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59 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh (By a Local)
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Sites & Attractions | Museums & Culture | Hidden Gems | Food & Drink | Outdoors | At Night | With Kids | History Tours | Rainy Day | Podcast
Edinburgh has an abundance of attractions on offer for visitors and locals alike. I lived in this city for almost two years and frequently return, and I am always finding new things to do.
To help tourists get started exploring Scotland’s capital city, I’ve compiled a list of the best and most unique things to do in Edinburgh. These include all the major tourist attractions plus lots of hidden gems, from the Royal Mile and Dean Village to Craigmillar Castle and beyond.
Make sure you also bookmark my guide to where to stay in Edinburgh once you’re ready to book your hotel. Now, let’s dive in!
59 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to the momentous Edinburgh Castle.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 225 9846 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 6 pm daily 1 April – 30 September, 9:30 am – 5 pm 1 October – 31 March | Entrance: £21.50, adults, £17 adults 65+, £13 children 7-15, children under 7 free | 👉 Book Edinburgh Castle tour on Viator
Edinburgh Castle is an absolute must-visit for history buffs out there. This is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe, with a long history as a royal residence, military garrison, fortress, and prison. Part of the castle remains in military use, and every day a field gun is fired at 1 pm to mark the time.
You can spend the best part of an afternoon here, visiting sites such as St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, and the Royal Palace, where King James VI was born. Make sure to see the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown jewels in the UK.
The castle is Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmark and has glorious views all over the city.
Royal Mile
Stroll down Edinburgh’s most historic street, from a castle to a palace.
The Royal Mile is many tourists’ first stop in Edinburgh (and my first recommended stop on my Edinburgh itinerary AND Scotland itinerary) for good reason.
This street in the heart of the Old Town runs downhill from Edinburgh Castle, passing by Mary King’s Close and St Giles’ Cathedral, towards the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way, there are centuries-old lanes, traditional bars, and numerous museums.
Watch street performers on the cobblestones and admire the architecture all around. Businesses here do charge tourist prices, so move a couple of streets away to find more affordable food and drink.
👉 Local Tip: There is stair-free access to the Royal Mile from Waverley Train Station via Cockburn Street or Jeffrey Street.
St Giles’ Cathedral
Enter this 900-year-old cathedral and learn about its tumultuous history.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 226 0677 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday, 1 pm – 5 pm Sunday | Entrance: Free, suggested donation £6
St Giles’ Cathedral is over 900 years old, so it’s been around a while. It was founded by King David I and is older than most of the surrounding Old Town.
During its significant history, it was the parish church of John Knox, a leader of the Reformation in Scotland. It also hosts classical concerts and, every four years, it holds a blessing ceremony for the Scottish Parliament.
This is a working church, so be mindful of prayer services and worshippers.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Learn about the dramatic and sometimes bloody history of Scotland’s monarchs at Edinburgh’s working royal residence.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 303 123 7306 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 6 pm daily 1 April – 31 October, 09:30 am – 4:30 pm daily 1 November – 31 March | Entrance: £26 adults, £17 young adult 18-24, £13 children 5-17, children under 5 free
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is King Charles’ official residence in Edinburgh and sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile. The palace is next to the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128. Several Scottish kings are buried here, and there have been royal residences for more than 500 years.
Today you can explore the chambers of the legendary Mary, Queen of Scots, and it’s said you can still see the bloodstains on the floor where her jealous husband stabbed her private secretary in 1566. You can also explore the throne room, great gallery, and palace gardens, which are within Holyrood Park.
👉 Local Tip: Access to the palace is restricted when the royal family is in attendance, particularly in Holyrood Week from the end of June to the beginning of July.
National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
Experience Scotland’s culture through some of its most influential people.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 624 6200 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Love art galleries? You’ll love Edinburgh. The city is a cultural hub for all types of art, and the National Gallery of Portraits is a real gem. Here you’ll find depictions of historic and contemporary Scots, from Ncuti Gatwa to Bonnie Prince Charlie.
In addition to regular displays, there are pop-up workshops and touring exhibitions. If that isn’t enough, the building itself is a work of art, with a constellation ceiling in the Great Hall.
Scott Monument
Climb the winding staircase to the top of the Scott Monument for views along the famous Princes Street.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 529 4068 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 3:30 pm daily, Closed 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm each day for lunch | Entrance: £9 adults, £7 children
The Scott Monument was built in honour of the novelist Walter Scott, after he died in the 19th century. The memorial contains a museum room on the first floor, with information about the writer’s life.
