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Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and one of the top tourist destinations in the UK. With its fascinating medieval Old Town and attractive Georgian New Town to explore, plus spectacular historical sites and easy access to nature, you’ll be spoilt for choice of things to do during your trip to Edinburgh. And you can’t leave town without discovering the origins of Harry Potter and the meaning of the phrase, wee dram!
Whether you’ve got a weekend or a little longer in this eclectic city, here are our 17 best things to do in Edinburgh.
1. Climb Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano that offers spectacular views of the city from its 251-meter tall peak. The easiest route is from Dunsapie Loch on Queen’s Drive. Or, if you can’t face the hike up to the peak, Arthur’s Seat is located in Holyrood Park which is a scenic place in itself for a picnic. There’s a well-preserved fort to explore here, and the park is also home to St Anthony’s Chapel, dating back to the 15th century.
2. Stroll Through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh dates back 350 years, and visitors can spend a few tranquil hours exploring 72 acres of lush scenery. You’ll discover more than 13,000 living species as you wander, and the gardens also offer panoramic views of the city, including Edinburgh Castle.
Located on the edge of the New Town, this easily accessible attraction also has a cafe and restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat once you’ve finished exploring.
3. Discover Haunted Edinburgh’s Darkest Secrets
Edinburgh is one of the best places in the UK to take a ghost tour, thanks to the city’s many haunted locations. Book a guided tour to see spooky city highlights such as Greyfriars Kirkyard. This spot is famous for its memorial to Greyfriars Bobby and is said to have been the location of countless religiously-motivated deaths in the 17th century. You’ll also learn about the Royal Mile and its 400 years of dark events, and you’ll visit the vaults and The Real Mary King’s Close in Old Town.
4. Sample a Wee Dram at a Whisky Distillery
A wee dram is how locals refer to a single measure of whisky, and no visit to Scotland is complete without sampling its most famous export. The best way to get to know whisky is to attend a distillery tour. Here are some of the best options in and around Edinburgh.
Scotch Whisky Experience
Conveniently located at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the Scotch Whisky Experience is the best place in the city to learn about whisky. Here, you can take a tour of the distillery, sample drams from the Scottish Highlands, and pick up a bottle to take home.
Holyrood Distillery
Holyrood Distillery is located near the park of the same name and makes a great reward for climbing Arthur’s Seat. Their tours teach guests about the city’s long history of whisky distillation, and you can try a dram from their signature smoky cask.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Johnnie Walker’s Princes Street location is a great pick for tentative whisky drinkers who prefer cocktails over sipping it neat. Daily tours walk visitors through the brand’s many whisky flavors, and there are regular events with live music and food pairing to look out for.
Whisky & Folklore Tour
It’s said that whisky and storytelling are at the heart of Scottish culture, and if that’s true, then this tour shouldn’t be missed. The Whisky & Folklore tour takes place in a city center pub where patrons can get cozy and listen to captivating takes while sampling different whiskies.
5. Don’t Be a Muggle… Do The Harry Potter Trail
Calling all Potterheads — you won’t want to miss the much-loved Harry Potter Trail while you’re in town. This interactive walking tour explores the locations that inspired JK Rowling, including the real-life Diagon Alley, and also takes you to the places where she wrote the books. You might even learn a spell or two during the tour!
6. Explore Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the UK’s most famous tourist attractions, so don’t miss touring it during your trip. During a guided tour, knowledgeable staff regale visitors with tales of the castle’s long history, including stories about Mary, Queen of Scots, and how the castle became the most besieged place in Britain. The tour takes in all of the most fascinating areas of the castle, including St. Margaret’s Chapel, and you’ll also enjoy stunning views of the city.
If possible, visit during the afternoon to enjoy the one o’clock gun that fires every day other than Sundays, Christmas Day, and Good Friday. It was once used to help ships in the Firth of Forth set their maritime clocks, but now it’s just fired for fun!
7. Take a Day Trip to Portobello Beach
The weather can be a little unpredictable in Scotland, but if you’re lucky enough to be there on a sunny day, you shouldn’t miss Portobello Beach. Take a picnic to enjoy on the sandy beach, try your luck in the arcades that line the high street, stroll among gorgeous Victorian and Georgian architecture, or sample some local dairy delights at one of the ice cream parlors. Portobello Beach is easy to reach by bus, or it’s just a 20-minute drive by car.
