Are you confused about things to do in Edinburgh and which destination to visit?
Scotland’s vibrant and picturesque capital, Edinburgh, is a textbook example of the heavens on earth. Located in Central eastern Scotland, it is surrounded by majestic rocks, rustic buildings, a constellation of ancient & medieval structures, as well as stone decorations.
The city is one of the most visited locations in the UK. The capital of Scotland also has several tourist attractions.
Scotland combines antique and modern architecture, giving the city a unique character. The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With year-round festivals, vibrant nightlife, and an exciting art scene, Edinburgh never fails to impress tourists. Edinburgh was the first city to get the UNESCO designation as a city of literature designation, and it is proud of its distinction.
Filled with stunning geology, diverse landscape, volcanic Pentland hills in the south, and the seaside resort of Portobello all add to Edinburgh’s magnificence.
There are numerous splendid destinations around Scotland‘s marvellous capital. So, if you plan to be in Edinburgh anytime, here are some of the most engaging things to do.
1. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
One of Britain’s most popular tourist locations is Edinburgh Castle, the well-known symbol of Scotland. It is a component of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, including ancient and modern towns.
The castle still dominates the city skyline and is home to the Scottish National War Museum, the Stone of Destiny, and the Royal Crown Jewels. This Remarkable monument has a complicated construction history and is a formidable fortification and defender of the country.
Guided tours are available at this location provided by the castle stewards, which take you around the castle, explaining its history and architecture in Multilingual options. With so much to see here, how can this destination not be your priority on the list?
2. Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh, Scotland
The formal house of the Queen in Edinburgh is Holyrood Palace, which played a crucial role in Scottish history. Portraits of mythical and historical Scottish rulers can be seen in the Grand Gallery. Several exhibits from the Royal Collection are displayed in The Queen’s Gallery, which was inaugurated in 2002 as a portion of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
If you are travelling with children to Holyrood Palace, let them enjoy the activities in the Family Room, and if you have time, stay for a while at a charming restaurant and enjoy a good afternoon tea. Make sure to visit Mary Queen of Scots’ chambers, too. It is located in proximity to Arthur’s Seat.
3. Stroll the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
Royal Mile refers to the roads connecting Edinburgh Castle with the Holyroodhouse Palace. It serves as the Old Town’s busy street.
With stunning city houses, churches, and historic landmarks, this magnificent trail is an excellent place for its shops (including kiltmakers), lodging, museums, cafes, and restaurants.
The Observation Tower, Camera Obscura, Tolbooth (St. John’s Highland Church), and the city’s giant church tower are among the most well-known sights atop Castle Hill, where the Royal Mile ends.
The Writer’s Museum is located in Lady Stair’s Close. This exhibition shows manuscripts, etchings, and other artifacts of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and poet Robert Burns.
For people who love taking long walks, this place is custom-designed for you.
4. Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland
Very distinct from the New Town (around George Street), you can expect a host of cobbled streets, historical structures, and beautiful little squares. As you travel down Victoria Street from the Royal Mile to Grass Market, look at some local eateries and gift shops.
So, anyone wishing for fancy walking, don’t forget to add it to your list of things to do in Edinburgh.
5. Climb to Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags, Edinburgh, Scotland
Arthur’s Seat is the highest point (823 feet tall) in Holyrood Park, encompassing a panoramic view of the entire Edinburgh city. The cliffs of Salisbury Crags are an easy climb adjacent to Arthur’s Seat.
The ancient cultivation terraces in this park, some of the earliest evidence of traditional agricultural practices in Scotland, and the seductively sarcastic ruins of the medieval St. Anthony’s Church are other eye-catching features.
Out of the seven hills in Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat runs through the city and offers a variety of views. One can see Edinburgh Castle, the Old City, and the New City. Enchanting beauty like this cannot be missed, so don’t wait; include it in your things to do when in Edinburgh.
6. Glimpse into Scottish History at The National Museum of Scotland
One of the best things to do in Scotland is to visit The National Museum of Scotland, which is home to the most famous attraction since its opening in 2011. It hosts exhibitions on historical development, geology, art, science, and technology, as well as collections from some of Edinburgh’s oldest museums, and attracts more than 2 million visitors annually.
Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal in the world, and a few of Elton John’s lavish stage costumes belong to the more than 8,000 artistic creations displayed in 16 galleries. The museum also features ancient Egyptian artifacts and the notorious Maiden, an early model of the guillotine.
Expect to explore for at least 4-5 hours because there is so much to see and do. There are two restaurants on-site, and guided tours are provided. Put this at the top of your list of Edinburgh activities.
7. Set Sail for Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, Scotland
Over the years, the Queen has welcomed heads of state and world-renowned people to this magnificent ship. After more than 40 years working for the royal family, a 60-year-old boat was sent to Leith, a port in Edinburgh, as the primary Britannia Visitor Center.
Once on board, you can tour the ship’s five main decks and gain insight into the past of this and previous royal ships.
Highlights include:
- Royal Apartments and bedrooms.
- A lovely resting place in the sun.
- The Royal Deck Tea Room is where you can stand for tea and cakes.
8. Watch the Flowers Bloom in Edinburgh, Scotland’s Royal Botanic Garden
Royal Botanic Garden is the second-oldest garden in Britain, Edinburgh. It is enormous and contains 13,200 distinct plant species. On 70 acres, there is a herbarium with a variety of more than 3 million specimens, the largest palm house in the United Kingdom, and a tropical house with rare orchids.
A stunning Alpine residence, a tiered moorland garden, a heather garden, and a sizable arboretum with unusually tall trees from the Himalayas and North America are all included.
The aquatic house is another of its umpteen attractions, with colourful camellias and hydrangeas. A special festive treat visit during the Christmas holidays; you can also opt for an educational and learning experience here.
9. Walk the Length of Princes Street, Edinburgh
Princes Street is related to Edinburgh, but city dwellers often overlook its structure. Most of the existing buildings are now listed, and among the modern stores are natural treasures.
Princes Avenue in Edinburgh is one of the few locations worldwide where you can shop wholeheartedly as you enjoy a clear view of the Historic castle.
It is unique as its stores are lined on one side of the street, leaving the opposite side of the green garden space, giving customers a fantastic view of the Old Town.
When you are done with all that shopping and history, head to Princes Street Gardens, the oldest floral clock home in the world.
George iv Bridge
George IV Bridge made Edinburgh’s southside accessible to the people and covered the gap that joins the Lawnmarket on the Royal Mile with Chamber Street in the south.
10. Edinburgh Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh, Scotland
The centrepiece is a hole-in-the-wall camera that displays moving images of Edinburgh on a viewing table and is in a Victorian upstairs room. Since 1853, people have been drawn to the Edinburgh Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. It was produced using a combination of optics and mirrors.
With a mirror hall, a vertigo-inducing rotating vortex, 3-D holographic visuals, and an extended range of other visual encounters, some information will make you doubt your vision.
11. Take a Tour of the Scottish National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, a sizeable neo-gothic castle made of red sandstone that dominates the city skyline, houses paintings of some of Scotland’s most notable historical personalities.
The gallery’s main draw is a collection of displays honouring well-known Scottish characters like Robbie Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Sean Connery, Robert Louis Stevenson, Mary Stuart, and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
The Scottish National Gallery was founded in 1859 and is now regarded as one of the best art museums in the world. You must visit this site on your bucket list of things to do in Edinburgh if you enjoy or admire old art.
12. Edinburgh’s Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
A must-see in Edinburgh is the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, also called the Modern One and Modern Two. The two buildings of the Scottish National Museum of Modern Art are housed in lovely galleries.
Works by Picasso, Matisse, Vuillard, and Dix are included in the collection. The known collections of Surrealism and Duck contain a wonderful collection of Scottish painters, including Peploe, Fergusson, Douglas Gordon, and Steven Campbell.
13. St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland
The city’s primary cathedral is St. Giles Cathedral, founded by King David in 1124. It is sometimes called the High Kirk of Edinburgh. Also, it is a vital area of the city that draws numerous visitors all year.