The upper levels of the monument are accessible only via a narrow spiral staircase, with 221 steps to the top. As you climb, there are viewing platforms looking out over Princes Street Gardens. This is an excellent way to get your steps in.
Princes Street Gardens
Hang out in this beautiful park in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 7 am – 6 pm daily 30 October – 26 March; 7 am – 6 pm 27 March – 23 April & 25 September to 29 October; 7 am – 8 pm 24 April – 28 May & 28 August – 24 September; 7 am – 10 pm 29 May – 27 August | Entrance: Free
Princes Street Gardens aren’t just any old park. This green space – which runs alongside Princes Street – was previously a manmade loch (lake) designed to protect Edinburgh Castle. When the loch was drained, ornamental gardens were created in that space.
The gardens are a popular spot for locals to relax during sunny days, and there are often events held at the Ross Bandstand. The Scott Monument can be found in the east gardens, while the Ross Foundation in the west gardens is a great photo spot, with the castle above.
Look out for the statue of Wojtek, a bear who served as a soldier in the Polish army during World War 2.
National Gallery of Scotland
See masterpieces from some of the greatest artists of history in this remarkable gallery.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 624 6200 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The National Gallery of Scotland is possibly the finest collection of art in all of Edinburgh. There are works here by masters such as Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt, and Velázquez, to name a few. The collection spans artworks dating from 1300 to 1945, with masterpieces by Scottish artists including Charles Rennie Mackintosh and William McTaggart.
Some of the most recognisable British paintings are displayed here, including The Monarch of the Glen and The Skating Minister. My personal favourite piece is Degas’ A Group of Dancers, although it’s hard to choose from over 400 works. There are also often temporary exhibitions to explore, some of which are ticketed.
One of the best things about the museum is that it’s free, making it one of my top recommendations for people looking to visit Edinburgh cheaply.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
These twin galleries are filled with internationally renowned modern art and surrounded by fascinating sculptures.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 624 6200 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is divided into two spaces, with outdoor sculptures connecting them. In front of Modern One is a magnificent land feature, which you can walk along before entering the gallery space. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including work by Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Cézanne, and Tracey Emin.
Over in Modern Two, there is a smaller collection of art with an exhibition space for temporary shows. There are more outdoor artworks here to explore and interact with. Both spaces are free to visit and easily accessible from the Water of Leith walkway.
Surgeons’ Hall Museum
One of the largest collections of its kind in the world, Surgeons’ Hall Museum showcases the evolution of modern medical science.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 527 1711 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: £10 adults, £6.50 over 60s, £5.50 under 16s, free for under 5s
Surgeons’ Hall Museums include the History of Surgery Museum, the Wohl Pathology Museum, and the Dental Collection. This is one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in the world, having been open to the public since 1832.
On display are anatomical specimens, surgical instruments, and other specimens, such as a book said to be bound with the skin of the murderer William Burke. This is a gory museum and not recommended for children under the age of 10.
As well as tales of 19th-century body snatching, you’ll learn about the discoveries of antiseptics and chloroform, as well as the inspiration for Sherlock Holmes. This is truly a one-of-a-kind museum.
Arthur’s Seat
Climb this extinct volcano for breathtaking views of the city.
Arthur’s Seat is a marvel – an extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh with Dark Age ruins still visible on the slopes. The volcano reaches a height of 251 metres above sea level and has a well-trodden path to the summit.
The path is steep in places and not accessible for those with mobility issues, but manageable for people with reasonable fitness levels. Wear hiking boots and pay close attention to weather forecasts.
Also within Holyrood Park, you’ll find St Anthony’s Chapel, Duddingston Loch, and Salisbury Crags.
Invisible Cities
See Edinburgh through the eyes of a local and support social projects.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 7500 773 709 | Website | Hours: Tour dependent | Entrance: £17
Invisible Cities is one of the most unique and meaningful ways to explore Edinburgh. This organisation runs guided walking tours where all of the guides have experienced homelessness. They are experts in the city and can share insights that are unlike anyone else’s.
I can personally recommend the Real Women of Edinburgh tour, and history buffs will love the Crime and Punishment tour about the dark side of law and order. These are entertaining, educational, and thought-provoking tours, which will also highlight social projects that other guides wouldn’t. This is a great experience for the responsible tourist.
Edinburgh Sites & Attractions
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Don’t miss a chance to experience the world’s largest performance arts festival if you’re in Edinburgh in August.
The whole month of August, annually | Phone: +44 131 226 0026 | Website | Entrance: Ticket price
Edinburgh transforms each August as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – the largest performance arts festival in the world – rolls into town. Hundreds of acts are staged in venues all across the city for just over four weeks. Many of these shows are free, while more popular acts tend to charge for admission.
