Things To Do In Edinburgh For Adults

Edinburgh, Scotland’s vibrant capital city, is a destination that has something to offer for everyone. From its awe-inspiring castle to its world-famous festivals and its charming cobblestone streets, Edinburgh has been attracting visitors from all over the world for centuries. From history buffs to modern-day adventurers, there is something for everyone. Here is a guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh for adults.

Introduction to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age and was an important city in the Middle Ages. Over the centuries it has grown into a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that is a major tourist destination and cultural hub. With a population of over 500,000, Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most visited cities. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, its beautiful parks, its bustling shopping streets and its lively nightlife. It is also home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, such as the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Mile.

The city’s landscape is dominated by the towering Edinburgh Castle, which stands on the extinct volcano Castle Rock. The castle has been a fortress since ancient times and is now one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions. The Royal Mile runs from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Along the way, visitors can explore historic churches, museums and many other attractions. Edinburgh’s Old Town is home to many unique attractions, including the iconic Royal Mile and the underground Vaults.

The city also hosts an array of festivals throughout the year, including world-famous events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Hogmanay celebrations. Edinburgh is also home to some of Britain’s most prestigious universities and colleges and is a major hub for business and finance.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Historic Landmarks

Edinburgh is home to a wealth of historic landmarks that offer visitors the chance to discover more about this ancient city. The Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, a fortress that dates back to the 12th century. The castle houses interesting exhibits on Scottish history, including weapons from various wars and royal artifacts from throughout Scotland’s past. Visitors can also explore St Margaret’s Chapel, which was built in 1130, or take in stunning views from the castle esplanade.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is another major landmark in Edinburgh and is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. The palace was built in 1501 and offers visitors the chance to explore its many stately rooms, gardens and courtyards. Other landmarks include St Giles’ Cathedral, which was constructed in the 12th century, and Greyfriar’s Bobby, a statue that commemorates a loyal Skye Terrier who supposedly watched over his master’s grave for 14 years.

Edinburgh’s many other historic sites include the historic Grassmarket area, which dates back to medieval times when it was used as a cattle market; Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with incredible views of the city; and Calton Hill, which features monuments dedicated to great Scots such as philosopher David Hume and poet Robert Burns.

Leisure Activities and Shopping in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers plenty of leisure activities for adults looking for some fun. From relaxing in lush parks to exploring cobbled streets and discovering hidden gems, there is something for everyone. The city’s many parks feature plenty of attractions such as Edinburgh Zoo and Holyrood Park. The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the city’s most popular attractions and features over 70 acres of beautiful gardens, sculptures and stunning views of the city skyline.

Edinburgh also has plenty of shopping options with everything from high-end designer stores to local markets. Princes Street is one of the city’s main shopping areas and features an array of stores selling everything from clothing to jewelry. The nearby Grassmarket area offers plenty of unique shops selling vintage clothing and antiques. The nearby Royal Mile boasts traditional Scottish shops selling kilts, tartan fabrics and other souvenirs.

For entertainment lovers, Edinburgh also offers plenty of theatres, music venues and cinemas. The Usher Hall is one of Scotland’s best-known concert venues and hosts a range of musical performances throughout the year. The Traverse Theatre offers a range of theatrical performances from established companies as well as up-and-coming artists. And for those seeking an escape from reality, the nearby Cineworld complex hosts some of the latest blockbusters and independent films from around the world.

Taking an Underground Tour of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s mysterious underground vaults are a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Exploring these hidden tunnels beneath South Bridge takes visitors back in time to discover an intriguing part of Edinburgh’s past. The tour takes guests on a journey beneath the city streets to explore dark alleys and forgotten passages that have been used as dungeons, pubs, shops and more over the centuries. Along the way visitors will discover stories about smugglers, plague victims, ghosts and more.

Book an underground tour and explore these fascinating tunnels beneath South Bridge with an experienced guide. You’ll learn about some of the city’s darkest secrets and hear tales about Edinburgh’s past that you won’t find anywhere else. Tours usually last around 45 minutes and are suitable for all ages; however children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Exploring Scotland’s Whisky History on a Distillery Tour

Scotland is famous for its whisky distilleries and a visit to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without exploring Scotland’s whisky heritage on a distillery tour. There are plenty of distilleries located within easy reach of Edinburgh City Centre where visitors can learn about whisky making processes while sampling some fine single malts or blends.

Most distilleries offer guided tours which take visitors through every step of whisky production – from malting barley to mashing, distilling and finally tasting – so guests can learn about Scotland’s national drink in depth. Book a whisky tour and discover more about Scotland’s national drink while sampling some fine single malts or blends at a traditional Scottish Distillery. The tours usually last around 2 hours and are suitable for all ages; however minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Exploring Scotland’s History on a Sightseeing Tour

Discover more about Scotland’s history on a sightseeing tour around Edinburgh City Centre. Most sightseeing tours will take guests past some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks such as Calton Hill, The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle while providing historical commentary throughout the journey. It’s also possible to book a sightseeing tour that includes stops at attractions such as St Giles’ Cathedral, Holyrood Palace or Arthur’s Seat so visitors can explore these landmarks in more detail at their own pace. Most tours last around 3 hours but can be tailored to meet individual needs if required; however minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Conclusion

From exploring Edinburgh’s many historic landmarks to leisure activities such as shopping or taking in a theatre performance, there is something for everyone in this vibrant capital city. Adults can also discover more about Scotland’s whisky heritage or explore some of Edinburgh’s hidden secrets on an underground tour or sightseeing tour. Whatever you choose to do during your visit, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this captivating city where history comes alive before your eyes!