25 Best Things To Do in Edinburgh, Scotland In 2024

Are you on the lookout for issues to do in Edinburgh? Edinburgh is a metropolis of historic, royal, gory, and ghost tales. It’s a potent mix of outdated and new at each flip. From the long-lasting Edinburgh Citadel, perched majestically over town, to the full of life festivals that animate its streets, Edinburgh is a vacation spot that guarantees unforgettable adventures. Discover the mysterious great thing about the Previous City, dive into town’s flourishing arts scene, or relish the culinary delights in its quite a few eateries. Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, a tradition fanatic, or an city explorer, Edinburgh has one thing to captivate each traveler.

Greatest Issues to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Having lived in Edinburgh all my life, it isn’t stunning that I feel town is unimaginable. With a large quantity of historical past, thrilling nightlife, and epic locations to see, you possibly can rapidly develop into overwhelmed by every little thing to do in Edinburgh. It isn’t solely an excellent place to go to however to reside as nicely.

If you’re visiting Edinburgh for the primary time, it may be a bit intimidating. So we requested Edinburgh, an Edinburgh resident, to share one of the best insider suggestions and sights, however we even have up to date our Edinburgh information to give you up-to-date details about one of the best Edinburgh sights and suggestions for planning the proper journey to this unimaginable metropolis.

1. Edinburgh Citadel

Visiting Edinburgh Citadel might be the primary factor to do in Edinburgh. It has been a significant fortification concerned in navy and strategic endeavors for the reason that twelfth century and has been constantly occupied in some type since then.

Edinburgh Citadel proudly sits atop one of many metropolis’s extinct volcanos, Citadel Rock, and homes many treasures like The Stone of Future and the oldest crown jewels within the UK. If you’re into Scottish historical past you will need to go to this Citadel because it as soon as housed vital figures akin to Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

If you’re an actual Royal fan, get your self the Royal Edinburgh Ticket. It saves you cash on this and different sights akin to, Holyrood Palace, The Royal Yacht Britannia, and 48-hour entry to the HOHO Bus! Get Your Royal Edinburgh Ticket Here

Be certain that to walk the grounds. You’ll be impressed by the large cannons, The Nice Corridor, and, in fact, the Chapel that dates again to the twelfth Century.

The fort has been residence to royalty, the chief seat of energy, and a navy base all through the years. The one o’clock gun goes off from the entrance of the fort daily besides Sunday. It’s one thing you don’t need to miss. The gun was applied to assist with transport and to maintain time.

Insider Tip – Edinburgh Citadel is likely one of the hottest sights within the metropolis and may get very busy, so attempt to go to within the morning for those who can. I like to recommend that you just guide your ticket prematurely and get one with fast track entry which can let you skip the ticket traces, particularly in case you are visiting throughout the busy summer time season.

• Hours: Summer season (April 1-Sept 30) 9.30 am-6 pm (final entry at 5pm). Winter (Oct 1-Mar 31) 9.30 am-5 pm (final entry 4 pm).
• Worth to Enter: Proper now you will need to guide a ticket prematurely on-line for entry. Grownup £15.50 on-line, Concessions £12.40 on-line, Youngsters 5-15 £9.30 on-line. Beneath 5s are free.

2. The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the oldest a part of town and is one in every of my favourite issues to do in Edinburgh. Briefly, The Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Citadel all the way in which down the volcanic path that takes you to Holyrood Palace – a mile down. Therefore the title The Royal Mile.

Strolling the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is an important expertise for guests main you previous a sequence of notable landmarks, quirky outlets, and alluring cafes. As you wander its cobbled streets, you’ll encounter the fascinating St. Giles’ Cathedral, quite a few museums, and hidden closes (alleyways), every telling its personal story of town’s previous and current.

The Royal Mile can also be a hub for cultural occasions, notably throughout the Edinburgh Pageant Fringe, the place road performers and artists carry the realm to life.