You’ll find every kind of stage show at the Fringe, from stand-up comedy to musical performances to variety shows and more. There’s a Fringe app to help you find shows available near you and a programme of all the events on offer. It can be overwhelming, but that’s half of the fun!
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Visit this internationally famous cemetery and pay tribute to a loyal dog.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: + 44 131 664 4314 | Website | Entrance: Free
The most famous inhabitant of Greyfriars Kirkyard isn’t a person, but a dog. Just outside the kirkyard’s (churchyard’s) east gable is the statue of a Skye Terrier known as Greyfriars Bobby, who was said to have guarded the grave of his former owner for 14 years after his death.
In honour of his loyalty, a bronze statue was erected, and it’s now a tradition for visitors to Edinburgh to rub the dog’s shiny nose.
There are other notable figures buried in this kirkyard, including influential poets, geologists, architects, and statesmen, but none are as beloved as Greyfriars Bobby.
Scottish Parliament
Get up close to Scottish democracy in an architectural gem.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: + 131 348 5000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Sundays | Entrance: Free
The Scottish Parliament building is a relatively recent addition to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, opening in 2004. It’s a striking piece of architecture, designed to connect politicians with the Scottish people and landscape.
You can explore the building any time it’s open for free, but I would recommend taking a free guided tour to learn about many of the quirks of the building. You can also book in advance to see parliamentary business in the debating chamber.
Dean Village
Transport yourself from modern Edinburgh to the stunning former mill area of Dean Village.
Dean Village is a former mill village, and you can see traces of this in the mill stones displayed around the area. The village hugs the shores of the Water of Leith, with a dramatic view to be found at Deans Brae Bridge. The most impressive village is Well Court, a former home for local mill workers.
A short walk away from the village are the National Galleries of Modern Art.
National Monument of Scotland
This memorial to soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars is an unusual site on the horizon.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The National Monument of Scotland isn’t actually that Scottish. The building was designed to be a replica of the Parthenon in Greece and act as a memorial to soldiers and sailors killed in the Napoleonic Wars. However, funding ran out shortly after construction began in the early 19th century, and the building was never completed.
The building was nicknamed the “National Disgrace” but has become an integral part of the Edinburgh skyline. It’s also the site of the annual Beltane Fire Festival, which marks the beginning of summer.
Lauriston Castle
This 16th-century castle hosts various events year-round in its extensive gardens and house.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 336 2060 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 7:30 pm daily grounds access 1 April – 30 September; 8 am – 4:30 pm 1 October – 31 March; 1:30 pm and 3 pm guided tours Tuesday – Sunday | Entrance: Free grounds access, guided tour £10 adults, £8 concession
Lauriston Castle is found at the very north of Edinburgh, and has commanding views over the Firth of Forth. The grounds are free to access, and visitors can wander around the woodlands and the Japanese garden. There are frequent events held at the castle, including lectures, creative workshops, and tours.
The castle interiors capture life in a stately home at the beginning of the 20th century. Visits to the house have to be pre-booked and are by guided tour only.
🚗 How to Get There: There are several bus routes from Edinburgh’s Old Town to Laurieston Castle. Take either the 27 or the 37 bus north to Silverknowes Place, followed by a five-minute walk.
Covenanter’s Memorial
Discover the spot of one of Edinburgh’s former public gallows.
This stone circle in Grassmarket can easily go unnoticed, but it marks a particularly bloody period of Edinburgh’s history. Public executions were held on this spot, most notably of many Covenanters, a 17th-century religious movement which disputed the rule of kings over the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
Edinburgh Museums & Culture
Museum of Edinburgh
This museum is in one of the Royal Mile’s most historic buildings, and it tells the story of Edinburgh.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 529 4143 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free (Recommended Donation: £5)
The Museum of Edinburgh is a small museum that explores the history of the city through some landmark objects, including the National Covenant of 1638 (linked to the Covenanters’ Memorial in Grassmarket) and the collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby of Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Admire the decorative art here, from engraved glass to crafted silver and porcelain. This museum is easily found on the Royal Mile, across from Canongate Kirk and only a few minutes from the Scottish Parliament Building.
👉 Did You Know?: Huntly House, where the Museum of Edinburgh is based, was featured in season 3 of the TV show, Outlander.
The Georgian House
Step back in time with a visit to the Georgian House and discover what it was like to live and work in the 18th century.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 225 2160 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, 1 March – 31 October, 10 am – 4 pm daily, 1 November – 31 March | Entrance: £13.50 adults, £10.50 concession, £8 children
If you’ve ever wondered what life was like in Edinburgh in the 18th century, the Georgian House is the place for you. Here, you can explore grand family rooms, restored to what they may have looked like in the late 1700s. You can also learn about the lives of servants who worked in such houses and see the basement where they slept.
