Edinburgh Things To Do Today

Edinburgh is a stunningly beautiful city located in Scotland, brimming with history and culture. Founded in the early 10th century, Edinburgh is one of the oldest cities in Scotland and is famous for its ancient castles, imposing architecture and stunning views. Home to the world-famous Edinburgh Castle, the historic Royal Mile, and a variety of galleries and museums, Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore Scotland’s rich history and culture. With its vibrant music scene, traditional pubs and lively nightlife, Edinburgh also provides plenty of entertainment for those looking for a more modern experience.

History and Culture

Edinburgh has a rich history that stretches back to the early 10th century when its castle was first established. The city was once the capital of Scotland and was an important trading post. It was home to the Scottish Parliament until 1707 when an act of union created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. For centuries, Edinburgh was the political and religious centre of Scotland before becoming the cultural centre it is today.

Edinburgh has long been home to a vibrant culture that continues to draw in visitors from all over the world. The city is known for its traditional music and dance, which can be seen throughout the city’s pubs and clubs at various times throughout the year. Edinburgh also hosts a variety of festivals and events such as the world-famous Fringe Festival, as well as music, theatre and comedy festivals throughout the year.

Popular Sights

One of the most popular sights in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle. This imposing castle sits atop an extinct volcano and dates back to the 12th century. The castle houses a variety of attractions such as St Margaret’s Chapel, the Great Hall and the National War Museum of Scotland. Visitors can also explore the castle’s grounds which offer stunning views of the city below.

The Royal Mile is another popular sight in Edinburgh, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. This cobblestone street houses a variety of attractions such as shops, cafes, and pubs as well as monuments such as St Giles Cathedral and the Scottish Parliament building. The Royal Mile is also home to some of Edinburgh’s best museums including the National Museum of Scotland, which houses a variety of exhibits exploring Scotland’s history and culture.

The National Museum of Scotland is one of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions, offering visitors a range of exhibits exploring Scotland’s past. The museum showcases a variety of artifacts from Scotland’s history, from Paleolithic tools to medieval coins. The museum also houses a variety of interactive exhibits, making it a great place for visitors to explore Scotland’s culture and history.

Unique Experiences

Edinburgh has a range of unique experiences that can be had by visitors who are looking for something different. For those looking to imbibe some Scottish culture, whisky tasting tours are available that take visitors through some of Scotland’s best whisky distilleries, giving them an insight into the history and production process of Scottish whisky. For those looking for some outdoor fun, there are plenty of activities to be had such as kayaking on the Firth of Forth, mountain biking in the Scottish Highlands or golfing at one of the city’s renowned golf courses.

Food and Nightlife

Edinburgh is home to a variety of restaurants offering traditional Scottish cuisine as well as international fare. The city also boasts an array of pubs and clubs which are perfect for those looking to experience some traditional Scottish nightlife. Live music can be found in many pubs throughout the city as well as in some clubs, and many pubs also offer traditional Scottish beer and whisky tastings.

Personal Experiences

I have personally visited Edinburgh twice over the years and absolutely loved it both times. From the stunning architecture to the friendly locals, there is something unique about this city that draws you in. I especially love exploring the cobblestone streets and visiting all the different pubs tucked away in hidden alleys – there is something special about discovering these hidden gems that makes visiting Edinburgh an unforgettable experience.

Tour 1: Ghosts and Underground Vaults Tour

The Ghosts and Underground Vaults tour takes visitors through some of Edinburgh’s most haunted sites, including underground vaults that have been home to criminals for centuries. Visitors will explore the shadow-filled streets of Old Town as they learn about both urban legends and real hauntings that have taken place throughout Edinburgh’s long history. The tour also goes into detail about some of the darker aspects of Edinburgh’s history such as body snatching and witchcraft. As visitors journey through old cobblestone streets they will experience firsthand why Edinburgh is considered one of Europe’s most haunted cities.

For those looking for a unique experience that blends history with a bit of spookiness, this tour is a must-do while visiting Edinburgh. Book your Ghosts and Underground Vaults tour here to discover why so many come away with tales of ghosts they encountered while exploring Old Town.

Tour 2: Traditional Pub Crawl

For those looking to experience some traditional Scottish nightlife, there is no better way than by joining a traditional pub crawl in Edinburgh. This tour takes visitors through some of the city’s oldest pubs where they can sample traditional ales and whiskies while learning about local customs and lore from knowledgeable guides. Visitors will explore some of the city’s most famous pubs such as Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar or The Last Drop Tavern where they can enjoy local beers from local breweries or sample some Whiskey from Scotland’s renowned distilleries.

This pub crawl gives visitors an immersive experience into local culture while enjoying some delicious drinks along the way. It is a great way to experience local traditions while also having a few drinks with friends. Book your Traditional Pub Crawl here to experience why this tour has become so popular with visitors over the years.

Tour 3: Harry Potter Tour

The Harry Potter Tour takes visitors on a magical journey through locations featured in the films such as Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾, and many more. Visitors will explore these locations with guides who share all sorts of fun facts, secrets and anecdotes about these locations while also visiting film locations such as Greyfriars Kirkyard which was featured in the films but not in the books. This tour offers visitors both a chance to explore locations from the films while also learning more about how these locations were used in filming the films.

This tour is perfect for those looking for an immersive experience into one of the most popular film series in history. Book your Harry Potter tour here to discover why so many consider this tour an absolute must-do while visiting Edinburgh!