Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the great cities of Europe — a dramatic skyline of volcanic crags and spires, a medieval Old Town of closes and wynds, a Georgian New Town of classical elegance, and a cultural life that far outpunches its size. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week, Scotland’s capital rewards visitors with an extraordinary density of history, culture, food and natural drama within a remarkably compact city centre.

This guide covers the very best of Edinburgh — the unmissable landmarks, the hidden corners, where to eat and how to make the most of a visit whatever the season.

Edinburgh Castle — The Heart of the City

Edinburgh Castle dominates the city from its position on Castle Rock, a volcanic plug that has been fortified for over a thousand years. The Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and the One O’Clock Gun are highlights, but the real pleasure is simply walking the battlements and taking in the view across the city to the Firth of Forth. Book online in advance — queues for tickets at the gate can be long, particularly in summer.

The Royal Mile — Old Town at Its Best

The Royal Mile runs from the Castle Esplanade down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, forming the spine of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Walk it slowly — the real pleasure is in the closes (narrow alleyways) branching off either side, many leading to hidden courtyards, bars and architecture that most visitors never discover. Mary King’s Close, just off the Royal Mile, offers tours of a preserved 17th-century street buried beneath later development.

The Royal Mile is also where you’ll find some of the city’s best whisky shops, tartan retailers and traditional Scottish pubs — though for genuinely good food and drink it’s worth venturing slightly off the main drag.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse at the foot of the Royal Mile is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. The State Rooms are magnificent, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey within the grounds add a haunting historical dimension. Mary Queen of Scots’ private chambers — where her secretary David Rizzio was murdered in 1566 — are a particular highlight for history enthusiasts.

Arthur’s Seat — Edinburgh’s Wild Side

Rising 251 metres above Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is the remains of an ancient extinct volcano and offers one of the finest urban panoramas in Britain. The climb takes around 45 minutes to an hour at a comfortable pace, with several routes of varying difficulty. On a clear day the views stretch across the city, the Firth of Forth and out to Fife. It’s a remarkable thing to have genuine wilderness walking within ten minutes of a capital city centre.

National Museums and Galleries — All Free

Edinburgh’s national museums and galleries are world-class and almost entirely free to enter — one of the city’s great pleasures for visitors on any budget.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is one of the finest museums in Britain, combining a remarkable collection spanning Scottish history, science, technology, art and the natural world within a stunning Victorian building. Dolly the Sheep — the first cloned mammal — is here, alongside extraordinary Pictish stones and a roof terrace with panoramic city views.

Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery on the Mound houses Scotland’s national collection of fine art, with works by Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez, Turner and the Scottish Colourists. Compact enough to see properly in a couple of hours, unlike some of the larger national collections.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive viewpoints, crowned by a collection of monuments that have earned the city the nickname “Athens of the North” — including the unfinished National Monument, modelled on the Parthenon. The view from here, particularly at sunset, looking towards the Castle and across to Arthur’s Seat, is one of the great Edinburgh experiences and considerably less strenuous than the climb up Arthur’s Seat.

Family Attractions

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo at Corstorphine is one of Europe’s leading zoos, home to giant pandas, koalas, penguins and over 1,000 animals across 82 acres of hillside parkland. The Penguin Parade is a particular highlight for younger children.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden is free to enter and beautiful in every season, with 70 acres of landscaped grounds, dramatic glasshouses and a Chinese hillside. A peaceful escape from the city centre and excellent for families.

Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World

The Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World at Lasswade is a tropical experience with free-flying butterflies and a range of insects and reptiles — a great wet weather option just outside the city.

The Edinburgh Dungeon

For families with older children, the Edinburgh Dungeon brings the city’s darker history to life with live actors and special effects — terrifying tales of grave robbers, plague and torture. Not for younger or more sensitive children.

Underground Edinburgh — Ghost Tours and Vaults

Edinburgh has a justified reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the world, and the Edinburgh Ghost Tours exploring the city’s underground vaults and closes are genuinely atmospheric — a great evening activity, particularly appealing for couples or groups looking for something different from a conventional sightseeing day.

Active Edinburgh

The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho is one of the largest indoor climbing centres in the world, set in a former quarry. An excellent option for active families or anyone wanting a different kind of Edinburgh day out.

Eating and Drinking in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has an outstanding food and drink scene, with a particular strength in whisky bars, fine dining and traditional Scottish cooking done well. The New Town and Stockbridge are excellent for restaurants, while the Old Town has some genuinely historic pubs worth seeking out.

For whisky — Edinburgh has some of the finest whisky bars in the world. The Bow Bar in the Grassmarket and the Whiski Bar on the Royal Mile both have outstanding selections and knowledgeable staff happy to guide newcomers.

For traditional Scottish food — haggis, neeps and tatties remain a Scottish institution, and many of the city’s traditional pubs and restaurants do an excellent version. Edinburgh is also outstanding for seafood, with fresh catches from the Scottish coast featuring on menus across the city.

Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

August — the Edinburgh Festival Fringe transforms the city into the largest arts festival in the world. Extraordinary energy and an unparalleled choice of theatre, comedy and music — but also the busiest and most expensive time to visit, with accommodation booking up many months in advance.

December — Edinburgh’s Christmas markets and Hogmanay celebrations are spectacular, with the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens transformed for the festive season. One of the best Christmas city breaks in Britain.

Spring and early summer (April to June) — excellent weather, the Royal Botanic Garden at its best, and noticeably quieter than August. Arguably the best balance of good conditions and manageable crowds.

Winter (outside December) — quiet, atmospheric and excellent value. The Old Town in winter twilight, with the Castle illuminated above, has a genuine magic to it.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has an excellent range of accommodation, from boutique hotels in historic Old Town buildings to larger properties in the New Town and self-catering apartments throughout the city.

Practical Tips for Visiting Edinburgh

Edinburgh is very walkable — the Old Town, New Town, Castle and most major attractions are within comfortable walking distance of each other. The city is hilly though, so comfortable shoes matter.

Book the Castle and major attractions online — particularly in summer, online booking avoids long ticket queues and is often slightly cheaper.

Pack for all weathers — Edinburgh’s weather can change quickly, even in summer. A waterproof layer is sensible whatever the forecast says.

If visiting in August, book everything early — accommodation, restaurants and Fringe shows all book up fast during festival season.

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