In each room, there’s a mysterious or unusual object, and visitors are encouraged to ask their guides for an explanation about its use in the Georgian era.
St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral
Take a moment to reflect in this serene cathedral and the public gardens.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 225 6293 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm Monday – Friday, 8 am -5 pm Saturday – Sunday | Entrance: Free
St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is one of the finest churches in Edinburgh and is the seat of the Bishop of Edinburgh. The building in the West End is an easy walk from Haymarket station or accessible by bus or tram.
There are several notable artworks within the building, and the cathedral grounds are undergoing work to improve biodiversity by rewilding and creating a community garden. During the Edinburgh International Festival in August, the cathedral hosts various music, arts, and drama events.
The Writer’s Museum
Admire artefacts from three heroes of Scottish literature and learn about their life stories.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 529 4901 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free (Recommended Donation: £5)
The Writer’s Museum focuses on three groundbreaking Scottish writers: Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Exhibits include personal objects such as Scott’s childhood rocking horse, Stevenson’s riding boots, and a plaster cast of Burns’ skull. There are also manuscripts and first-edition books to marvel at.
You can find the museum in a stunning traditional square in Lady Stair’s Close.
City Art Centre
Marvel at 300 years of Scottish artworks, right in the heart of Edinburgh.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 529 3993 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free (Recommended Donation: £5)
The City Art Centre houses Edinburgh’s collection of over 4,500 drawings, prints, paintings, sculptures, and photographs – spread out across a nine-storey former warehouse. These pieces were made by some of the most important Scottish artists from the 17th century to now, and the collection continues to buy contemporary work.
There are temporary exhibitions staged throughout the year, and you can relax after a morning of art admiration with a coffee and cake at Mimi’s Bakehouse on the ground floor.
The University of Edinburgh
Immerse yourself in the beautiful campus of one of Scotland’s ancient universities.
Even if you’re not a prospective student in Edinburgh, visiting the University of Edinburgh is well worth your time. This is one of Scotland’s four ancient universities, and it has a beautiful campus to the south of the city. This is a hub for events during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and there are multiple museums and collections open to the general public.
Head to Bristo Square and admire the towering McEwan Hall or take a self-guided campus walking tour, making sure to visit the iconic Old College. The neighbourhood around the main campus has a variety of excellent restaurants and bars to refresh yourself after the tour.
Museum on the Mound
Edinburgh’s only museum of money includes a safe-cracking game and Scotland’s oldest banknote.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 243 5464 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday- Friday, 1 pm – 5 pm Saturday, Closed Sunday – Monday | Entrance: Free
The Museum on the Mound is a relatively niche museum, focused on the history of banking and money in Scotland. Appropriately, the museum is housed in the head office of the Bank of Scotland, at the top of the Mound, which towers over Waverley train station.
Within the museum, you can explore how money changed over the past 4,000 years, see a 1 million pound coin, and even try to crack a safe. Keep an eye out for Scotland’s oldest banknote and have a go at building a model home in the museum’s interactive exhibits.
Hidden Gems in Edinburgh
St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins
When ascending Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park, make a detour to these grand church ruins.
All that remains of St Anthony’s Chapel is a single wall, but it could hardly have a grander backdrop. After a brief but rocky and steep climb in Holyrood Park, you’ll reach these ruins, which have panoramic views over the neighbourhood of Leith.
Near the chapel are the remnants of another building, likely a store room, and a carved stone bowl known as St Anthony’s Well. Directly beneath is St Margaret’s Loch, a small manmade loch (lake) ideal for birdwatchers.
Craigmillar Castle
Don’t miss out on Edinburgh’s extremely impressive ‘other castle’, complete with a tower house.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 661 4445 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm daily 1 April – 30 September, 9:30 am – 4 pm daily 1 October – 31 March | Entrance: £8.50 adults, £6.80 concession, £5 under 16s
Craigmillar Castle may be within Edinburgh city limits, but it feels a world away from the cramped streets of the Old Town. This castle was historically a retreat from the city and served as a haven for Mary, Queen of Scots.
This remarkably well-preserved castle includes a tower house, with a prison and a great hall inside. There’s a maze of rooms within the walls, and impressive city views from the castle ramparts. Look out for the pair of Yew trees at the castle entrance, which are believed to have provided wood for bows and arrows.
Cramond Island
This small island in the Firth of Forth is accessible by a walkway at low tide for unique views of the coast.
