The beautiful town of Edinburgh defines the true beauty of Scotland. The city is perched in the hills, which overlooks the sea. Only the excellent surrounding and great view are not the attraction of this city, it also has a mile-long history. So, technically Edinburgh has it all, with an old town lurking in the heart of the city. For over a thousand years, the city was the home of thinkers, writers, authors, artists, philosophers. It was also the abode of the kings and the eminent politicians of the country. The city is often called Athens of the North, as it features a mile-long history. The city had witnessed the clash between English and Scottish monarchies, the wars related to Scottish Independence. However, this city is not only about history, but modern-day Scotland also co-exists beautifully inside it. Check out some best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, for your next visit to this city.
Tip from Content Creator
Boasting incredible Gothic architecture and winding cobblestone streets, Edinburgh is hands-down my favorite foreign city. It's the perfect place to visit if you love cozy coffee shops, a historic Old Town, and fewer crowds than many popular capital cities. I recommend that you visit between March and May to avoid the crowds. Here are a few attractions that should be on your itinerary:
- Circus Lane: This place features pastel homes and an adorable winding cobblestone street.
- Calton Hill: Here, you can get an unreal view of all of Edinburgh from above.
- The Mound: This is the spot to visit if you’re a lover of Gothic architecture.
- The Vennel: This is a famous viewpoint at Edinburgh Castle — and for good reason!
- Grassmarket: The views of Edinburgh Castle from the Grassmarket neighborhood were definitely my favorite in the city.
1. Wash your face in the dew of Arthur's Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the main peak of the group of excellent mountains standing very close to the Edinburgh castle. One of the main traditions of this city is linked with this place, to wash the face in the fresh dew fallen in the mountains. The tradition is linked with the famous Druidic festival of Beltane. Every year, on the 1st of May, the people of Edinburgh, mainly young women are to set off for washing their faces in the morning dew. The dew has a special significance, it is believed to be a sacred force- helping to grow crops and flourish the life. So, this May dew is considered as holy water, which assures fertility, vitality, beauty and good fortune. If you are visiting Edinburgh in the month of May, a trip to this place is mandatory.
Arthur's Seat
Address: Edinburgh, Scotland
Website: Arthur’s Seat
2. Wander along the Princes Street
Princes Street is the principal shopping street of the town. The Southmost part of this street is void of every building, giving an excellent view of the historic district and the castle. The road has shops of luxurious brands, expensive boutiques, and brands from all over the world. A walk through this street is a must even if you not feel like shopping. Previously known as St Giles Street, it also hosts various seasonal markets like Traditional German Christmas Market during the Christmas. The experience of shopping with the view of this old town is indeed unique in entire Europe.
Princes Street
Address: Edinburgh, UK
Website: Princes Street
3. Eat a swanky dinner at Restaurant Martin Wishart
The charming restaurant is located in the historic port of Leith. Along with the dinner, you can enjoy a great view of the port. The restaurant offers finest French cuisine with the fresh Scottish ingredients Formed in the year 1999 by the native Chef Martin Wishart, the restaurant is still serving excellent French food. The restaurant was awarded Michelin star in 2001. The selected wines along with your swanky French dinner is sure to make your Edinburgh visit memorable.
Restaurant Martin Wishart
Address: 54 Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6RA, UK
Website: Restaurant Martin Wishart
Opening hours: 12pm – 2pm, 7pm – 9pm
Price: 80 EUR (89.88 USD)
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4. Take the winding and narrow alleyways at Mary King’s Close
The city of Edinburgh is best discovered on foot, the cobble-stone roads lead to the secret passageway of extreme beauty. The best place to start discovering these passageways is definitely Mary King’s Close. The place is located close to the famous Royal Mile, in the historic area of the town. Mary King’s Close is full of myths and legends, especially of murders and Black Death. A visit to this place is a must to experience some spooky sensation. Visitors have often complained about feeling something different here, especially the existence of the popular 10-year-old ghost named Annie.