Although the Royal Mile stroll itself will solely take you quarter-hour instantly, I’d advocate spending a couple of hours right here. Begin on the fort and work your manner down – it’s simpler strolling downhill! In the event you plan to go to in the summertime ensure that to plan across the Edinburgh Fringe Pageant as you received’t be capable of transfer within the streets. Is that this your first time in Edinburgh? In that case, try our 3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary

3. Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace, which is situated at one finish of the Royal Mile and proper throughout the road from the Scottish Parliament, is likely one of the most vital palaces in Scotland. It’s used as a museum for a lot of the yr and is the official residence to the Queen and the Royal household after they come to go to.

The Abbey was constructed earlier than the palace courting again to 1128, by order of King David 1st of Scotland. Within the fifteenth century, the abbey’s guesthouse was made right into a royal residence and has been utilized by British royalty ever since. It is a crucial a part of Scottish historical past.

Be certain that to go to Mary Queen of Scots chambers. They’re fairly spectacular—one fast notice. Pictures shouldn’t be allowed inside however you possibly can take images of the gardens, exterior, and the Abbey. If you’re in any respect within the Royal Household, then you’ll want to add this to your record.

Admission to Holyrood Palace: They’re solely taking timed entries in the intervening time in order that they should be booked prematurely. This tour offers a free audio guide as nicely.

Exploring Victoria Road in Edinburgh is a pleasant expertise for vacationers in search of a mix of distinctive buying and architectural magnificence. This historic road, with its distinctive curve and colourful facades, is a hub for unbiased boutiques, artisan outlets, and gourmand eateries.

It’s a treasure trove for these on the lookout for uncommon books, bespoke jewellery, and Scottish crafts. The road’s higher degree gives an array of cozy cafes and eating places, excellent for a culinary break. Victoria Road’s distinctive structure, with its Previous City character and neatly stacked outlets, gives a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll. This space, typically cited as an inspiration for the well-known Diagon Alley within the Harry Potter sequence, provides a contact of magic to the buying expertise. For guests to Edinburgh, a stroll down Victoria Road is not only a buying journey; it’s a journey by way of a vibrant a part of town’s cultural tapestry.

5. Scottish Nationwide Gallery

When visiting Edinburgh you will need to ensure that to make a journey to The Scottish Nationwide Gallery. It is a unbelievable Greek-columned complicated that’s artwork located proper in the midst of Princes Road within the very heart of Edinburgh.

It consists of two buildings; the principle Nationwide Gallery is the constructing on the again, with the one on the entrance being a part of the Royal Scottish Academy. The principle gallery holds everlasting collections and is all the time free to go to.

If you’re an artwork lover the Scottish Nationwide Gallery has you coated. With artwork from Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Gauguin to works from Scottish artists like Reverent Robert Strolling and Henry Raeburn, the Scottish Nationwide Gallery has one of many premier collections within the UK. If you’re an artwork lover, like I’m, this can be probably the greatest issues in Edinburgh that you’ll do.

• Presently, you will need to guide a timed entry ticket on their website.
• Scottish Nationwide Gallery Hours: 10 am-5 pm each day (Thursdays prolonged till 7 pm).
• Price to Enter the Scottish Nationwide Gallery: Free for everlasting exhibitions, some at RSA have a price.

6. Scottish Nationwide Gallery of Trendy Artwork

Nestled in a picturesque setting with intensive grounds, the Scottish Gallery of Trendy Artwork homes a powerful assortment of recent and modern artwork, that includes works by famend artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney.

The 2 buildings, Trendy One and Trendy Two, every supply a definite expertise with their thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive installations. The gallery hosts a wide range of workshops, talks, and short-term exhibitions, making each go to distinctive. Whether or not you’re an artwork connoisseur or just curious, the Scottish Gallery of Trendy Artwork presents an attractive cultural expertise, including a up to date twist to Edinburgh’s various sights.

The gallery’s tranquil sculpture park, dotted with putting artworks, gives a serene escape from town’s hustle.