On the shores of the Firth of Forth at the north of Edinburgh, you’ll find Cramond Beach and its beautiful promenade. If you want to be more adventurous, you can walk to Cramond Island at certain times each day. Make sure to check the safety board for safe times to walk out to the island during low tide, and crucially, when it is safe to return.
On the island, you’ll be able to see First and Second World War fortifications and coastal defences, which were operational during both wars. There are also beaches for anyone brave enough to sunbathe in Scottish weather.
Edinburgh Food & Drink
Holyrood Distillery
Sample some excellent local whisky at Holyrood Distillery.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 285 8977 | Website | Hours: 11:15 am – 7 pm Sunday – Wednesday, 11:15 am – 8 pm Thursday – Saturday| Tour: £25-45 | 👉 Book the Holyrood Distillery Tour & Tasting
Holyrood Distillery is a recent addition to the city, having only been founded in 2019. It also has a modern approach to making whisky – focusing on the brewing element. In addition to the single cask and single malt whiskies here, there’s only a spirit for sale, which would become whisky if put into a cask.
There is a range of tours on offer for beginners and connoisseurs of whisky, where you can sample products. If whisky isn’t your drink of choice, you can also try gin or vodka crafted here. Plus, the distillery also cask finishes imported rum.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Take a guided tour of Scotland’s whisky for beginners and non-beginners alike.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 220 0441 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm daily | Entrance: £24-100 adults | 👉 Book the The Scotch Whisky Experience
The Scotch Whisky Experience offers a comprehensive overview of whisky for newcomers and whisky fans alike. There is a range of different tours on offer, including a one-hour Silver Tour which gives an introduction to blending and a dram to taste, and an evening Platinum Tour with a tutored nosing.
As part of the tours, you’ll see some of the more than 3,000 bottles of Scotch whisky on display – although you won’t be able to try them all! To line your stomach, there is a high-end restaurant in the exhibition building which serves up seasonal Scottish cuisine.
This is not a working distillery, so if you would like to see how whisky is made, I would recommend taking a tour of Holyrood Distillery.
Stockbridge Market
Find artisanal goods at this weekly local market.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm every Sunday
Every Sunday morning at Saunders Street in Stockbridge, you’ll find local traders setting up stalls for Stockbridge Market. Here, you can find all sorts of homemade goods, from handcrafted silver jewellery to fried insects on a stick.
The traders change week by week, so you’ll always be able to find something unique and unexpected. This makes for a perfect slow Sunday activity.
Grassmarket
This picturesque area is full of charming bars and terraces.
The area of Grassmarket is a great place to find lively nightlife in Edinburgh. During the day, this is a popular spot to relax in a beer garden, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle above. At night, you can find live music at pubs like Biddy Mulligans and the White Hart Inn.
To really make it a night, wander a bit further along the road to Cowgate, where many of the city’s clubs are located. Two local favourites here are The Banshee Labyrinth, a haunted-themed bar, and Stramash, housed in a restored church.
Outdoor Attractions & Iconic Streets
The Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve
This hilly park in the south of Edinburgh offers a nature retreat and views over the city.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve is a former estate in the south of Edinburgh, which has been turned into a park. This is a great spot for a stroll along hillside walking trails with several viewpoints over the city.
Hermitage of Braid, a 1700s house, is not currently open to the public, but visitors can view the ice house and the walled garden nearby. Also in the park is the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, which offers pre-booked tours and telescope stargazing.
Victoria Street
Window shop along what is arguably Edinburgh’s prettiest street.
Victoria Street is one of the most picturesque streets in Edinburgh. The curving cobblestoned road is flanked by colourful shops and overlooked by a quiet terrace lane. Take a shopping trip here to enjoy all of the independent clothing, food, and accessory shops, dine in one of the restaurants, or simply take in the view.
Need some shopping inspiration? Several of Sky’s favourite quirky shops in Edinburgh are on (or very near) Victoria Street.
Calton Hill
Full of neoclassical monuments, Calton Hill is a popular hiking spot for views over the city.
If you’re looking for a good spot to watch some fireworks, locals will recommend Calton Hill. The climb is not very challenging up this central hill, and at the top you’ll find several impressive monuments – including the National Monument of Scotland – and incredible views. The art gallery Collective is also housed here, in the old city observatory.
Walk along the paths for a 360-degree view of Edinburgh, all the way to the Firth of Forth. This is one of the most peaceful spots in central Edinburgh.
Pentland Hills
Enjoy year-round outdoor activities such as an alpaca walk.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Strictly speaking, the Pentland Hills are outside of Edinburgh. However, this regional park is only a short drive from Edinburgh, and it’s well worth the journey. There are nine peaks within the park and plenty of viewpoints to enjoy.