Mary King’s Close
Address: High Street, 2 Warriston’s Close, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, United Kingdom
Website: Mary King’s Close
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am – 5:30pm; Sat - Sun: 9:30am – 9pm
5. Explore the Scottish National Gallery
The redevelopment of the Scottish National Gallery is being carried out by Interserve Construction Ltd. This was a part...
Posted by National Galleries of Scotland on Monday, 18 March 2019
The charming gallery of Edinburgh holds excellent collections of art. The huge collections of arts are not enough to fit into one building. So, two grand edifice house some of the finest artworks of Scotland and beyond. Modern One and Modern two, the two buildings stand facing each other. The museum displays the collection of 20th Century famous artists like Matisse, Picasso, Lichtenstein, Tracey Emin.
Scottish National Gallery
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, UK
Website: Scottish National Gallery
Opening hours:10am – 5pm
Price: Free
6. Go on a shopping spree on Victoria Street
The charming Victoria street is an essential part of the historical old town. The curving street with cobble-stone roads and colourful neo-classical buildings has a unique charm. One of the most picture-worthy streets of Edinburgh, it is full of shops of every kind. The cute and old-school shops mostly feature local businesses. You can find almost everything here, from cheese to bookshops, arts to trinkets. A shopping trip on this street is to give you experiencing true Scotland.
Victoria Street
Address: Victoria St, Edinburgh, UK
Website: Victoria Street
7. Stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden
A beautiful sunrise this morning captured by Garden Supervisor, John Mitchell.
Posted by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on Monday, 21 January 2019
The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the oldest Botanical gardens of Europe. In the mid of the busy city of Scotland, this abode of greenery gives you a feel of nature. The garden comprises Victorian glasshouses, a cute lily pond, and a rock garden. A stroll through this garden is to take you amidst nature away from the city life.
Royal Botanic Garden
Address: Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, UK
Website: Royal Botanic Garden
Opening hours: 10am – 6pm
Price: 7 EUR (7.86 USD)
8. Learn about Scotland’s history of war in the National War Museum
The tiny beautiful country had seen many wars in the past. From the very first, the tension between English and Scottish monarchies craves its history. The war museum located inside the famous Edinburgh Castle, housing 400 years of war history from the 17th century. Learn about the war history of this beautiful country to understand the entire history.
National War Museum
Address: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK
Website: National War Museum
Opening hours: 9:45am – 5:45pm
Price: 10 - 17 EUR (12 - 20 USD)
9. See first-hand Mary, Queen of Scots Palace Holyrood House
Experience an afternoon or morning filled with fascinating history and discover the long lineage of Mary, Queen of Scots. Along with the rest of the Scottish royal history to lean about, let the Holywood Palace be a landscape of scenic beauty and a great venue for wanderment.
The palace tour will give guests access to the Palace grounds, the State Apartments, Mary, Queen of Scots’ historic chambers, as well as the 12th century Abbey Church. If you’re a great history buff interested in early century monarchies, then a day spend in Holyrood House is no waste when exploring Edinburgh.
Holyrood Palace
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom
Website: Holyrood Palace
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sun-Mon
Price: 21.49 USD
10. Marvel in the fascinating views that come along with the Scott Monument
Dubbed as one of the most historically amusing sights to see in Edinburgh, the Scott Monument holds a ton of scenic views. It’s 200 ft (61 m) tall and is by far the largest monument in the world dedicated to a prolific writer. The best place to appreciate this attraction is on the viewing platform right on the third floor, perfect for a panorama shot.
This monument was named after Sir Walter Scott in 1832, the literary figure that contributed a ton to Scottish literature. Visitors can find out more indepth knowledge on Scottland’s literary history in the Museum Room decked with stunning glass-stained windows designed by David Roberts and James Ballantine, two of the most iconic architects and designers of the 19th century.