7. Nationwide Museum of Scotland

If you’re a museum lover then this can be on the high of your record when on the lookout for issues to do in Edinburgh. The Nationwide Museum of Scotland is located on Chamber’s Road within the outdated city and is a nice Victorian constructing that opened in 1866.

The Nationwide Museum is free and the intensive vary of subjects coated is unbelievable. Whether or not you’re keen on Scottish historical past, expertise, innovations, world cultures, music, pure historical past, royalty, gory historical past, historic civilizations, or pure disasters, it’ll have one thing for you.

You can positively spend loads of time within the Nationwide Museum, which welcomes over 2 million guests a yr, so ensure that to plan accordingly.

If the climate is sweet, ensure that to go as much as the rooftop terrace the place you possibly can absorb some unimaginable views of town and the encircling space.

8. Go to or Climb the Scott Monument

The Scott Monument, situated on the japanese finish of Princes Road Gardens, shouldn’t be solely one of many metropolis’s most spectacular monuments It additionally gives some distinctive views of Edinburgh Citadel and different Edinburgh sights.

Devoted to the well-known Scottish creator Sir Walter Scott, the Scot Monument is a Gothic spire standing tall within the coronary heart of town. As you ascend the 287 steps to the highest, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled vistas of the Edinburgh skyline and its environment. Climbing up the slender staircase of the Scott Monument could also be one of many extra adventurous issues to do in Edinburgh however ensure that to cease on the primary degree and study a bit extra concerning the revered Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.

Alongside the climb, you possibly can pause on the viewing platforms to admire the intricate design and the sculptural particulars depicting characters from Scott’s novels. The monument’s location in Princes Road Gardens makes it a handy cease for guests exploring town heart.

Constructed-in 1832 to commemorate the loss of life of Sir Walter Scott, this gothic spire stands 200 toes excessive and is intricately embellished with beloved characters from his books. If you’re keen on literature and the writings of Sir Walter Scott in addition to Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and different Scottish writers we additionally advocate visiting the Writers Museum close to the Royal Mile.

9. Climb Calton Hill

The highest of Calton Hill is likely one of the finest spots for a spectacular view of the Edinburgh skyline, particularly at sundown. It’s a a lot simpler climb than Arthur’s Seat, taking lower than ten minutes to succeed in the highest from Regent Street.

The highest of Calton hill is residence to the Nelson Monument (that appears like a kind of upside-down telescope), the Nationwide Monument, which is designed equally to the Parthenon in Athens in Greece, and the Metropolis Observatory.

Although the nationwide monument stays unfinished 200 years later, it’s nonetheless very talked-about amongst guests. Calton Hill can also be an excellent place to benefit from the fireworks above the fort throughout Hogmanay.

10. Royal Botanic Backyard Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Backyard is located exterior town centre by the stunning village of Stockbridge and has been there for the reason that Victorian period. It’s one other excellent spot to get away from the crowds and revel in nature, however right here it’s cultivated nature, with many lovely flowerbeds. There are gardens and flora from many various international locations together with China, Japan, France, Spain, and Australia.

• Royal Botanic Backyard Edinburgh Hours: Each day 10am-6pm.
• Price: Gardens free. Glasshouse £6.

11. Mary King’s Shut

The Actual Mary King’s Shut is likely one of the coolest issues to do in Edinburgh, primarily as a result of it’s all beneath the streets of Previous City and the Royal Mile.

What was as soon as one of many busiest streets within the metropolis was coated by development again within the nineteenth century. However you may get a take a look at what life was like between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries with a tour of the Actual Mary King’s shut.

You may solely discover the realm with a delegated information, so we advise booking a guided tour to get essentially the most out of this nice Edinburgh attraction. FYI, there are not any images allowed on the tour.

12. Digicam Obscura & World of Illusions

Digicam Obscura & World of Illusions is by far one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Edinburgh, particularly in case you are visiting Edinburgh with youngsters. This attraction is made up of two totally different areas. The primary is the World of Illusions, which is a number of flooring of magic shows, optical illusions, interactive displays, and different enjoyable issues that everybody will get pleasure from. Be certain that to attempt the Vortex!