The Pentland Hills are a dream destination for outdoorsy types. Depending on the season, you’ll be able to take part in all sorts of activities, including fishing, camping, orienteering, pony-trekking, golfing, skiing, and of course, alpaca walking.
Water of Leith
This woodland pathway is the most scenic route between tourist attractions in the north of Edinburgh.
The Water of Leith walkway is an oasis of calm in the capital city. This 13-mile trail winds from east to west across Edinburgh, ending on the shores of Leith. Along the way are attractions including Dean Village, the Modern Art Galleries, Stockbridge Market, and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
You can walk, cycle, or run along the path and enjoy the tranquillity of the waterway. Look out for Antony Gormley’s eerily beautiful 6 Times figure near the Modern Art Galleries. Take care in secluded parts of the walk at night.
The Meadows
This popular park is conveniently located beside the University of Edinburgh.
The Meadows is a wide public park complete with a children’s play park and sports pitches. You’ll often find students from the University of Edinburgh relaxing here, particularly on warm sunny days. There’s an excellent coffee stall at the north of the park at Uplands Roast, where you can grab a morning brew before strolling around the grass.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
A green oasis of calm, the botanic garden is only a mile from the centre of Edinburgh.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 248 2909| Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily 1 February – 31 October, 10 am – 4 pm 1 November – 31 January | Entrance: Free
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh stretches over 70 acres in the north of Edinburgh, with a variety of different plants from around the world. Visitors can explore the rock garden, the Chinese hillside, or the arboretum, along with other highlights. There is also art on display in the garden’s exhibition space in Inverleith House.
As of August 2025, the garden’s Glasshouses are temporarily closed as part of a restoration project.
Lochrin Basin
Lochrin Basin may not look like much of a tourist attraction, but there’s more on offer here than you may think.
This mooring spot at the terminus of the Union Canal is not just a site to berth a boat, but also a great walking and cycling spot. You can admire the colourful boats and impressive street art with a coffee, or engage in some fishing with a permit from the Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling.
Corstorphone Hill Tower
This memorial tower is over 150 years old and is near Edinburgh Zoo.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Corstorphone Hill Tower, in the west of Edinburgh, is a monument dedicated to Walter Scott, the legendary Scottish writer. The tower is over 150 years old, and the grounds surrounding it are open to the public within Hillwood Park.
The tower is near Edinburgh Zoo, and it’s a pleasant stroll to the tower for anyone in the area.
Circus Lane
Strike a pose in Edinburgh’s most picture-perfect street.
Often considered the most beautiful street in Edinburgh, Circus Lane has become a popular spot for taking photos. This cobblestoned lane is overlooked by St Stephen’s Theatre and lined with flowers. It’s located in the heart of Stockbridge, surrounded by cute cafes and local shops.
👉 Local Tip: This is a residential street, so make sure not to block entryways or disturb the locals.
Portobello Beach
Take a trip to the seaside without leaving Edinburgh.
Portobello is a characterful suburb of Edinburgh, accessible by a short bus journey from the City Centre. The highlight of Portobello is its beautiful sandy beach, a perfect retreat on sunny days. Stroll along the promenade, sunbathe on the sand, or even take a dip in the water if you can brave the cold.
For an elevated experience, book a session at Soul Water Sauna and alternate between North Sea swimming and the sauna. Portobello is full of independent shops and restaurants to enjoy after a day on the beach – The Esplanade Bar and Restaurant has some of the best views over the Firth of Forth to see while dining.
Granton Castle Walled Garden
A medieval relic, this walled garden has been given new life as a community space.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 2 pm – 4 pm Saturday and Sunday 1 April – 31 October, 1 pm – 3 pm Saturday and Sunday 1 November – 31 March | Entrance: Free
Granton Castle Walled Garden is a unique project in Edinburgh. A local community group has reclaimed a medieval walled garden to provide a space for social enterprises, including flower and mushroom farms and an apiary. The group also runs seasonal workshops on crafts such as wreath-making and flower arranging, and opens the space to visitors several times a week.
Greenfingered visitors and anyone with an interest in gardening should pay a visit to the walled garden and get hands-on with nature.
Edinburgh At Night
South Bridge Vaults
Embark on a guided tour of these abandoned underground vaults and learn about their gory history.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 557 4700 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: £24 adults |👉 Book a Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour on Viator
Underneath one of Edinburgh’s busiest streets is a spooky secret. Beneath South Bridge lies an extensive vault network, which was formerly a slum. Each of the vaults has a dark story of witchcraft or criminality or worse… and the only way to explore these vaults is through a guided tour.