Scott Monument
Address: E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, United Kingdom
Website: Scott Monument
Opening hours: 10 am to 4 pm, Sun-Mon
Price: 10.42 USD
11. Attend a live music event at Greyfriars Kirk
Experience something different and visit the Greyfriars Kirk and learn about the eponymous monks and the journey of the Irish people to a renewed sense of peace throughout history. Today, this landmark is now a concert space where people gather for musical events, where acoustic shows, weddings, and artwork are all showcased and hosted.
The National Covenant is a great spot to see during the summer when various music events take place, great for avid music fans alike to take part in. There is also a Kirkyard which holds daily tours that start at 11 am every Thursday for those who wish to see more of the garden and the area, which is available to visitors until 9 pm. Indeed, this part of Edinburgh holds a different energy and has a little bit of something for everybody.
Greyfriars Kirk
Address: 26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE, United Kingdom
Website: Greyfriars Kirk
Opening hours: 24/7, Sun-Mon
Price: 10.42 USD
12. Marvel in classical art at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Make your way to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery where visitors will get to see some of the most prolific 18th-century art. The Gallery itself was designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson who is considered to be one of Scotland’s most celebrated heroes and architects. It’s also considered as the world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery which showcases the most surreal pieces, evocative murals, and highly extensive sculptural establishments many don’t often see in galleries today. Stroll around the Gallery and see close up portraits of iconic monarchs in history such as Mary Queen of Scots, Prince Charles Edward Stuart, among others. There’s also the Victorian Library to visit in the same building which showcases first edition books and publications.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Address: 1 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD, United Kingdom
Website: Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Opening hours:10 am to 5 pm, Sun-Mon
Price: free admission
13. See 17th century architecture at Gladstone’s Land
Another great historical attraction to visit is Gladstone’s Land, located right at the heart of Lawnmarket. It’s one of Old Town’s most prolific structures, being one of the first buildings that were purchased by the National Trust of Scotland. Gladstone’s Land boasts the 17th century Royal Mile, winding stone staircases, stained-glass windows, as well as other interesting interiors in the Painted Chamber which showcases the obscenely wealthy lifestyle of its inhabitants. Gold touches and fine details also manifest symbolism within the times. Gladstone’s Land is a must to check out if you’re a history buff curious about 17th-century monarchy in the UK.
Gladstone’s Land
Address: 477B Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT, United Kingdom
Website: Gladstone’s Land
Opening hours: 11 am to 4 pm, Sun-Mon
Price: 9 USD
14. Snap a panoramic shot of Holyrood Abbey Ruins
Walk around the royal palace and explore the stunning landscape of the Holyrood Abbey Ruins. This was historically founded by David I back in the 11th century which was later on transformed into a modern Renaissance palace known today as the Holyroodhouse, where the royal family of Scotland resided. Walk around the beautiful lush gardens surrounding the abbey and see the prolific “monastery of the Holy Rood” and get an impressive glance of the abbey’s Gothic facade. There’s a ton to see in the area and is a great afternoon activity to bring your friends and family to when making your way to Canongate.
Holywood Abbey Ruins
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom
Website: Holyrood Abbey Ruins
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 6 pm, Sun-Mon
15. Discover Mary, Queen of Scots safe haven at the Craigmillar Castle
Just a mile from Old Town, the Craigmillar Castle is known to be the safe haven of the renowned monarch, Mary, Queen of Scots during the 15th century. The castle’s owner, Sir Simon Preston was a loyal follower of the queen, then dramatically betrayed her by throwing her in jail come 1567. The iconic castle has one of Scotland’s oldest tower and uses to be a prison in the early centuries. There are several mysterious and fascinating chambers that hold a story and is great to explore with a private tour guide filled with facts and trivia about Craigmillar Castle. Take a day to see this beautiful landmark in Edinburgh and learn about 15th-century rule under Mary, Queen of Scots.