However the principle attraction is on the roof, which is the Camera Obscura. That is principally an old style projection system, however the demonstration and the story behind are what make this the star attraction. If cameras and magic will not be an excessive amount of of curiosity, the views from the rooftop over Edinburgh are positively value it as nicely. You may learn the evaluations and book your tickets here.

13. St Giles Cathedral

There isn’t any scarcity of church buildings in Edinburgh and most are fairly spectacular. However for those who resolve to go to solely one in every of them it is best to make it to this one. It’s onerous to overlook the crown-shaped steeple of St Giles Cathedral which dates again to the 14th century and is an icon of the Edinburgh skyline.

Positioned near Previous City and the Royal Mile, it’s spectacular from the skin however I discover the within to be actually lovely. Don’t miss the Thistle Chapel (ensure that to take a look at the ceiling) or the rooftop tour to benefit from your time there. Admission is upon donation and you should purchase a pictures allow for two kilos on the info desk if you wish to take images inside, which I like to recommend.

14. Royal Yacht Britannia

You can’t go to Edinburgh and never go to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. It’s positively one of the vital widespread issues to do in Edinburgh.

This floating museum was Her Majesty the Queen’s ex-Royal Yacht. Constructed again in 1953 it served because the Royal Yacht till it was decommissioned in 1957. A number of decks are open to the general public to view the assorted staterooms and public rooms of the vessel.

You may take the audio tour to get all the within royal particulars or you possibly can have Afternoon Tea on the Royal Deck Tea Room for the total expertise. Since it’s Scotland’s Greatest Attraction in keeping with the tourism web site, you’ll want to book your ticket in advance to keep away from the crowds.

• Hours: 9.30 am-4.30 pm.
• Price to go to the Royal Yacht Britannia: £17.00/15.00 concession, £8.75 for youngsters 5-17.

15. Georgian Home Museum

The Georgian Home is a museum in Charlotte Sq., which showcases the approach to life of the excessive Georgian society in Edinburgh’s New City (George Road). In-built 1796, and situated in New city, its first proprietor was John Lamont, who was the 18th clan chief of the clan Lamont.

He moved to town centre to search out one of the best training for his sons and one of the best husbands for his daughters. Folks keen on Georgian instances, structure, and life would get pleasure from visiting the Georgian Home at No. 7 Charlotte Sq..

• Observe: They’re closed in the intervening time. Please verify their website for up-to-date hours.
• Hours: Summer season hours (April-October) 10 am-5 pm each day. Winter hours (November-March) 10 am-4.15 pm each day.

16. Scottish Nationwide Portrait Gallery

The Nationwide Portrait Gallery is one in every of Edinburgh’s finest artwork galleries. If you’re a fan of portraiture, then this is likely one of the issues to do in Edinburgh that you just don’t need to miss. It holds a whole lot of work of distinguished Scots from royalty, lords, and girls, to artists, poets and writers.

The gallery has a mixture of mediums, from oil work to watercolors, to pictures. Additionally, there’s a statue of Robert Burns – Scotland’s bard – welcoming within the lobby.

17. Take a Ghost Tour

Edinburgh is apparently one of the vital haunted cities on this planet. One of many elements that contribute to this consists of the a whole lot of plague victims who have been walled in, within the outdated streets beneath the Royal Mile.

One other issue is all of the hangings that occurred within the Grassmarket, the place a few of the sad souls, and grieved harmless individuals hanged hang-out town. That is my favourite Ghost tour in Edinburgh. Nice guides and really fairly scary.

18. Princes Road Gardens

Princes Road Gardens is situated in the midst of Edinburgh, on Princes Road proper beneath Edinburgh Citadel. They was once the location of the Nor Loch – the North Loch which was drained when the New City was constructed within the 1760s. The gardens have a beautiful view of the fort, and it’s a excellent spot to walk or cease for a picnic.

They’re additionally residence to the Edinburgh Christmas market. If you’re visiting within the winter you need to ensure that to take this in.