8. Experience Mind-bending Illusions
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions was originally founded in 1835 on Calton Hill, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, the exhibition is home to more than 100 interactive displays and optical illusions that’ll have you second-guessing what’s real and what isn’t. This is a great activity on a rainy day if you’re traveling with kids or just love a wacky day out.
9. Shop ‘til You Drop on Victoria Street
Victoria Street is a charming and quaint thoroughfare that connects Grassmarket to Lawnmarket. This historic part of Edinburgh’s Old Town attracts both tourists and locals in droves. Head over to take photos and soak up the atmosphere, or pick up a souvenir or two at one of the many quirky boutiques and independent stores.
10. Immerse yourself in the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is the best spot in the country to immerse yourself in natural and anthropological history. The museum is spread over many galleries that focus on a wide range of compelling topics, including Scottish history, art, design, and archeology. Expect to see local artifacts as well as international curiosities such as Tibetan prayer wheels and dinosaur skeletons.
11. Have a Laugh at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
If you happen to be in town during August, you can’t miss the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This event was once only a fringe event of the Edinburgh Festival, but over the years, it has grown into one of the best arts and culture celebrations in the world. Book tickets for stand-up comedy and live theater in hundreds of venues across the city, or wander around and take in the many free street performances that bring the city to life.
Pro Tip: Accommodation books up quickly during August, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
12. Take a Day Tour
There are plenty of fun things to do in Edinburgh, but the city is perfectly placed for some exciting day trips if you have time to spare in your itinerary. Here are some of our favorites:
St Andrews
St Andrews is a picturesque university town located north of Edinburgh that is best known for golf, medieval ruins, and plenty of coastal charm. Golf fans shouldn’t miss flexing their skills on the world-famous ‘Old Course’ and learning about the history of UK golf at the British Golf Museum, and history fans will love visiting the ruins of St Andrews Castle. If you have time and the weather is good, explore the Fife Coastal Trail while you’re in the area.
Glasgow
Back in the 18th century, Glasgow was known as an industrial hub, but its vibrant culture is now what puts it on the map. Just a short train ride from Edinburgh, it’s easy to head over to see the Scottish Opera or Scottish Ballet, visit one of the city’s many museums, or catch some live music.
13. Wander down the Water of Leith
The Water of Leith is Edinburgh’s main river that empties into the Firth of Forth. The river’s scenic 12-mile walkway is a great way to escape the city and soak up some nature while visiting a couple of the city’s best hidden gems.
During the walk, you’ll discover ancient woodlands, have the chance to spot 80 species of birds, and visit the quaint Dean Village and affluent Stockbridge neighborhood. You’ll eventually end up in Leith, known as The Shore.
14. Relax in Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens is a lush urban park that separates Old Town from New Town. The gardens are divided into two sections by The Mound, and with over 37 acres to explore in total, this is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon after a hectic morning of sightseeing.
Don’t miss the Scott Monument while you wander — this dedication to Sir Walter Scott is one of the biggest monuments to a writer in the world, and its Gothic styling features stunning stained-glass windows.
15. Take a Free Walking Tour
With so much to see in the Scottish capital, a walking tour is a great way of hitting all the main sights. There are several reputable companies offering free tours of Edinburgh’s Old Town’s highlights, such as the Palace of Holyrood House, St. Giles Cathedral, and the beautiful tea room at Signet Library. Tour guides work on a gratuity-only basis — simply tip them what you think the tour was worth.
16. Catch a Stunning Sunrise on Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts some of the best views of Edinburgh. From here, you’ll be able to see some of the most famous sights, including the Parliament, Royal Mile, and Arthur’s Seat. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out the spectacular National Monument while on Calton Hill — head up at sunrise for the best vistas.
17. See World-Famous Works of Art
Art aficionados will enjoy a visit to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Comprising two galleries and two sculpture parks, you’ll discover hundreds of works by leading artists who are shaping the future of modern art.
Get Ready to Fall in Love with the Scottish Capital
Edinburgh is a unique combination of history, culture, and nature and is a true highlight of the British Isles. With so much to do in this picture-perfect city, all that’s left to decide is what you’ll add to your itinerary when you visit Edinburgh.