Auld Reekie Tours offers a range of progressively scarier tours in the vaults, where you’ll hear tales of hauntings and torture. Anyone with a love of the macabre should pay a visit.
Filmhouse
Watch some incredible independent films at this grassroots cinema.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 380 5280 | Website | Hours: 10 am – late, daily
The Filmhouse is a beloved independent cinema in Edinburgh, recently reopened after a closure of several years. Back open and fully refurbished, the cinema showcases smaller and classic films. The Filmhouse Bar also serves food and drink, seven days a week from 10 am to late.
Things to Do With Kids in Edinburgh
Dynamic Earth
Explore the depths of the ocean, volcanoes, and the universe at Edinburgh’s science centre.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 550 7800 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: £23 adults, £20 concession, £15 under 16s, free under 4s
Dynamic Earth is a must-do for all science lovers and stargazers. Children will love the centre’s exhibitions, which will take you through the Big Bang, into a volcano, to the depths of the ocean, and under the Northern Lights. There’s also an incredible planetarium to view the night sky and our place in the universe.
Day tickets are not available for Dynamic Earth, and entrance fees will grant you access for 12 months. Some special events are also held during the Edinburgh Fringe in August, including a whisky tasting experience under the stars.
Edinburgh Zoo
See some of the world’s most awe-inspiring animals up close at this zoo and conservation charity.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 314 0300 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm 1 November – 28 February, 10 am – 5 pm 1 March – 31 March and 1 October – 31 October, 10 am – 6 pm 1 April – 30 September | Entrance: £29.95 adults, £27.50 concession, £19.50 under 16, free under 3
Edinburgh Zoo is the most impressive zoo in Scotland, with over 2,500 animals living here from all around the world. See lions and flamingos, penguins and kangaroos – all a short bus ride from Edinburgh city centre. One particular favourite is Haggis the Hippo, an endangered pygmy hippo calf recently born at the zoo.
There are daily talks to learn more about the species in the zoo, as well as the opportunity to work as a zookeeper for a day, allowing you to meet and care for some of the residents.
Chocolatarium
Sample chocolate from around the world and create your own unique bar to take home.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 117 205 1079 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8:30 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: £28, adults, £18.50 children | 👉 Book The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience
Tucked on Cranston Street, off the Royal Mile, is a tasty hidden gem – the Chocolatarium. This chocolate micro-factory offers several different tours, including the classic Tour of Chocolate, a truffle-making experience, and chocolate and whisky or wine pairings.
The Tour of Chocolate includes a session of chocolate bar making, where you can create a unique flavour combination from over 20 ingredients. Most entrancingly, the tour includes a tasting portion of Scottish and international chocolates. Advance booking is recommended.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Enjoy dozens of optical illusions and be awed by a Victorian-era camera obscura.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 226 3709 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm daily, changes seasonally | Entrance: £24.95 adults, £21.95 adults 65+, £17.95 children 5-15, children under 5 free
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a huge hit with kids, who get to explore six floors of interactive optical illusions. There are over 100 impressive illusions to admire before reaching the pinnacle attraction – the Camera Obscura itself.
This is an incredible scientific display that acts like a pinhole camera or periscope. During daylight hours, you’ll be guided through a live tour of Edinburgh created by mirrors and lenses. You’ll get the best – and most detailed – views of Edinburgh here.
Museum of Childhood
Rediscover children’s games and toys dating back hundreds of years at the world’s first museum of childhood.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 529 4142 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free (Recommended Donation: £5)
The Museum of Childhood is the world’s first ever museum dedicated to the history of childhood, and it displays toys, games, books, and dolls played with by children for hundreds of years. One of the highlights is the Queen Anne doll, which dates from around 1740.
Some toys may be familiar, such as a Buzz Lightyear or a Fisher-Price chatter telephone, while others show the evolution of children’s items. This is a great place for young ones to learn about the childhoods of their parents and grandparents, and for people to reminisce.
Scottish Storytelling Centre/John Knox House
The Scottish Storytelling Centre will be a delight for children with active imaginations.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 556 9579 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: £7 adults, £1.50 children over 7, children under 7 free
On Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, you’ll find a curious combination of attractions – the purpose-built Scottish Storytelling Centre and the medieval John Knox House. The Storytelling Centre is a great place to entertain children with a year-round traditional arts calendar, including live storytelling and theatre. There’s also an interactive Storywall and bookshop.
The John Knox House dates back to 1470 and was briefly home to the Reformation leader. You can learn about the previous inhabitants of the house and time capsules found buried in the gable walls on a guided tour of the building.
