Top 15 Things to Do in Edinburgh
The city of Edinburgh has your heart the instant you set your feet on its cobbled streets.
Its magical combination of history and culture and breathtaking natural beauty makes it one of the most memorable places I’ve ever visited.
I recall wandering its cobbled streets and thinking I had entered a storybook.
Every corner there seemed like a hidden treasure — a quaint café, an interesting museum, or a beautiful vista.
In this guide, I will share 15 things to do in Edinburgh to help you experience the very best of this magical city.
1. Walk the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the lifeblood of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
This popular strip is lined with historic buildings, street performers, and quirky shops.
Walking in here is like a walk through time, with monuments like St. Giles’ Cathedral and the hidden alleyways adding charm around every corner.
2. Climb Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is a dormant volcano with sweeping views of the city and surrounding countryside.
The hike is refreshing, and the summit — is a small victory.
It’s a must for nature lovers and anyone who wants a stunning view of Edinburgh.
3. Explore Edinburgh Castle
Sitting on the craggy summit of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a testament to Scotland’s legacy.
Exploring its halls and viewing the Crown Jewels is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The one o’clock gun, a tradition, is another of the castle’s historic charms.
4. Visit Holyrood Palace
Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish home of the British monarch, holds centuries of history.
Wandering through its magnificent rooms and the remains of the abbey is like traveling to another era.
Its lush gardens provide a tranquil escape, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
5. Explore the National Museum of Scotland
This museum is a cornucopia of Scottish history, science, and art.
I love variety and it was offered here, from ancient artifacts to modern exhibits.
It’s an excellent place to spend a rainy afternoon and discover more about Scotland’s rich culture.
6. Wander through Dean Village
Dean Village is a fairytale-ish enclave along the Water of Leith.
Its rustic cottages and tranquil vibe create an oasis feel.
It’s the ideal spot for a quiet stroll and Instagram-worthy photos.
7. Edinburgh Fringe Festival
If you visit in August, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a must.
There are performers and artists, and an electric energy that’s infectious in the city.
Whether you’re interested in comedy, theater, or music, there’s something for all tastes.
8. Take a tour of Real Mary King’s Close
Underground is Mary King’s Close, a maze of time-capsule streets running beneath the Royal Mile.
This guided tour provides an insight into life in 17th-century Edinburgh, complete with stories that are fascinating and chilly.
It’s a novel way to walk through the city’s grimer history.
9. Wander through Princes Street Gardens
Located in the city’s heart, these gardens are a peaceful retreat.
With Edinburgh Castle perched above, it’s a great place for a picnic or a leisurely walk.
They are decked out in Christmas wonderland-style with markets, ice skating, etc.
10. Marvel at the Scott Monument
This Gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott is hard to miss.
That narrow spiral staircase, which you climb to reach the lookout, grants some sublime city views.
It’s a lovely tribute to one of Scotland’s literary giants and a playful challenge for visitors.
11. Take in the Views from Calton Hill
Calton Hill is another great opportunity for a city view.
It’s where you find such iconic landmarks as the National Monument and Nelson’s Monument.
It was, by far, one of the most magical moments of my trip watching the sunset here.
12. Take a Tasting Tour of Whisky
No visit to Scotland is complete without trying the country’s iconic whisky.
Edinburgh has no shortage of distilleries and whisky bars where tastings are a feature.
Learning about the process along with the flavors brought an added richness to it.
13. Shop at Victoria Street
Shops line Victoria Street, whose colorful facades and unique shops make it a shopper’s paradise.
It’s said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, bringing a bit of magic to the visit.
Whether it be eccentric stores or quaint coffee shops, this street has it covered.
14. Attend a Ghost Tour
Its ghost tours make Edinburgh’s haunted history come alive.
It’s both thrilling and fun to explore the city’s dark past by lantern light.
I heard stories filled with mystery and intrigue that opened up a whole new world within the city.
15. Visit the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament building is an architectural genius.
A guided tour provides context for Scotland’s contemporary political scene.
It’s a fascinating mix of tradition and innovation in this lively space.
