market so it is a good place to stop for travel information as well. There are also smaller markets and seasonal markets, including the Edinburgh Christmas Market. You can find out more about all the local markets here .

Shopping in Edinburgh

There are a number of great shopping areas in Edinburgh, and you could easily spend your whole holiday shopping if you wanted! Most people see the shops along the Royal Mile which are good for souvenir shopping, but if you truly interested in shopping plan to venture elsewhere for more variety.

Nearby Princes Street is home to some of the oldest flagship department stores like Jenners (beautiful 19th century building!) and also includes Debenhams, Zara, H&M, and All Saints. George Street is home to a number of international clothing designer stores like Hollister, The White Company, Anthropologie, and French Connection.  If you are looking for luxury clothing stores like Mulberry, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, and Harvey Nichols, you should head to Multrees Walk . Here you’ll also find jewelry shops like Swarovski and Links of London, travel stores, a salon, cafes, and even Tesla.

If you are looking for more independent stores in Edinburgh, you’ll find them scattered throughout but some great areas are Thistle Street which has a number of clothing boutiques. The Grassmarket area is home to a lot of stores, about 90% of them independent, selling clothing, vintage goods, arts, and crafts. Stockbridge is great for vintage shops, independent clothing boutiques, and food products. One of the best known stores for high-quality vintage clothing is W. Armstrong & Son . The West End is another area full of independent high-end retailers, boutiques, and home decor stores.

The latest hot new area for shopping is the newly developed The Arches on East Market Street, which is a short walk from the Waverley Train Station. The business at The Arches are housed within 19 stone arches built in 1825 and feature independent retailers selling artisan clothing, home decor products, food, drinks, and art. Many of the city’s museum and attraction gift shops also sell some high-quality and unique souvenirs.

If you are looking for high-quality independent shops around a particular Scottish item, such as bagpipes, whisky, cashmere, tweed, or kilts, do a little research online beforehand to find the best stores. There are a lot of stores selling these items and the quality can vary substantially in the main tourist areas although you’ll find gems even on the Royal Mile if you know where to go.

For instance, both MacSween and Crombes of Edinburgh are well-recognized for having top-quality haggis,  Bagpipes Galore (we actually took a brief lesson here!) is one of several well-rated bagpipe stores, and Hector Russell , House of Henderson , and 21st Century Kilts  are a few of a handful of retailers in Edinburgh known for high-quality kilts.

Food beyond haggis and fried Mars Bars

I talked about some of the traditional Scottish dishes you should consider trying when visiting Edinburgh in my prior post. However, if you have some time to spend in Edinburgh (and Scotland in general) I would recommend moving beyond just eating things like haggis, black pudding, Fried Mars Bars, and pub food. There are tons of great local restaurants in Edinburgh serving locally sourced, fresh food from Scotland as well as plenty of restaurants serving great international food from French to Indian food.

Some recommendations include: the  Edinburgh Larder  (15 Blackfriars Street) which is great place for a fresh and delicious good value lunch of locally sourced foods, The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen  (21-25 George Street) which is located in the former 18th century home of novelist Susan Ferrier and serves locally sourced Scottish cuisine with a modern twist, Wedgewood the Restaurant which has an award-winning innovative Scottish-Asian menu, La Garrigue  (31 Jeffrey Street) which is a French bistro focused on food from the Languedoc region and a short walk from Waverley train station, and The Tower Restaurant (National Museum of Scotland, Chamber Street) which is a fine dining rooftop restaurant serving Scottish and international dishes using seasonal Scottish produce and has great views over Edinburgh.

We have been trying to find the best burgers spots in Edinburgh and so far our favorite has been at the British chain BYRON which has two locations in Edinburgh, but we are always searching for good hamburgers!

There are so many more well-reviewed local restaurants out there to try during your visit that are located beyond the Royal Mile! Visitors may also want to book one of the local food tours available in Edinburgh for a sample of some of the best local food such as this one .

Drinking beyond Whisky

Scotland is all about whisky and if there is one thing you should try while in Edinburgh in terms of alcohol, I would recommend trying some Scottish whisky. But locals don’t just drink whisky and craft distilleries and breweries have been popping up around the city and the country. There are tons of Scottish made products out there that you can discover, but we can point out a couple specifically based in Edinburgh that we’ve tried to get you started.

If you like gin, we can recommend trying the Edinburgh-based Pickering’s Gin . You can actually take a Pickering’s Gin distillery tour which includes three samples. We were really surprised by how much is quite literally done by hand there!

There are also some other gin distilleries you can tour in Edinburgh, including the Holyrood Distillery and 56 North .

If you like beer, you may want to give Edinburgh-based Barney’s Beer a try. The Royal Dick is a great place to try both of these products, as both the brewery and gin distillery are located in the same building, a former veterinary school! You can also take a guided beer tasting tour like this .

Stewart’s Brewing  is based about 6 miles outside Edinburgh and is another local favorite if you like beers, and they also do brewery tours. Another interesting place for drinks if you like gin is The Sheraton’s One Square bar and gin terrace.  

If you are looking for a place to enjoy cocktails with a great view, we can recommend the rooftop patio of The Tower Restaurant which has excellent views of the city, including Edinburgh Castle! 

Evening Entertainment in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is not equal to London in terms of nightlife options, but there is still plenty to do in Edinburgh at night. As noted The Stand is the best bet for comedy shows. For concerts, theater, ballet, opera, and other performances, Edinburgh has a number of venues including The Usher Hall , which is Scotland’s only five-star concert hall. Other city venues include the beautiful Royal Lyceum Theatre, King’s Theatre, Edinburgh Playhouse, and Edinburgh Festival Theatre.

Check out the Edinburgh Theatre Guide for what is playing during your visit and you can also check around once in town for lesser known performances.

For cinema, there are large cinema chains such as Vue, Cineworld, and Odeon locations in the city as well as the Art Deco cinema Dominion Cinema and arthouse cinema Cameo Cinema.

For those looking for dancing, clubbing, and bars, check out this list of Edinburgh  night clubs and bars that come alive at night.

For those looking for something with traditional Scottish music and dancing, the Ghillie Dhu regularly has live traditional Scottish music and ceilidhs. These are a lot of fun and are popular with visitors and locals.

For more regular performances, w e recommend checking out the Spirit of Scotland Show . Centrally located in the New Town, this is the only regular show in Edinburgh where you can eat haggis, hear poems by Robert Burns, listen to traditional Scottish music, and watch dancers perform traditional dances like the Highland Fling all in one evening.

Designed for first time visitors to Scotland (a lot of tour groups come here), the Spirit of Scotland evening show includes a 4-course meal (with lots of traditional Scottish food options), dancing, storytelling, singing, and music.

It may be a bit cheesy with the bagpipes and all the tartan, but Laurence and I had a lot of fun. The food was good, the performers were great, and the staff were friendly. As a visitor you can get a taste of some of Scotland’s biggest events and celebrations: Burns Night , Hogmanay (Scottish New Year), the Royal Tattoo, and the Storytelling Festival all in the same night!

The main show is currently seasonal running from about April to October, although smaller performances may be arranged outside of the season for large groups.

Have you visited Edinburgh Scotland? Do you have other Edinburgh attractions you’d add to our list of favorite things to do in the city? Which of the above lesser known Edinburgh attractions are on your list of places to visit when you come to Edinburgh? As always, feel free to comment and we’re happy to answer any questions about traveling within Edinburgh and things to do in the city.

**Disclosure: Many of the above places are free to visit or we paid our own entry fees during numerous visits over the past year. For some attractions, we received complimentary entry through partnerships with Marketing Edinburgh or VisitScotland in order to review attractions and services as travel writers; however, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. We also received complimentary accommodation and meals during a recent 3-day visit in partnership with Marketing Edinburgh. You can read more in our  Ethics Code about how we accept work.**

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NK Post author

March 23, 2024 at 11:08 am

This is a FANTASTIC list. We have visited Edinburgh a couple of times and I was looking for places we haven’t visited yet. Thank you for pulling this together.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

March 25, 2024 at 4:13 am

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. You’re very welcome and hope you have a great return visit to Edinburgh. If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just ask!

Best, Jessica

Tony Post author

November 24, 2019 at 3:05 am

Really informative and helpful page. Been to Edinburgh a lot but still look to find different things to see. Thanks

November 24, 2019 at 10:35 am

Hi Tony, Yes, there are always new places and attractions to discover in Edinburgh. Hopefully, you discovered a few new places to add to your list for you next Edinburgh visit 🙂 Best, Jessica

Kari Peterson Post author

May 24, 2019 at 8:06 pm

We just got back from Edinburgh LAST NIGHT and I’m ready to turn right around and go back. While I’d bookmarked this article to read, I had run out of time before our trip and am reading it now upon return. (Torture, really! Though happy to see at least some of what we discovered listed here.) We were only in E for 2 days (and three nights). We’d found a great flat on Montgomery offered via airbnb by a very lovely, kind, gentleman of exquisite, eclectic taste. But we saw so little of the city, even though busy. I get frustrated with sights like the E Castle, though I guess it’s a must. We loved Craigmillar and truly had the place to ourselves (just a small smattering of other folks who, as we did, got lost in the maze of rooms and whose paths we rarely crossed while there).

Another highlight was climbing Arthur’s seat (up one side, down the other). We were lucky with two weeks of sunny weather in the UK (12 of those days in Scotland)… only one day of rain when driving through the Cairngorms).

All and all, Scotland is a treasure and your summary identifies the kinds of places and experiences we seek… so I’ll save it for next time.

On the ‘also-loved,’ just for others reading this: dinner at Tom Kitchin’s place, dinner at Scran and Scallie (with a great walk in the Stonebridge neighborhood, agree it’s wonderful), coffee/pastries at Manna Cafe on Easter).

Thanks for this great summary.

May 24, 2019 at 8:09 pm

Hi Kari, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment about your great experience in Edinburgh and what you enjoyed doing the most. Glad you enjoyed our articles and I hope you will have a chance to come back soon to see all the places you missed! Happy to hear you had nice weather most of your trip (lucky you!) and thanks for sharing your dining recs for readers! Best, Jessica

Maria Post author

May 21, 2019 at 1:58 pm

Thank you for such an amazing article!!

May 21, 2019 at 2:38 pm

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the sweet comment! 😉

Calum Post author

April 9, 2019 at 3:43 am

as a local let me congratulate you on your excellent list of things to do. But…….as a local I can add a few. I would add Craigmillar Castle as an antidote to those feeling weary of the crowds. There’s an excellent walk of about 3 miles from the High Street (Royal Mile) through Holyrood Park and the Innocent Railway. Or check out Duddingston Village on the way.

April 9, 2019 at 11:53 am

Hi Calum, Thanks for taking time to comment and the recommendation for Craigmillar Castle, we live quite close to it actually and it is indeed a nice alternative to Edinburgh Castle or Holyrood Palace if someone want to get away a bit. Thanks for the walk suggestions as well, so many lovely walks in Edinburgh and surrounds 😉 Best, Jessica

john Post author

February 9, 2019 at 2:05 am

Getting ready to visit Edinburgh, I’ve been wanting to do this for years and now I’m finally getting the chance. I’m looking forward to doing some of the basic touristy stuff but you opened up a whole new world for us. Super excited now. THANK YOU so much for the information. I’m looking forward to hearing more of what you discover in Edinburgh

February 10, 2019 at 1:14 am

Hi John, So happy your found our articles on Edinburgh – yes, do the must-see stuff like Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile but there are lots more places to see in Edinburgh as well 😉 Also loads of great places nearby you can visit on a day trip. Best, Jessica

Kyrie Post author

December 3, 2018 at 9:43 am

I was Edinburgh last June and a tour guide recommended Cramond to us if we were staying in Edinburgh. I absolutely loved it!! i just discovered your website and I’m excited to do some of these other attractions when I make it back to Edinburgh!

December 3, 2018 at 9:50 am

Hi Kyrie, Yes, Cramond is a great spot to go, especially on a sunny day, if you have already seen many of the main things to do in Edinburgh . I hope you get a chance to visit more attractions on your next visit! Best, Jessica

Sasha Post author

November 29, 2018 at 10:18 am

This was SO very helpful in planning our Edinburgh trip – thank you!!!

November 30, 2018 at 12:54 am

Hi Sasha, Thanks for taking the time to comment, and so glad you found our things to do in Edinburgh post helpful! Hope you have a wonderful time in Scotland. Best, Jessica

Mirza A Post author

October 15, 2018 at 5:28 am

this looks great and will help so much with oTour planning. Thanks for sharing! I’ll be going to Edinburgh and see Edinburgh Beauty live with my eyes. when I go to Edinburgh I will buy Kilt from there – any tips on where to go for that?

October 18, 2018 at 12:29 pm

Hi Mirza, There are several well-known companies that produce kilts in Edinburgh and it depends on your budget and style. Some of the better known kilt shops in Edinburgh are Hector Russell, House of Henderson, and 21st Century Kilts. But if you are looking for something less expensive and just for fun, there are a number of gift and clothing stores along the Royal Mile and Princes Street offering kilts and other tartan clothing (you’ll see them as you walk along the streets). Wishing you a wonderful trip to Edinburgh. Best, Jessica

sabrinna Post author

December 4, 2017 at 7:30 pm

Hi Jessica & Laurence!

I enjoy researching my trips quite a bit before travelling. generally, many books & websites keep re-hashing the same stuff to do in Edinburgh but not you guys! so exciting! I added so many of your suggestions into my Edinburgh itinerary because I do not enjoy the overly trite touristy stuff. Thank you very much for all the effort in cultivating this list. Looking forward to visiting the rest of your site to see if any of my other destinations aligns with your “hidden things to do”

December 5, 2017 at 7:02 am

Hi Sabrinna! Glad you found our hidden things to do in Edinburgh post useful and refreshing 😉 We know the city really well and it helps that we have done all these things ourselves so easy to recommend to others. Feel free to ask if you have questions about the lesser known things to do in Edinburgh or elsewhere in Scotland! Happy travels, Jessica

Marius Post author

August 12, 2017 at 1:24 pm

Thanks for sharing! I’ll be going to Edinburgh in the end of this month 🙂

August 13, 2017 at 12:26 pm

Hi Marius, Hope you found our tips and recommendations for Edinburgh helpful. If this is your first visit, I would recommend also checking out our Edinburgh highlights post as those are sort of the main sites visitors tend to want to see on a first visit. August is the busiest time of year to be in Edinburgh as it is when all the summer festivals in Edinburgh are taking place so do be sure to book your accommodation in advance and many of the bigger performances (popular Book & Fringe shows, as well as Tattoo and International Festival performances) sell out in advance. Have a fun trip and do let us know if you have any questions! Best, Jessica

Corina Post author

February 22, 2017 at 8:49 am

Excellent article! Congrats and enjoy your time in Edinburgh! ^^

February 22, 2017 at 2:26 pm

Hi Corina, Glad you enjoyed our article on hidden Edinburgh attractions! If you are visiting Edinburgh, please feel free to ask us about any travel questions you may have! Best, Jessica

Gwen Post author

December 12, 2016 at 2:37 pm

St Giles offers free concerts on Sunday evenings. The one I went to was a chamber group that played some Mozart and woman sang a few arias…it was magical!! I highly recommend it. To hear music in that ancient cathedral is something I will never forget

travelcats Post author

December 12, 2016 at 4:24 pm

Hi Gwen, Thanks so much for this tip! I have been to St. Giles but I didn’t know about the Sunday concerts and have not been to a concert at St. Giles yet. I would definitely like to hear a concert there. Best, Jessica

Rowan Post author

November 18, 2016 at 10:30 am

Mini Mack Tours visits a lot of these places in a Mini Cooper.

November 18, 2016 at 1:02 pm

Hi Rowan, Thanks for the tip. It does look like your company visits (or at least drives by) several of the places on this list. Best, Jessica

Campbell Post author

November 18, 2016 at 6:26 am

The Howard Hotel is not near Bute House.

November 18, 2016 at 10:05 am

Hi Campbell, Yes you are correct the Howard Hotel is about a 10-15 minute walk from the Bute House which is next door to the Georgian House. Sorry if that wasn’t clear in the post. A great area to walk if you are exploring the New Town. Best, Jessica

Andrew Cariboni Post author

November 17, 2016 at 7:12 pm

Epic post on Edinburgh Scotland! Loads of info and great pics!

November 18, 2016 at 3:49 am

Thanks Andrew, glad you enjoyed our Edinburgh attractions post! ~ Jessica

Meredith Post author

November 16, 2016 at 11:14 am

This is a great compilation of the less mainstream places to see! I love finding places like this and now have several new ideas for my next visit 🙂

November 16, 2016 at 11:43 am

Hi Meredith, Glad you enjoyed this list of attractions in Edinburgh – hope some of these work their way into your next Edinburgh itinerary 😉 Jessica

Corinne Post author

November 15, 2016 at 8:11 am

Jessica, I guess we’d better head back to Edinburgh. We have lots of things still to do. I love the idea of tea in the library or the writer’s museum. It all looks fun.

November 15, 2016 at 11:47 am

Hi Corinne, Yes, I think many people only plan to visit Edinburgh once but there is plenty to do in Edinburgh for those who return! Some of our favorite places in the city are on this list. The afternoon tea at the Colonnades Library is such an amazing setting and the Writers’s Museum is definitely worth a visit! ~ Jessica

Kat Post author

November 14, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Wow, this is a huge list and I’m sad to say that I’ve been to practically none of those places. Although in my defense, I only spent three days in Edinburgh. I’m going to have to go back because I absolutely adored it. Thanks so much for this list!

November 15, 2016 at 5:29 am

Hi Kat, Yes, I don’t think many visitors who have only visited Edinburgh once have done many of these things, but these are definitely great attractions to consider on a second or third visit. I would guess there are few locals who could say they’ve been to all of these places. I think this list highlights how much Edinburgh has to offer which many visitors may not realize! ~ Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

November 13, 2016 at 5:09 pm

The older I get, the less interested I am in shopping. I am much more interested in spending time touring historical sites and beautiful locations. So much to see here, and I really want to go! I did visit something called The Mutter Museum in Philadelphia that reminded me of The Surgeon’s Museums. It was a bit creepy, but also very interesting.

November 14, 2016 at 5:19 am

Hi Seana, Yes, we don’t spend a lot of time shopping either. Edinburgh definitely has a lot else to offer with a number of historical sites – a castle and a royal palace flanking each end of the Royal Mile! We really enjoyed our time at the Surgeons Hall Museums and the staff there were wonderful – definitely interesting but not for everyone! Best, Jessica

Rafael Post author

April 4, 2018 at 1:30 pm

Wow, Great list!

Keep up the good work!

April 4, 2018 at 1:37 pm

Hi Rafael, Glad you enjoyed our list of hidden things to do in Edinburgh! Enjoy your trip. Best, Jessica

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » Scotland » 25 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh (Scotland)

25 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh (Scotland)

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland , and a vibrant city full of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes. Edinburgh has been an important city for centuries, with a focus on education and art. Today, it is home to 500,000 people and a number of cultural events including the Edinburgh Fringe and Edinburgh Festival.

The city has a relaxed but lively vibe, with something new and exciting happening every week. Edinburgh is the perfect gateway city into Scotland and Scottish culture. Here are some of the best things to do in this beautiful, calm, and active city.

