Scotland’s capital city has a ton of fans, and it’s no wonder: it’s fun, funky, and full of exciting things to do in Edinburgh. From ancient Scottish history to upscale dining, hidden pubs, and a thriving culture, the city hums with activity year round. I always have a blast when I’m in Edinburgh and I look forward to going back and exploring the classic galleries, new museums, new foodie joints, and old, favourite haunts.
Updated 2018: I recently spent a few days in Edinburgh on either side of a trip. This unique city continues to capture my heart for its welcoming spirit, vibrant city centre, and plethora of activities! I felt like I found so many new and exciting things this time around and I can’t wait to get back there!
25 things to do in edinburgh
There really is a lot to do in Edinburgh. It’s one of the most visited cities in Scotland, and since it’s easy to get to, it makes sense that its a great city to fly in and out of. Of course, as you all know, I highly recommend getting OUT of the city but I definitely suggest staying in Edinburgh for a few days to see the sights. Edinburgh sits along the Firth of Forth, in a fairly strategic location. It’s position on the sea meant it’s long been a port city, and its defensive castle has long thwarted enemies. (Not always, but often.) The Medieval Old Town meets the Georgian-style New Town just below Edinburgh Castle, while the port town of Leith is just beyond. All are worth exploring, although for your first visit I definitely suggest spending time near the Royal Mile, Castle, and Holyrood Palace.
Edinburgh is also a literary city, inspiring hundreds of books, poems, and artists. Be sure to follow the Harry Potter trail or meander the closes, inspiration for Ian Rankin.
Whether you’re staying at The Balmoral or at the backpackers, this list of 25 things to do in Edinburgh ought to give you some excellent ideas for your next trip!
edinburgh castle
The highlight of Edinburgh for a lot of people, the castle is at the top of the Royal Mile so you can’t miss it. Edinburgh Castle is home to the crown jewels – the oldest in the British Isles – it also houses the war museums and St Margaret’s Chapel. In August the Esplanade lights up with the sights and sounds of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. If you can get tickets and accommodation, this is a great time to be in the city!
arthur’s seat/holyrood park
You don’t have to go far to have a thigh-burning hike in Edinburgh! Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags are part of the Holyrood Park, which lies just at the bottom of the Royal Mile. The hike takes about an hour, and from the top you have spectacular views over the Royal Mile, Prestonfield House, Leith, and the Firth of Forth. Go for sunrise or sunset to experience the light as it catches the city just right. Take a picnic or head back down to one of the nearby pubs.
ghost tours
Scandals, murder, treason, and more abound here in Edinburgh… With so much history in this city, it’s no surprise that there’s a lot of ghosts roaming around. City of the Dead offers various tours, both public and private, and they are definitely scary. Have a look at their website if you don’t believe me.
the royal mile
The Royal Mile is a lovely cobblestone street, mostly filled with kitschy tourist shops near the castle. I have a few recommendations, though. There is a FANTASTIC shop right next to the castle, where you can explore four floors of souvenirs. Be sure to visit the lower floors to explore the tartans and watch them work on kilts. There are also some good wool shops along the street, so don’t discount it totally. The Royal Mile has a few great pubs, and it’s also home to The Witchery. This is one of James Thomsons’s restaurants, and its popular with locals and tourists alike. If you keep walking down the Royal Mile toward Holyrood Palace, you’ll pass more of the local shops, like Cranachan & Crowdie, Calzeat, and some less crowded whisky shops.
victoria street
Victoria Street is a winding cobblestone street that links Bank Street and the Royal Mile with the Grassmarket. It’s full of colour and lovely even in the rain. Victoria Street should definitely be on your list of things to do in Edinburgh because there are some unique little shops along the street well worth popping into. It was also the inspiration for Diagon Alley, in Harry Potter, if that entices you to check it out!
mary king’s close
Just off the Royal Mile are tons of narrow alleys that seem to descend into the depths. They do, but you should too. They’re called closes, and Edinburgh is built on hundreds of them. They might be named after a prominent person who lived there or after the occupation of some of the inhabitants. Mary King’s Close is probably the most famous and they offer tours, including ghost tours. If you don’t do the tour, you can still walk through many of the closes – they provide access to lower streets. Explore. They are worth it.
national galleries
The National Galleries , which are right off Princes Street are lovely. They have some excellent exhibits, from Duchamp to Warhol, and they’re set within some beautiful neoclassical buildings. There are three: the National Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art and the National Portrait Gallery. Take your pick or visit all three – they are open daily and admission is free. You will not be disappointed!
stop by greyfriars bobby
The legend has it (and the legend is supposedly a hoax), Bobby was a Skye terrier who sat at his master’s grave for fourteen years, before himself passing on. At some point in those fourteen years, a law was passed that required all dogs to be licensed. The lord provost himself bought Bobby a license, and after he died, a statue atop a fountain was erected in his honour. The statue is right near the pub of the same name, on Bank Street just past the Elephant House. You can rub his nose for good luck, but locals say, “don’t.”
greyfriars kirk and kirkyard
If you’re feeling up for a “challenge,” says one Edinburgh local, go searching for Tom Riddle’s gravestone in the cemetery that inspired JK Rowling. The cemetery is tucked behind the Elephant House, where she did a lot of writing on the first HP book. You can also take a Harry Potter tour that takes you through this graveyard. As I said, Edinburgh really inspired a lot of JK Rowling’s work so you will find a lot of little things that remind you of Harry.
