The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh: A Definitive Guide
In a city so rich in history, culture, and beauty, how can you possibly choose what to do in Edinburgh first?
This is the dilemma that most visitors find themselves facing on their very first trip to this fair capital of Scotland. So many sights, so little time!
Luckily for you, we’ve done all the hard work for you and put together the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh, from visiting top attractions like The Royal Mile or The V&A Dundee to taking in a show at one of the city’s theatres or drinking cocktails with local hipsters in hidden bars.
There is something for everyone here. Whether you have just 24 hours or a week – this isn’t some ho-hum article about tourist traps and generic recommendations.
In fact, we bet that after reading this insider’s guide to everything worth doing in Edinburgh, you won’t be able to get enough of it! So read on…
The Royal Mile
This is the perfect introduction to Edinburgh. It’s the cobbled street that runs from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, passing Edinburgh’s Old Town on the way.
It’s here that you will find some of the top Edinburgh attractions, as well as plenty of shops and restaurants.
This is where you will get a real feel for the city, especially if you visit it during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, when it’s bustling with people, performers, and street theatre.
The Royal Mile is the perfect place to start exploring Edinburgh. You can easily visit Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh’s main shopping street, and more.
Your In Depth Guide To The Royal Mile
If you want to save time exploring and just head to the best parts of the Royal Mile, then Kakibot’s Guidebook has the video for you.
Edinburgh Castle
It stands proud on Edinburgh’s craggy, picturesque skyline. This is Edinburgh Castle, the most visited attraction in Scotland and one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
It’s been standing here for more than 1,000 years and served as Scotland’s main fortress for centuries.
Today, it’s the main visitor attraction for those wanting to learn about Edinburgh’s history, and you should definitely not miss out on visiting it.
You can choose from a range of different tours, from guided tours of the castle to a Ghost Tour of the castle’s dungeons.
Alternatively, you can visit the castle outside of opening hours when it’s possible to walk around the grounds and take in the view of the city from the castle walls.
Edinburgh’s Old Town
Edinburgh’s Old Town is one of the city’s most famous attractions. It’s the oldest part of the city, with a fascinating history and plenty to see.
It’s also the city’s main shopping district and a great place to find a souvenir or two.
The Royal Mile passes through Edinburgh’s Old Town, so you can wander along this street, popping into shops and stopping at Edinburgh’s many cafes and pubs to take advantage of the early-evening “happy hour”.
Among the city’s main attractions is Edinburgh Castle, which looms above the Old Town and is just a short walk from the main street.
To see a side of Edinburgh that is small, quiant and charming, then the Old Town is the place to head.
Edinburgh Zoo
This is one of the world’s best zoos and is home to some amazing animals. It’s also incredibly child-friendly and the perfect thing to do with the kids.
Edinburgh Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions, drawing more than 1 million visitors every year. The zoo sits a short distance from the heart of the city and is easily accessible by Lothian Buses.
The zoo is home to a variety of different animals, including penguins, polar bears, and red pandas.
The penguins are probably the zoo’s biggest attraction and, with the biggest penguin pool in Europe, are well worth seeing.
Edinburgh also has a reptile house and gardens where you can take in some more unusual animals.
Real Mary King’s Close
If you are a fan of all things spooky, then you can combine your trip to the Real Mary King’s Close with a trip to Edinburgh Castle’s dungeons, and you’ll get the ultimate creepy experience.
This is a real-life ghost tour of a haunted 17th century close, which are hidden streets underneath Edinburgh’s City Chambers. The Real Mary King’s Close is one of Edinburgh’s deepest secrets, a warren of streets frozen in time that reveal authentic truths about the city’s dark past.
You’ll descend into the dark and dank depths of these uniquely preserved streets on a guided tour with a costumed character guide, hearing all about Edinburgh’s gruesome history and getting very close to the city’s darker side. Learn about 17th-century medicine, experience a plague epidemic, and uncover Edinburgh’s hidden history through myths and legends.
At the end, you’ll enter the actual Mary King’s Close, a medieval alleyway that has been closed off for centuries and which is said to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland.
This alleyway has been frozen in time after it was quarantined during the bubonic plague and never reopened. It is an eerie and unique experience that shouldn’t be missed. Mary King’s Close tickets include audio guides, and the site has won a Tripadvisor award. It’s just a short walk from Waverley Train Station.
For an extra special experience, book a private tour and maybe even catch a glimpse of the rumoured royal visitor who haunts Mary King’s Close Edinburgh! A Mary Kings Close tour can really take you into the heart of the story related to this historic street.
Don’t forget to check out the Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation exhibit to learn more about what Mary King’s Close is.
Check Out This Video On Real Mary King’s Close
If you want to see what makes Mary King’s Close such a popular Edinburgh tourist attraction, then check out this great video.
Edinburgh Dungeon
If you’re looking for a slightly more exciting way to discover the history of the city, then the Edinburgh Dungeon might be more your scene.
This is a fun, interactive experience that tells the story of Edinburgh through a series of gory and theatrical shows.
It’s a great family attraction and perfect for anyone looking for some light entertainment during their trip to Edinburgh.
The shows are very gory and silly, but they are great fun for all ages.
The Edinburgh Dungeon is one of Scotland’s most visited attractions and sits at the top of The Royal Mile.
Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is a hill in the central area of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a prominent landmark, and is visible from many areas of the city. It is one of the top Edinburgh tourist attractions.
The hill was formed around 400 million years ago, and it has since been eroded by wind and rain. It is now a prominent rocky outcrop.