Lets explore the best things to do in Edinburgh :

1. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a key component of the city’s skyline. The castle sits atop a tall rock, making it visible from many parts of the city. The site has been used since the 2nd century as its position is a perfect defensive location. For centuries, the castle has been seen as the ‘key to the city’ – controlling the castle meant controlling Edinburgh.

The castle has housed important figures in Scottish history, including Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Pay a visit to Edinburgh Castle to gain an insight into historic life in the castle. On display are the crown jewels of Scotland, as well as the Stone of Destiny which has been used in the coronation of British monarchs for centuries. Be sure to stick around for the firing of the One O’Clock Gun, which has been fired every day except Sundays since 1861.

Get there : Royal Attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

2. Princes Street

One of the first places you will visit after arriving in Edinburgh is the historic Princes Street. This main thoroughfare has been the heart of the city since 1770, and is now one of Edinburgh’s most popular retail hubs. Visit Princes Street for a spot of shopping – you’ll find all the big high street stores along this road. Princes Street is also a wonderful location for history, with a number of key landmarks nearby. Here you will find gorgeous views of Edinburgh Castle, a number of galleries, and the Scott Monument, making it ideal for photography.

After shopping or snapping, take a break in the Princes Street Gardens, which feature a beautiful floral clock, a war memorial, and lovely green lawns that are perfect for a picnic.

3. Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace is the Scottish residence of the British monarchy, located near Edinburgh Castle. The palace was built in 1678 and has housed generations of kings and queens. Today, much of the historic palace has been preserved in order to showcase royal life in the 17th century. Explore Mary Queen of Scots’ chambers which includes a room where her secretary was murdered by her husband in 1566.

For some art and a view into regal responsibilities, stop by the State Apartments which feature fine art and are still used today by the British Royal Family. Finish your trip with a rest at the palace café to enjoy a classic afternoon tea in an extravagant setting.

Book online: Palace of Holyroodhouse Ticket

4. Camera Obscura

Opened in 1835, Camera Obscura is Edinburgh’s oldest tourist attraction. The gallery focusses on visual illusions, featuring a number of experiences and hands-on activities to explore and enjoy. On site, you will find a mirror maze, an Ames room which will appear to shrink around you, and a vortex tunnel which will provoke a sense of imbalance even though you are completely stable!

Climb to the roof to see the city from an excellent vantage point, with free telescopes available for close-up views. Camera Obscura provides a fun and family-friendly way to spend a day, tricking your brain and experiencing all sorts of unique sensations.

5. Arthur’s Seat

For outdoors enthusiasts, Arthur’s Seat is a must-visit. Arthur’s Seat is a dormant volcano and one of the highest points in Edinburgh. Hike to the top for breath-taking views of the city and a touch of wild nature in the heart of Edinburgh. Here you will also find a hill fort, dating from around 600 A.D. although there are remains of older structures nearby dating from 2 A.D. In mythology,

Arthur’s Seat is considered to be a possible location for Camelot, the legendary castle of King Arthur. Arthur’s Seat is a dramatic and historical place, and the perfect starting point to explore the nearby hills around Holyrood Park.

Included in : Edinburgh Scenic Bike Tour

6. Mary King’s Close

Mary King’s Close is part of Edinburgh’s Old Town, which consisted of a number of winding and narrow alleyways called ‘closes’. Today, Mary King’s Close is a warren of underground passages and streets, having partially collapsed centuries ago. Book a tour with The Real Mary King’s Close to explore the fascinating history of this once-bustling Edinburgh street. Learn about life in the closes, as well as the rumours of hauntings and gristly murders that have sprouted since the collapse of the close.

The close has been well-preserved so that its history is visible in every inch of every street. Tour guides are even costumed to provide an immersive and interesting experience. This is a great way to learn about life in old Edinburgh.

7. St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral is the principal church in Edinburgh and a key feature of the city’s skyline. It was built in the 14th century and showcases a distinctive gothic-style architecture that is commonly found in Edinburgh. The cathedral is home to a number of memorials for Scottish people of note, as well as beautiful stained glass windows. The church holds original bells dating from the 15th century, as well as the King’s Pillar. The Pillar bears the coats of arms and medieval shields of ancient British kings.

Be sure to stop by the Thistle Chapel which commemorates the Order of the Thistle, a group of 17th century knights who protected Scotland. The chapel features stunning architecture and beautiful archways. St Giles’ Cathedral is a focal point of the city and a wonderful place to learn about Edinburgh’s history and ancient culture.

8. Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is Scotland’s national art gallery, making it a must-see for visitors to Edinburgh. The building was opened in 1859 and features beautiful neoclassical architecture, the perfect setting for the rich collections of fine art housed within. Located in the heart of the city, the National Gallery features work by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Rubens.

One of the highlights is the collection of pieces by Scottish artists, featuring unforgettable landscapes, portraits and scenes of everyday life by artists such as Peter Graham, Sir David Wilkie and Sir Henry Raeburn. Settle down for a snack and a tea at the Scottish Café and Restaurant which features gorgeous views across the Princes Street Gardens. An ideal place to go for a slice of Scottish culture and art.

9. Scott Monument

The Scott Monument is located by Princes Street and a popular landmark in Edinburgh. Built with a distinctive gothic-style architecture, the Scott Monument was constructed in 1844 as a dedication to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It is the world’s biggest monument to a writer and reaches 61 metres high.

The tower is adorned with 68 statues featuring a number of prominent Scottish writers, poets and people of interest including Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns and Lord Byron. Climb the steps to the top of the monument to find stunning views of the city and the adjacent Princes Street Gardens.

10. Royal Botanic Garden

Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden was created in 1670 to aid in the scientific study of plants for medicinal purposes. Today, the garden is used for conservation and study, as well as being a popular tourist attraction. The current building was obtained in the early 19th century, including the Temperate Palm House which was built in 1858. The palm house is the tallest in Britain even today. Around 275,000 plants can be found in the garden today, spread across 70 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens.

The diversity of the plants on show means that each new area of the garden is a wonder to explore. On-site is Inverleith House, an 18th century mansion that is now used as an art gallery. The gallery features a constant rotation of contemporary art with a focus on Scottish artists. Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden is a delightful place to spend a sunny day amongst flowers, plants and culture.

11. Greyfriars Kirk

Greyfriars Kirk has been standing since 1620 in the heart of Edinburgh. It has been a popular place of worship for centuries and an important part of the city’s history. Book a tour to learn about the history of the church, including its importance for the Scottish Covenanters and its use as a barracks during the 17th century invasion of Scotland by Cromwell.

Today, you can still attend a Sunday service, or visit the Kirk when a concert is on, as the church is also used as a venue for music and performance. With a diverse and ever-changing rota of events, be sure to catch some culture in this unique setting. Don’t forget to stop by the Greyfriars Museum and Shop to see an original copy of the National Covenant signed in 1638.

12. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is housed in an iconic gothic-style building in the centre of the city. Built in 1889 as the world’s very first purpose-built portrait gallery, the building features wide open galleries and small intimate spaces. The gallery holds an expansive collection of portraits showcasing Scottish history through its people. See portraits of Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns and more, and works by artists such as Sir Henry Raeburn, Allan Ramsay and William Brodie.

With many temporary exhibits exploring important facets of Scottish culture, history and people, there is always something new on at the National Portrait Gallery. Finish your trip with a break in the café for delicious food, with gluten or dairy-free options, in a beautiful and inspiring setting.

13. Gladstone’s Land

Gladstone’s Land is located in Edinburgh’s Old Town. It is a 17th-century tenement house, consisting of six storeys that tower above the street. The building has been well-preserved and restored to offer visitors an insight into life in Edinburgh during the 1600s. Explore the narrow staircases and historical rooms where people once lived and worked.

Gladstone’s Land has been decorated with period pieces to showcase a number of different lifestyles: from the merchant, to the wealthy resident, to the cramped conditions of the poor. This is a fascinating and immersive slice of life in the Old Town, and an ideal way to learn more about Scottish culture. Be sure to check listings for the gallery, located on the second floor and frequently used by local artists to showcase their work in a gorgeous, eye-catching location.

14. National War Museum

Located within Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum explores Scotland’s history of war. The collections here showcase military artefacts and wartime materials, such as medals, uniforms, banners and posters. The museum examines Scotland’s place in war from the Highland-Lowland battles in the 17th and 18th centuries, all the way up to Scotland’s modern-day military presence.

Learn about the experience of war from the perspective of Scottish soldiers and see how recruitment material has changed over the years. The museum also holds regular events and exciting temporary exhibitions to offer an in-depth insight into the experience and effects of war throughout history, all from a unique Scottish point of view.

15. Holyrood Abbey

Holyrood Abbey is a ruined abbey built in 1128. The abbey was later used partially as a royal residence, and as a location for the Scottish Parliament from the 13th to the 15th centuries. The abbey has seen a large chunk of Scottish history, politics and culture, including the end of the First War of Scottish Independence, and the birth and coronation of kings.

The remains still show beautiful and impressive original architecture which have inspired numerous painters and writers. Book a guided tour to learn about the history of the abbey and to catch stunning views of the nearby Arthur’s Seat.

16. Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and well-preserved castles, and a must-visit. The castle has existed since the 15th century and was inhabited by royals including Mary Queen of Scots. At the entrance to the castle, a pair of yew trees stand in the same place they have been for centuries, having once supplied wood for weapons.

Explore the castle’s stunning stone architecture, grand halls and living chambers. Climb the castle tower for spectacular views across Edinburgh, as well as Queen Mary’s Room, where Mary Queen of Scots once lived. Craigmillar Castle is an ideal place to learn about Scottish history and culture, and to spend a day in gorgeous surroundings.

17. The Georgian House

Standing tall in the bustling city centre, the Georgian House is a slice of 18th century Edinburgh. Built in 1796, the Georgian House is a fine example of the fashionable buildings that made up Edinburgh’s New Town. The New Town was built to provide wealthier residents of the city with more comfortable living conditions than the Old Town could offer.

The House has been decorated impeccably with period pieces to provide a glimpse into the life of its elite Edinburgh residents. On show are pieces of fine art, stunning silverware, and gorgeous furniture. Explore on your own or as part of a special costumed tour, where guides enact a typical day in the life of a noble family.

Book online : Georgian House Entry Ticket

18. Museum of Childhood

The Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh was the first of its kind in the world, and continues to showcase toys and games from the 18th century to the modern day. The museum provides an interesting look into the way that childhood has been defined over the generations, and the differences in toy trends over time.

This is a great attraction for both children and adults, exploring the history of ‘fun’ as well as provoking nostalgia in the grown-ups! Stop by the shop and pick up some toys or retro merchandise to take home with you.

19. Heart of Midlothian

In the city centre, seek out the Heart of Midlothian for a uniquely Scottish piece of history. The Heart of Midlothian is set in the pavement on the Royal Mile, constructed from coloured granite blocks that form the shape of a heart and cross. This landmark records the position of the 15th century ‘heart’ of the town, the Old Tolbooth. This building no longer exists but was once used to run the city and also acted as prison and execution site. This formed the origin of a local custom involving spitting on the Heart.

Originally this act was done to show contempt for the prison that once stood on this site; today it is believed to bring good luck. The Heart of Midlothian is easily-missed if you’re not paying attention – but the locals spitting as they pass by should give away its location.

20. Museum of Edinburgh

The Museum of Edinburgh is the single best location to learn about the history of Edinburgh through the ages. At the museum, you can learn about the city and its formation, as well as its people and trade. Witness the National Covenant, original city plans and lots of Edinburgh decorative art.

The museum features a number of immersive exhibitions to educate visitors about the formation and progression of the city in an entertaining and engaging way. Don’t forget to visit the ‘hidden’ courtyard behind the museum which features centuries-old engravings and stonework.

21. Edinburgh Zoo

Experience some exotic wildlife in the 82-acre Edinburgh Zoo. With beautiful views of the city, Edinburgh Zoo makes a wonderful and entertaining day out for all the family. The zoo was the first in the world to house penguins, and is currently the only zoo in Britain with koalas and giant pandas. Watch adorable animals in their enclosures, or book a keeper experience to get up close and personal, and to learn what it’s like to be a zookeeper.

There are daily talks on offer and a number of events each week including photography workshops, feeding shows, and film screenings. Edinburgh Zoo is ideal for animal-lovers and a slice of exotic nature in historic Edinburgh.

22. Edinburgh Vaults

Travel underground and experience the dark underbelly of the city in the Edinburgh Vaults. The vaults are a number of chambers formed from the arches of the South Bridge, built in 1788. Originally, the vaults were used by tradesmen and illegitimate figures. Over time, the vaults became more popular with the poor and the criminal and were excavated in the 1990s, providing a wealth of interesting archaeological and historical artefacts.

Today, you can book a guided tour to explore and learn about the vaults. If you’re feeling brave, take a ghost tour instead! The vaults are rumoured to be haunted, having once been used by murderers and torturers. This is a fascinating – and spooky – look into a vital part of Edinburgh’s history.

Recommended tour : Underground Vaults Tour

23. National Monument of Scotland

The National Monument of Scotland lies on Calton Hill, overlooking the city. The monument was designed to commemorate Scottish soldiers who fought in the Napoleonic Wars, but was never completed. The monument has stood since 1829 and is a popular tourist attraction.

Locals have mixed feelings about the monument, as it remains unfinished. Nonetheless, the monument showcases stunning architecture and breath-taking views out across the city and surrounding landscape. Hike to the top of the hill for gorgeous vistas of Arthur’s Seat, Salisbury Crags and Holyrood Park.

24. Usher Hall

Usher Hall is Edinburgh’s premier concert venue and a must-visit for fans of entertainment and culture. The hall was built in 1914 and features beautiful architecture, including a curved exterior decorated with panels of famous figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Mozart.

The hall has historically been used for a variety of events, including concerts, political events, and sporting events. Usher Hall is particularly popular for classical musical performances, and is praised across Europe for its high-quality acoustics. Visit Usher Hall to attend one of its many concerts, and take in some modern culture in historic surroundings.

25. Dean Village

Dean Village is one of Edinburgh’s hidden treasures, located just outside of the city and besides the picturesque Water of Leith. Historically, Dean Village was a key player in Edinburgh’s milling industry, and you can still see signs of this heritage today. Explore the village to find millstones and stone advertisements for bakeries. Visit Well Court, a 19th century house that has been carefully restored to accurately represent its original appearance.

Nearby is St Bernards Well, used in the past to draw water from the adjacent river. This water was believed to be very good for health and drew tourists from all over the country. The well also features beautiful architecture, including a statue of Greek goddess Hygeia. Finally, be sure to cross Dean Bridge, an impressive bridge that helps to connect the city to the village. Dean Village is a unique and well-preserved location, perfect for experiencing Scottish history first-hand.

25 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh (Scotland):

• Edinburgh Castle
• Princes Street
• Holyrood Palace
• Camera Obscura
• Arthur’s Seat
• Mary King’s Close
• St Giles’ Cathedral
• Scottish National Gallery
• Scott Monument
• Royal Botanic Garden
• Greyfriars Kirk
• Scottish National Portrait Gallery
• Gladstone’s Land
• National War Museum
• Holyrood Abbey
• Craigmillar Castle
• The Georgian House
• Museum of Childhood
• Heart of Midlothian
• Museum of Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Zoo
• Edinburgh Vaults
• National Monument of Scotland
• Dean Village

44 Unique & Fun Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Last Updated: April 13, 2024

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I’m going to put this out there right now: if you’re a shameless nerd (which I gather you might be, since you’re here), then there is truly no better place in the world than Edinburgh, Scotland.

Packed from photogenic end to end with historic castles, dusty bookshops, cozy cafes and more museums than you’d know what to do with, Edinburgh is a dreamy, nerdy paradise, all wrapped in a fairytale package.

After spending a month in the city living out all my dorkiest dreams, I can confirm there’s plenty to see & do in Scotland’s idyllic capital.

So, keep scrolling for a list of the best things to do in Edinburgh, from swanky royal digs and hidden bars to viewpoints that’ll leave you breathless (sometimes literally so).

And be sure to check out my Edinburgh Travel Tips & Scotland Travel Tips posts for more practical info!

Save this list of Things to Do in Edinburgh for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

My Free Map of Things to Do in Edinburgh

For a free map that includes all the activities below (plus recommendations for food, drink, etc.), head to my  VIP Zone!

1. Visit Edinburgh Castle

Buy Skip the Line Tickets + a Tour

We’ll start with THE ultimate symbol of Edinburgh – Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop its domineering perch on Castle Rock, turning every photo into a fairytale postcard.

Welcoming over 1.3 million visitors each year, Edinburgh Castle is the country’s most visited attraction, with plenty to offer by way of views, royal history, and shiny objects like the ‘Honours of Scotland’ – Britain’s oldest crown jewels.

But that’s not all! Housing several museums, a large war memorial, a royal palace, a Great Hall & several other little stops/activities, Edinburgh Castle is a sprawling attraction that will delight any history nerd… although it’s pretty heavy on the military history, so perhaps give it a skip if you’re not interested in that kind of thing.

NOTE: If you do end up going, visiting this castle requires some serious strategy, so be sure to check out my full Edinburgh Castle guide and itinerary for tips on how to conquer it.

2. Pay a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Buy Tickets

Another royal Edinburgh thing to do is a stop at Holyrood Palace.

Formally known as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this regal palace is Edinburgh’s answer to Buckingham Palace. It’s the British monarchy’s official residence in Scotland, a fact that I got to know first hand when the Duke of Edinburgh himself (Prince Edward now, in case you’re wondering) arrived in the middle of my visit.

… No, I didn’t see him. I was too busy listening to an audio guide like the sad curious dweeb I am.

Anyways, the palace’s most horrific highlight is a red stain on the floor, said to mark the spot where Mary, Queen of Scots’ secretary/BFF David Rizzio was brutally murdered via 57 stabs one dramatic night in 1566. On a lighter note, this room also has some of Mary’s finest embroidery, and a lock of her hair.

Besides the interior, there’s also the ruins of Holyrood Abbey (where many historic weddings & special events took place), and beautiful gardens to frolic through.

3. Take a stroll down the Royal Mile

The historic Royal Mile may be tourist central in Edinburgh, but there’s a good reason for that – it’s one of the prettiest streets in town.

Spanning just over a mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this famous street is lined with all sorts of cheesy souvenir shops, pubs, restaurants, museums, crowds, and many a tartan-sporting bagpipe player.

I’d say a stroll from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace along ‘the Mile’ is a worthwhile Edinburgh must-do at least once. Many museums and historic sights line this popular street – just take note that better souvenir and food options can likely be found elsewhere!

4. Admire the epic views from Calton Hill

And if you’re looking for some of the best views in the city then a visit to Calton Hill is another delightful Edinburgh must-do.

From here, you have a perfect view over Edinburgh’s iconic skyline, with Edinburgh Castle, the Balmoral Hotel and yes, even Arthur’s Seat itself, all in view.

Of course, there’s cool monuments to be admired on top of the hill too. 

The Dugald Stewart Monument for instance was designed by William Henry Playfair, originator of the bar graph! 

There’s also the National Monument of Scotland, a Greek-inspired structure on originally intended to be a memorial for Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars. Due to budgetary reasons, they couldn’t finish it, hence the structure’s now very sad nickname “Scotland’s Disgrace” .

NOTE: To my fellow short people, do not climb this monument unless you’re certain you can get down, because I definitely got stuck.