Craigmillar Castle
Address: Craigmillar Castle Rd, Edinburgh EH16 4SY, United Kingdom
Website: Craigmiller Castle
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, Sun-Mon
Price: 7.74 USD
16. Learn about Old Town architecture at The Georgian House
Architecture nerds beware! The Georgian House is a must to check out when in Edinburgh as it showcases some of the most distinctive architecture in the 17th century. This iconic structure is located at the heart of New Town development at Edinburgh and was designed by the famous architect, Robert Adam. The Georgian House was restored in the 18th and early 19th centuries, boasting the typical Edinburgh New Town style of living. It’s decked with intricate wallpaper patterns, classic wooden furniture, and a lot of gold touches in its interiors.
The Georgian House
Address: 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DR, United Kingdom
Website: The Georgian House
Opening hours: 11 am to 3:15 pm, Sun-Mon
Price: 10.32 USD
17. Reminisce with your kids and kids at heart at the Museum of Childhood
If you’re a traveler with kids and a bunch of nieces and nephews with you, a must to see in Edinburgh is the Museum of Childhood. It’s a great immersive place that features galleries that encourage play and learning simultaneously. The famous Fisher-Price toy company showcases its oldest toy telephone, the Chatter Telephone which dates all the way back to 1979. The Museum of Childhood is the first every museum dedicated to the significance of childhood as a collective experience and as a series of memories. Book your tickets and spend a lovely day with your kids and loved ones reminiscing and enjoying the museum set ups.
Museum of Childhood
Address: 42 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TG, United Kingdom
Website: Museum of Childhood
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm, Sun-Mon
Price: free entry
18. See the spitfire attraction that is the Heart of Midlothian
There’s a ton of scenic attractions to see which many people never fail to see when in Edinburgh. One of them is the iconic Heart of Midlothian that anyone can pass by in the historic Royal Mile as it is embedded in series of granite tiles on the ground, formed in the shape of a heart.
Many tourists would wonder what makes the granite heart significant in Edinburgh’s history. What they don’t know is that it’s an iconic symbol that has been drenched in tradition and ritual where spitting is derived from a cultural behavior from the early centuries. People in Edinburgh considered spitting on the Heart of Midlothian is something normal as people did it to express hate on the dark history that happened in Edinburgh.
Heart of Midlothian
Address: 197 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PW, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 24/7, Sun-Mon
Price: free entry
19. Get an in-depth look into Edinburgh’s rich history at the Museum of Edinburgh
A great spot to check out when museum-hopping around Edinburgh as it is a great city filled with art and history is the Museum of Edinburgh. This iconic tourist attraction welcomes visitors to see the varied collections of art and historical artifacts that show the history of Edinburgh. There is also a set of permanent collections that show special exhibits that range from decorative art, engraved glass art, and other pieces of Scottish craftsmanship that many admirers of history and art will definitely be fond of,
Museum of Edinburgh
Address: 142-146 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD, United Kingdom
Website: Museum of Edinburgh
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm, Sun-Mon
Price: free entry
20. Bask in the beauty of Edinburgh’s most fascinating fauna at the Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is one of the city’s finest attractions as it holds a ton of unique and beautiful animals. This popular zoo includes an extensive animal collection many people have probably not seen in person. Animals include the Azara’s agouti, Branded archerfish, the Binturong, and the Black stork among many other species. Other great attractions include meeting and feeding the giant panda, seeing Penguins Rock where visitors will see penguins roam free in an aquarium, and even get the chance to feed them if you’re lucky! Indeed, the Edinburgh Zoo has a ton to showcase and it is a superb experience to remember when out and about with your young ones at Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Zoo
Address: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, United Kingdom
Website: Edinburgh Zoo
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm, Sun-Mon
Price: 25.57 USD
21. Learn about 18th century underground life at the Edinburgh Vaults (from USD 30.0)
See the more historically fascinating part of Edinburgh and learn more about 18th century underground chambers at the Edinburgh Vaults. Underground chambers and bunkers were a popular structure in the early centuries and during the wars as it became one of Edinburgh’s busiest thoroughfares. With a local tour guide of your own, get the chance to see excavated storage spaces, human habitation, taverns, and wine vaults among other fascinating spots many tourists don’t often get to see. End your day at Edinburgh Old Town from Mercat Cross and maybe even meet old town residents with a ton of annecdotes to share about the historic part of town.
Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults Historical Walk
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
22. See the fuss behind the controversial National Monument of Scotland
High up the summit of Carlton Hill in Edinburgh is Scotland’s controversial National Monument. Not your usual historic sighting as this monument holds a ton of shame and folly to many Scots. The National Monument of Scotland is actually considered unfinished and was meant to pay homage Scottish soldiers and sailors who gave up their lives in battles during the Napoleonic Wars. It was meant to look like the Parthenon of Athens but due to lack of funding, the city soon forgot its relevance as a whole and left the structure unfinished for 200 years. For many local Scots, it’s not much of a tourist sighting, but for those exploring Edinburgh, it’s something to snap an Instagram photo of, right?
National Monument of Scotland
Address: 86-88 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR, United Kingdom
Website: National Monument of Scotland
23. Attend a musical event at the Usher Hall
When in Edinburgh, apart from seeing tourist attractions and renowned dining establishments, a great experience to remember is a concert at the Usher Hall. This popular concert hall is more than just a musical venue, it has a little bit of everything for every type of traveler. There ar in-house restaurants, bars, and a gallery of some of the most amazing talents that showcased their music in the venue. Some ongoing music events and concerts include Sasha Velour’s Smoke and Mirrors, the Swedish Philharmonia (Gavle Symphony Orchestra), and SCO: Bendetti plays Mozart and Mendelssohn concert.
Usher Hall
Address: Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EA, United Kingdom
Website: Usher Hall
Opening hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm, Sun-Mon
24. Appreciate the lush greenery and beautiful fauna at Dean Village
Those who enjoy nature and seeing more greenery and structure than architecture and city hubs, the Dean Village is a great option to explore when in Edinburgh. This part of the city is a hidden gem and a lush place filled with stunning gardens and historic buildings for those who like a balance when traveling. Just five minutes from Princes Street, Dean Village is right by the Water of Leith, with a rich history that has an iconic bridge and well designed by Thomas Telford. Dean Village was initially a place where people went to mill water mills with remains still visible to visitors to date. There’s also the Well Court that was recently restored by the World Heritage and the Dean Gallery and the Gallery od Modern Art just a few foot steps from the village itself for more interesting sights to check out in Edinburgh.
Dean Village
Address: Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3AY, United Kingdom
Website: Dean Village
Opening hours: 24/7, Sun-Mon
Price: free entry
25. Wander around the one of a kind town of Leith
Leith is a unique town’s place in itself as it boasts a ton of character and bustling local life. There’s a ton to do and so many sights to see that many travelers, especially solo travelers will enjoy. With several restaurants, bars, and various shops and stores, Leith is indeed a frequented spot by Scots and Brits alike.
This part of Edinburgh has served as a port for hundreds of years, showcasing the vivacious and authentic 14th-century architecture. Leith is also a historic city as it was often visited by royalty like Mary, Queen of Scots and King George IV. Today, it remains to be a relevant hang-out spot by locals and travelers alike for its bustling foodie scene filled with delicious delis, chic bars, and artisan cafes that people enjoy lounging around in this part of Edinburgh.
Explore Leith
Address: Leith, Edinburgh, UK
Website: Leith
Opening hours: 24/7, Sun-Mon
26. Hangout at the Summerhall
One great place to spend the day in if you’ve seen everything you needed to see tourist-wise in Edinburgh is Summerhall. Enjoy a few hours lounging at their cafe and shop, watching live performance art, exploring art exhibitions and business venues. There’s definitely something interesting to do for everyone and it’s a great leisure center where you can tap into your creative side, and also just relax and enjoy traveling without an itinerary at. Upcoming exhibits to come to check out include the Edinburgh Science Festival that features “We Began As Part of the Body” and “Oscillations.