This 1300s building is notable for its architectural design, with eight arched buttresses generating a massive Crown-Steeple, beautiful stained glass windows, and a figure of John Knox.
The adjacent Thistle Church is well-known for its oak sculptures, heraldic emblem, and numerous other outstanding examples of modern Gothic architecture.
Joining a rooftop tour or immersing yourself in a midday choir live show is enjoyable while planning to visit the cathedral. Please make time to visit this wonderful, and don’t forget to include it on your list of things to do in Edinburgh.
14. Spectacular Views of the Scottish National Monument and Calton Hill
Admire the views of Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, and the Old Town against Arthur’s Seat from Calton Hill. The Leith docks and the Firth of Forth are visible to the east and north, respectively. Sir Walter Scott attended the Royal High School, located at the base of the hill, and dates to the Middle Ages.
The magnificent National Monument on Calton Hill, built to remember the victims of the Napoleonic Wars, is the most notable of Edinburgh’s numerous memorials. Henry Playfair was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens when creating the memorial.
There is a statue of the renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns opposite Calton Hill. Make sure to take a few pictures from this vantage point of the town at sunset to capture an unforgettable memory of your trip to Edinburgh.
Thus, selfie enthusiasts and eager photographers take in the beauty and add it to your list of things to do in Edinburgh.
15. Visit the Museum of Edinburgh to Learn About the City’s Past
The Museum of Edinburgh, built in the 1500s and located at the famous Canongate, is well worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about Scottish local history.
The museum is run by the Edinburgh City Council and is housed in the late 16th-century Huntly Mansion in Canongate.
The museum also has a fantastic collection of decorative artifacts featuring the rich history of Scottish art, ranging from intricately crafted silver from Edinburgh and Canongate to costumes, clocks, and Scottish pottery and Scottish porcelain from the 18th century.
16. Greyfriars Church and Greyfriars Bobby
The Scottish Church has a parish church in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Greyfriars Kirkyard surrounds it.
Near the southern end of Candlemakers’ Row is Greyfriars Church, the city’s oldest cemetery and the burial place of many well-known Scots, including poet Allan Ramsay.
One well-known name connected with the Church is Greyfriars Bobby. The Skye Terrier followed its owner, John Gray’s coffin to the cemetery in 1858 and steadfastly refused to leave until Grey died 14 years later. In addition to the Bobby statue outside the Church, a shelter was constructed for him.
A museum is located on-site. You can also take guided tours; they are available as well.
We’ve all heard this remarkable tale of loyalty; the statue commemorates Skye Terrier’s loyalty, so do have it in your things to do in Edinburgh.
17. The Meadows, Edinburgh, Scotland
Meadows remains the most significant piece of Edinburgh’s social life for the city’s residents all around the year. Meadows is an expansive public park in Edinburgh, Scotland, south of the city centre.
It consists mainly of an open grassy area that crosses tree-lined paths but also has a children’s croquet, club playground, tennis courts and recreational sports fields.
Sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike are welcome here to indulge in the breathtaking beauty of nature. Do have it in your things to do in Edinburgh.
18. Edinburgh Zoo
In the Corstorphine neighbourhood of Edinburgh, Scotland, there is a non-profit wildlife park called the Edinburgh Zoo, formerly known as the Scottish National Zoological Park. The south side provides a comprehensive perspective of the city facing the Corstorphine Hill slopes.
It was built in 1913, and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland looks after it. With even more than 600,000 tourists visiting each year, it is Scotland’s second-highest popular tourist attraction.
On a Final Note
The City Center, especially the Old Town, Royal Mile, and New Town locations, is a perfect base if you are visiting Edinburgh for the first time and want to explore all the top spots to see in this lovely region of Scotland. And do not miss Princes Street’s elegant stores.
Another well-liked locale is the reasonably priced West End. These locations put you close to the city’s historical landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse Palace, and Holyrood Abbey, as well as galleries, restaurants, and museums. Located in Central Eastern Scotland, this place is a must-visit.
Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Apeksha Soni