5. Go for a walk through Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens are two adjacent public parks located where there was once a Loch (Lake) next to Princes Street.

When the loch was drained, the basin area was converted into these two lowered garden areas, with The Mound (where the National Gallery of Scotland and Royal Scottish Academy are located) dividing the area in two.

East Princes Street Gardens run from The Mound to Waverley Station, with the Scott Monument and a number of statues within the gardens. During the festive season, these gardens are taken over by “Edinburgh’s Christmas” with lots of rides, stalls and a Ferris Wheel for visitors to enjoy.

The larger West Princes Street Gardens runs from The Mound to the church of St Cuthbert’s, which backs onto Lothian Road. There are a number of well-known statues and monuments here, including the Ross Bandstand and the Royal Scots Monument.

Besides the statue of Wojtek the Bear (an actual bear and WWII veteran), my personal favourite spot in the gardens is Ross Fountain, which makes the perfect photo with Edinburgh Castle looming behind:

6. Check out the Johnnie Walker Experience

Shamelessly touristy as it may be, if you’re looking for a fun whisky-related thing to do in Edinburgh, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street.

I decided to do their Signature Tour which was a great deal that included a tour through multiple interactive rooms and performances, along with three whisky cocktails.

As someone who didn’t know much about whisky beforehand, I thought it was such a fun, dynamic and unpretentious introduction to Scotland’s national tipple… and not to spoil anything, but some of the tour’s surprises were so impressive that I walked out of there a brainwashed Johnnie Walker enthusiast.

… As my duty free purchases will attest.

7. Or enjoy another whisky experience

As you can probably tell, to me, enjoying whisky in some form is a must while in Scotland, so if you’re not into the glitz and showiness of the Johnnie Walker Experience, then let me propose a few more options:

• Scottish Whisky Experience : Didn’t make it this time around, but one of my tour guides raved about it!
• Tour a distillery: Holyrood Distillery is a really popular one.
• Do a tasting tour: This one includes history and storytelling.

8. Dive into Edinburgh’s unique foodie scene

The food scene in Edinburgh is as delicious as it is diverse, with everything from casual pubs and chippies to elevated high-end seafood restaurants.

If you’re keen to experience this foodie side of Edinburgh, here are a few ideas:

• To make the most of a short time, consider booking a food tour like this one
• To try lots of Scottish delicacies in a historic setting, book a Scottish tasting platter like this at the Tolbooth Tavern
• To try foods from around the world in a casual but cool atmsophere, visit Edinburgh Street Food

… Or really, just eat your way around the city! As I mention in my Edinburgh travel tips post, the best way to find recommendations is by looking up local foodies on social media.

9. Try deep fried versions of food you didn’t know they could deep fry

Of course, if you’re looking for gluttonous things to do in Edinburgh, be sure to try some of Scotland’s more infamous treats, like deep fried pizza or deep fried Mars Bars.

After hearing whispers of these monstrosities all around town, I found myself asking “Where do they serve these deep fried pizzas?!” and I soon found out the answer is: pretty much any chippy (small to-go places specializing in fish, chips & other fried goodies).

So, just find one that doesn’t look horrific and see what they’ve got! You’ll likely be greeted with a fried cabinet of curiosities like this:

10. Hike up to Arthur’s Seat

Now on the opposite end of the spectrum, another fun thing to do in Edinburgh is hiking up Arthur’s Seat!

At 823ft above ground, Arthur’s Seat is the highest point in Edinburgh, serving glorious views for those who can brave the climb and leg cramps. 

For those who don’t mind a bit of a workout, a walk up the extinct volcano of Arthur’s Seat is definitely one of the best things to do in Edinburgh, so you can secure the most epic views in town and significant bragging rights, like me:

NOTE: If Arthur’s Seat is the goal, be careful you don’t actually just walk up Salisbury Crag – it’s a pretty easy mistake to make, though the views from here are pretty good too. Keep an eye out for signs that point specifically to Arthur’s Seat. And take note that this is a proper hike, so don’t do it unless you’re reasonably athletic.

11. Visit the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland 

Of all the wonderful free museums in Edinburgh, my personal favourite is the Scottish National Portrait Gallery which (as its name might imply) is an arty shrine to Scotland’s most prominent figures in history.

Upon opening in 1889, it was the world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery, and today it dazzles visitors with three floors of portraits & sculptures divided into eras, alongside brief explanations of each person’s significance.

For those interested in Scottish history (or just putting some faces to names that you’ve probably heard many times during your time in the country), this is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh. Think the Hollywood Walk of Fame , but with context!

Plus, its design both inside and out is uniquely breathtaking. From the outside, the museum is a grand red sandstone palace that sticks out like a photogenic thumb among its plainer neighbours, and upon entry, you’re greeted with a Neo-Gothic dream of pointed arches, hanging lanterns, stained glass windows and a ceiling bejewelled with stars and constellations.

Needless to say, this is one of the best Edinburgh activities to enjoy for history and art buffs – definitely don’t miss it!

12. Pop into the National Museum of Scotland

For another gorgeous yet informative and free museum, be sure to visit the National Museum of Scotland, one of the most visited attractions in the country!

Once two separate museums (the Museum of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Museum), they were merged in 2006 to create a sprawling wonderland of exhibits, covering everything from science and technology, to natural history, art and world cultures.

One especially interesting highlight is the (stuffed body of) Dolly the Sheep, the first successfully cloned mammal who was born (and cloned) right here in Scotland!

13. Visit the Scottish National Gallery

One of the two buildings located on The Mound in between East and West Princes Street Gardens is the Scottish National Gallery, a must-visit for art aficionados in Edinburgh!

The building itself is quite beautiful, constructed in the neoclassical style by the Scottish architect William Henry Playfair. Inside is Scotland’s national collection (hence the name) of fine art, with lots of stunning Scottish and international art dating from the Renaissance until the beginning of the 20th century.

While there are, of course, plenty of pieces by Scottish artists on display there are also a number of artworks by renowned names from throughout art history. You can spot works by Van Gogh, Monet, Gauguin, Constable, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Titian, Degas and more. It’s like a who’s who of famous painters from history right in the heart of Edinburgh!

NOTE: They also have two galleries dedicated to modern art about 15 min away from Princes Street, if that’s more your speed.

14. Give an air pat to Greyfriars Bobby

If you’re looking for low-key emotional activities in Edinburgh though, one thing you cannot miss is a visit to Edinburgh’s favourite celebrity: Greyfriars Bobby. 

This little terrier is probably one of the city’s most beloved mascots, and you can find a statue dedicated to him directly in front of a pub by the same name.

The story goes that when Bobby’s human, John passed away unexpectedly, he spent the next 14 years of his life simply sitting at John’s grave, sleeping by his side every night.

So moved were locals that they would bring him food, and eventually the Lord Provost (pretty much the mayor) gave him his own collar, making him a “licensed dog”, which protected him from removal.

Bobby himself is now buried in the Greyfriars Kirkyard, near his human John. People still leave sticks, flowers & dog toys on his grave from time to time. Cue tears.

150+ years later, Bobby remains an Edinburgh celeb of the highest degree, and anyone who passes through learns of/falls in love with him and his lifelong loyalty. 

There are of course some critics who claim the story is inaccurate, but hey, I choose to believe it. What would be the point in not…?

15. Go for a quiet walk around Greyfriars Kirkyard

Apart from the gravestones of Bobby and his human, Greyfriars is home to a number of notable Edinburgh residents, since burials have been taking place here since the 16th century, and it’s quite a nice spot for a stroll.

Some of the names to keep an eye out for include the poet Allan Ramsay, William Smellie the creator of the Encyclopedia Britannica (who remembers using that growing up?!), the author Henry Mackenzie, and Matthew Hardie, a violin maker known as the “Scottish Stradivari.”

More recently, however, the kirkyard has become a popular spot for Harry Potter fans, with multiple gravestones bearing names that are said to have inspired characters from the franchise. The connection would make sense after all, since JK Rowling famously lived in Edinburgh for several years.

From Potter and McGonagall to ‘Thomas Riddell’, Harry Potter fans can often be found snooping around this kirkyard to find recognizable names. And, if you’re up for a nerdy/macabre mission, then a fun Edinburgh activity to add to your list is joining them!

16. Book a unique tour

Edinburgh is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and as a result there’s a silly amount of fun tours you can book for every interest, including…

• This Harry Potter Tour
• This literary pub tour with real actors
• This comedy tour with stand up comedians
• This vintage bus tea tour

And, I feel obliged to tell you this because it seems to be one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh, so here we go: there ARE silent disco walking tours available as well.

During my time in Edinburgh, I found these tours to be an absolute menace, blocking streets and making life miserable for everyone but them… for what it’s worth though, people on the tour always seemed to be having a good time, so there you go.

17. Enjoy a spooky experience

Of course, if you’re looking for spookier things to do in Edinburgh, there are plenty of options.

After all, Edinburgh is very proud of its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in Europe, and if that kind of spooky tourism is your kind of thing, then consider booking something like…

• This very popular ghost tour
• This dark hidden vaults tour
• Edinburgh Dungeon

18. Take a stroll along Victoria St

Another magical must-do in Edinburgh? A visit to the wildly photogenic Victoria St.

Edinburgh’s Victoria Street has long been proclaimed as THE inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and while it’s a believable and harmless claim, it’s one that has officially been debunked by the author herself (through a series of brutally honest Tweets ).

Still – it’s a beautiful street to visit, especially if you have a thing for vaguely magic-themed shops.

This distinctly curved street was built between 1829-1834 as part of an ambitious plan to improve the city’s Old Town. And improve they did!

With its charming and colourful mix of boutiques, restaurants, and bars, Victoria Street today is a thoroughfare oozing charm (and tourist enthusiasm) from every cobble. Well worth a stop during any visit to Edinburgh!

19. Visit the Real Mary King’s Close

Book tickets w/ a tour

The Old Town of Edinburgh is filled with historic alleyways, many of which are called closes. Exploring these is one of the highlights of any visit to the city, although the Real Mary King’s Close is one of the most unique ones to discover.

While most Edinburgh closes are steep alleyways leading off the main streets, some of them have been lost to time as they were walled off or built over. Mary King’s Close was one of these closes, that was named for a merchant woman who lived there in the 17th century.

When the Royal Exchange was constructed in the 18th century, Mary King’s Close was partially demolished and then buried.

Today, however, the Real Mary King’s Close is now an attraction where actors take you (underground) on a journey back in time to see what the close was like and who lived there hundreds of years ago. It’s a really interesting and fun experience, especially if you’re into ghost stories!

If you’re still not sold, THE Jamie Fraser once named this spot his favourite place in Scotland, so…

20. Relax in a hidden bar

If you’re looking for a place to unwind after some relentless sightseeing, then lucky for you there are plenty of fun bars/speakeasies hidden around town.

One I can highly recommend is Hoot the Redeemer, a fun below-ground bar that’s tucked away on a main street, with lots of unique features including a claw machine where you can play for your cocktail’s ingredients!

Another bar I heard great things about was Panda & Sons, but I didn’t get a chance to see for myself… so please go for me and let me know how it is.

21. Go on a DIY pub crawl on Rose Street

And if you’re looking for more fun things to do in Edinburgh at night, the pedestrianized Rose St in the middle of town is a great place to start.

There are a number of cute pubs on this street, but my personal favourite was Dirty Dick’s:

22. Scope out the epic view from Waverley Bridge

If you’re a fan of gorgeous photo opps, then this next Edinburgh must-do is for you: a stop at the magical Waverley Bridge.

This bridge connects two distinct parts of Edinburgh’s City Centre – the broody medieval Old Town and the (relatively newer, but still centuries-old) New Town, which is filled with beautiful Georgian era architecture w/ pops of Neoclassical too. 

Together, these two areas make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overall, this view never ceases stop stop me in my tracks, even when there’s hundreds of people trampling all over it (as there often are). 

23. Step inside the Royal Yacht Britannia

For superfans of royal history (or for pop culture nerds, Netflix’s The Crown), one of the best things to do in Edinburgh is hopping on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, best known for its stint as Queen Elizabeth II’s royal yacht for 43 years. 

HMY Britannia was constructed in Scotland, so it’s fitting that she’s now berthed in Leith for visitors to explore and get a taste of royal seafaring luxury! This yacht was used by members of the royal family when travelling between 1954 – 1997 and sailed more than a million nautical miles around the world.

Today the yacht is a museum where visitors can wander the five different floors and see how the royals travelled. Of course, a highlight is having a champagne cream tea in the Royal Deck Tearoom, where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip themselves played deck games and entertained!

24. Eat & drink your way around Leith 

After snooping your way around the former royal digs, another fun Edinburgh must-do is to explore the trendy neighbourhood of Leith, known for being one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the city!

Leith is the port area of Edinburgh, located where the Water of Leith meets the sea and used to be the city’s centre of shipping and industry. It was also known for being rather impoverished at times; the events of Trainspotting (both the novel by Irvine Welsh and the film with Ewan McGregor) were largely set in Leith.

… But times have changed. Today, Leith is a hip neighbourhood packed to the brims with pubs, cafés, and restaurants, as well as being home to the colourful Leith Festival each June. If you won’t make the Edinburgh Fringe, this is a cool alternative consisting of eight days of events celebrating theatre, music, arts and more.

PS: If you’re looking for a unique pub to visit in Leith, I really enjoyed Teuchters Landing – they charmingly serve a lot of their snacks in mugs and have a cute game called the ‘Hoop of Destiny’ where you pay a small fee for a go at a ring toss where the prize is a dram of the whiskey you land on.

Otherwise, I can also recommend…

• Malt & Hops: A very cozy traditional pub ideal for people watching
• Mother Superior Bar: A friendly, more modern bar with live music in the basement

25. Check out the Scott Monument

This imposing monument is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, a satisfying fact to me because unlike many monuments of its size, it’s not dedicated to former royalty, or a war hero, rather, it’s dedicated to…. a writer!

In fact, some say that this is one of the largest monuments in the world dedicated to a writer.

The honouree in question? Sir Walter Scott, famous poet and once-anonymous writer of the famous Waverley novels. 

Today, the monument is actually one you can pay to enter, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh from the third-floor viewing platform. Of course, you’ll need to be able to climb up 221 very narrow, winding stairs, but if you can manage that then the views are definitely worth it!

26. Cozy into an amazing bookshop

Another nerdy but wonderful thing to do in Edinburgh is sniffing your way through the city’s bookshop scene.

There’s no shortage of amazing bookshops to visit in Edinburgh, but if I had to pick a favourite, it might have to be a Armchair Books, one of Edinburgh’s coziest and most beloved book shops.

Tucked away in a castle-adjacent area where there’s practically a bookshop or two on every block, inside you’ll find a maze of beautiful literary chaos filled with antiquarian (and modern) books. I truly wish you could smell this photo:

The Waterstones on Princes Street also has a pretty incredible view from their cafe:

27. Browse for unique souvenirs at Tron Kirk

If you’re looking for a fun shopping experience in Edinburgh, I’d recommend ducking into Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile.

This former church is now home to a lovely little Makers Market, where you can browse souvenirs and products from local designers, a great alternative to the mass-produced products being peddled elsewhere on the Mile.

Be sure to keep an eye out for it, because it’s easy to miss!

28. Step inside St Giles Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is a historic and iconic church located on the Royal Mile in the heart of Edinburgh.

Despite its name, it’s not technically a cathedral as it doesn’t have a bishop. What it lacks in bishops however, it makes up with a rich history dating back to the 12th century, when a church dedicated to St Giles was first established on the site. The present Gothic-style building was constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries, making it one of the most historically significant religious structures in Scotland.

The church boasts stunning Gothic architecture with intricate stone carvings, a crown spire, and a beautiful stained glass window known as the “Thistle Chapel.” The interior is equally impressive, featuring a striking nave, a lovely choir, and various chapels.

Beyond its religious significance, St Giles also hosts various cultural events, including concerts and exhibitions, making it a hub for the arts in Edinburgh.

29. Wander around Dean Village

Dean Village is a fairytale hamlet found a short walk away from Edinburgh’s city centre.

Because of it, the Edin-bros (unofficial term) of yesteryear could eat bread! That’s because for 8 centuries, this area was a hub for grain milling, with just under a dozen mills grinding away at its peak, powered purely by the coursing river known as the Water of Leith.

Despite being one of THE most photographed sights in Edinburgh, there’s not much to do here by way of activities (though there’s a modern art museum close by). Rather it’s more a place to froth at the mouth while admiring pretty postcard scenery. Probably my favourite activity of all!

PS: There was no guy named “Dean” (or maybe there was, but this isn’t his village). The name comes from the Scots word Dene, which means small valley. 

30. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Water of Leith Walkway

Looking for a more low-key thing to do in Edinburgh? Don’t miss the Water of Leith Walkway.

This lengthy walk spans from the town of Balerno (8 miles southwest of Edinburgh) to the port of Leith, next to the Water of Leith River. The entire route runs for 12 miles (19 kilometres) all the way through Edinburgh to where the mouth of the river meets the sea and makes for a delightful way to get some exercise while enjoying the sights.

There are a number of interesting sections worth exploring, including the Colinton Tunnel, a 140-meter tunnel section that’s decorated with a mural inspired by Robert Louis Stephenson’s poem From a Railway Carriage . The walkway also passes by notable Edinburgh attractions such as the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and Murrayfield Stadium, the home of Scotland Rugby Union.

If you had to pick and choose though, the section between Dean Village over to Stockbridge is definitely the most scenic:

31. Explore Stockbridge

This is one the loveliest neighbourhoods to explore in Edinburgh and well worth a visit after walking along the Water of Leith Walkway from Dean Village.

While it’s part of Edinburgh, Stockbridge has a more villagey feel to it, with cobbled streets, Georgian buildings, some beautiful parks and gardens as well as excellent shopping opportunities. There are plenty of independent boutiques, vintage shops, craft shops and homeware shops to explore, along with a weekly market.

Stockbridge is also home to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Inverleith Park, both beautiful green spaces if you fancy some more time spent wandering around in stunning Scottish nature.

If you walk from Dean Village to Stockbridge you’ll also get to see St. Bernard’s Well, a natural spring that was believed to have healing properties and now features a statue of Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health.

32. Take a stroll down Circus Lane

While in Stockbridge, a very quick (but pretty) stop to add on is a jaunt along Circus Lane.

This street is a bit of an Edinburgh legend, if social media is any indication, anyway. As one of the most photographed sights in the city, many are surprised to discover that it’s literally just a residential street.

But hey, it’s photogenic, and easy to bundle with time spent in Stockbridge, so if you want a cute detour or a pretty photo opp, then be sure to add this item to your list of Edinburgh things to do.

NOTE: As I often do when I’m roaming around nice neighborhoods, I got curious to see how much it might cost to actually live here. A swift Google later, I found just one house currently on the market – a 2 bedroom for a breezy £595,000! Do with that information what you will.

33. Embrace your inner kid at the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

If you need a fun Edinburgh activity to distract kids (or kids at heart) for a few hours, the World of Illusions steps away from Edinburgh Castle is a fun choice.

Inside, you’ll find an interactive wonderland interactive attraction of optical illusions, holograms, and a rooftop camera obscura cherry on top. 

Is it cheesy, silly, and purely manufactured for tourist glee?! Of course, but it’s a fun way to spend a few hours if you need a rainy day activity, or need a goofy break from the many historic/cultural attractions around town.