visit the royal family at holyrood palace
Holyrood Palace is the official Scottish home of the British monarchy. You can tour parts of the palace, and you can definitely visit the ruins of the abbey. Originally just an abbey, built approximately around 1130 (ish), and renovated by James the Fourth and, later, James the Fifth and Sixth and Charles the Second. It’s most famously housed Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie, who set up court in Edinburgh in 1745.
the national monument/calton hill
Meant as a memorial to Scottish soldiers who lost their lives in the Napoleonic wars, the National Monument was designed and construction started atop Calton Hill in 1826. Three years after it began, the funds ran out and the project was abandoned. Still, a hike up means you are rewarded with views of the castle and Arthur’s Seat across town. Bring a lunch and enjoy.
sir walter scott monument
For £3, you can climb to the top of the Walter Scott Monument, located on Princes Street, below the castle. The view is amazing and the monument is beautifully Gothic.
camera obscura and world of illusions
I have been to one camera obscura, in the Highlands, but this one also has a world of illusions. It’s easily a half day spent here. What is a camera obscura? It’s a pinhole camera that – using mirrors and lenses – can project an image onto a large canvas in the center. Essentially. It’s very cool and kids (ok, and adults) will love it. I’ve been to a puzzle and illusion world in Wanaka, New Zealand, which quite honestly was a blast!
st giles cathedral
Right on the Royal Mile is the high kirk of Edinburgh, or St Giles. A kirk is a church. St Giles is named after the patron saint of Edinburgh and dates back to the early 9th century. But, its more interesting for its Reformation activities: John Knox presided over services there until 1572 and the church housed not only the guillotine but also a prison for whores.
the writers museum
In Lady’s Stair close in the Lawnmarket, tucked just below the castle and across from St Giles cathedral, is the Writers Museum. It pays homage to the three great Scottish writers: Robert Louis Stevenson, Robbie Burns, and Walter Scott. The museum contains personal items and memorabilia from each man, including a plaster cast of Burns’ skull. The Makar’s Court is outside.
wander the hallowed halls of edinburgh uni
Stay out of the way of the students (local tip), but step into Edinburgh University for a glimpse at one of the ancient British unis. (These include Glasgow, Cambridge, St Andrews and Aberdeen, among others.) The University of Edinburgh is built of limestone, like most the buildings in Edinburgh. Its hallowed halls have seen the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Joseph Bell, JK Rowling and Robbie Coltrane.
browse the stockbridge market
Another hidden gem. Open every Sunday from 10-4. Stop in for local produce, exotic foods, sweet treats and handmade gifts.
portobello beach
You probably didn’t expect to see a beach on this list of things to do in Edinburgh, but here it is! Portobello Beach is nearby enough to consider it “in” Edinburgh; its about 3 miles away. The promenade is popular and the Georgian bath buildings are worth seeing. Go for the day.
union canal
Stretching from Edinburgh to Falkirk, the canal is a hidden gem. You can find boats to take you up and down, or you can sit on the edge and watch. I’ve seen it at Falkirk, and it lazily runs through the trees at the Antonine Wall. A must see while you are in Edinburgh!
the cameo
The Cameo has been around for a long time – some sources say over 100 years – and it’s Quentin Tarantino’s favourite spot in Edinburgh. Gorgeous inside, the cameo shows new movies, art house indie films, and classics.
explore the national museum of scotland
This museum, located near the university off Bank Street and Chambers Street, is a great destination on a rainy day. With five floors of exhibits – from the history of Scotland to the inner workings of our engines, minds, and bodies – it’s got something for everyone. Don’t miss a visit to the 7th floor terrace. Here, you’ll find excellent views out over the city and of the castle.
learn why gin is the spirit of scotland
Sorry, whisky, time to move over! Gin is taking the city, and the country, by storm. On my last visit, I counted fifteen different gin distilleries in the local shops. Those aren’t even the big names! You’ll find Edinburgh Gin in almost every restaurant and shop, but head for Cranachan & Crowdie for a more intimate, local tasting. They source from all over Scotland, and prefer to sell the smaller, craft artisans rather than the big names.
whisky tours
So, there’s the Scotch Whisky Experience, which distills the traditional tours in the Highlands into a city-centre museum experience. It’s well worth a visit – and they have an extensive shop. If you aren’t going to get up into the Highlands to one of the distilleries, visiting the Whisky Experience is one of the most excellent things to do in Edinburgh! For travellers that prefer a more intimate experience, you can pop into one of the local shops on Canongate (lower Royal Mile) to chat with the knowledgeable proprietors.
have a coffee at the elephant house
The birthplace of Harry Potter … need I say more? The Elephant House is often busy – it is no secret, after all. Grab a seat and order one of their delicious pastries. If you are looking for more of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh, check out this post – it’ll even tell you where the best wifi is!
So – there you have it. some of these will make a reappearance in my destinations post, but its a pretty comprehensive list of things to do in Edinburgh.
Going to Glasgow too? Check out 25 things to do in Glasgow. Other Scottish destinations you might be interested in are the Outer Hebrides and Orkney!
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{image from mario cutroneo}
I have not been — this is a great guide
thanks! if you do make it, have a great time – it’s a wonderful city!!!
I was only in Edinburgh for a couple nights about ten years ago, but it left an impression on me! Fabulous days spent wandering, nights spent in the pubs, one with live musicians, another at a comedy show (could barely understand some of the jokes but so much fun all the same). Would love to get back there soon and check off the things on this list I didn’t get to do!