The hill has a distinctive shape, and it is often mentioned in literature and song. It is sometimes called the “Hill of Darkness” due to the thick fog that often covers it.
The hill is high, and there are several paths that lead to the top. One of the most popular is the Robsack Path, which starts at the top of the Royal Mile. Visitors are welcome to climb the hill, but they should be careful because there are some steep areas.
Arthur’s Seat can be seen from many areas of Edinburgh, including Holyrood Park and Calton Hill.
It is a popular spot for hikers and it is also a popular place to view the sunset. Climbing to the top feels like going underground into a hidden world above the city.
It is also one of the best Edinburgh free attractions, making it accessible for those on a lower budget.
Rosslyn Chapel
This is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and intriguing attractions. It’s a stunning 15th-century chapel hidden away in a woodland glen just a short drive from Edinburgh.
It’s a real architectural masterpiece, with ornate stone carvings and a unique interior, and definitely one of the top 10 Edinburgh attractions.
The chapel is best known for its ornate carvings, which are some of the most beautiful in Scotland.
There are plenty of other things to do at Rosslyn Chapel, including visiting its exhibition and gardens or enjoying a bite to eat at the on-site cafe or restaurant.
You can easily visit the chapel on a day trip to the nearby town of Roslin.
The V&A Dundee
This is another location that is just a day’s trip away from Edinburgh city centre.
The V&A Dundee is one of the newest museums in Scotland and the country’s first design museum. It opened in 2018 and is the V&A’s first stand-alone museum outside of London.
The V&A Dundee is a must-see attraction in Scotland and one of the best places to visit here.
It has a stunning design and is the perfect place to learn more about Scottish design and architecture, as well as the story behind some of Scotland’s most famous inventions.
The V&A Dundee has a wide variety of exhibitions, including a Design in Society exhibition, which explores the connections between design and society.
Scottish National Gallery: Scottish Masters & Renaissance Rooms
The Scottish National Gallery is one of Edinburgh’s top art galleries and the perfect place to visit if you have an interest in art and painting.
The gallery has a wide variety of exhibitions on show throughout the year, including exhibitions that focus on Scottish art.
It’s a must-visit for art lovers and one of the best places to visit in Edinburgh.
The gallery is spread across a number of buildings in Edinburgh’s city centre, including the Scottish National Gallery: Scottish Masters & Renaissance Rooms.
The Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens and Calton Hill
These are three of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks and the perfect places to visit if you are interested in architecture and history.
Edinburgh’s city-centre tourist attraction, the Scott Monument, was completed in 1844 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh.
The monument was built in honour of Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish author and poet, who was also a significant figure in Edinburgh’s history.
It is one of the tallest free-standing Victorian Gothic structures in Scotland, standing at a height of 95 metres.
Although it is not open to the public, visitors can still see the monument from afar and enjoy the view of Edinburgh’s skyline from this vantage point.
Whether you are a fan of Scott’s work or simply interested in Edinburgh’s history, the Scott Monument is well worth a visit.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
In August every year, Edinburgh becomes the epicentre of the art world. During the month-long festival, thousands of performers, artists and performers gather to showcase their work on the city’s streets, parks and venues.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest festival of its kind in the world, with an estimated 500,000 people attending each year.
There are hundreds of shows to choose from, so there’s a little bit of something for everyone.
For the more adventurous souls out there, the Fringe is also home to a number of unusual events, such as comedy shows based on the works of Jane Austen and an homage to the film Ghost.
There’s no doubt that Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival is a special experience that can be cherished for a lifetime.
Where To Stay
There are a number of amazing hotels to stay in when you visit Edinburgh. Here are my top 5 recommendations:
Royal Mile View – A contemporary, artistic hotel in an old Scottish building. This one is in an ideally close location to the Royal Mile.
The Balmoral Hotel – A stunning luxury hotel with a gym, restaurant, and pool.
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand – A stunning central hotel with an artistic, period design.
The Witchery By The Castle – A unique stay, the interiors are designed in a luxurious Victorian Gothic style.
Eden Locke – A modern, stylish hotel with a range of cultural programmes for guests to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not miss in Edinburgh?
Some of the top things you shouldn’t miss in Edinburgh are Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and Real Mary Close, as well as the Royal Mile and the Old Town.
Is 2 days enough to see Edinburgh?
While you won’t be able to fit everything in if you visit Edinburgh for two days, it will allow you to enjoy the city, see the main sights and soak up some of the culture.
What is the number one attraction in Edinburgh?
The number one attraction in Edinburgh is the Edinburgh Castle. This unique castle is one of the best in the whole UK and is a glorious place to explore.
Is Edinburgh a walkable city?
Yes! Edinburgh is a wonderful place to walk around and explore. It also has great public transport links meaning that tourists do not need a car at all.
Is it safe to walk in Edinburgh at night?
Generally, Edinburgh is safe to walk around at night but, of course, it is always safer if you stick together with another person if possible. Some areas it might be safe to avoid at night include Calton Hill, Dalry Road, Cowgate, Easter Street and Lothian Road.
Conclusion
I hope my article has given you some great ideas on what you can do when you visit Edinburgh. This city is known as one of the most beautiful, historical-cultural hubs in the entire world.
From literature to theatre to medieval history, there is plenty to discover here.
Not to mention, there are wonderful spots to head to in the surrounding area.
The west coast of Scotland is one of my favourite places in the entire world. I really hope that you feel the same, should you decide to visit.
Please feel free to leave a comment telling me about your trip to Edinburgh. If you want to discover more places to visit in the UK, check out my Ultimate Guide To The UK.
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Ta-ta for now! x