Of course, the view from the top is also pretty spectacular. 

34. Step back in time at Gladstone’s Land

Looking for historical things to do in Edinburgh?

Here’s another recommendation: hiding in plain sight on the Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh’s quaintest historical attractions: Gladstone’s Land, one of the oldest surviving buildings on the Mile.

This small attraction offers a quick and compact insight into the evolution of houses on the Royal Mile, starting at the top floor with a 1911 era room when it was a modest lodging house, winding down and getting richer with every floor. 

My personal favourite was the fabric shop on the 2nd floor, which offered insight into what it would’ve been like to be a lady of leisure in that era.

Of course, it’s only right that you treat yourself to an ice cream after. 

35. Wander around New Town

While many of Edinburgh’s most famous sights are located in the Old Town area, the central and aptly-named New Town section is just as beautiful with lots of interesting things to explore.

A lot of the architecture in New Town is Georgian or neo-classical, and there are also quite a few beautiful parks, particularly the Queen Street Gardens. It’s also much more obviously neat and ordered, as opposed to the maze-like streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

New Town is packed with restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops, so this is where you’ll likely find yourself during a night out in Edinburgh. Princes Street is the main shopping street in Edinburgh with many flagship department stores, while nearby George Street is home to many high-end luxury stores.

36. Visit the Georgian House

The Georgian House is an 18th-century townhouse that’s been beautifully restored and now operates as a museum showing visitors how the different rooms would have looked when they were inhabited.

Most riveting of all was the (surprisingly long) introductory film on the top floor which to my surprise had its own bits of actual plot and character development… while illustrating what daily life might have looked like in this house back in the day.

I won’t spoil anything but if you’re curious about life in the era popularized by Bridgerton and Pride & Prejudice, you might want to stick around.

Aside from the intro film, the house won’t take you too long to explore, with just a handful of rooms to mosey through, along with an interesting basement where you can see what daily life might have looked like for the servants.

Of course, the available rooms are well kept and give you a glimpse into the noble lifestyle of Georgian-era Edinburgh, so if you’re interested in this period of history or simply looking for Edinburgh rainy day activities, this is definitely one to add to the list. 

37. Tour the Scottish Parliament (for free!)

It might be a bit niche but for any democracy and parliament nerds (or those into architecture) a free guided tour of the Scottish Parliament Building will definitely give you a unique taste of the city!

The Scottish Parliament Building was surrounded by controversy during its construction, but you’re sure to have noticed its unique design when visiting Holyroodhouse – it’s the much more modern-looking building across the road.

You can join a free guided tour to learn all about the history of the building and explore the interiors, while also seeing the inner workings of Scottish parliament. I was pleasantly surprised by how cool and interesting the building is, as you can see in my cheesy photo below!

38. Visit some of Edinburgh’s other free museums

Are you tired of me talking about museums yet? No? Because I still have more for you…

Yes, the Edinburgh City Council does run a number of free museums as well on a variety of topics.

Truthfully, these aren’t the most exciting museums to visit – some of them are quite outdated in their displays, but if you find yourself particularly interested in what they cover, then it doesn’t hurt to stop by, especially since admission is free at all of them.

The Writer’s Museum

This museum showcases and celebrates the lives of three literary giants of Scotland: Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

In case you didn’t know (or just need a refresher) Robert Burns was a Scottish poet who wrote, among other things, Auld Lang Syne ; the song everyone sings at midnight on New Year’s!

Walter Scott is most famous for his epic novels Ivanhoe and Rob Roy , as well as the poem The Lady of the Lake .

And, of course, Robert Louis Stevenson wrote (among others) the famous novels Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde !

The Writer’s Museum is housed in a beautiful category A listed building and packed to the brim with portraits, personal items and manuscripts by these three great Scottish writers.

Any literary fan will love exploring this unique museum which contains really interesting artefacts such as Robert Burns’ writing desk and a rocking horse that belonged to Walter Scott, as well as some rare first editions of their works.

The Museum of Edinburgh 

Curious to learn more about the history of Edinburgh? Of course, there’s a (free) museum for that too.

The Museum of Edinburgh is a cute little find concealed in a courtyard just off the Royal Mile. Inside, you’ll find a varied collection of items from Edinburgh’s storied past, including the original plans for Edinburgh’s New Town, with a key highlight being various items (including a collar and drinking bowl) belonging to the city‘s most legendary canine: Greyfriars Bobby.

This is a great museum to visit if you’re interested in learning more about how Edinburgh became the great city we know today. Not all the displays are fascinating hits (the top floor is pretty heavy with glassware and ceramics) but it’s worth a stop if you’re in the area.

The People’s Story Museum

Just across the road from the Museum of Edinburgh is another museum worth popping into: The People’s Story Museum.

As you might guess from the name, this museum is all about telling the story of the working-class people of Edinburgh, from the 18th century up until the late 20th century. The displays here feel really vintage, with rooms set up to show how regular people lived in Edinburgh, whether they worked in a bookbinder’s workshop or a tea room.

All the exhibits are based on oral histories of the city, with particular emphasis placed on Edinburgh trades, protests, trade unions and political reforms. If you’re more interested in the ‘everyday’ history of Edinburgh, then you should definitely visit this free museum.

A highlight for me was seeing an original program from the city’s first-ever Edinburgh Festival Fringe!

The Museum of Childhood

Billing itself as the world’s first museum dedicated to the idea of childhood, this museum on the Royal Mile is another one of those Edinburgh attractions you don’t hear much about.

Spread across several floors, the museum is home to curated displays about the development of childhood, showcasing toys, games, clothing and more from the past few centuries.

And apart from the upper floor’s collection of (frankly) haunting dolls and mannequin children, this is a cute little museum with many nostalgic nods to childhood memories of the past.

Would I necessarily prioritize it as one of the must-dos in Edinburgh? Probably not… but if you’re looking for something interactive to do with kids or a fun rainy day activity, then it’s worth stopping by, especially since it’s free.

39. See a million GBP in real life

One of the more unusual (free) things you can do in Edinburgh is snooping around a glass case that could make you a millionaire……. kind of.

The Museum on the Mound is housed in the Bank of Scotland’s Head Office building, with plenty of interesting displays all about money, including a visual representation of 1 million (sadly void) pounds.

At the museum, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of the history of banking in Scotland, including the evolution of banking practices, currency, and financial institutions, from the early days of banking as barter up to the modern financial system.

While exploring, you can view a wide range of historic Scottish banknotes and coins, including rare and unusual examples, along with special collections and exhibits related to currency design and production as well.

It’s a fun little side quest while you’re in Old Town, but in case you don’t make it, here’s a photo of that million pound bounty:

40. Embrace Christmas anytime of year

Okay is it cheesy? Yes… but is it a magical little place for souvenirs? ALSO YES.

The Nutcracker Christmas Shop on the Royal Mile is a festive little gem that celebrates the holidays in Edinburgh year round.

The store is tiny but inside you’ll find some very sweet souvenirs, from terrier and highland cow ornaments to hand painted baubles depicting Edinburgh’s most iconic landscapes.

41. Venture out to Jupiter Artland

I don’t have many regrets about my month in Edinburgh, but one that sticks out in my mind is that I never got a chance to visit Jupiter Artland, a magical contemporary sculpture park just outside of the city.

It’s a unique and immersive art experience set within a 100-acre estate of woodlands, meadows, and sculpted landscapes. Jupiter Artland is known for its integration of contemporary art installations into the natural landscape. Since it’s an outdoor attraction, it closes over winter, with regular opening times between May and September, plus a special Halloween weekend opening each October.

The art collection at Jupiter Artland includes both permanent and temporary installations created by renowned contemporary artists. Some of the artists whose work is featured include Anish Kapoor, Antony Gormley, Charles Jencks, and Phyllida Barlow, among others. The permanent installations are complemented by temporary exhibitions that change from season to season.

If you’re looking for quirky things to do in Edinburgh and don’t mind a little commute, then this is definitely an Edinburgh must-do (i.e. please go and tell me how it was!)

42. Attend the world’s largest performing arts festival

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (weirdly the official name) is the largest performing arts festival in the world, taking place for 3 weeks every August in Edinburgh.

During this time, 3000+ shows of every possible theme & genre pop up around town, with/ theatres, bars, clubs, restaurants & even hotel conference rooms becoming entertainment venues. The whole thing is a fever dream of unbridled creativity and there’s truly nothing like it.

The motivation for this epic festival? My favourite justification: SPITE! Back in 1947, the first Edinburgh International Festival was organized to celebrate performing arts. Eight companies were so rattled by their lack of invite that they set up their own gigs on the fringes of the main event. The concept stuck, and these days anybody can put on a show (so long as they have the funds & venue, of course).

So, if you can time your visit for August, make sure you immerse yourself in all the Fringe craziness – it’s spectacular.

43. Watch the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

This world-famous military show takes place for 3.5 weeks every August in Edinburgh, dazzling over 200,000 in-person spectators each year, with upwards of 100 MILLION viewers tuning in from abroad. 

In addition to plenty of bagpipes and British flair, international guests take center stage as well, with over 40 countries participating over the years. When I saw it, the performance had colourful cameos from Trinidad & Tobago, Norway, Switzerland & the US (who came in playing the Rocky theme, because why wouldn’t they?)

Throughout the show, they use Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop, projecting cool scenes and colours onto the facade, with 1000+ performers emerging from misty entryways like professional wrestlers entering the ring. It’s exceedingly dramatic and wonderful. If you happen to be in town for it, this is hands down one of the best things you can do in Edinburgh!

44. Book a day tour out

Finally, while I do adore Edinburgh itself, one of the best things to do in this city is undoubtedly hopping on a cool day trip from the city to see more of Scotland.

Edinburgh is a wonderfully tourist-friendly city with MANY many many tour options to choose from, whether you want to swoon over Outlander locations or head out to see some giant steel horses.

Here are some day tours from Edinburgh to consider:

• (Most popular!) Loch Ness, Glencoe & Highlands Tour
• (Nerdiest!) Outlander Day Tour
• Stirling Castle, Kelpies & Loch Lomond Tour
• Rosslyn Chapel & Scottish Borders Tour
• Alnwick Castle & Scottish Borders Tour

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Edinburgh?

Let me know in the comments! I hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best Edinburgh activities to enjoy on your next trip. Safe and happy travels! <3

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• Edinburgh & The Lothians

Edinburgh is Scotland’s magnificent capital city and has 32 districts or municipal centres for you to explore! The town has been an important centre for educational activities, especially in medicine, literature, philosophy, and science, for ages. It offers travellers the chance to learn about these fascinating topics while exploring the many things to do in Edinburgh!

The City of Edinburgh is steeped in history and a significant city centre for discovering the past and present of Scotland. The city is famous for its culture and holds a dizzying amount of activities and events, from the National Museum to touring the yacht of the Royals and many festivals and art galleries. You’ll also find that locations like the Principal Edinburgh on Charlotte Square in the New Town, the Old Town Chambers or The Glasshouse are some of Edinburgh’s best accommodation, providing comfort and luxury as you explore the top Edinburgh attractions and things to do!

In This Post

Things to do in Edinburgh

There are many cultural and historical attractions to unearth in Edinburgh, and you’d be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed at the sheer amount of things to do.

This capital city has a rich history, lively cultural hotspots, and many exciting activities. One morning, you could learn about the region’s history at the National Museum of Scotland. In contrast, another could have you enjoying a fine blend of Scottish whisky at the Scotch Whisky Experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with the best views of the whole city!

Most Edinburgh residents are extraordinarily proud of their city, which shows in the friendly and smiling local faces you’ll see as you wander the cobbled streets of Edinburgh. There are many things to do in Edinburgh, so we’ve made this list of your must-see destinations when you visit this old town:

Experience the Festivals of Edinburgh

It’s entirely fair to say that Edinburgh is the City of Festivals, with some spectacular events that fill the year and bring together many communities from all over Scotland.

Edinburgh’s festivals target folks from all walks of life, so whether you love live music, literature, arts and film, or even science, there’s a festival in Edinburgh that is sure to excite and enthral you!

We’ve covered some of our favourite ones here for you to consider booking your holiday around:

Edinburgh Fringe International Arts Festival

The stunning Fringe Festival of Edinburgh is considered one of the most lavish celebrations of arts and culture in Scotland and the entire world!

For three weeks in August, from the 5th to the 29th, Edinburgh’s city is saturated with thousands of people’s creative energy and artistry. Arts and performances dominate the high street, George Street, the Royal Mile, and other corners of the town as impassioned visitors come to Edinburgh and celebrate the talent and practice of Scotland’s most incredible artists.

This festival has roots dating back to 1947 and has been a long-standing tradition, one you certainly can’t miss out on while visiting Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh Book Festival

The Edinburgh Book Festival welcomes authors from all over the world, and any book-reader, big or small, should attend the festival at least once in their life.

The Book Festival overlaps with the Fring Arts Festival, taking place from the 13th to the 29th of August. The Book Festival welcomes the leading and emerging Scottish and English authors to inspire their fans and promote their works.

Some titles cater to children and adult readers, and the festival offers the chance to pick up your new favourite title and meet the author simultaneously!

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

Once you find out that ‘Hogmanay’ is the Scottish word for the last day of the year, this festival begins to make total sense. It’s one of Scotland’s most important holidays, and if you’re ever in Edinburgh during the holiday season, you’ll be treated to quite the celebration!

Lasting for over three days, from the 31st of December to the 2nd of January, The Hogmanay Festival in Edinburgh starts with a torchlight procession that lights up the Old Town district of the Edinburgh city centre before it comes alive with outdoor concerts and street parties, and fireworks.

If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh during the holiday season, take some time for one of the most important festivals in Scotland.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

From the 5th of August until the 27th, the Royal Military Tattoo celebrates the Scottish military with marching bands, Highland dancers, and music!

The festival is truly one of Edinburgh’s most famous and one of the cultural attractions you can’t miss while visiting the city. Over 200,000 people attend and stomp their feet to the beat of drums, cymbals, and bagpipes throughout this festival. The Highland dancers are fascinating to watch, and you can hear the sounds of the crowd cheering and the blaring music throughout the city when the Festival takes place.

This festival shows off the love of history and feats of the Scottish military to all that attend and is considered one of the top attractions you can see during Edinburgh’s festival months.

Edinburgh Science Festival

Science-lovers are in for a treat from the 1st to the 16th of April when the informative Science Festival takes place.

There are almost 270 events that families can interact with, gaining a thorough understanding of the scientific world. Adults can also have fun by participating in fun science-themed activities like tasting, debates, workshops, and great nights out!

Enjoy science as you’ve never seen it before at the Edinburgh Science Festival, the perfect festival to accompany your stay in Edinburgh.

Visit the Scottish National Gallery & Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is in the city centre, specifically on Princes Street in New Town District and is one of the best things to do when visiting Edinburgh if you’re an art lover.

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery ranks as one of the three significant galleries you can find in Scotland. The Gallery presents some of the finest works of Scottish artists, including Scotland’s most extensive gallery of modern and contemporary European paintings. It has a vast collection of original works of art too!

The National Gallery was created in 1859, and today, visitors can immerse themselves in the gallery’s history with visits to seminars and art classes and a private shuttle service that also operates that connects the two galleries and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

Visit the Real Mary King’s Close

Discover a secret side of the city under the streets of Edinburgh by navigating through The Real Mary King’s Close. This attraction takes you through 400 years of the city’s history in a narrow underground maze.

This series of pathways is one of the most surreal things to do in Edinburgh, especially as it’s all hidden under the streets off the Royal Mile. Based in the Old Town, the Real Mary King’s Close is a hidden system of roads and pathways built hundreds of years ago and is famous for its spooky atmosphere.

But worry not, navigating the Close is easy with costumed tour guides who immerse you into what this portion of Edinburgh would’ve been like and the troubles and turmoil that took place in them – it’s equally mysterious and informative!

Savour the views from Calton Hill

Calton Hill provides those who scale the trail with excellent panoramic views of the city, all the way from Princes Street in the New Town to the Old Town lookout and even Arthur’s Seat!

The National Monument on Calton Hill was constructed in memory of the fallen Napoleonic soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars in France. The Monument on Calton Holl is Greek in design, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re suddenly in Athens.

If you fancy seeing the whole of the city in your holiday photos, just take a few shots from this spot of the city during sunset from atop Calton Hill. You can access Calton Hill from the River Forth and the Letha dining dock to the north and east.

Explore Edinburgh Castle

The mighty Edinburgh Castle is set in the heart of Scotland’s dynamic capital city and on top of an extinct volcano – that’s something you’d read in a fantasy novel!

Edinburgh Castle is  the  iconic tourist destination in the UK and is one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh. Highlights include listening to the famous One O’Clock Gun Salute from Half Moon Battery and visiting the Stone of Destiny, which was famously stolen by Edward II and then held in England.

You do have to pay a fee to enter, but it goes to maintaining and ensuring this landmark is preserved for generations, as well as the fantastic artefacts within it like the Honours of Scotland, the Queen’s Embroideries, and Mons Meg.

Grab a handy and informative tour (with an audio guide), and you’ll want to dedicate a whole afternoon to this unique attraction in Edinburgh.

Castle Rock

Castle Rock is a massive rock towering over the city and serves as the setting for Edinburgh Castle. Castle Rock is, in fact, a volcanic rock formation which was formed in the Carboniferous period and towers above Edinburgh’s Old Town and the West Princes Street Gardens.

Castle Rock is a marvel of geology, and it’s no wonder that the beautiful Edinburgh Castle was built on top of it. The sloping rocks aren’t only a fascinating setpiece that literally elevates the city above the city but were one of the defining factors that made Edinburgh Castle a more secure location during the Middle Ages.

Walk Down the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the most famous thoroughfare in the Old Town region of Edinburgh, stretching about 1.81 miles across the district’s central area.

The present-day Royal Mile is the busiest tourist street in the Old Town, rivalled only by Princes Street in the New Town. The Royal Mile also allows you to stop by a wide selection of curated shops, some of which are excellent souveneirs to take home with you. Walking the Royal Mile is a great way to get to know Old Town when you first arrive in Edinburgh, complete with stunning views of Castle Rock and Edinburgh Castle.

Also, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the statue of Greyfriars Bobby located on the corner of Candlemaker’s Row and George IV Bridge when you navigate the Royal Mile!

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

The Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an excellent set of attractions that caters to everyone who loves the feeling of impossibility and wonder when you see illusions!

Camera Obscura, placed on the roof of a Victorian building, contains a series of pinholes that illuminate an image when you look through them. Throughout the experience, you will be confronted with mirror slides, spinning turbulence, three-dimensional holograms, and various optical illusions that boggle the mind.

The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is one of the more exciting attractions in the city, providing excellent entertainment to everybody of all ages!

St Giles Cathedral

St. Giles Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is Edinburgh’s principal Parish church on Edinburgh’s high street. It’s also one of the city’s most popular places, attracting upwards of a million visitors each year.

The current building was designed around 1600, with an 88-foot-tall central tower and eight arches surrounding the spire. The interior of the Cathedral also holds nearly 200 statues of famous figures of Scottish History, including John Knox, the leader of the Scottish Reformation.

Check out the St. Giles Cathedral while you’re in Edinburgh. It’s genuinely one of the most stunning Cathedrals and historic sites in Edinburgh, Scotland!