Edinburgh History Tours
Mary King’s Close
Follow the footsteps of real-life Edinburgh residents from the 17th century in underground alleyways.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 225 0672 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: £25 adults, £18 under 16 | 👉 Book a Real Mary King’s Close Tour
This is one of the most hands-on ways to learn about Edinburgh’s history. At Mary King’s Close, tour guides dress in character as real people who lived on this street to show you what life was like in the 17th century. There’s a maze of historic alleyways to travel through underneath Edinburgh City Chambers.
The tour covers 400 years of history in these streets, and there are themed tours around holidays like Halloween and Christmas. This is a very popular attraction and advance booking is recommended.
Ghost Tour
See the spooky side to Edinburgh, if you dare.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: + 44 844 5678 666 | Website | Hours: 6 pm – 9:30 pm daily | Entrance: £19 adults, £16 concession, £14 under 16 | 👉 Book a Ghost Bus Tour on Viator
Edinburgh has an infamously spooky past, and the best way to learn about it is by taking the Ghost Bus Tour. The bus takes tourists around many of Edinburgh’s main attractions and shares the haunted history behind some of the best-known spots.
To add to the spooky vibes, tours run in the evening, and you may be wandering around graveyards after dark. Plus, strange, supernatural occurrences have been seen on the bus itself. This comedy horror experience is an entertaining way for families to explore Edinburgh.
Things to Do on a Rainy Day
The Edinburgh Dungeon
Chase a thrill and live through Edinburgh’s spookiest history in the Edinburgh Dungeon.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 240 1041 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm daily | Entrance: £22, adults, £20.50 children | 👉 Book a Tour of the Edinburgh Dungeon
Horror thrillseekers have to take a tour of the Edinburgh Dungeon. During this 75-minute tour, you’ll be immersed in recreations of some of Edinburgh’s most gruesome history. Live actor performances will put the hair on the back of your neck, and if that isn’t enough, a drop ride will leave your stomach in your mouth.
This creative retelling of dark history is great for older children and ghost hunters.
Royal Yacht Britannia
See what life was like on board the Royal Family’s former floating residence.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 555 5566 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm 1 November – 31 March, 10 am – 6 pm 1 April – 30 September, 10 am – 5:30 pm 1 October – 31 October | Entrance: £22 adults, £10.50 under 18, Free under 5
At the Royal Yacht Britannia, visitors can tour the five decks of the ship, which served the Royal Family for over 40 years. On the tour, you’ll explore the state apartments and royal residence, where Queen Elizabeth stayed when on board, as well as working areas like the engine room and the bridge.
While on board, you can have some sandwiches, cakes, and soups at the royal deck tearoom, where the Royal Family used to play deck games.
Armchair Books
This secondhand book shop, popular with locals, is overflowing with character.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 229 5927 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm daily | 👉 Book a Literary Pub Tour on Viator
Edinburgh is a book-lover’s dream destination. There are plenty of small, independent new and used book shops all over the city, including Lighthouse, Transreal Fiction, the Book Lovers Bookshop, Golden Hare Books, and the Gently Mad Book Shop, to name a few.
Armchair Books is one of the most well-known rare and secondhand book shops in Edinburgh, and it’s packed with charm. The shop is tiny but filled with books from floor to ceiling. You may just find a real gem in here, and it’s a must-do on any book crawl of Edinburgh.
National Museum of Scotland
Explore natural history, science, arts exhibits, and more at the National Museum of Scotland.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 300 123 6789 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The National Museum of Scotland is a treasure trove of incredible objects, including a South Pacific feast bowl, striking Vivienne Westwood creations, a Picasso artist’s proof, and a deceptively cute Scottish wildcat. It’s an eclectic mix, with plenty of hands-on activities for children.
Don’t miss Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal from an adult cell. She’s on permanent display in the museum. Plus, head up to the seventh-floor roof terrace for some of the best views of Edinburgh.
Want More? Listen to My Scotland Podcast Episode!
If you liked this post, you’ll love my Scotland episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Scotland”).
I talk about things to do in Edinburgh at minute mark 14:14.
The host, Laura, and I also discussed my ideal 7-10 day itinerary for Scotland (05:40), festivals & cultural events (46:17), travel tips and etiquette (41:50), why more people should visit Scotland (02:21) and all the other common questions about travel to Scotland.
Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Edinburgh.
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I hope this guide has inspired you to go out and experience the best of Edinburgh! Planning to explore more of the country beyond Edinburgh? Up next, take a look at my guide to the best places to visit in Scotland.
