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The best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, include exploring Edinburgh Castle, hiking to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, and relaxing in the picturesque Palace Street Gardens. As Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh is a city of historic charm, stunning landscapes, and rich culture, attracting millions of visitors every year.
From its medieval Old Town to its elegant Georgian New Town, Edinburgh offers something for everyone — whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a historic city break. But with so much to see and do, prioritizing the best attractions is key to making the most of your visit.
To curate this list of 12 must-do activities, I combined personal experiences with traveler reviews and expert recommendations, focusing on destinations that capture Edinburgh’s history, beauty, and character.
Enjoy this article in podcast form—perfect for staying informed or listening on the go.
Where To Stay in Edinburgh
Here are some of Edinburgh’s highest-rated hotels:
Luxury: W Edinburgh is a 5-star hotel with a fitness center, terrace, restaurant, and bar, offering stylish rooms with air conditioning, located just a short walk from the city center and Edinburgh Waverley station.
Mid-range: Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Edinburgh offering luxurious rooms, a spa, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and an award-winning restaurant near the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Budget: Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge is a hotel with family rooms, a fitness center, a terrace near Edinburgh Castle, and popular attractions like the Royal Mile and the University of Edinburgh.
Must-Do Activities
Visit Edinburgh Castle – Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most famous historic landmark.
Walk up Arthur’s Seat – Arthur’s Seat offers epic views and an escape from the busy city streets.
Admire the views of Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street Gardens – Princes Street Gardens offers spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle.
Visit Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is the city’s most iconic tourist attraction. According to Visit Scotland, it’s also the most visited paid attraction in the country, welcoming almost two million visitors a year. Perched on Castle Rock, the castle dominates the city skyline with its impressive architecture.
Humans have occupied Castle Rock since the Iron Age, but the royal castle was constructed in the 11th century. It was used as a Royal Residence until 1633. Today, it’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Admittedly, many travelers, including myself, find that the views of Edinburgh Castle are enough. However, a tour lets you learn about the castle’s rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, fortress, and prison.
Travel Tips
Entry Fee & Hours:Tickets cost £19.50 – £21.50 for adults. The castle is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM.
Photography Spot: Head to Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens for the best view of the castle.
Nearby Parking: Park at Castle Terrace Car Park, a 10-minute walk away.
Located just outside the Old Town, Arthur’s Seat is one of Edinburgh’s best open-green spaces. An excellent place for scenic city views, Arthur’s Seat is an ancient, extinct volcano that makes up a large part of Holyrood Park. Don’t worry, though; it last erupted approximately 340 million years ago.
This picturesque hill is only 823 feet (251 meters) tall, so walking to the top isn’t hard. There are several walking paths to take to the summit. I recommend taking the Red Route from Holyrood Palace. This is a reasonably strenuous but more straightforward approach to the summit.
A round-trip along this route takes approximately two hours. You’ll be treated to magnificent city views along the way and at the summit.
Travel Tips
What to Bring: Wear sturdy walking shoes and a windproof jacket—it can get breezy at the top.
Parking Info: Limited parking is available at Holyrood Palace. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Admire the Views of Edinburgh Castle From Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens is one of the best places in Edinburgh to glimpse Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle is so imposing that you can see it from most places in the capital. However, the view from Princes Street Gardens is a favorite of mine.
Princes Street Gardens offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s vibrant streets. Its lush scenery, relaxed atmosphere, and uninterrupted views make it a must-visit. Opened in the 1820s, it lies in the shadows of Castle Rock, truly demonstrating its impressiveness. One of the best places to photograph the castle is by Ross Fountain.
Standing behind Ross Fountain, you can capture the gardens, Castle Rock, and Edinburgh Castle in one photograph. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Travel Tips
Facilities: Public restrooms are available near the west end of the gardens, and there are several benches for resting.
The National Museum was Scotland’s most visited tourist attraction in 2023. This fascinating museum features thousands of objects across many exhibitions and is a big hit with families and museum enthusiasts. While it specializes in Scottish history and culture, it also features exhibitions covering other world cultures.
For example, at the time of writing, the National Museum has a Theravāda Buddhism exhibition that looks into its history and influences worldwide. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 exhibit covers the science behind the race for a vaccine.
The Cold War Scotland exhibition is also worth checking out. This exhibit explores Scotland’s position during the war. For families, the National Museum of Scotland offers interactive galleries, themed trails, and child-friendly tours.
Travel Tips
National Museum of Scotland Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Nearby Dining: Go to Café Pomelo in Marchmont, known for its hand-ripped noodles and cozy atmosphere. It’s a short walk from the museum.
Like Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill is one of the best places in Edinburgh for panoramic city views. This volcanic hill at the east end of Princes Street offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh Old Town, the New Town, and Arthur’s Seat. Unsurprisingly, it’s also a fantastic place to watch the sunset.
One of the best ways to experience the park is to enjoy a picnic overlooking the city. We recommend buying picnic food before finding a picturesque place to sit for a few hours. Once you’ve relaxed enough, take a look around the hill.
At Calton Hill, you’ll find various landmarks, including the National Monument of Scotland and the Nelson Monument.
Travel Tips
Calton Hill Access: Calton Hill is always accessible and offers panoramic views of Edinburgh. The ascent involves a moderate incline but is manageable for most visitors.
Landmarks to See: Notable structures include the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon, and the Nelson Monument, commemorating Admiral Nelson.
Nearby Dining: Visit Konj Café on Grindlay Street for authentic Persian cuisine in a cozy setting. It’s a short distance from Calton Hill.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Mile is the beating heart of Edinburgh Old Town. Dating back to the 12th century, this medieval street connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Royal Mile is lined with beautiful, towering tenements, winding cobblestone streets, souvenir shops, and historical landmarks.