Admire the Sir Walter Scott Monument

An international memorial site was built to celebrate the death of an Edinburgh-born author, Sir Walter Scott.

Take the 277 steps high for stunning panoramic views of the town and reach the top of the monument, which features several statues depicting the revolutionary author Walter Scott and his beloved dog. The collections on Walter Scott are available in the Museum Room, another testament to this prolific writer.

The Scott Monument is one of the most impressive monuments in the city and is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh. Just remember, the staircase is pretty narrow, so always watch your step as you ascend to the Scott Monument.

Ascend Arthur’s Seat

One of Edinburgh’s most recognisable points of travel might be Arthur’s Seat, situated in Holyrood Park. Located in the west end of Edinburgh, the old extinct volcano grants some of the most amazing views of Edinburgh and West Lothian.

But the views aren’t the only great thing about Arthur’s Seat, and it’s the fact that Holyrood Park contains a plethora of other notable attractions like Holyrood Palace, St Anthony’s Chapel, and Duddingston Loch. Arthur’s Seat can be found in the heart of Edinburgh and is a natural sanctuary within the city that is perfect for an afternoon of exploration and hiking.

The views from Arthur’s Seat cannot be understated, and exploring the beautiful and lush Holyrood Park is a must for anyone visiting Edinburgh.

Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of Britain’s most beloved attractions and has acted as the vessel of choice for the Royal Family for decades. Following over 30 years of service to the Royal Family, the ship arrived in Leith, an essential marina in the Scottish Harbour and docked for travellers to see!

Check out the visitor centre nearby, and you’ll be gifted with a wide selection of activities you can do at the marina, like catching a boat trip onto the seas or experiencing fine seafood dining. The Royal Yacht Britannia is the crown jewel of this marina and immediately draws your eye!

The main attractions on board the Royal Deck are its tea rooms and the suites and bedrooms of this royal ship. Visitors can also relax on sun loungers with hot and cold drinks like true royalty – precisely what a vacation should be about!

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum is a great experience when the weather isn’t in your favour. This National Museum is maintained by the Edinburgh council and is a major centre of Scottish history.

We’re not joking when we say hundreds of thousands of visitors take advantage of the city’s museums every year. The National Museum of Scotland aims to incorporate the national collections of archaeology and medieval objects and contains artefacts from all over the world. The 16 new galleries reopened in 2011 include 8,000 new pieces of never before seen art!

One of the more notable exhibits is the stuffed body of Dolly the sheep, the first successful cloning of a mammal ever! Other highlights include exhibits from Ancient Egypt, one of Elton John’s extravagant suits, the Jean Muir Collection of costumes and a large sculpture known as the Millennium Clock.

This is Edinburgh’s most popular exhibit, and grabbing a knowledgable tour guy is the best way to experience this collection.

Unearth the Edinburgh Dungeon

For those that love thrills and a bit of mystery, visiting the Edinburgh Dungeon is a must.

The Edinburgh Dungeon is the ultimate underground trip through Edinburgh’s darkest moments in history. It is a unique, award-winning visitor attraction that combines a professional cast of character actors that enhance the experience, spooky special effects, and thrilling rides in a truly unique and immersive walk-through experience.

Edinburgh Dungeon also offers Dungeon Late events, usually for adults, as the contents may be too graphic for children.

Walk the length of Princes Street

Prince’s Avenue is the longest and most prominent street in the New Town District of Edinburgh – a total hotspot for activities and shops!

You can spend a whole day browsing the stores and cafes in a bustling city atmosphere that calms the soul. There is also a collection of extraordinary historical landmarks along the road, including the Sir Walter Scott Memorial and the David Livingstone Memorial. The New Register House on the street houses the National Library, Scotland’s oldest collection of family history records.

A stroll along the length of Princes Street is a compulsory activity that improves any holiday to Edinburgh.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is home to Scotland’s outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art and is a must on any to-do list to Edinburgh.

Ranging from classical pieces to the surreal, the range and depth of artwork at this Gallery will have any art enthusiast coming back for more. It’s worth dedicating a whole afternoon to admiring the stunning works of Edinburgh characters and countrysides.

The National Gallery of Modern Art offers an opportunity to explore significant contemporary art in Edinburgh, with works by the likes of Matisse, Emin and Picasso – some of the most famous artists in the world.

A trip to the Gallery of Modern Art will never leave you disappointed as an art lover.

Greyfriars Church and Greyfriars Bobby

The churches of Greyfriars and the statue of Greyfriars Bobby are one attraction that shouldn’t escape any visit to Edinburgh.

Grey Friars Bobby is the state of a Skye Terrier with a tragic tale. The story goes that the Terrier spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave, John Gray, before passing. This story of unfaltering loyalty is captured in the Skye Terrier statue on one end of the Greyfriars Chruch.

The Chruch is also marvellously designed, boasting stone columns and buttresses that invoke a sense of mystery. Visitors can feel this sense of mystery the most as they explore and wander through the graveyard behind the church, which holds the notable members of the church and Edinburgh.

Enjoy a Tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience

No trip to the city would be complete without one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh, tasting and enjoying all that Scottish distilleries have to offer.

Any whisky lover cannot visit the Royal Mile without visiting the Scotch Whisky Experience, which offers some of the finest whiskies. This attraction contains an extensive array of activities that is perfect for seasoned travellers and whisky enthusiasts.

Take a tour around the virtual distillery to learn what happens when whiskey distillation is performed and how the technique works. When you get peckish, feel free to enjoy a meal at the Amber Restaurant, and get ready for another tasting right after!

Sip the Finest of Johnnie Walker

We can’t talk about things to do in Edinburgh without mentioning a visit to Johnnie Walker Princes Street for immersive experiences, unique personalised gifts or souvenirs. They serve exclusive cocktails, cuisine, and beverages with exceptional views of Edinburgh from their 1820 rooftop bar.

Book a unique whisky tour to see Scotland’s flavours for yourself, it’s an excellent experience to have with friends and family as your recall the adventures of the day exploring the Highlands of Scotland.

Taste the most curated collection of whiskies from Scotland in Edinburgh, with over 150 special bottles. This is one treat that you can give your tastebuds that they will thank you for!

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is the paramount animal experience unlike any other that you can enjoy while visiting the west end of Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh Zoo is in the heart of the city and grants exciting views of the city around it. The zoo was constructed in 1913 and owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, it’s a thrilling attraction that your children will love visiting.

The Edinburgh Zoo is one of the foremost leading facilities in conservation and education, and you have the opportunity to learn the details and importance of protection through the many helpful guides and tours the zoo offers.

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

Edinburgh provides many attractions away from the traffic in the city centre, but the Lauriston Castle and Gardens are undoubtedly one of the best attractions to do so.

Lauriston Palace and Gardens are the best places in Edinburgh for those who want to explore and experience nature in peace and tranquillity. Step back in time to explore this historic Edwardian castle, and do not miss the afternoon’s guided explorations for the whole family. Take nature walks around the Castle and then return to the peaceful Tokyo Gardens, a hidden gem in the city.

Lauriston Castle and Gardens are a perfect place to relax and enjoy yourselves, making an incredible attraction to add to your to-do list.

The Museum of Childhood

The Museum of Children in Edinburgh is dedicated to the history of childhoods throughout the ages. The Museum holds a vast collection of toys, games, and dolls that children have been playing with since the 1800s.

However, it is far beyond simple toys. Since its first opening in the early 1900s, the museum explores broader aspects of the family’s culture: school day traditions and fashionable clothes. Added authenticity is replicating Victorian streets, complete with outdoor toys that allow you to dress in old costumes!

The Museum of Childhood is a superb place to take your children as they don’t only get to see and play with toys but learn about how their favourite dolls have evolved.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a scientific centre for studying plants and is world-leading in its horticulture and education, as well as a popular tourist attraction you can visit in Edinburgh.

Founded in 1670 as a garden to grow medicinal plants, it occupies four sites across Scotland: Edinburgh, Dawyck, Logan, and Benmore, each with its specialist collection that contains unique and beautiful plants.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s living collection consists of more than 13,000 plant species. The herbarium contains over 3 million preserved specimens, so there’s plenty to admire and marvel at when you visit!

Honestly, passing up a visit to the royal palace of plants is a missed opportunity – there’s nothing more serene.

Discover Dynamic Earth

A visit to Dynamic Earth is like nothing else on Earth, and this attraction in Edinburgh offers something spectacular for families and kids of all ages.

It’s a chance to experience the extraterrestrial forces (we’re not talking about aliens) of the universe that shaped Earth into what it was today, to journey through space and time, and even go on a 4D adventure around the world.   At Dynamic Earth, you can travel back to the beginning of time, witness the Big Bang, and explore the stars.

Dynamic Earth combines interactive media and historical experience by taking visitors on a 500-million-year voyage from the beginning of the universe to today. The centre has an innovative infrastructure encircling an ultra-modern tent building. It recently launched a 4D Adventure simulation, allowing visitors to explore life’s evolution on Earth in a high-flying spacecraft.

Entertainment & education are married at one attraction when you visit Dynamic Earth, so don’t miss out on your chance to learn about the rock you live on.

See a show at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre

The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is located right in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre and boasts spectacular shows and gorgeous sights. The original building was opened way back in the 19th Century and is now the home to the Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera.

Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre is one of the largest venues in the British Isles and hosts amazing ballet and musical performances. There’ve been many outstanding performances by famous entertainers, including Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy and David Bowie.

One of the most famous stories of the Edinburgh Festival Theatre is of The Great Lafayette. Legend claims this Theatre is haunted by the famed illusionist The Great Lafayette, who died in an inferno in 1911 in the theatre. If you hear spooky sounds that you can’t quite explain, then perhaps the tales of this ‘Man or Mystery’ are more than just stories…

Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey

Holyrood Palace is the official home to the Queen in Scotland and her palace of choice when visiting Edinburgh. Perched just across from the Scottish Parliament, it’s a great place to explore and see a little slice of royal life whilst in the city.

You can see the Palace of Holyroodhouse when the Queen is away, which is usually empty most of the year except when she returns in the summer. At such times, access is granted to the stunning Historic Apartments in Holyrood Palace (former home of Mary Queen of Scots) and the State Apartments, famous for their incredible design and detailed furniture and wallpapers.

Princes Street Gardens

The beautiful Princes Street Gardens is the lush park that divides the Old Town and New Town of Edinburgh. The Street Gardens are open year-wide and boast a stunning 37-acres of bountiful gardens and a tranquil atmosphere.

The main monument is the Ross Fountain and a familiar meeting spot for many of the locals of Edinburgh. Suppose you’re lucky enough to visit Edinburgh during the winter months. In that case, you’ll see the Princes Street Garden transformed into a winter wonderland with a Christmas market, an ice rink, and a towering Ferris Wheel known as the ‘Edinburgh Eye’.

The Street Gardens is the gateway between Edinburgh’s two most famous districts and one attraction you should consider visiting!

Charlotte Square

This central square is named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III, and is considered one of the finest Georgian squares in Britain! The plaza has maintained many elegant and dynamic building designs that line the square’s four sides.

Charlotte Square is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, and standing in its centre shows off this brilliant history of the square and takes you back to the 1800s version of Edinburgh.

If you have some free time, Charlotte Square is an excellent place to enjoy lunch basking in the sun and near some of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings.

Explore Leith

Leith is one of the most iconic places to visit in Edinburgh and well worth a visit when you’re stopping by Edinburgh.

Leith not only has a quaint and homely collection of restaurants, cafes, and shops that make a shopping holiday a quick flight away but also a stunning waterfront with a serene marina containing beautiful boats. The most famous is the Royal Yacht Britannia, which we’ve mentioned in this list already.

Leith is like the holiday home you can vacation to while you’re in Edinburgh, and it’s well-worth visiting if you have some extra time during a weekend.

Forth Road Bridge

Spanning the Firth of Forth is the magnificent Forth Road Bridge, your gateway to the Highlands of Scotland.

Forth Road Bridge was built in 1964, the largest of its kind and a testament to engineering. Today, it spans over the Firth of Forth and catches the eye of those travelling to the city from the northern reaches of Scotland.

You’ll likely cross this bridge at some point on your Scottish journey, but we highly recommend that you take some time to admire the marvellous design and engineering that has gone into the Forth Road Bridge.

Dean Village

Dean Village is a little piece of paradise in the city of Edinburgh; the twisting stream, the beautiful lopsided townhomes, and cosy streets make this Village a cottagecore fantasy.

The collection of quaint houses is impressive to walk through, and if you have an hour to spend, you should certainly make the most of your time here. Taking pictures is an absolute must, and many unique spots will have your timeline utterly envious of your vacation.

Dean Village is a hidden gem of Edinburgh and a must-see destination right by the Water of Leith.

Surgeon’s Hall Museum

Within the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh is the Surgeon’s Hall Museum, a delightfully gory and informative Museum for those of keen interest.

The Museum holds several fascinating tours, although we highly recommend the Blood And Guts Tour, which takes you through a blood-chilling selection of body parts and blood. This is all in the name of education, though, and the excellent tour guides of the Surgeon’s Hall Museum are fantastic at keeping you informed and curious.

If you’re not faint of heart, the Surgeon’s Hall Museum is an incredible attraction that deserves your time while in Edinburgh.

Check Out Jupiter Artland

The grounds of Jupiter Artland are like something from a different world, and curated and precisely cut art displays await anyone who visits.

Within the Jupiter Artland sits a surreal collection of unique worlds of art, from the green ‘Cells of Life’ that are especially pleasing to the eye to the evocative ‘I Lay Here For You’ exhibit surrounded by peaceful woodlands. The exhibits in the Jupiter Artland are constantly rotating, so while you may not see the ones mentioned here, there is always something to look forward to at Jupiter Artland.

Holidays should be about rejuvenation and relaxation, and there is no better place to do so than at Jupiter Artland.

Portobello Beach

Travel a few miles from the city centre of Edinburgh, and you’ll have the chance to see Portobello Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in Scotland!

The beautiful white sands are accompanied by the gorgeous designs of the waterfront Portobello houses, and this award-winning beach is known for hosting unique events throughout the year. If you’re looking for a beach holiday while visiting Edinburgh, Portobello Beach is undoubtedly the first choice that people go for.

Craigmillar Castle

Explore the same castle used by Mary, Queen of Scots, as a refuge in 1566. Craigmillar Castle is one of Edinburgh’s most fascinating and spectacular castles, and you should be putting it at the top of your list!

Craigmillar is famous for its beautiful towers, and most are accessible to climb up and grant picturesque views of the countryside around Craigmillar and the ‘Granite City’ itself in the distance. For history buffs, the significance of Craigmillar Castle in the story of the Queen of Scots is also self-evident. The owner of this old castle would end up being her jailer a mere year after giving her sanctuary!

With delightfully delicious history and a fantastic interior to explore, it’s no wonder that Craigmillar Castle is one of the city’s top attractions.

Enjoy a Heart of Midlothian Game

Edinburgh’s football team are known as the Heart of Midlothian, and catching one of their exhilarating games is one of the most fun activities you can do while in Edinburgh!

Their home turf is Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh, a stadium that can hold over 18,000 cheering fans. Nothing beats the energy and atmosphere of a Heart of Midlothian game, and grabbing a ticket to see them over a weekend is certainly one of the best ways to experience the fierce spirit of Scottish locals.

If you have an evening to spare, check to see if any games are coming up while you’re in Edinburgh!

Other Things To Do in Edinburgh & The Lothians

• Things to Do in Bathgate
• Things to do in Haddington
• Things to do in Linlithgow
• Things to do in Livingston
• Things to do in North Berwick
• Things to do in South Queensferry

Graham Grieve

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31 COOLEST Things to do in Edinburgh [2023!]

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is a charming city filled with beautiful architecture, cozy cafes, and historic buildings. Trying to decide what to do in Edinburgh might seem a little overwhelming. But not to worry, we’ve come up with a helpful list that has something for everyone!

We’ve decided to bypass the usual top 10 things to do in Edinburgh and give you 31 ideas instead! This list will provide you with plenty of options to keep you entertained your whole trip. Here are some of the best things to do in Edinburgh Scotland.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland!

Choosing an accommodation that fits with your plans is essential to guaranteeing you make the most out of your trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. Here are some really cool places to stay when you visit Edinburgh.

Castle Rock Hostel

The coolest hostel in edinburgh.

• Right next to Edinburgh Castle
• Vibrant and friendly atmosphere

Located smack-dab in the city center, you can’t beat the location of this hostel! You’ll have all the amenities you need: self-catering kitchen, lockers, free WIFI, social area, and much more!

Rooms at GPO Hotel

A great budget hotel in edinburgh.

• Comfortable and clean
• Next to public transport

Rooms at GPO Hotel are spacious and modern. Each room has a tea/coffee maker, private bathroom, and TV. You’ll have everything you need to make your stay in Edinburgh as comfortable as possible.

No plans tonight? Check into one of Edinburgh’s party hostels for more than just a place to sleep!

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

The best luxury hotel in edinburgh.

• Great location
• Kind and helpful staff

This luxury hotel is ideally located just meters from Edinburgh’s historic Old Town area. Guests will enjoy a spa and wellness center, fitness center, on-site bar, room service, and more!

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• The 31 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh •

#1 – climb arthur’s seat, perfect for nature lovers.

• Situated within Holyrood Park
• Surrounded by walking paths
• Gorgeous vantage points of Edinburgh

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano dating back 2,00 years. Visiting this attraction is rated as one of the top things to do in Edinburgh.

Walk around this large grassy hill and relax with nature. Or, take the 2-hour round trip hike to the top for stunning views of the city.

#2 – Take a Trip to the World of Illusions

• Over 100 interactive, hands-on illusions
• Your ticket is good all-day
• Kids will love it here

Nothing is as it seems at Edinburgh’s World of Illusions. Experience 5 floors packed full of interesting and interactive illusions. Check out the Camera Obscura, a live moving image of Edinburgh, projected through a periscope.

Travel up to the rooftop terrace and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Fun for all ages and perfect for the whole family!

Recommended Article: Looking for the best hostels in Edinburgh? Check out our EPIC Guide !

#3 – Visit Edinburgh Castle

• Learn Scottish history
• Visit the National War Museum
• Scotland’s leading tourist attraction

A trip to the Edinburgh Castle is a must-do when visiting the city. Learn the rich history of this iconic castle and marvel at the impressive architecture.

Once inside the castle you can take a free 30-minute guided tour. Hear about Scottish monarchs, see the Crown Jewels, and enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh!

Want to take Edinburgh to the next level? These incredible tours in Edinburgh will leave you speechless. 

#4 – Learn the History of Whiskey and Folklore

• Whiskey tasting and storytelling
• Listen to Scottish folklore
• Private group event

Listen to traditional Scottish storytelling and learn the significance of whiskey in Scotland. This tour combines two unique elements of Scotland into one fun-filled evening.

Enjoy four classic single malt Scottish whiskeys, served next to tasting cards to help you better appreciate and understand the flavors.

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#5 – Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour

• See where J.K. Rowling drew inspiration
• Meet fellow Harry Potter fans
• Small group setting

Enjoy a magical Harry Potter themed walking tour! Follow your guide through the streets of Edinburgh; the city that inspired JK Rowling to write her famous books.

Visit the cafes and hotel where parts of the series were written. This is a must-do in Edinburgh for Harry Potter fans!