19. The Grassmarket Gallows

The Grassmarket is a bustling a part of Edinburgh, which has nice nightlife and locations to eat, in addition to an intriguing previous. Located within the shadow of Edinburgh Citadel to the south, it’s named, because it was the market the place all animals that ate grass –in addition to the grasses to feed them – have been bought.

The bustling sq. hosts a meals and craft market on Sundays and has a plethora of nice outdated character-filled pubs to go to and nice eating places to pattern Scottish or worldwide meals. Frequent criminals who had been sentenced to loss of life have been hanged right here on the spot, which now’s a raised platform with a cross on it.

Some notorious Edinburgh criminals akin to mass assassin William Burke and thief Deacon Brodie met their finish right here.

20. Harry Potter in Edinburgh

You can’t say you might have accomplished one of the best issues to do in Edinburgh with out taking in a few of the Harry Potter sights. JK Rowling lived in Edinburgh when she began writing Harry Potter, and through most of her time writing the tomes, so there are many hyperlinks to the tales for these . If you’re a Harry Potter fan you’ll love Edinburgh.

To get one of the best Harry Potter expertise, take a tour. This Harry Potter Walking Tour is likely one of the finest within the metropolis and is actually inexpensive.

21. Tour the Harry Potter Places in Edinburgh

You don’t must take a guided tour to get pleasure from Harry Potter places in Edinburgh. You may go to many by your self. Listed below are a couple of of my favorites.

The Elephant Café – On George Fourth Bridge. It is a café the place Rowling did loads of writing throughout her early phases of the books.

Greyfriar’s Kirk – The grave of Scottish poet McGonagall was the inspiration for the character Ms. McGonagall, as Rowling loved the irony of naming a really literate and intelligent character after somebody notorious for his horrible poems.

Hogwarts – The outline of Hogwarts is alleged to be an amalgamation of inspiration from three non-public colleges in Edinburgh, Stuarts Melville, Fettes School, and George Heriots. All three colleges aren’t removed from town heart, with George Heriots located proper behind Greyfriar’s Kirkyard for those who go to there, so are simple to go to see.

The Boy Wizard Retailers– Harry Potter outlets referred to as The Boy Wizard are popping up round Edinburgh for all of your Potter merchandise wants. There may be at the moment one on South Bridge, The Royal Mile, contained in the Tartan Weaving Middle proper subsequent to the Citadel downstairs, and one simply opened in Edinburgh airport!

22. A Scotch Whisky Expertise

You can’t go to Scotland and have a Scotch Whisky expertise. Scottish Whisky is legendary, and it’s Dave’s favourite spirit. Even for those who aren’t a scotch drinker, a Scotch Whisky expertise is a enjoyable tour to study concerning the whisky course of and to grasp why it’s so widespread worldwide.

For many who are on the lookout for only a style, I like to recommend The Silver Tour, which is their most inexpensive, and in case you are extra of a connoisseur, try the Platinum Tour or the Masterclass. This place can get fairly busy, so I counsel grabbing a Skip the Line Ticket, particularly for those who go to Go to Edinburgh throughout the summer time.

Edinburgh gives many scotch excursions all through town, and I’ve carried out a couple of. The Scotch Whisky Expertise above is my favourite, however if you wish to verify some extra of town do this History of Whiskey Tour.

This highly-rated tour takes you thru one of many world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky. Uncover the artwork of mixing and the secrets and techniques of single-malt whisky throughout our 5 whisky-producing areas.

23. The Edinburgh Dungeon

Edinburgh has an extended and tumultuous historical past. Visiting The Edinburgh Dungeon is a should for those who like exploring a bit of the macabre. This expertise is completed nicely with reside actors, particular results, and underground rides.

Stroll the plagued roads of 1645, keep away from Burke and Hare and you can even face prosecution at trial. The Edinburgh Dungeon holds late-night occasions as nicely which can be adults solely. You might be assured to have a superb time.

