Things To Do In Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers a myriad of attractions and activities to explore. Begin by strolling along the historic Royal Mile, dotted with iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Delve into the city's rich history at the National Museum of Scotland or take a ghost tour through the underground vaults. Immerse yourself in literary history at the Writers' Museum or visit the birthplace of Harry Potter at The Elephant House café. Don't miss the vibrant atmosphere of the Grassmarket, where you can enjoy lively pubs and charming shops. For breathtaking views, hike up Arthur's Seat or visit Calton Hill. End your day with a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden or catch a show at one of the city's renowned theaters.
f11photo/shutterstockOld Town
Kick off your visit to Edinburgh with a visit to the Old Town. With its narrow winding streets, medieval architecture, and centuries-old buildings, this charming district is the best place to get a glimpse into the city's rich heritage. Stroll along the famous Royal Mile, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with shops, traditional pubs, and historical sites. Explore the hidden 'closes' and alleys that unveil stories of Edinburgh's past, and visit iconic landmarks like the imposing Edinburgh Castle and the beautiful St Giles' Cathedral.
Julietphotography / Shutterstock.comEdinburgh Castle
Perched atop Castle Rock, overlooking Scotland's capital for over a millennium, the iconic Edinburgh Castle holds a storied past as a military fortress and royal residence. Today, it stands proudly as a museum, showcasing a wealth of historic and precious treasures. Admire the splendor of the Scottish Crown Jewels, marvel at the ancient Stone of Destiny, and witness the medieval bombard known as Mons Meg. After exploring the castle's interior, venture outside to stroll along the charming cobbled promenades and meander through winding stone steps. As you do, bask in the breathtaking vistas that stretch across the city, providing a picturesque backdrop to your visit.
MarcAndreLeTourneux / Shutterstock.comRoyal Mile Guided Walking Tour
Dive into Edinburgh's historic past and diskover the city's acclaimed landmarks and hidden secrets on this Royal Mile guided walking tour. Follow your guide along Edinburgh's legendary Royal Mile as you gain a fascinating insight into the famous writers, poets, and inventors who have called the city home. Hear tales of Scotland's national bard—Robert Burns—and see top landmarks such as St Giles' Cathedral and the National Galleries of Scotland.
JeniFoto/Shutterstock.comLoch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh
Discover the enigmatic Loch Ness and the sublime Scottish Highlands on this day trip from Edinburgh. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe and Fort Augustus. Explore the famous Cairngorms National Park and soak up the stunning views of the Scottish Highlands, with an optional cruise for a chance to spot Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.
Connor Mollison/UnsplashRosslyn Chapel
For a mysterious journey through Scotland's myths and legends, head over to Rosslyn Chapel, a magnificent chapel featured in Dan Brown's 'Da Vinci Code.' Hear the intriguing tales behind Rosslyn’s beautiful ornate carvings before taking a peaceful walk along Roslin Glen Country Park.
Misty River / Shutterstock.comNational Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for all history enthusiasts. In their galleries, you'll come across ancient Egyptian mummies, the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and specimens collected by Charles Darwin. Keep an eye out for the temporary exhibitions as well.
Heartland Arts / Shutterstock.comCamera Obscura & World of Illusions
Explore the exciting world of optical illusions at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, a unique museum that offers five floors of immersive fun. Lose yourself in mind-bending experiences as you navigate through intriguing mirror rooms and test your balance in the thrilling vortex tunnel. As a bonus, don't forget to ascend to the rooftop for the best panoramic views of Edinburgh.
Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / Shutterstock.comEdinburgh Zoo
Explore the lives of over 1,000 animal species from all over the world. Watch giant pandas, big cats, penguins and other birds, or take part in some of the interactive activities offered by this non-profit zoological park. Don't miss out on the Edinburgh Zoo gardens, a lush paradise with countless exotic flowers and plants.
l i g h t p o e t / Shutterstock.comScottish Parliament Building
The Scottish Parliament is located within the Holyrood area, overseen by the Royal Mile. The building has won awards for its striking architecture. It's the place to learn about Scotland's political history, watch live debates, and admire its unique architecture. If you want to watch the members of the Scottish Parliament in action, you need to book a free-of-charge ticket beforehand.
Cristapper / Shutterstock.comPalace of Holyroodhouse
As the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, this iconic landmark offers a fascinating glimpse into the royal past. Visitors can explore the grand state apartments, walk through the gardens, and immerse themselves in the rich stories of Scottish royalty. With its stunning architecture, impressive art collection, and connection to notable historical events, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands as a testament to Scotland's regal heritage and remains a must-visit attraction for any history enthusiast.
JeniFoto / Shutterstock.comScottish Seabird Centre
Immerse yourself in the marvels of Scotland's marine environment at the Scottish Seabird Centre, located in the picturesque coastal town of North Berwick. This renowned conservation and education charity offers a fascinating experience for nature enthusiasts. Discover the world of sea birds and mammals through interactive displays and a dedicated discovery area, and embark on seasonal seafaris to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Ondrej Prosicky / Shutterstock.comRoyal Botanic Garden
Spread across 70 acres, the Royal Botanic Garden provides a serene escape from the bustling city. Visitors can stroll through enchanting landscapes, including stunning glasshouses showcasing exotic flora from around the world. The garden's highlights include the Victorian Palm House, the Rock Garden, and the peaceful Chinese Hillside.
themorningglory / Shutterstock.comEdinburgh Dungeon
Step into the Edinburgh Dungeon and experience 500 years of Scotland’s most haunting history. Be captivated by the performances of theatrical actors, mesmerizing storytelling, and cool special effects that bring the scenes and stages to life. The bravest ones can also hop on one of the two scary rides. Guided tours depart every 10 minutes.
Viacheslav Nikolaenko / Shutterstock.comFestival Theatre
Alongside the King's Theatre, the Festival Theatre stands as one of Edinburgh's premier venues for performing arts. Its modern architectural marvel is a sight to behold, but the true magic lies within its doors. Immerse yourself in the mesmerising world of national opera and ballet shows, where talented performers grace the stage with their artistry.
Diego Cervo / Shutterstock.comPrinces Street Gardens
Nestled in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens is a beautiful urban oasis, providing a perfect sanctuary for relaxation and leisure, and boasting some of the most magnificent views over Edinburgh.
Pablo Rogat / Shutterstock.comArthur's Seat
Arthur's Seat is an ancient volcano which forms most of Holyrood Park. Reaching an impressive height of 251 meters, this majestic natural wonder offers a beloved hiking experience for both visitors and locals alike. As you ascend to its summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that showcase the city's grandeur.
Kalmatsuy / Shutterstock.comDominion Cinema
If you love catching a movie but cannot be bothered to sit in classical theatre sits, you may found the Dominion Cinema quite revolutionary and definitely to your taste: a few of the rooms are furnished with actual sofas! You will be very tempted to curl up or watch a romantic movie with your significant other.
Stock-Asso / Shutterstock.comRoyal Yacht Britannia
Step aboard the extraordinary Royal Yacht Britannia, a fantastic floating museum located in the historic port of Leith in Edinburgh. Embark on a fascinating journey that offers a glimpse into the life of the British royal family, exploring the luxurious interiors and elegant decks of this former royal yacht. After immersing yourself in regal history, treat yourself to a delightful tea experience at the Royal Deck Tea Room, where you can indulge in delicious treats and savor the moment. Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia guarantees a truly royal experience, allowing you to delve into the legacy of this iconic vessel that served the British monarchy from 1954 until 1997.
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