#6 – Take a Historical Walking Tour

• Explore Old Town Edinburgh
• Tour led by a historian
• Entertaining and educational

Explore the hidden gems of Edinburgh on an informative historical walking tour! Go where the tour buses can’t as you follow your feet on a unique journey through Edinburgh’s past.

Learn about the city’s fascinating past. Discover the culture, crime, and politics of this Scottish capital as you walk the Old Town district.

Glasgow is great! Glasgow ’s hostels are great too!

#7 – Party the Night Away With a Pub Crawl

• Experience Edinburgh’s nightlife scene
• Meet fellow drink enthusiasts
• Receive free drinks and drink deals!

Meet fellow travelers and experience Edinburgh’s vibrant nightlife! Follow your professional party guide to Edinburgh’s best bars and nightclubs.

You’ll receive half-priced pints, 3 free shooters, and a complimentary glass of whiskey! A pub crawl is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh on the weekend!

Will you be in Edinburgh a while? Here’s your guide to the top day trips from Edinburgh  for exploring the area!

#8 – Take a Scenic Bike Tour

• Escape the busy streets
• Enjoy scenic views of the coast
• 3 to 4-hour guided tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a scenic bike tour. Cycle to some of the city’s most picturesque locations.

Bike along the Innocent Railway Path, pass the Scottish Parliament building, visit Arthur’s Seat, and more! See the best of Edinburgh outside the city center!

Glasgow is spectacular! Especially since you can take day trips to see the whole region!

#9 – Visit the Edinburgh Palace of Holyroodhouse

• Baroque-style palace
• Extravagant and imposing architecture
• Mary Queen of Scots’ historic chambers

Admire the stunning Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Marvel at the picturesque ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, explore the opulent state rooms and visit the lavish palace gardens.

An audio-guide will narrate your tour while you admire the stunning 360 views of your surroundings!

Inverness is Big! Don’t be overwhelmed though, check out our no-stress guide to where to stay in Inverness !

#10 – Take a Free Walking Tour

• Tours run daily
• Guided tour in a group setting
• Perfect for first-time visitors

Free walking tours around Edinburgh are a great way to learn the layout of the city and become acquainted with the main areas.

Ask your tour guide as many questions as you’d like as you walk through the city streets. You’ll receive insider knowledge about Edinburgh from a local perspective!

#11 – Take a Spine-Chilling Ghost Tour

• Visit Edinburgh’s most haunted locations
• Tours take place at night
• Enthusiastic and costumed tour guide

This adults-only ghost tour will be sure to get your blood-curdling! Visit Edinburgh’s most haunted graveyard, and go below the streets to the Edinburgh Vaults.

Uncover true and terrifying tales of murder, ghosts, and torture! Not for the faint-hearted, this is one of the scariest things to do in Edinburgh!

#12 – Book a Local Friend

• Personalized tour from a local
• 100% customizable itinerary
• 2-8 hour duration

Discover the real Edinburgh – through the eyes of a local! With this unique tour option, you’ll be able to fully customize your day.

After booking, your host will contact you and ask you questions about your ideal day exploring Edinburgh. Follow your like-minded guide around the city as they unveil your personal itinerary!

#13 – Taste the Local Cuisine

• Learn Edinburgh’s culinary history
• Sample traditional Scottish food
• Sip on Scottish whiskey

Explore Scotland’s food culture with a food tour! Indulge in unique delicacies such as haggis, venison chorizo, and Scottish cheeses. Sample Scottish whiskey and Edinburgh gin.

Enjoy a super secret dish, only revealed at the end! Your tour will conclude with traditional tea and scones. Treat your taste-buds with a food tour!

Will you also visit Edinburgh? Check out where we like to stay in Edinburgh !

#14 – Step Aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia

• Explore the ships 5 decks
• Free audio handset tour
• Gain insight into the British Royals

Visit the Queen’s former floating royal residence, the Royal Yacht Britannia! Enjoy a leisurely go-at-your-own-pace tour around this historic vessel.

See the State Apartments, Royal Bedrooms, and more! Enjoy a rare glimpse into the private lives of the British Royal Family.

Not traveling 4-star? These cheap hostels in Edinburgh won’t disappoint you!

#15 – Take a Beer-Themed Walking Tour

• Taste beers from across Scotland
• Visit Edinburgh’s best bars
• Learn about Scotland’s beer culture

Learn the history of beer in Edinburgh and sample the city’s tastiest craft beers with this fun tour! Learn the science of brewing beer and discover Edinburgh’s craft beer scene.

This walking tour is fully guided and groups are limited to 12 people to provide for a more personalized experience.

#16 – Explore Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults

• Tour the underground vaults
• Costumed guide sets the mood
• Spooky and eerie tour

Learn about the darker side of the city by exploring Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults!. Descend below the streets of Old Town to the dimly-lit vaults that date back to the early 18th-century.

Hear tales of crime, murder, and horror in an area of the city many considered to be haunted.

#17 – Visit the Edinburgh Dungeon

• Journey through Scottish history
• Professional cast
• Enjoy two underground rides

A show at the Edinburgh Dungeon is one of the coolest things to see in Edinburgh. Live actors recreate scenes of important Scottish historical events using special effects and immersive 360 sets.

You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time with a visit to this unique Edinburgh attraction.

Once you’ve booked, check what there is to do in Glasgow !

#18 – Take a 3-Bridges Sightseeing Boat Cruise

• Stunning views of Edinburgh’s skyline
• Bar onboard to purchase drinks
• See marine wildlife

Take a boat cruise on the firth of forth, an estuary of Scottish rivers. You’ll sail past the iconic Forth Railway Bridge, the island of Inchcolm, and the ‘three bridges.’

Cozy up onboard in the heated observation lounge with a drink or sit outside on the outdoor decks.

#19 – Enjoy a Comedy Horror Show

• Comedy ghost bus-tour
• Refurbished vintage double-decker bus
• See Edinburgh’s creepiest locations

Enjoy a comedy horror bus-tour through Edinburgh! Admire famous monuments while your theatrical conductor entertains you with stories of murder and mystery.

This is one of the coolest and creepiest Edinburgh things to do. Travel through Old Town and New Town and visit the city’s most eerie sites.

#20 – Explore Edinburgh’s Gilmerton Cove

• Hidden beneath the city streets
• Secret chambers and passageways
• An archeological mystery

Explore the mysterious hand-carved chambers of Gilmerton Cove. This location has been baffling archeologists and investigators for over 300 years, who still don’t know the origin of this site.

See the different rooms with rock-hewn tables, chairs, and passageways. Hear theories of why this secret underground site was created.

#21 – Explore An Original Medieval Building

• Learn about the Scottish Reformation
• Solve the mysterious portrait puzzles
• Well-maintained

Visit one of Edinburgh’s original medieval buildings, the John Knox House. Tickets are only USD $7.75! Walk in the footsteps of the houses’ famous inhabitants.

See the contents of a time-capsules found buried inside the walls! An audio guide will help you learn the history of the house.

#22 – Visit Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets

A ‘cool’ thing to do in edinburgh in winter.

• Runs late-November to early-January
• Christmas events, activities, and souvenirs
• German and Scottish themed market

Get into the holiday spirit with a trip to Edinburgh’s famous Christmas markets! Take part in all things Christmas themed.

You’ll find delicious food and drinks, fairground-style games, and a variety of ride options. This market is fun for all ages and perfect for the whole family!

#23 – Peruse Edinburgh’s Iconic Royal Mile

One of the best things to do in old town edinburgh.

• Great historic street
• Something for everyone
• Beautiful architecture

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Edinburgh, check out the Royal Mile. This touristy street is lined with, shops, eateries, and tourist attractions.

You could spend all day on this lively street. This is a great place to pick up all your Scottish souvenirs, including Scottish whiskey and shortbread!

#24 – Taste Scottish Whiskey

• Tour Old Town Edinburgh
• Learn about whiskey from a local
• Taste 4 Scotch whiskeys

If you’re a fan of whiskey and visiting Edinburgh, Scotland make sure to book a whiskey tasting tour! Not only will you sample the finest whiskey in Scotland, but you’ll also learn the history of whiskey from a knowledgeable expert.

Taste your way through the different whiskey regions of Scotland with this fun and informative tour.

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#25 – Take a Witches of Edinburgh Tour

• Lots of historical information
• Covers witchcraft from 1590-1690
• Visit mysterious sites in Edinburgh

Explore the history of witchcraft in Scotland on a Witches of Edinburgh Tour. See real human remains used for an ancient ritual and visit Edinburgh’s oldest Wicca shop.

Learn the history and culture of witchcraft from your expert tour guide. This is definitely one of the most unique Edinburgh tours you can take!

#26 – Visit the Museum of Childhood

One of the best free things to do in edinburgh.

• Large collection of children toys
• Well curated museum
• Located on the Royal Mile

The Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh is filled with toys and playthings from generations past. See toys spanning from the 18th – 21st-century.

Perfect for all ages, adults can indulge in a sense of nostalgia and kids can appreciate a museum filled with toys!

#27 – Visit the National Museum of Scotland

Perfect for museums-lovers.

• Entrance is free!
• Large and well organized
• Lots of kid-friendly exhibits

Journey through the history of Scotland and take in the wonders of technology, science, art, and nature! There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The museum is well organized and filled with interactive exhibits fun for all ages. Visit The Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh’s premier cultural institution!

#28 – See the Stunning St Giles’ Cathedral

• Gothic-style architecture
• Admission is free
• Located on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

This beautiful cathedral dates back to the late 14th-century; it is dedicated to Saint Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh

This cathedral is beautiful from the inside, out! Go inside and marvel at the colorful stained glass windows, detailed architecture and stunning religious relics. Entrance is free but donations are encouraged.

#29 – Discover The Real Mary King’s Close

• Historical underground tour
• Character guided tour
• Well preserved site

Explore Edinburgh’s history beneath the Royal Mile on a tour of the Real Mary King’s Close. This tour takes you underground to properly experience what life was like for everyday people living in Edinburgh in the 18th century.

Learn about the terrible plague outbreak that ravaged the city as you explore the forgotten closes of Edinburgh.

#30 – Take in the Views from Calton Hill

• One of Edinburgh’s main hills
• Fantastic views of Edinburgh
• Large public grassy hangout

Calton Hill has large grassy slopes and stunning panoramic views of the city. The top of the hill is easily accessed, a staircase found at the base offers a quick 5-minute walk to the top.

It is frequented by both locals and tourists, the perfect spot to come on a sunny afternoon and enjoy a relaxing reprieve with nature!

#31 – Relax at the Royal Botanic Garden

The perfect place to enjoy nature.

• Free admission
• Bring a picnic and relax
• Cafe, visitor center, and public toilets

This large public park is full of amazing flowers, plants, and grassy lawns to relax on. Enjoy a quiet reprieve away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Stroll around the gardens on the numerous walking paths and enjoy the simple beauty of nature.

Edinburgh is a lovely city full of culture, history, and rich heritage. It has a relaxing vibe but excitement can easily be found around every street corner. We hope you enjoyed our list of activities and sights to check out when visiting Edinburgh.

Whether you’re traveling for a day, a week, or you’re on a stay-cation, there’s an activity for every type of traveler! From history to monuments and museums, when you’re trying to decide what to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, this list will have all your main attractions covered!

***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you . Your support helps me keep the site going :)

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Home » Europe » United Kingdom » Scotland » Edinburgh

25 BEST Places to Visit in Edinburgh (2024)

If you’re interested in history, sweeping natural landscapes and friendly, welcoming people, then Edinburgh is a good choice for your next trip. This city has been made famous in film and TV shows and offers charming and historic landmarks wherever you turn. It’s also famous for its art scene and is often called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

The only real problem when you travel to Edinburgh is deciding where to go! There are a lot of amazing places to visit in Edinburgh, but you’ll need a little help finding them all. If you’re determined not to miss out on anything during your trip, take our ultimate guide along with you. With our help, you’re bound to see everything you’ve ever dreamed of seeing and a few things you’ve probably never heard of as well.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Edinburgh:

These are the best places to visit in edinburgh, faqs on the best places to visit in edinburgh, final word on edinburgh’s best places to visit.

When visiting or backpacking Edinburgh for the first time, there’s no better place to stay than Old Town. The historic heart of the city, Old Town Edinburgh dates back to the early 12th century.

• See a great mix of modern and historical artefacts and exhibitions at the National Museum of Scotland.
• Walk the famous Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.
• Explore Edinburgh’s dark history at the Edinburgh Dungeon, which features 11 shows and two rides.

There is no doubt: Edinburgh is one of the best cities to visit in the UK . Though don’t say that to someone from Glasgow.

If you’re looking for the local experience, if you’re on a budget, or if you’re just ready to experience the magical cobbled streets, Edinburgh is going to welcome you. There’s something special about this place. You just don’t forget a trip to Edinburgh in a hurry.

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#1 – The Royal Mile

• The most popular Edinburgh must do.
• This stretch of street is filled with beautiful buildings, shops, and cafes for you to explore.
• This street links Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, so you can’t miss it!

Why it’s so awesome: When you stroll along this street, you’ll be taken aback at the number of beautiful, historic, and interesting buildings, shops, churches and historical landmarks it contains. This is the most popular part to explore in Edinburgh for tourists and for locals who are looking for a fun night out or a delicious meal. So, you’ll probably spend more time than you expected exploring the main street and the narrow alleys that run off it.

What to do there: Take your camera with you and be prepared to stop every few steps to take pictures or to duck into stores, museums, or cafes. Also, explore the narrow alleyways that wind their way around the buildings in this area, as you just might find a hidden gem. Many of the most popular landmarks in Edinburgh are close to this street including the Castle, Palace, Writer’s Museum and Gladstone’s Land. So, put aside lots of time to explore and let your interests lead you!

Insider Tip: The Royal Mile is the starting point of many hop-on-hop-off buses . If you’re under time pressure, this can be a great way to see as many Edinburgh attractions as possible!

#2 – Arthur’s Seat – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Edinburgh

• This might be your only chance to sit on the edge of an extinct volcano, so don’t miss out.
• The views from this spot are absolutely spectacular, so don’t forget your camera.
• It’s a relatively easy hike up to the top, but you’ll still need a reasonable level of physical fitness to make it.

Why it’s so awesome: When you travel to Edinburgh, the first thing you’ll notice is the amazing scenery, and the best way to see these sites is from high up. Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano that’s visible from the city centre. At the highest point, you’ll get unmatched views of the whole of the city skyline, it’s a great free place to explore if you’re backpacking Scotland .

What to do there: Strap on your hiking boots and get going. Go early in the morning or in the evening to see the city skyline in the best light. If you’re there during May, don’t miss the May Day festival, an interesting festival in Scotland , when young women wash their faces with the hill’s morning dew. It’s supposed to make them look young and beautiful, so give it a try yourself!

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#3 – The National Museum of Scotland – A great place to visit in Edinburgh if you are alone/traveling solo

• This museum is so amazing that you won’t believe that you can see it for free!
• A great way to learn more about Scotland’s history and about the world as well.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum contains some of the most amazing curiosities from Scotland and from around the world, which is why it’s an Edinburgh must-see. The display includes things like the cloned Dolly the Sheep, the Schmidt Telescope, and one of the biggest collections of mammals you’ll ever see.

What to do there: This is one of the most fascinating displays of history you’ll ever see! So, make sure you check out at least a few of the 50,000 specimens of mammals and the Fashion and Style Gallery. Both of these are simply awe-inspiring. If you have enough time after that, check out the World Cultures display for even more surprises and interesting education.

#4 – Edinburgh Castle – One of Edinburgh’s coolest historical sites!

• This is one of the most iconic places to visit in Edinburgh, so make sure you don’t miss it.
• This castle is one of those landmarks that’s actually worth all the attention it gets.

Why it’s so awesome: Edinburgh castle is absolutely iconic. Looming over the city’s second extinct volcano, it’s a constant and imposing reminder of the history behind the city. The castle itself is just what you would expect an ancient fortress to look like, all dark forbidding stone and walls meant to keep out all but the bold and resourceful.

What to do there: You can visit the castle at any time, but it’s even better if you go during one of its many historical events. During these events, actors dressed as historical figures will guide you around the castle and give you an insider’s view of what you’re seeing. And afterwards, make sure you stop at the traditional tearoom for some homemade scones with jam and cream.

#5 – St. Giles Cathedral

• A cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of the city, St. Giles.
• This is a stunning example of 14th century architecture, and the famous crown steeple is an integral part of Edinburgh’s skyline.

Why it’s so awesome: Edinburgh is a busy modern city, but when you step into this cathedral you could be forgiven for forgetting that there’s a world outside at all. This is an oasis of calm and serenity all wrapped in stunning architecture, stained glass windows, and intricate carpentry that both draws the eye and highlights the importance of this landmark building.

What to do there: If you enjoy architecture or art then this is one of the best places to visit in Edinburgh and you’ll love exploring this cathedral. Make sure you pay attention to the stained-glass windows and vast ceilings that convey an impression of endless space. And take the time to soak in the serene atmosphere before you head back out into the busy Royal Mile.

#6 – The Palace of Holyroodhouse – A great place to see in Edinburgh if you love architecture

• One of the most impressive points of interest in Edinburgh.
• This building is at the end of the Royal Mile near the Parliament.
• This building has been the home of the kings and queens of Scotland since the 16th century.

Why it’s so awesome: When you visit Scotland, you want to see castles. Stories about the kings and queens of old of this country are ubiquitous in almost every culture and they’re a big part of why people travel to Scotland. This palace is one of the most stunning in the country, and you can even have a look at the inside as well!

What to do there: This palace is well worth seeing. Make sure you check out the opening times so that you have the chance to explore the parts of the palace that are open to the public. If possible, grab your tickets online so you don’t have to wait in line. And when you’re done, stop by the gift shop for a souvenir of your brush with royalty.

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#7 – The Scott Monument

• This is a great place to see the city if you don’t mind heights and twisting, dark staircases!
• A huge monument to Walter Scott, one of Edinburgh’s most cherished literary figures.
• A fantastic example of Victorian Gothic architecture that looks great in photos.

Why it’s so awesome: It isn’t every day that a writer gets an enormous monument to their talent, and yet that’s exactly why this building should be on your Edinburgh itinerary . It’s basically an enormous tower dedicated to the talent and legacy of the city’s favourite son. And it also offers some of the best views of the skyline you’ll see.

What to do there: You can climb to the top of this tower and check out the view if you have a strong stomach and a strong pair of legs. The tower is 61.11 meters tall and has 287 steps. There’s no elevator, and the twisting staircase is fitting to the Victorian Gothic architecture of the building, so be prepared for a hike.

#8 – Victoria Street – A great place in Edinburgh if you love to shop!

• You’ll be able to pick up some amazing bargains in this street as well as designer goods.
• The shops in this area are mostly independent boutiques, so you’ll probably come away with something that no one else has.

Why it’s so awesome: Victoria Street is one of the most famous landmarks in Edinburgh for shopping and spending money, so make sure you take your wallet along with you when you visit. This street contains the city’s best independent boutiques, so you’ll be able to find everything from contemporary fashion to designer homewares and vintage books.

What to do there: Put aside a morning and a whole day to explore this street. Make sure you check out the vintage books at the Old Town Bookshop and the Aha Ha Ha joke shop for a laugh. There are also a lot of amazing food options in this area including designer cheeses at IJ Mellis and popular whiskey brands at The Whiskey Shop.