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A walk along the Royal Mile will transport you back to medieval Scotland. There is no right or wrong way to explore the Royal Mile, but I recommend starting at one end and walking the entire length.
You can then stop to take photographs and go into the shops whenever you want. Look for the Real Mary King’s Close, St Giles’ Cathedral and the Heart of Midlothian Mosaic.
Travel Tips
Nearby Dining: Go to Baba for mezze plates in a stylish setting. It’s near the Royal Mile and highly rated.
Taking photographs of Victoria Street is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh if you’re a keen photographer. Built in the early 18th century, this winding cobblestone street is one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful locations. Its vibrant ‘Old Flemish’ style properties are breathtaking.
Standing at the lower end of the street, you can take gorgeous photographs of all the colorful buildings. However, I recommend arriving early because Victoria Street can get busy. If you visit in the morning, you can take photographs without many people.
Once you’ve taken photographs, look at the boutique shops along the street. There’s a magical Harry Potter store selling official wizarding merchandise you must visit.
Travel Tips
Photography Tip: For the best lighting and fewer crowds, visit Victoria Street early in the morning.
Nearby Dining: Enjoy a meal at The Little Chartroom, known for its modern, innovative cuisine.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of the world’s most famous graveyards. It was constructed over 400 years ago in Greyfriars Kirk, at the southern edge of Edinburgh Old Town. While the cemetery has a rich and storied history, it’s well-known for two reasons.
Firstly, Greyfriars Kirkyard is the location of the iconic Greyfriars Bobby. In the 19th century, a Skye Terrier called Bobby became famous for guarding his owner’s grave for 14 years. Today, Bobby still has a grave and a statue in the cemetery.
It’s also widely believed that author J.K. Rowling took inspiration from Greyfriars Kirkyard for characters in Harry Potter. Considering you’ll find names like Thomas Riddle, James Potter, Moodey, Weasley, and Granger in the cemetery, it’s not hard to believe.
Travel Tips
Greyfriars Kirkyard Access: The kirkyard is open daily from dawn to dusk, and entry is free.
Nearby Dining: Go to The Palmerston for a traditional and modern cuisine mix in a Parisian bistro-style setting.
One of the most exciting things to do in Edinburgh is go on an Underground Vaults Tour. Hidden underneath Edinburgh’s famous streets lie many chambers and vaults. For centuries, these vaults remained closed to the outside world. However, they were rediscovered and reopened to the public.
Every vault has a story to tell, usually a gruesome tale about the city’s poorest people and the horrific conditions they had to live in. Over 20 people would sometimes live in these pitch-black rooms with only a bucket for a bathroom.
On an underground vaults tour, you can learn more about the vaults and their dark past. The expert guide will tell you tales of murder, diseases, witches, and ghosts.
Travel Tips
Tour Duration: Edinburgh Underground Vaults tours typically last around 1.5 hours. Wear comfortable shoes due to uneven surfaces.
Nearby Dining: After your tour, dine at Timberyard, known for its Nordic-inspired gourmet fare. It’s within walking distance and offers a unique dining experience.
One of the most underrated tourist attractions in Edinburgh is Portobello Beach. This long sandy beach is approximately two to three miles (3.2 to 4.8 kilometers) east of the city center. Weather permitting, it’s an excellent place to relax, swim, and sunbathe.
Portobello Beach offers two miles (3.2 kilometers) of picturesque golden sand, a beautiful Victorian promenade, and many cafes, bars, and restaurants. Therefore, you can easily spend an entire day relaxing, having fun, and eating good food. When you’re not relaxing on the beach, tuck into a delicious pizza from the beachside pizzeria, Civerinos.
You can walk from the city center to Portobello Beach, but there are also plenty of buses.
Travel Tips
Portobello Beach Access: The beach is open to the public year-round and is a popular spot for swimming.
Dining by the Sea: Stop by The Beach House for coffee, breakfast, or a light lunch for its locally sourced menu and seafront views.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is one of Edinburgh’s most historically significant landmarks. Constructed in the 17th century, it is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. As expected, it has a royal appearance and a grand interior.
At the very least, you need to visit the palace to take some photographs. You’ll find it at the end of the Royal Mile. However, if you want to learn more about Scotland’s most well-known historical figures and see how the other half live, you must go on a tour.
You can visit the ornate staterooms, the throne room, and the palace gardens on tour. Meanwhile, you’ll also learn about Mary, Queen of Scots, and how the King uses the palace.
Travel Tips
Entry Fee & Hours: Tickets cost £25.00. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (April–October) and 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (November–March).
Nearby Spot: Visit Holyrood Abbey, a 12th-century ruin next to the palace.
One of the most unique things to do in Edinburgh is sample whisky at the Scottish Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile. Opened in 1998 by the Scotch whisky industry, it prides itself on showcasing Scotch to the world.
Visiting the Scottish Whisky Experience presents an excellent opportunity to learn how it’s made in Scotland and what it tastes like. There are several exciting experiences to choose from, all of which include sampling Scottish whisky.
The Silver Tour is an excellent choice if you’ve never tried whisky before. It consists of a guided tour with an expert guide and a single malt or blended Scotch whisky tasting. You’ll drink in a room that contains over 3,380 bottles of whisky.
Travel Tips
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:20 PM. The last entry is 1 hour before closing.
Tour Options: For a more in-depth experience, get the Gold Tour, which includes additional whisky samples and a guided nosing session.
Nearby Dining: Enjoy a meal at the highly-rated Angels with Bagpipes for modern Scottish cuisine in a historic setting.
Jack is a freelance content writer from the U.K. He writes about travel, health & lifestyle, and food amongst other things. As a passionate traveler, he’s always in search of his next big adventure, and ways to save his readers money on their next trip.