24. Greyfriars Bobby

Greyfriar’s Bobby is the story of a wee canine from the Greyfriars space of Edinburgh. His is a story of friendship and devotion. A sort native policeman named Jock Gray adopted a bit Skye terrier and named him Bobby when he was simply a few weeks outdated. The pair quickly turned one of the best of pals, going in every single place, together with the native pub by Greyfriar’s Kirk (church), collectively.

Sadly after solely two years collectively, Jock handed away from tuberculosis, and Bobby was left masterless. The wee canine was broken-hearted, so he spent each evening of the remainder of his life – one other 14 years – sleeping on Jock’s grave. He was taken in by the group, given a license by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and has been a folks hero since.

Many individuals have taken to rubbing the statue of Bobby’s nostril for luck and taking a photograph with him, so don’t miss visiting town’s favourite canine.

25. Climb Arthur’s Seat and stroll in Holyrood Park

If you’re on the lookout for one of the best views of town then you’ll want to climb as much as the highest of Arthur’s Seat for certain. Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags are the hills in Edinburgh’s metropolis heart and could be seen from nearly wherever within the metropolis.

It’s the web site of a 350 million-year-old extinct volcano. The final eruption was greater than 100 million years in the past. Arthur’s Seat was once a royal park (you possibly can see from noting the crowns on the lamps on the way in which in), however was gifted by the Queen to the individuals, so is now a public park (Holyrood Park).

The best route as much as Arthur’s Seat is to take the grassy slope on the east aspect from Dunsapie Loch on Queen’s Drive. It takes about half-hour to succeed in the highest and is a comparatively simple hike (however a bit steep). Be certain that to decorate for the climate as it may possibly fairly windy on the high.

We propose heading as much as Artur’s Seat for Sundown. The views of town are magnificent and you might be solely quarter-hour from town heart. If you’re on the lookout for another for sundown, Calton Hill is nice.

How A lot Time Ought to You Spend in Edinburgh?

Like most locations, the period of time you want in a metropolis is solely depending on how a lot you need to see and do.

We advocate spending a minimum of 3 Days in Edinburgh, with a view to take full benefit of visiting all the principle Edinburgh sights like Previous City, Arthur’s Seat, and Calton Hill in addition to a few of the extra distinctive issues like a ghost tour.

If you’re actually into Scottish historical past and Museums you would possibly need to give your self a bit longer.

When is one of the best time to go to Edinburgh?

The very best time to go to Edinburgh is in the summertime. There are loads of issues occurring and you’re going to get one of the best climate. August can also be the month when loads of festivals happen such because the Edinburgh worldwide competition, so you’ll want to issue that into your planning. The one caveat is that it is going to be fairly busy.

If you wish to go to when it’s a little much less crowded then the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall are for you. Lodging costs are a bit decrease and the principle sights are much less busy.

Don’t write off winter although, particularly if you wish to go to the Edinburgh Christmas Market.

The way to Get to Edinburgh

There are direct flights to Edinburgh from any of the UK’s main cities and round Europe.

Plus many main cities are related to the Scottish capital by practice. The principle practice station is the Waverley Prepare Station however you can too take the practice to Haymarket.

Buses additionally function between London and Edinburgh.

Getting Round Edinburgh

The fantastic thing about a compact metropolis like Edinburgh is that you may simply entry loads of the principle sights on foot. If you’re not into performing some strolling (and a few hill climbing) you possibly can entry the cities environment friendly bus and tram traces in addition to the well-run taxi service.

There may be additionally the HOHO Bust that’s provided free for 48 hours on the Edinburgh Pass, one other nice solution to get round.

Closing Ideas on Visiting Edinburgh

And that’s my information to one of the best issues to do in Edinburgh, Scotland. Visiting these Edinburgh sights ought to provide you with an excellent start line when planning your journey to Edinburgh.

No matter whether or not you might be visiting for per week or a weekend, I’ve tried to incorporate issues which can be free to do in addition to loads of low-cost objects. I hope you get pleasure from visiting my metropolis as a lot as I do dwelling right here.