With its charming cobblestone streets and stunning castle, it’s no surprise that this Scottish city steals the hearts of so many visitors. Edinburgh really does a great job of blending its rich history with a special charm. It was love at first sight for me! In this guide, I will share my best tips for things to do in Edinburgh.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle has to be at the top of our list. Walking around Edinburgh, you’ll often find yourself stumbling upon a gorgeous view of Edinburgh Castle just around the corner. There’s something special about it that I just can’t seem to get enough of.
Curious to find out what’s up there? You can explore the inside of the castle. Make sure to book tickets on the official website in advance. Entry prices are between £17.50 to £20.50, depending on the season.
Visit the farmers market beneath the castle
I love to take every chance I get to try local snacks and specialities. Are you also a foodie? Then make sure to visit the farmers market on Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Here you can find local produce, cheeses, hearty pies, and sweet treats. It’s right below the castle, which makes it so charming to walk here!
Check out the official website or Instagram. This is the Google Maps location.
2. The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a beautiful street that runs through the heart of historic Edinburgh. This one-mile stretch connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Unlike main streets in other cities, the bars and restaurants on this street are also quite good. So whenever you need a break, just pop into one of the local pubs or restaurants and grab a pint and a bite to eat.
While walking the Royal Mile, make sure to have a look at ‘The World’s End‘. A famous pub that owes its name to its location. Back in the 16th century, Edinburgh was a walled city. The gates to the city were just outside the pub. As far as the people of Edinburgh were concerned, the world outside these gates was no longer theirs: hence the name, The World’s End.
3. Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat
Climb this central hill for a spectacular view of Old Town Edinburgh. I love having lunch here or simply enjoy a view of the old city set against the Highlands backdrop. If that’s not enough, you can also admire Arthur’s Seat in all its glory.
Besides views, you can find a couple of iconic monuments here like the Nelson Monument and the National Monument.
Getting to the top is easy if you can walk.
Hike to Arthur’s Seat
Feeling adventurous and don’t just want to look at Arthur’s Seat from a distance? This old volcano peak is just the place for a great hike with breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding landscapes. It is located in Holyrood Park, and entry to Arthur’s Seat is free. Or you can book a guided hiking trip with a local guide who can tell you everything there is to know about the area.
4. A Scotch Whisky Experience
Scotland and whisky go hand in hand like bread and butter. So while you’re in the city, you have to experience whisky the Scottish way. One way of doing it is simply asking any pub in Edinburgh about a whisky tasting. You will be served with a selection of whiskies, each with a different taste, origin, and story.
For whisky enthusiasts, a visit to Johnnie Walker on Princes Street is a must. This place has it all and takes you on a journey to discover the art of whisky making.
If you can’t get enough of whisky, make sure to read our blog about whisky tastings in Edinburgh. Cheers! 🥃
5. Victoria Street and Grassmarket
Victoria Street is one of two streets that you always see on Instagram. It’s really lovely, with all the colourful houses and a few cool shops, mostly filled with Harry Potter merch! 😉 The street is not that long, so this is ideal to combine with the Grassmarket. This market square is especially lively when it’s sunny, with many pubs for a pint or local dish.
If you’re lucky, you might walk into a small and local farmer’s market. You’ll find some really nice local crafts here, plus some tasty Scottish snacks! We had a lovely pie here from a local bakery.
6. Cockburn Street
Yes, another street that is so pretty and probably the most well-known. This picturesque street, just off the Royal Mile, served as inspiration for the famous wizarding shopping street in Harry Potter. This street, lined with beautiful Victorian buildings, has charming craft shops, but I love it most for its freshly roasted coffee. In sunny summer weather, you can relax on a terrace with a wine, beer, or cocktail. With that sunkissed tan, people back home would never guess you’ve been to Scotland 😄.
7. National Museum of Scotland
If you’ve got to choose just one museum to visit in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland is definitely the one you should go for! This museum covers everything from Scottish history to science and world cultures. The way collections are displayed is beautiful, making it so entertaining that we lost track of time when we visited.
Besides its collections, we fell in love with the grand central hall. It’s made of a cast iron construction that rises the full height of the building. We had a blast during our visit and were amazed by its size! The most amazing part? Entry is completely free.
This museum is also great to visit with kids thanks to its many interactive and fun displays.