#9 – Camera Obscura – Awesome place to visit in Edinburgh with kids!

• A slightly odd addition to Old Town that will blow your mind.
• This is one of the more unusual things to do in Edinburgh, and well worth the trip.

Why it’s so awesome: This shop is a strange addition to Edinburgh’s Old Town, but it’s a great place to spend a couple of hours. It’s a museum of optical illusions where you can not only explore displays that will remind you of fairground mirror mazes, but you can also see the entire city projected onto a table.

What to do there: This is a great place to take the kids or a group of like-minded friends so that you can explore. Make sure you check out the camera obscura itself, which is a Victorian domes structure. Inside it, you will see the cityscape projected onto a table in a neat and very effective way to explore Edinburgh in small scale.

#10 – The Writer’s Museum – A perfect place to visit in Edinburgh if you are on a budget!

• A place where you can honor Scotland’s many famous literary figures.
• This display includes portraits and personal objects as well as the works from some of the greatest writers in history.

Why it’s so awesome: Scotland has given rise to some of the best writers and the most amazing literary works in history, which is why you can’t miss out on this Edinburgh must-see. If you remember reading or hearing about Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, or Robert Burns while you were at school, this is your chance to learn a little more about them.

What to do there: This museum is inside of the Lady Stair’s House, just off the Royal Mile, so it can be a little difficult to find. But the hunt is worth it, as you’ll be able to examine the remainders of some of Scotland’s most popular and enduring literary heroes in a way that few people ever manage.

Sidenote: If budget travel is your thing, check out some of Edinburgh’s best cheap hostels too!

#11 – Scottish National Gallery – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Edinburgh

• A great place to examine a Monet or study a piece by Rembrandt.
• The building that houses these artworks is magnificent and is one of the most beautiful attractions in Edinburgh on its own.

Why it’s so awesome: If you’re looking to fill an afternoon for free, then this museum is the perfect place to do it. You probably don’t think of Edinburgh as a hotspot for art, and yet at this museum, you’ll enjoy works by some of the greatest masters in history including Monet, Degas, and Rembrandt.

What to do there: You’ll need a couple of hours to explore this site as it’s a treasure chest that contains the best parts of Scotland’s fine art collection. And don’t forget to take some pictures of the building as well, which is a neo-classical gem that’s a match for the artwork within.

#12 – The Scottish Storytelling Centre – A great place to visit In Edinburgh at night

• Storytelling was once a big part of Scottish culture and this attraction is trying to bring back that long legacy.
• You can see everything from theater performances to live events, which is why this is one of the most famous places in Edinburgh for a great night out.

Why it’s so awesome: There is a wide variety of festivals in Edinburgh throughout the year. When you attend a show, a story, or any of the live events at this venue, they’re literally an immersive experience for the ears, eyes, soul and imagination. This centre is dedicated to exploring and bringing back the magic of storytelling and is home to the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.

What to do there: While you’re in Edinburgh, make sure that you see what’s on at this centre while you’re in the city and get your tickets early. The shows are quite popular, so make sure that you don’t miss out. A whole range of shows are held at this centre, including tours, music, theatre, and live events. So, no matter what type of show you like to see, this venue will probably have something on that you’ll enjoy. Book early if you’re headed to Edinburgh for the weekend .

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#13 – Dynamic Earth

• A wonderfully nerdy centre for kids and anyone who’s curious about the world.
• The displays at this museum are interactive, always changing, and so fun that you won’t realise you’re learning.

Why it’s so awesome: This science centre explores everything about the world including the Big Bang, plate tectonics and abiogenesis. There are countless exhibits and displays, most of them interactive so they’ll fascinate even the smallest members of your family. So, why not explore the world while you’re visiting Edinburgh and see what new interests you could stir up!

What to do there: This centre is always changing, adapting and growing. So, put aside a couple of hours to explore, and don’t be surprised if you stay there longer than you expected! Also, take some pictures of the building as well, because it’s a cool, steel structure that looks like it was put down by an alien vessel!

#14 – The Royal Botanic Gardens – A nice quiet place to see in Edinburgh

• A great place to get away from the crowds and spend time in nature.
• This is the second oldest botanical garden in Britain and includes plants from Scotland as well as growth from other parts of the world.

Why it’s so awesome: This garden covers 70 acres and includes a herbarium and Britain’s biggest palm house. You might think that the plants in this garden would be reluctant to grow. After all, Scotland is pretty cold for certain plants. But because of the hothouses and sheltered exhibits, the garden actually includes a surprising variety of plants from across the world.

What to do there: There’s a lot to see in this garden, but don’t rush. This is the kind of place where you need to relax and go with the flow, so let your instincts and your interests guide you. Some of the highlights in this garden include the tropical house filled with orchids, the alpine house, the arboretum filled with giant trees from around the world, the woodland garden, and the terraced moorland garden.

#15 – Princes Street – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in Edinburgh

• The main street through Edinburgh and home to colourful gardens and shops.
• Some of the grandest, most beautiful department stores are along this street, so it’s a great place to spend some serious money.

Why it’s so awesome: If you want to spend some time exploring shops and ducking into cafes and restaurants when you travel to Edinburgh, then this is a great place to do it. This area contains a huge variety of big shops as well as smaller shops set beside fountains, cafes and restaurants, enough to keep you busy for a long time.

What to do there: Make sure you have a look at Jenners of Edinburgh, the world’s oldest independent department store as well as the grand House of Frasers. Princes Mall is also a popular place to shop, eat, and drink coffee. When you’re done spending money, head up to the Princes Street Gardens, where you can see the world’s oldest floral clock in all its glory.

#16 – Calton Hill – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Edinburgh

• The views from this hill are simply stunning, and you’ll be able to see all of the most popular and beautiful points of interest in Edinburgh from it.
• Make sure you check out the memorials on Calton Hill for a more sobering reminder of the past.

Why it’s so awesome: The view from Calton Hill is simply spectacular, so make sure you have your camera with you when you visit this area. You’ll be able to see all the way from Princes Street to the Castle, Old Town and the docks at Leith. There are also some amazing monuments in this area, including the National Monument which commemorates the dead from the Napoleonic Wars. The memorial was modelled after the Parthenon in Athens and is a stunning reminder of the influences that shaped the Edinburgh of today.

What to do there: Go up to Calton Hill at sunrise or sunset for the best views and the best pictures you’ll take while in the city. Afterwards, head down to see the National Monument as well as Nelson’s Monument, built to remember Horatio Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

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#17 – The Witches’ Well

• A plaque that honours the thousands of Scottish women who were burned as witches between the 15th and 18th centuries.
• A haunting reminder that no matter the flaws of the modern world, things could be worse.

Why it’s so awesome: Most tourists to Edinburgh walk around the Witches Well without even knowing it’s there. It commemorates the more than 4000 ‘witches’ who were tortured and put to death without trial or any real cause over a period of hundreds of years. In fact, Scotland was Europe’s biggest persecutor of witches, and the plaque commemorates the loss and the tragedy of these events.

What to do there: This plaque is a reminder of the importance of knowledge, open-mindedness, and acceptance of differences, and it’s something that everyone should see. Unfortunately, it’s fairly easy to miss. Head up to the Tartan Weaving Mill and look to your right. The Witches’ Well is on the South-Eastern Wall where the Royal Mile meets the Castle Esplanade.

#18 – Greyfriars Church

• If you’ve ever heard the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the little dog who sat on his master’s grave for 14 years, then this is where it happened.
• This church also includes the largest graveyard in the city, where some of Scotland’s most famous children lay.

Why it’s so awesome: If you’re interested in the past, then this is one of the best places to spend some time. The church is located at the end of Candlemakers Row and is the final resting place of famous Scots like Allan Ramsay, James Hutton, and Greyfriars Bobby, the little dog who gave new meaning to the word loyalty.

What to do there: The whole street leading up to this church is picturesque and is like walking back in time, which is part of what makes this one of the most popular landmarks in Edinburgh. So, spend some time checking out the stately church and its rows of graves, particularly the landmark outside of the church which was erected in honour of his love and loyalty.

#19 – The Museum of Childhood – A fascinating educational place to visit in Edinburgh

• A display of the past that’s not just for kids!
• If you’ve ever been curious about toys from the past, this is your chance to see them.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum contains toys, games, dolls, and railroads from around the world and from different periods in history. It also explores other parts of growing up, such as trends and fashions from different periods, and is an unusual way to learn about a facet of the past that you’ve probably never thought about studying before.

What to do there: When you spend some time at this museum, make sure that you check out the toys and other displays. But also let yourself become a part of the fun. The Museum of Childhood gives you the opportunity to dress up in period clothes and play games from the past, so don’t miss out on this unique chance to have some fun!

#20 – Summer Hall – Great place to visit in Edinburgh for couples!

• An awesome place to check out if you want a nice night out.
• Summer Hall is a multi-arts venue with a brewery attached!

Why it’s so awesome: Summer Hall is a former veterinary school that’s been turned into a venue for the arts. There are a whole range of different types of performances held at this site including theatre, gigs, films, talks, and workshops. There’s also an attached microbrewery that makes a tasty and refreshing beer so you can sit in the bar at the back and enjoy!

What to do there: Before you arrive in Edinburgh, find out what’s on during your stay and make a night of it. Watch a show, music performance or film, and then head out back with a beer and enjoy the wood-panelled bar.

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#21 – Cameo

• This is one of Quentin Tarantino’s favourite cinemas.
• You can see a movie, hang out at the bar, or be a part of one of the venue’s special cinematic events.

Why it’s so awesome: This cinema has been in the same space for more than a hundred years, which is why it’s one of the most popular landmarks in Edinburgh. It has been updated over the years though to include incredibly comfortable chairs and a bar where you can sit and geek out over movies.

What to do there: This is the perfect place to visit in Edinburgh if you’re looking for a quiet night out with your partner. See the latest release or take part in the cinema events held at this location such as the All-Night Horror Madness sessions. And if you’re not a big fan of movies, there’s a nice bar on site where you can hang out, relax, and listen to all the cinema talk.

#22 – Mary King’s Close – One of the more unique places to visit in Edinburgh!

• One of the best places to visit in Edinburgh if you’re interested in learning more about the dark side of its history.

Why it’s so awesome: The Edinburgh you see today is vastly different to how it looked back in the 17th century. Then, Mary King’s Close was a collection of narrow streets packed with homes and tenements that were ripe for the arrival of the black death. Scotland lost more than a quarter of its population to the disease, and a high number of them were in this area of the city. In fact, there’s a legend going around that the Edinburgh city officials sealed off Mary King’s Close in 1644 with everyone left inside to die in an attempt to stop the spread of the disease. This story isn’t true, and in fact, the victims were well cared for, but the legends persist.

What to do there: People lived in Mary King’s Close up until the 19th century when it was sealed up and forgotten. It was actually uncovered by accident when workmen dug down and accidentally uncovered the ruins. Today, this is a popular tourist site, so take a tour with historical reenactors to get the full story, and the ghost stories, that surround this site. The tours are held seven days a week every day except Christmas Day. They also hold special events at this site, so find out what’s on while you’re visiting Edinburgh.

#23 – Surgeon’s Hall Museum – Quite the quirky place in Edinburgh!

• A slightly grisly look at medicine from not so long ago.
• This display probably isn’t for children, as it’s a big unsettling in places.

Why it’s so awesome: Attached to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is the Surgeons’ Hall Museum, both of which are housed in a beautiful 19th-century building. The collection at the museum is acknowledged as one of the finest historic pathology collections in the UK, which is what makes this museum an Edinburgh must do!

What to do there: There’s a lot to see at this museum and not all of it is pleasant. Check out the display on Edinburgh’s famous criminal duo Burke and Hare, who killed people to supply the Surgeons’ College with cadavers to work on. Hare was eventually released, but Burke was hung, and a book was bound from his skin. The book and his death mask are still on display in this museum.

#24 – David Hume’s Statue

• Another of Scotland’s favourite sons, and one that is said to bring good luck!
• This Edinburgh must see gets crowded, so go early if you want to actually be able to touch the statue’s toe and enjoy some luck of your own.

Why it’s so awesome: David Hume was a Scottish Enlightenment thinker and one of the most influential men in Scottish history. His philosophical teachings are still explored in universities all over the world and today his statue has become a draw for tourists who are looking for the luck that touching his toe conveys. It was constructed by artist Alexander Stoddart and stands in front of the High Court Building.

What to do there: This site gets incredibly crowded, so show up early if you want the chance to touch his toe and test the legends. Apparently, it causes good luck to anyone who touches it, which is why one toe is now shiny and golden from all the contact.

#25 – The Scotch Whisky Experience – Cool place to see in Edinburgh with friends!

• You can’t spend time in Edinburgh without seeing what all the fuss is about!
• A great place to spend some time with friends.
• Just make sure you have something substantial in your stomach before you try the whisky samples!

Why it’s so awesome: Scotland is famous for its whisky, so you can’t visit the city without trying what’s on offer. And this is one of the best venues in the country to both try whisky and learn more about it.

What to do there: They have a range of tours at this restaurant to suit all budgets and all whisky tastes. If you really enjoy whiskey and want to learn more, you can also try the masterclasses, training sessions or join a walking tour . And if you’re only interested in drinking it, then grab a table at the restaurant and order a drink with your meal.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Edinburgh

What should I not miss in Edinburgh?

Any trip to Edinburgh would be incomplete without seeing Edinburgh Castle.

What is the most visited place in Edinburgh?

The most visited attraction in the city is Edinburgh Castle.

What is a free place to visit in Edinburgh?

The National Museum of Scotland is free to visit and a fantastic attraction in Edinburgh.

Is Edinburgh a safe place to visit?

Yes, Edinburgh is a safe place to visit, but as with anywhere, be careful when walking around at night.

Edinburgh is an exciting, vibrant city that has a lot to offer travellers. Like with some cities, there are some trouble spots that you should avoid. But as long as you’re careful and aware, you should have an amazing trip to this city, one that’s full of amazing sites and memories!

Now you have this guide to the best places to visit in Edinburgh. So you’ll be able to avoid any problems and have a problem-free holiday in one of the most amazing and scenic cities in Europe!

Once you’ve explored all this incredible city has to offer, why not check out some of the amazing day trips from Edinburgh for a change of scenery. From the highlands to Glasgow and even a few beaches there is a lot more to see close by.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sophie Steinebach

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

14 Unusual Things To Do In Edinburgh!

Last updated: December 16, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 1 Comment

Edinburgh is definitely one of our favourite cities in the UK, and it’s one where we lived for a number of years.

There is a lot to do here, so much so that we’ve already penned a detailed post on how to spend two days in Edinburgh , as well as some of our favourite things to do in Edinburgh .

But, as with any city, there’s a lot more to do than one blog post can cover, with attractions and activities seemingly around every corner – plenty to fill many days of sightseeing.

In today’s post we want to go over some of our favourite ways to spend some time in Edinburgh, beyond the obvious highlights like Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the Whisky tasting.

The best bit? Many of these unusual things to do in Edinburgh are free, or very low cost. So your wallet will be happy too.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of our favourite:

Unusual Things To Do In Edinburgh

1. the museum of edinburgh.

We’re going to start this post with a number of museums. Scotland is not always known for having the best weather, so having a great collection of museums that you can drop into should the weather turn inclement is always handy.

Not that bad weather should be your only reason for visiting these museums, which are all excellent! First on the list is the Edinburgh Museum.

Set in a bright yellow building on the Royal Mile, we were particularly impressed by the Foundation Edinburgh Exhibition, a fantastic short video which takes you through the history of the city from its earliest beginnings in prehistoric times, right up to the modern day.

This is a brilliant way to get up to speed with the history of Edinburgh.

Then of course there’s the museum itself, spread over a number of floors in a series of buildings, the oldest of which dates from the 16th century. On display are all sorts of items relating to the history, art, notable people and culture of Edinburgh as well as changing exhibitions such as the Foundation film that I mentioned above.

Definitely worth a couple of hours of your time – and entry is free!

2. The Writers Museum

The second museum that is worth a visit is the Writers Museum . This is just off the Royal Mile and focuses on the lives of three of Scotland’s most famous writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

A bit of context for you. Edinburgh was the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature , and these three chaps had a great deal to do with it. Edinburgh is also home to the world’s only train station named for a book – Waverley was the first novel by Sir Walter Scott.

Suffice to say, a museum dedicated to these three greats of Scottish literature seems only appropriate.

Different parts of the building are allocated to each of them, with information about their lives and writings, as well as objects and artefacts from the writers themselves.

A must for anyone with even a vague interest in writing. Also – it’s free!

3. The People’s Story Museum

On a roll with the free museums here! Edinburgh really does have an excellent selection of free museums. One that is also worth a visit is the People’s Story Museum , which is basically just over the road from the Museum of Edinburgh.

This free museum, housed in the 15th century Canongate Tollbooth building, focuses on the lives of the people of Edinburgh, from the 18th century to the present day. Displays give insights into the lives of all sorts of Edinburgh’s inhabitants and their belongings, and there’s also a former jail which you can take a peek at.

4. Gladstone’s Land

Moving back up the Royal Mile towards the Castle, and we find ourselves at the National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstone’s Land property.

One thing that people often don’t realise about Edinburgh is that in the 17th century it was home to some of the tallest residential buildings in the world – essentially the first skyscrapers were built in Edinburgh.

This was a result of the city walls restricting the size of the city, which meant that to accommodate the burgeoning population, properties had to be built upwards.

Unfortunately, engineering and materials didn’t quite meet the requirements, and a number of these early “skyscrapers” came tumbling down, with associated loss of life.

In addition, they were overcrowded and unsanitary. Still, if you wanted to be protected by the city walls, this was the place to live.

One of the best preserved examples of these buildings that you can visit today in Edinburgh is Gladstone’s land.

Here you can visit six rooms across two levels, and learn a little about how it might have been to live in one of these high-rise tenements.

There are some well-informed staff on site to help answer any question, and we particularly enjoyed the tasting room, where we got to try some old-fashioned coffee and oatcakes!

Entry is free if you’re a National Trust for England or Scotland member, otherwise you can find the latest prices here .

As an addition to this, since you’re in the area and learning about living conditions, you might also want to visit Real Mary Kings Close .

This is actually one of the most popular attractions in Edinburgh, so was a bit of an obvious addition.

Here you’ll be able to go underneath Edinburgh to one of the old streets that used to run down from the Royal Mile, and learn about the lives of people 17th century Edinburgh.

Spoiler alert, life wasn’t easy in these times, with residents battling plague, filth-covered streets, and generally dire living conditions!

5. Gin and Tonic

On to something a little less grim. In the last few years, Edinburgh has seen a surge of interest in small, hand-crafted beverages. One of the most famous of these is Pickering’s Gin, the first exclusive gin distillery to be created in Edinburgh for over 150 years.

The distillery is located at the wonderful Summerhall, which also houses an excellent pub, a beer brewery, all sorts of spaces (many of which are used for the various Edinburgh Festivals ) and a café.

We took a tour of the distillery , something anyone can do by appointment, and learnt all about how gin is made, what goes into it, and, most importantly, we sampled various gins.

We also had a Pickerings and Tonic in the Royal Dick, the Summerhall pub, which has a direct line from the distilleries gin tank through to the bar! It doesn’t get much fresher than that.

Of course, Pickering’s are well known but they are far from the only gin option in Edinburgh at this point. You might also consider visiting 56 North for a gin tour and tasting. There’s also the Holyrood Distillery which has both gin and whisky!

