The Best Things To Do In Edinburgh

The vibrant city of Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s most exciting and historic destinations. Set against the backdrop of an ancient, rugged landscape, this historic capital city is a must-see for any traveler looking to experience the best of Scotland. From its fantastic architecture to its lively culture, it’s no wonder Edinburgh is one of the most popular cities in Europe.

Founded as a royal burgh in the 12th century, Edinburgh quickly rose to become Scotland’s largest and most important city. Today, the vibrant city of Edinburgh is home to a population of around 500,000 people. With its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and unique attractions, Edinburgh is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the best of Scotland.

Edinburgh is renowned for its history, culture, and architecture. It’s home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the National Gallery of Scotland. The city also has a thriving arts scene with theater, music, and visual art all on display throughout the year. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder Edinburgh is one of the most visited cities in Europe.

Here are the best things to do in Edinburgh:

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, sitting atop an extinct volcano and overlooking the city of Edinburgh. The castle has been a royal residence since the 12th century and is home to many of Scotland’s royal treasures. Inside the castle visitors can explore the Great Hall, the Crown Room, and St Margaret’s Chapel. There are also a number of museums housed inside the castle walls including the National War Museum and Scotland’s oldest museum, the Royal Scottish Museum. Exploring Edinburgh Castle is a must for anyone visiting the city.

Walk the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a stretch of cobbled streets that stretch from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the mile you’ll find quaint cobbled streets lined with shops and pubs, as well as some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including St Giles Cathedral and the World’s End pub. Walking along the Royal Mile is a great way to get to know the city and get a feel for its rich history.

Visit the National Gallery of Scotland

The National Gallery of Scotland is one of the country’s best art galleries and it is home to some of Europe’s finest art collections. The gallery houses works by some of the world’s most famous painters including Rembrandt, Monet, and Degas. Other highlights include sculptures by Rodin and a number of works from the Scottish Colourists. With its impressive collection and stunning architecture, a visit to the National Gallery of Scotland is a must for any art lover visiting Edinburgh.

Take a Tour Of The Old Town

The Old Town of Edinburgh is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Here you’ll find winding cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, and some of the city’s best-preserved Renaissance architecture. A guided tour of the Old Town is a great way to get to know this historic area and learn about its past.

Sample some local whisky

Scotland is home to some of the world’s best whiskies and there’s no better way to sample them than on a whisky tasting tour. On these tours you’ll get to sample a variety of different whiskies from all over Scotland while learning about their history and production process. Whisky tasting tours are a great way to learn about Scotland’s national drink while sampling some of its finest whiskies.

Visit Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is a dramatic peak in Holyrood Park that offers stunning views over Edinburgh. The peak is also home to Holyrood Palace which was once the home of Mary Queen of Scots. A hike up Arthur’s Seat is an excellent way to take in the views over Edinburgh and explore some of its most iconic landmarks.

Take a ghost tour

Edinburgh has an eerie reputation as one of Europe’s most haunted cities. So why not explore its spooky side with a ghost tour? On these tours you’ll get to explore some of Edinburgh’s most haunted spots while hearing stories of ghostly apparitions and other paranormal activity. It’s a great way to explore Edinburgh’s darker side!

Go on a walking tour

Edinburgh is a great city for walkers and there are plenty of guided walking tours that will take you through some of its most iconic spots as well as uncovering some lesser-known gems. On these tours you can expect to learn about Edinburgh’s history, culture, and architecture while taking in some stunning views along the way.

Sample traditional Scottish cuisine

Scotland has some delicious traditional dishes that you won’t want to miss out on while in Edinburgh. Dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties are all popular in Scotland and can be sampled in many traditional Scottish pubs around the city. It’s a great way to experience some traditional Scottish cuisine while enjoying a pint!

Take a day trip out of town

Edinburgh makes an ideal base for exploring Scotland’s stunning countryside and there are plenty of day trips available from the city. Popular day trips include visiting East Lothian for its beautiful beaches, exploring the majestic Highlands, or taking a boat trip to the islands off Scotland’s east coast.

Popular Tours

Edinburgh City Sightseeing Tour

Experience all that Edinburgh has to offer on this comprehensive City Sightseeing Tour. From visiting iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace to exploring hidden gems like Calton Hill and Princes Street Gardens, this tour will take you on an exciting journey through Edinburgh’s past and present. During your tour you’ll see beautiful architecture, learn about the city’s rich history, and hear stories about some of its famous residents. You’ll also enjoy stunning views over Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill as well as visits to charming local pubs along the way. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to get an overview of all that Edinburgh has to offer! Book a City Sightseeing Tour here .

Edinburgh Castle Tour

Discover one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks on this guided tour of Edinburgh Castle. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through the castle’s rich history from its origins as a royal residence in the 12th century to its use as a military stronghold for centuries afterwards. On this tour you’ll get to explore some of the castle’s most famous rooms such as St Margaret’s Chapel and the Great Hall while learning about their fascinating history. You’ll also enjoy stunning views over Edinburgh from atop castle walls as well as visits to some of the castle’s museums including The National War Museum and Scotland’s oldest museum, The Royal Scottish Museum. Book an Edinburgh Castle Tour here .

Highland Day Trip from Edinburgh

Explore Scotland’s stunning Highlands on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Leaving from central Edinburgh in an air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll travel through picturesque countryside before arriving in the Highlands where you’ll explore some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks including Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. During your tour you’ll stop for lunch at an traditional Scottish pub before venturing further into Scotland’s breathtaking Highlands where you’ll enjoy stunning views over mountains and lochs as well as visits to historic castles and villages along the way. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to explore more of Scotland without spending days on the road! Book a Highland Day Trip here .

As you can see there are plenty of things to see and do in Edinburgh! Whether you’re looking for historic castles or bustling pubs, this vibrant city has something for everyone. With its unique culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s no wonder Edinburgh is one of Europe’s top destinations!