Best Things to See in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city full of history, culture, and beauty. It’s Scotland’s second-largest city and the capital of the United Kingdom. Though it’s small, the city is packed with a variety of attractions, from historical landmarks to modern-day entertainment. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, there are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh.

History and Culture

Edinburgh was founded by the Picts in the 7th century and was known as the “Athens of the North” during the Enlightenment period. It also played an important role in the Scottish Reformation and the Industrial Revolution. Its history is evident in its architecture, from the medieval Old Town to the Georgian New Town.

Edinburgh is home to a diverse population, with a mix of cultures, religions, and ethnicities. This diversity is evident in the city’s numerous festivals and events, including the Edinburgh Festival, which is one of the world’s most celebrated cultural events. There are also music, art, and film festivals throughout the year.

Popular Sights and Attractions

Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and with good reason. The castle stands atop an extinct volcano and has been a site of importance since the Iron Age. Today, visitors can explore its many towers, courtyards, and dungeons, as well as its vast collection of artifacts and artwork.

The Royal Mile is a street that runs through the heart of the Old Town. It’s lined with shops, restaurants, and pubs, making it one of the best places to explore Edinburgh’s vibrant culture. Along the Royal Mile, visitors can find Edinburgh’s famous Whisky Trail – a collection of whisky bars, distilleries, and whisky shops.

The National Museum of Scotland showcases artifacts from all over the world, ranging from Egyptian mummies to dinosaur skeletons. The museum also offers interactive exhibits and activities for children.

The National Gallery of Scotland is home to an impressive collection of artworks, including works by Monet, Rembrandt, and Renoir. It also hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Edinburgh. Visitors can explore its state apartments and gardens, which feature works by notable artists like Rubens and Van Dyck.

Unique Experiences

Edinburgh is known for its unique experiences. For example, visitors can explore its many ghost tours, where guests can learn about haunted stories from Edinburgh’s past. There are also plenty of whisky tastings and tours where guests can sample Scotland’s world-famous whisky.

Edinburgh is also known for its walking tours, which allow visitors to explore its historical streets and buildings at their own pace. These tours provide an excellent way to see some of Edinburgh’s hidden gems up close.

The Outdoors

Edinburgh is home to some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery, including Arthur’s Seat – a hilltop park with panoramic views of the city. It’s also home to dozens of parks and gardens filled with lush foliage, exotic plants, and stunning architecture. The city’s many rivers and lochs provide plenty of opportunities for watersports like kayaking and sailing.

Nightlife

Edinburgh has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants. There are plenty of live music venues and comedy clubs to explore, as well as theaters for those who prefer a quieter evening out. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed night out or an all-night dance party, there’s something for everyone in Edinburgh.

Book a Walking Tour of Edinburgh

One of the best ways to experience Edinburgh is on a walking tour. A walking tour of Edinburgh allows visitors to explore its winding streets and hidden gems at their own pace. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors can discover some of Edinburgh’s most interesting sights, including historic buildings and neighborhoods. Tours typically last two to three hours, during which time visitors can learn about local history as well as sample traditional Scottish food and drink. To book a walking tour of Edinburgh, visit Viator.

Book a Whisky Tasting Tour

Scotland is known for its whisky, so it only makes sense that visitors should experience a whisky tasting tour when visiting Edinburgh. Whisky tasting tours typically last two hours and include tastings at three different distilleries in Edinburgh. During the tour, visitors can learn about whisky production techniques as well as sample some of Scotland’s finest whiskies. To book a whisky tasting tour in Edinburgh, visit GetYourGuide.

Book a Ghost Tour

Edinburgh has a long history of ghost stories and legends, so it only makes sense that visitors should experience a ghost tour when visiting the city. Ghost tours typically last two hours and take visitors to some of Edinburgh’s most haunted locations. During the tour, visitors can learn about local ghost stories as well as experience some spooky sights firsthand. To book a ghost tour in Edinburgh, visit Viator.

Conclusion

No matter what you’re looking for – history, culture, outdoor activities – there’s something for everyone in Edinburgh. From its famous landmarks to its unique experiences, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this ancient city. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon stroll or an all-night dance party, Edinburgh has something for everyone.