Summerhall
Address: Summerhall, 1 Summerhall Edinburgh EH9 1PL
Website: Summerhall
27. Enjoy the night lights at the iconic bar called Sneaky Pete's
For nightlife chasers who find themselves in Sneaky Pete’s during vacation, maximize your experience at one of the most fascinating places in Edinburgh. Sneaky Pete’s is a late-night buzz place for loud and buzzing groups who enjoy various forms of entertainment, from drag shows, live song numbers, improv plays, to stand up comedy, and beat poetry, there’s a ton of local talent that can be found in this fine establishment. It’s a great hang for a Friday or Saturday night out with your friends and fellow travelers, with a great selection of shows like Future Get Down, Nimmo plus guests, and Litany +Fourth Daughter to name a few ongoing and upcoming shows. Spend your last night in Edinburgh wildin’ it out at Sneaky Pete’s for a memorable experience to remember.
Sneaky Pete’s
Address: 73 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JW, United Kingdom
Website: Sneaky Pete’s
Opening hours: 7 pm to 3 am, Sun-Mon
28. Scotch Whiskey Experience (from USD 29.0)
Grab the chance to learn more about Edinburgh’s finest drink, the Scotch Whiskey liquor. This 50-minute tour which starts at 10 am sharp, be a part of a comprehensive introduction to the world of hard drinks.
Guests who book this tour be entitled to a barrel ride through a replica distillery, a tour in the biggest collection of Scotch whiskey in the world, with, of course, a free tasting session. This is a great tour to take part in since you and your friends will get a private tour guide to explain to you the history and fun facts of the popular liquor many people all over the world come to love
Edinburgh Small-Group Intro to Scotch Whisky Tour
Duration: 50 minutes
29. Enjoy the view from Edinburgh Castle (from USD 23.0)
The famous Edinburgh Castle almost shapes the history of this town. It is linked with mile-long history, established in the 12th century during the rule of Dauíd mac Maíl Choluim. Also known as The Castle of the Maidens, the castle had witnessed many tussles between English and Scottish monarchies. Apart from its history, the hillock castle offers an excellent view of the city. The Viator trip allows you to enter the castle without bothering about the ticket queue.
Edinburgh Castle and Royal Palace Entrance Ticket
Duration: 3 hours
30. Boggle your mind at Camera Obscura
A trip to Camera Obscura is to take you in the world of illusions. The illusions are created by technology spread over five floors of a charming building. Over 100 of creative hands-on exhibits are to blow your mind and take you in the world of illusions. Skip the queue to get inside with the Viator ticket. Camera Obscura also gifts you one of the best rooftop views of the city.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Entrance Ticket
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Plan in advance
No matter how many days you are planning to stay in Edinburgh, they are not enough to discover this city entirely. Thus, plan out your itineraries in advance to get a flavour of true Scotland in the city of Edinburgh. Whatever you are planning, you must include these exciting things to do on your visit to Edinburgh, Scotland!
Click some cute photos at the charming Circus Lane
Contributed by Content Creator, Alli
Source: Alli
Circus Lane might be just a street, but it’s the cutest little street you’ll ever walk down! I spent a rainy morning here and was so pleased to have the entire area almost to myself (except for the one other very kind solo traveler who helped take my photo).
Since it’s much quieter than Old Town or New Town, Circus Lane makes for the perfect place if you’re looking to get away from the crowds or experience something other than the center of Edinburgh. There’s also a bunch of cute cafes and restaurants in nearby Stockbridge, so you can easily spend the entire day meandering around this neighborhood. Walk a little further, and you’ll discover the picturesque Dean Village as well.
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