Things To Do In Edinburgh For Young Adults

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and the second most visited city in the United Kingdom. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers a wealth of attractions and activities for young adults. From its spectacular architecture to its lively nightlife, Edinburgh has something for everyone.

History of Edinburgh

Edinburgh was founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD and has been an important cultural and political center since that time. The city was home to the royal court of Scotland for centuries, and its many historical sites are testament to its past. It was also home to the Royal Mile, a main thoroughfare that connected the royal castle and palace with the city center.

In the 19th century, Edinburgh blossomed into a world-leading center of education and science, becoming a hub of creativity and innovation. Over the years, Edinburgh has become a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. It has also been home to some of Scotland’s most famous artists, writers, and musicians.

Facts about Edinburgh

Edinburgh is home to approximately 517,000 people. It is a relatively compact city, spanning an area of just 27 square miles. The city is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland, including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Calton Hill. The city is also home to a number of parks and gardens, including Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Botanic Garden.

Edinburgh is also renowned for its music scene, with a variety of live venues hosting national and international acts throughout the year. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife with a wide range of pubs, bars, and clubs.

Unique Qualities of Edinburgh

One of the most unique qualities about Edinburgh is its stunning architecture. The city is home to many striking structures, from medieval castles to Georgian townhouses. The city’s Old Town is full of winding cobbled streets, ancient monuments, and picturesque buildings, making it a great place to explore.

Edinburgh is also renowned for its literary heritage. The city was home to some of Scotland’s most famous writers, including Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and JK Rowling. Many of their works have been set in Edinburgh, and the city remains an important part of their legacy.

Edinburgh is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. There are numerous galleries and museums throughout the city, as well as an array of festivals and events throughout the year. The city is home to many theatres, including the world-renowned Royal Lyceum Theatre, which stages performances of both classic and contemporary plays.

Popular Activities in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a wealth of attractions and activities for young adults. Here are some of the most popular things to do in the city:

Explore Edinburgh Castle

One of the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle. Located on Castle Rock overlooking the city, it is one of Scotland’s most famous castles. It was originally built in the 12th century but was rebuilt in the 19th century after being destroyed by fire. Today it houses a number of important attractions, including St Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh) and the Great Hall, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned Queen of Scotland in 1542.

Visitors can explore the castle’s many attractions, such as the Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, and the Royal Palace. You can also take a guided tour of the castle or explore it independently. There are also a number of entertainment options within the castle grounds, such as music concerts and theatrical performances.

Visit Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town and is another popular attraction for young adults. It was originally built in 1128 as a royal residence but was extensively renovated in the 19th century. Today it is home to a number of important artifacts and artworks, including tapestries from Henry VIII’s reign and an extensive collection of paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Visitors can explore the palace independently or take a guided tour. They can also explore the grounds and gardens surrounding the palace, which are filled with sculptures and monuments from centuries past. In addition to exploring the palace itself, visitors can also take part in special events such as ghost tours or visit one of the nearby cafes or restaurants.

Stroll Through Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens are located at the heart of Edinburgh’s city center and are one of the most popular parks in the city. The gardens were originally created in the 18th century as an ornamental park but were later transformed into a public park in 1830. Today they are filled with trees, grassy areas, ponds, and flower beds and offer visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The gardens are also home to a number of attractions and activities such as guided tours, boat rides on the pond, musical performances, special events throughout the year, as well as a children’s playground and carousel. There are also several cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the park which offer visitors a place to relax and enjoy some refreshments after exploring all that Princes Street Gardens have to offer.

Visit The National Museum Of Scotland

The National Museum Of Scotland is located on Chambers Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town and is one of Scotland’s most visited attractions. It houses an impressive collection of artifacts ranging from ancient sculptures to modern artworks. The museum also offers interactive exhibits that explore Scotland’s history, culture, wildlife, science, technology, and more. Visitors can explore galleries such as Art & Design, Natural History & World Cultures, Science & Technology, Scotland & Europe, and Asia & Pacific.

The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year such as lectures, workshops, family activities, live music performances, film screenings, book readings, and more. It is also home to several cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy a bite to eat or a drink after exploring all that The National Museum Of Scotland has to offer.

Tours Of Edinburgh

Haunted Pub Tour

Take an immersive journey through some of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs on this guided Haunted Pub Tour! You’ll explore some of Edinburgh’s long forgotten dark corners and hear stories about apparitions that still haunt these old haunts today! Your knowledgeable guide will take you through winding streets and alleys to uncover secrets that only locals know! This tour is great for those looking for an unforgettable experience filled with history and mystery! Choose your own pace as you make your way through some of Edinburgh’s most notorious pubs! Book your Haunted Pub Tour here.

Scottish Whisky Tasting Tour

Discover Scotland’s national spirit on this Scottish Whisky Tasting Tour! You’ll visit some of Scotland’s oldest distilleries and sample some of their finest whisky! Learn about Scotland’s history with whisky as you taste some of its best! Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through breathtaking landscapes as you discover whisky making methods from centuries ago! Learn about different whisky styles such as single malt whisky and blended whisky! Sample traditional Scottish foods paired with whisky during your tour! Book your Scottish Whisky Tasting Tour here.

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

Explore Edinburgh’s haunting past on this Ghost Tour! You’ll journey through some of Edinburgh’s oldest cobblestone streets as you uncover mysteries that have been hidden for centuries! Your knowledgeable guide will take you on a spine-chilling journey through haunted graveyards as you learn about Scotland’s dark history! Listen to hair-raising tales about infamous ghosts that still haunt these old haunts today! Learn about rituals practiced by witches centuries ago as you explore hidden secrets behind Edinburgh’s walls! Book your Edinburgh Ghost Tour here.

Edinburgh Hidden Gems Tour

Discover some of Edinburgh’s best kept secrets on this Hidden Gems Tour! You’ll explore some of Edinburgh’s most interesting sites that are often overlooked by visitors! Your knowledgeable guide will show you some of Scotland’s hidden gems as you make your way through winding streets! Learn about Edinburgh’s history from centuries ago as you explore breathtaking landscapes! Taste traditional Scottish food paired with whisky during your tour! Discover hidden gems such as hidden gardens and alleyways often overlooked by tourists! Book your Edinburgh Hidden Gems Tour here.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is an incredible city with something for everyone to enjoy—especially young adults! From its stunning architecture to its vibrant nightlife to its rich literary heritage and range of attractions, there is something for everyone in this vibrant Scottish capital! Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or cultural experiences—or even just some good old-fashioned fun—there are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh for young adults!