8. Greyfriars Kirkyard
Visiting a graveyard might not be on your usual city trip to-do list, but this one you can’t miss. This ancient cemetery has such a historic charm to it. On sunny days it’s so light, and on rainy days it can feel so gloomy. Which ever weather you have, just have a walk along the tombstones. You may come across some intriguing names, such as Voldemort or Sirius Black. 😉
J.K. Rowling, found inspiration for Harry Potter from these tombstones in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Make sure to read our Harry Potter guide through Edinburgh.
Greyfriars Bobby
There’s a lovely local tale involving this graveyard and a dog. Bobby was a Skye Terrier dog known for his loyalty, famously associated with Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh. The story goes that after Bobby’s owner, John Gray, passed away in 1858, the dog spent 14 years guarding his master’s grave until his own death in 1872. Bobby’s devotion to his owner made him a local legend, drawing considerable attention and affection from the public. Today, there is a statue of Greyfriars Bobby near the entrance to the kirkyard, and his story remains a beloved part of Edinburgh’s history.
9. Scottish National Gallery
If you love art, visit the Scottish National Gallery. It features a fantastic collection from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including works by Van Gogh, Titian, Monet, and Scottish artist Sir Henry Raeburn. Admission is free, but some temporary exhibits may charge a fee.
The museum is right in the middle of Princess Street Gardens, a lovely park running through the city. Ideal to have a picnic or drink afterwards.
10. Try local drinks and food
Honestly, I’d probably rank this as my favourite, but I didn’t want to come off as just someone who only thinks about food, haha! 😛 With such a rich pub culture, it would be a shame to waste the opportunity to try some local drinks and food while you’re in Edinburgh. You don’t often hear about Scottish cuisine, but oh my is it indulging and comforting! Try any local pub to try a meat pie, fish ‘n chips, Scotch egg, or haggis, neeps and tatties (my favourite). Of course you have to pair it with a local beer or whisky. As dessert I recommend trying a sticky toffee pudding or Scottish Cranachan Cheesecake.
Read our foodies guide to Edinburgh with recommendations.
11. The Real Mary King’s Close
You can find many closes (alleyways) leading off of the Royal Mile, each holding a bit of Edinburgh’s past. Most well-known is Mary King’s Close, a historic close located under the Edinburgh City Chambers building on the Royal Mile.
A ‘close’ is a narrow alleyway or passage, often leading off the main street (The Royal Mile) into courtyards or between buildings.
On a guided tour of the Real Mary King’s Close, you’ll explore 17th-century streets and dimly lit rooms while hearing stories of Edinburgh’s past. Costumed guides will share tales of former residents, including merchants, tradespeople, and accounts of pandemics and hauntings.
There are more closes you might want to peek at. For example Advocate’s Close, with its views of the Scott Monument.
12. St Giles’ Cathedral
Along the Royal Mile, you can find this mighty cathedral. St Giles’ Cathedral has stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Founded in 1124 by King David I, it has been a working church for over 900 years.
13. Holyrood Palace
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is worth visiting, especially for those interested in Scottish and royal history. It gives you a peek into the King’s official residence in Edinburgh and the historic lives of Scottish royals.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open throughout the year, and stands at the end of the Royal Mile. You can save on your tickets by booking in advance through the official website.
14. Dean Village
Just outside of Edinburgh’s centre you can find Dean Village. This charming former village features well-preserved 19th-century buildings that create a lovely atmosphere. Its cobblestone streets and scenic views are perfect for a (romantic) walk, particularly along the Water of Leith Walkway.
I recommend going here if the weather is nice.
15. The Writers’ Museum
The Writers’ Museum honours three major figures of Scottish literature: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. If you’re a literature enthusiast, this is the place for you! Explore portraits, rare books, and personal items, including Burns’ writing desk and the printing press that produced Scott’s Waverley Novels.
Even if you don’t fancy literature that much, it’s still worth visiting just to see the building and street. It’s so charming, and as with many museums in Scotland, entry is free.
16. The Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia served the Royal Family for over 44 years and is now located in the Port of Leith, a few miles from the city centre. Just a perfect location allowing you to easily visit the ship and explore Leith. This place is known for its trendy bars and excellent seafood restaurants. Entry price for the Yacht is £18.50, but make sure to check out their website for current prices.
If you have extra time in Edinburgh or are visiting for the second time, I recommend checking out Leith.
17. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Take a break at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Just a mile north of the city centre, this oasis features various plant species from around the world. Especially beautiful in Spring and Summer. Entry is free, with a small fee for access to additional exhibitions.