Suffice to say, you have plenty of choice when it comes to gin tasting in Edinburgh.

6. Stand Comedy Club

Edinburgh is world famous for comedy, not least because it is home to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe , the world’s largest arts festival of which comedy takes centre stage.

The good news is that you don’t have to be in Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival to experience great comedy. You can just head to the Stand Comedy Club , and experience fantastic comedy whilst having a few drinks. What’s not to love?

Even better, if you’re on a budget, you’re still in luck. On Monday nights in Edinburgh, the Stand hosts their “Red Raw” event, where beginner comics come to try their hand, whilst big names sometimes drop in to test out new material.

We witnessed this first hand as we happened to be attending on a Monday, and we saw ten acts over the course of the evening, some of which were, well, not great, but the majority of which were excellent.

We even saw Frankie Boyle, one of Scotland’s most well known comics, turn up and practice some of his Fringe material. Not bad for the £2 we paid!

One tip if you’re heading to the Stand – get there early. It’s a small venue, and there’s only so much seating, so if you want a good spot and don’t want to be standing, you need to be in the queue before the doors open.

We turned up just after the doors opened, and only just managed to get a seat, so keep that in mind!

7. Go Inside Nelson’s Monument on Calton Hill

Climbing up Calton Hill should definitely be on every visitor’s Edinburgh to-do list . And I’ve been up plenty of times, as I think it offers one of the best views of Edinburgh available in the city, with minimal effort required.

But, despite having been up it many times, one thing I’ve never done is climb Nelson’s Monument , which sits on top of the hill.

So on our recent Edinburgh adventure, we did just that. It turns out that Nelson’s Monument is more than just a tower with a pretty view. It’s also home to a small museum, where you can learn about the history of the building, which was, as the name suggests, erected to honor Admiral Lord Nelson.

Over its lifetime, the building has served a number of purposes, many with a suitably naval theme, including being used as a signalling tower for ships in the harbor, and as a means to indicate the accurate time.

Even today, the time ball atop the tour drops at 1pm, in synchronization with the One O’Clock gun that fires from Edinburgh castle.

In times before GPS and other accurate timekeeping and navigation aids, these two devices were critical for Edinburgh’s ships to ascertain the correct time for their navigational timekeeping.

There’s a small fee to enter the museum, which is well worth it, and the tower is accessed by 143 steps. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views are very much worth it!

8. City Arts Centre

Back to museums quickly. Edinburgh’s City Arts Centre, right in the heart of the city by Edinburgh Waverley train station, is one of the best places in the city to see Scottish art.

Exhibitions here are always changing – when we visited we saw a gallery dedicated to art created on paper – but the six floors cover the old, the new, and everything in between. There’s a café to refresh you should it all get too much and entry is also free. Worth popping in.

If you’re into art, you should also definitely check out the Scottish National Gallery , on the Mound, and the quite fantastic National Museum of Scotland , which covers all sorts of Scottish focused collections, including art.

9. Window Shopping

I’m not going to lie, I’m not a massive fan of shopping. Still, I don’t mind a bit of a wander around some shops with Jess (as long as there’s a coffee thrown in somewhere), and Edinburgh has some fantastic locations for shopping if that’s what you’re into.

A couple of places to bring to your attention that you might not be aware of. First, the very recently opened “ The Arches ” series of shops.

These shops are built into the arches that support the road above, which is a pretty neat use of space, and there are some really funky little stores here to explore. Including a coffee shop, of course, which also has some quite magnificent donuts.

The other shopping area you should check out is in the area of Stockbridge, about a twenty-minute walk from Edinburgh city centre (or a quick bus ride).

As well as an unbelievable collection of coffee shops, Stockbridge also has a gourmet cheese vendor and numerous vintage clothing shops. Head to St. Stephen street for some of the highlights.

All of this exploration has probably made you a little hungry, so you’re going to want to eat. Edinburgh has become a real foodie paradise, with plenty of excellent choices at all budgets.

If you would like recommendations for eating in Edinburgh, we have had absolutely fantastic meals at Wedgwood the Restaurant , The Printing Press , La Garrigue and the Tower Restaurant , which Jess will be talking about over on her blog.

You won’t go wrong with any of these options! You might also consider a food walking tour of the city to try a variety of delicacies.

11. Botanic Gardens

Into the home run with your list of extra Edinburgh activities! This one is perfect if you’re looking for a bit of nature – you can’t go wrong with Edinburgh’s Botanic Garden .

Open every day except Christmas and New Year, and with free admission (the glasshouses do have a small, and very much worth paying, entry fee ), these gardens have a history dating back to 1670!

There’s plenty to see and do here, with 70 acres to explore, and over 273,000 plants to see, which represent over 13,000 species. If the city is getting a bit much, they offer a wonderful escape, with spots for relaxation and enjoyment of nature.

12. Walk along the Water of Leith

Last on my list of activities in Edinburgh that you might not have thought to do is to take a walk along the Water of Leith, specifically between the beautiful villages of Stockbridge and Dean Village.

You’ll find it hard to believe you’re still in Edinburgh as you wander along this lush green path by the quiet water of the Leith.

This section of the Water of Leith walkway is not too long – less than a mile – but is very peaceful and worth doing. If you feel like going a bit further, the whole walkway runs for just over twelve miles, and finishes up in the port town of Leith itself – also worth a visit.

Don’t miss Dean village though, this cute little village (now officially a part of Edinburgh), set down in a steep valley, is truly picturesque, and worth a bit of your time to explore.

Well, that about sums up some of our favourite activities in Edinburgh that you might have missed! Now, let’s take a look at where we stayed when we visited Edinburgh.

13. Eat Chocolate

You’re probably aware that Scotland is well known for its whisky. What you might not know is that craft chocolate making is also quite a thing in Scotland as well.

If you like chocolate (who doesn’t like chocolate?), you will definitely want to head along the Edinburgh Chocolatarium . As well as stocking a wide range of Scottish made chocolate from some of the best chocolate makers in the country, they also run regular tours where you can learn all about the chocolate making process.

This includes plenty of chocolate samples, information on the history of chocolate, and a guide to how to taste chocolate. We really enjoyed our visit here, and think it should definitely make it onto your list of things to do in Edinburgh! You can read our experience visiting the Chocolatarium here .

Advance booking is recommended, which you can do here .

14. Take a Ghost Tour

Edinburgh in the middle ages was, to put it bluntly, not exactly a wonderful place to live. It was overcrowded, smelly and down right dangerous. From the black death to the witch hunters, to just general murderers, there were a multitude of ways to meet a grisly end.

As you might imagine therefore, there’s no shortage of ghost stories in the city. We’ve taken a number of these, and can recommend either the Ghostly Underground Vaults Evening Vaults Tour with Whisky , or the Edinburgh Murder & Mystery Walking Tour .

The former has you going into the underground world beneath the streets of the city, to learn about the subterranean existence of Edinburgh in the middle ages. It also includes a shot of whisky (or a beer / soft drink),

The latter is more of a traditional walking tour around the streets of the city, with plenty of spooky tales from the costumed guide, as well as a souvenir book of ghost stories.

We really enjoyed both of these tours when we did them and are happy to recommend them both.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a wide range of accommodation options from hostels to mid-range hotels to luxury properties. We’d advise finding a city centre hotel, that way you’ll be able to walk to all the attractions in this list and save on taxis or public transport fares.

If you’re travelling in the busier time of year, such as during the August Festivals or around New Years Eve, you’ll definitely want to book as far in advance of your trip as possible to be sure you find somewhere that suits.

There are lots of options in Edinburgh to suit all budgets. For some inspiration:

• The Haystack Hostel – this has a fantastic location and great reviews
• Castle Rock Hostel – a large and well-rated hostel with a castle theme, offering both dormitory and private rooms. It’s adults only, and has one of the best views of the castle of any hotel in the city. Five minutes walk from the Royal Mile. Also check out the  Royal Mile Backpackers
• Elder York Guest House – If you’re looking for a budget – midrange B&B option, this is one of our favourites. Rooms are small but comfortable, and the breakfast is good. Note there are quite a lot of stairs and no elevator.
• The Royal Terrace – just round the back of Calton Hill this has excellent reviews and is a great value option
• Holiday Inn Express – A 3-star hotel offering well-priced rooms in the Old Town
• The Grassmarket Hotel – A well reviewed 3-star hotel  found in the Grassmarket area
• Leonardo Royal Hotel – A business focused 4* hotel in the Haymarket, about a 20 minute walk from the Royal Mile. We have stayed here and found rooms to be comfortable and the food was good.
• The Kimpton on Charlotte Square – a lovely, well located hotel – perfect for a couples getaway
• The Witchery – One of our favourite hotels in Edinburgh, and just next door to Edinburgh Castle. It has an incredible restaurant too. If you’re in Edinburgh for a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself, this is an excellent option.

Our favourite way to find the best deals on accommodation when we travel is booking.com. We find they usually have the best deals across a wide range of properties, including hotels and apartments, and are really easy to use. Check out their Edinburgh listings here .

We can also recommend apartment rentals as an option. You can see the Edinburgh listings on Plum Guide here , but do also see our list of AirBnB alternatives for lots more options.

Further Reading for your Edinburgh Trip

As you’d expect, we’ve written a lot of content about visiting Edinburgh and the UK in general, plus we have other resources we think you’ll find helpful. Here they are:

• Want to see more of Edinburgh? Check out our guide to spending two days in Edinburgh , and our guide to all the best things to do in Edinburgh
• If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ve got to check out Jess’s Guide to the Best Edinburgh Harry Potter locations
• If you were thinking of taking a trip around the UK and want to include Edinburgh as part of that itinerary, we have both a one week itinerary of the UK and a two week itinerary of the UK for you.
• Heading out of the capital? How about a trip to the Scottish Borders or a tour of some Whisky distilleries ? For more ideas, see our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh !
• And finally, if you want a guidebook to bring along with you, check out the Lonely Planet Pocket Edinburgh Guide or the Rick Steves Snapshot Edinburgh Guide .

And that sums up our guide to getting off the beaten path in Edinburgh! If you’ve got any ideas of your own to add to the list, do pop them in the comments below!

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Tanja / The red phone box trav says

1st August 2016 at 11:42 am

great photos! Thanks for some new ideas for my next trip to Edinburgh:)

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15+ Quirky, Unusual & Secret Spots in Edinburgh You’ll Love

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 20th September 2023

Categories Scotland

Last Updated on 20th September 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a beautiful city characterised by its countless castles and abundance of summer festivals. But once you’ve visited the must-see city sights (Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Scottish Parliament), then where do you go? Well, if you’re looking for offbeat Edinburgh, then you’ll likely find it in one of these quirky, unusual, hidden, and downright secret spots in Edinburgh :

#1 The Wild West of Edinburgh

#2 dean village, #3 national museum of scotland roof terrace, #4 writer’s museum, #5 library of mistakes, #6 magdalen chapel, #7 edinburgh’s underground town of mary king’s close, #8 tom riddle’s grave, #9 craigentinny marbles , #10 museum on the mound, #11 water of leith , #12 the ruins of st anthony, #13 kyoto friendship garden, #14 cramond island, #15 surgeons’ hall museums, #16 lauriston castle, #17 the district of stockbridge, #18 dr neil’s garden, map of the hidden gems of edinburgh, watch the edinburgh travel guide, enjoyed reading about the best alternative, quirky and secret spots in edinburgh pin it now, read it again later:, best hidden gems of edinburgh.

In Morningside, a former advertising campaign set looks like an abandoned ghost town. With its wooden façades and shuttered windows, the buildings wouldn’t look out of place in a Hollywood Film set. Instead, they can be found on the fringes of the Scottish Capital and are well worth a quick peek if you’re passing by.

In what is likely the most picturesque area of the city, Dean Village is a beautiful place to go if you love history, photography, or simply want to find a quiet space to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.

First constructed for mill workers, today the village is some of the most prime real estate to be found anywhere in Scotland. Nearby, Dean Gardens are a lovely oasis of calm where you could easily while away a few hours reading a book.

Please note that, due to the rise of social media, Dean Village is not as much of a hidden gem as it was even just a few years ago and so you should be sure to visit earlier in the day and mid-week if possible so as to avoid the crowds.

Read more: Dean Village, Is this the most picturesque area of Edinburgh?

Of course, everyone knows about the National Museum of Scotland, which is an absolute must-see on any trip to the Scottish Capital.

But did you know that it has a hidden roof terrace, tucked away at the very top of the building? And with breathtaking views of the castle and beyond, you can’t go wrong by dedicating a sunset to admiring Edinburgh from above…

In a little courtyard, just metres from the Royal Mile, the Writers’ Museum is dedicated to all things related to the written word. Of course, Edinburgh is well known for being the home of Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

However, the city was also once home to great writers such as  Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. The Writers’ Museum is just one of the elements which contributed to Edinburgh being named as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2004. What’s more is that the Writer’s Museum is free to visit, making it perfect to visit for those on a budget.

Read more: How to spend three days in Edinburgh.

Open from Monday to Friday and dedicated to the study of financial history, the Library of Mistakes was set up to document all of the economic mistakes experts made in both 1929, and then again in 2008.

The collection comprises of some 2000 economic and financial literature and can be visited by appointment only. In order to visit, you’ll need to first register as a reader. Discover more details about how to here.

Just a little way along the street from Cowgate, a small chapel is open during select days of the week. Free to enter, the pretty interior contains the only set of 16th-century stained to have survived the Reformation.

The chapel itself was constructed in 1541 for a trade guild and was where several protestant martyrs were taken prior to their burial during the 16th-century. Today, Magdalen Chapel is used as the headquarters of the Scottish Reformation Society.

Read more: A visit to Magdalen Chapel.

Today, the Royal Mile is a road spanning roughly a mile in distance between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. It’s probably the best known-street in the capital, if not all of Scotland, and thousands of tourists and locals meander along it on a daily basis.

But what many of these people don’t know- and you may not either- is that there’s a maze of alleyways and abandoned houses beneath the street. Head to the Real Mary King’s Close for the truth behind this long forgotten underground city in the heart of Edinburgh. Book a guided tour here.

Everyone knows that Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, visible from the Elephant House, inspired plenty of Harry Potter characters. Many wander through the ancient cemetery and yet few know that Tom Riddle’s Grave can be found in the very heart of this 16th-century graveyard.

Other names to be spotted amongst the tombstones are those of iconic poet William McGonagall and Mrs. Elizabeth Moodie, whose name is thought to have inspired the fictional character of ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody in the books. Of all the unusual things to do in Edinburgh, strolling through Greyfriar’s Kirkyard is certainly one of the quirkiest.

Read more: Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh.

The mausoleum is Craigentinny crescent is precariously perched in the most unusual place. Now surrounded by a housing estate, the 19th-century tomb is 30 foot high and was built in 1848, following the death of William Henry Miller, an MP and owner of Craigetinny House.

At the time, the mausoleum was on its own in the middle of nowhere. Its towering heights were meant to deter body snatchers, and the marble and granite work is reminiscent of ancient Greek or Roman marbles. A truly unique sight to see in the centre of the city!

Dedicated to all things money, the Museum on the Mound is a museum which is often forgotten in favour of local favourites such as the Museum of Childhood, as well as the National Museum of Scotland (home to Dolly the Sheep).

However, if you want to see what a million (fake) pounds look like in real life, as well as explore the history of money in the Scottish capital, then you simply must head to this free museum!

Read more: Here’s a guide to the very best free things to do in Edinburgh!

Running through Edinburgh, the Water of Leith is a beautiful slice of nature, cutting its way through the industrial buildings of the Scottish capital. A dedicated walkway now follows the River’s course as it snakes its way through Edinburgh.

The path goes past local favourites such as Colinton Village and Dell, the Union Canal, Saughton Winter Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, the Royal Botanic Garden and Leith along. The river walk is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life for families and couples alike.

Sure, everyone’s heard of Arthur’s Seat. But did you know that there are the 14th-century ruins of a chapel dedicated to St Anthony around halfway up the steep slope?

Little is known about the origins of its crumbling walls, though it’s thought that perhaps the chapel once had connections to nearby Holyrood Abbey (which also now lies in ruin and can be visited at the same time as Holyrood Palace).

Read more: Hiking an Extinct Volcano in Edinburgh!

In the grounds of Lauriston Castle and Grounds, you’ll find the Kyoto Friendship Garden. This calm space remains a hidden gem of the city to this day.

Located in green and leafy Cramond, the green space is one of the top three Japanese gardens in the UK and celebrates the twinning of Edinburgh and the prefecture of Kyoto in Japan.

The pretty tidal island of Cramond lies just off mainland Scotland and can be accessed twice a day when the tide recedes. Now uninhabited, it’s thought that the island was once an outpost for Roman troops.

In the estuary nearby, the most important Roman find ever found in Britain was discovered in the form of the Cramond Lioness. The quaint village of Cramond itself is just metres from Cramond Beach, on the edge of the mainland. Just outside the village centre, Cramond Falls is Edinburgh’s (albeit small) answer to Niagra Falls!

Read more: Day trip to Cramond Island.

The anatomical museums that form Surgeons’ Hall Museums are part of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Open to the public every day of the week from 10 Am to 5 PM, you can see the collections for a small fee, though under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

The Royal College of Surgeons was first founded in the early 1500s, while the museum itself has been open to the public since 1832.

On the fringes of the city, one of the best secret spots in Edinburgh can be found in the form of the city’s least known castle. Lauriston Castle is the former mansion home of Mr and Mrs Reid and was first constructed in the 16th-century as a tower house.

19th-century additions were added before the castle and its grounds were donated to the City of Edinburgh in the 1920s. Today, you can visit the Castle for a small fee, while the grounds are free to visit and enjoy a picnic in.

Read more: Best Castles in Edinburgh.

Though perhaps not so much ‘secret Edinburgh’ as some of the other suggestions to be found within this hidden gems guide, the district of Stockbridge is nevertheless a little more off the beaten path and unusual when it comes to the more unique things to do in Edinburgh. Home to an assortment of vine covered houses and cobbled lanes, it’s the perfect area for photography lovers.

The seasonal botanical garden of Dr Neil’s is a true Edinburgh delight and attracts visitors from far and wide on an annual basis. Situated in the shadow of Holyrood park, the green spot is easily one of Edinburgh’s best hidden gems. Secret and off the beaten path, find out more information on how to visit the garden here .

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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cametowander

Sunday 25th of March 2018

Really loved this! Never knew Edinburgh was so magical. Would love to go there one day.

Nita Blakely

Saturday 13th of April 2019

When I was younger, I traveled to the UK seven times. Edinburgh was my very favorite. I loved it, and I love that I still have those memories to take out and relish to this day.

Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad

Love all these suggestions! I still haven't got to that wild west place but it's on my list. Lots here that I had never heard of too, like the Craigentinny marbles, and the rooftop terrace at the museum! I also saw those ruins on the way up Arthur's Seat and had no idea what it was.

Saturday 24th of March 2018

Oooh, thanks for sharing your secret spots in Edinburgh! I didn't realize there was this much to do there and it looks so pretty!

You are definitely right. The places are really amazing. Great photos there. Will keep this for future visits in Scotland.

Momma To Go

wow I've never been to Scotland - although I am a sucker for secret spots! Off the beaten path stuff. Who knew Kyoto was their twinning city!?!?!