Things To Do In Edinburgh On A Sunday

Edinburgh is a vibrant and captivating city, steeped in centuries of history, with a unique culture and atmosphere that make it one of the most exciting places to visit in the United Kingdom. Located in Scotland, Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, and is one of the most popular destinations for tourists who are looking for an unforgettable and memorable experience. From the unique architecture of the Old Town to the royal attractions of the New Town, Edinburgh has it all.

The city is filled with incredible sights, sounds, and experiences that make it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the UK. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a regular visitor, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Edinburgh on a Sunday. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best activities and attractions that you can enjoy during your Sunday in Edinburgh.

History of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the oldest cities in Scotland and has a long and fascinating history that spans over two thousand years. The city was founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD as “Caledonia” and was a vital strategic spot for them in their conquest of Britain. In the 11th century, Edinburgh was established as the capital of Scotland by King Malcolm III.

Over the centuries, Edinburgh has been home to countless famous figures, including author Robert Louis Stevenson, inventor Alexander Graham Bell, economist Adam Smith, and scientist Charles Darwin. The city has also been an important center for literature, science, learning, and culture, with influential universities such as the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University. Today, Edinburgh is a thriving metropolis that is home to over 500,000 people.

Popular Attractions

One of the most popular attractions in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle. Sitting atop an extinct volcano, this imposing fortress dates back to the 12th century and is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. Inside the castle walls lies the Scottish Crown Jewels, as well as a museum detailing the history of the castle and its many occupants over the years. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the castle’s many rooms and chambers, including the Great Hall and St Margaret’s Chapel.

Another popular attraction is Calton Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Located just east of the city center, this hill is home to some impressive monuments and statues, including the National Monument of Scotland and Nelson’s Monument. Calton Hill is also a great place to watch the sun set over Edinburgh as you take in its spectacular views.

For something different, visitors can take a ghost tour of Mary King’s Close. This 17th-century underground street is said to be haunted by many ghosts from its past residents, including a plague victim known as Annie. Tours offer an insight into the history of Mary King’s Close as well as some spooky stories that you won’t soon forget!

Popular Activities

Edinburgh has plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained on a Sunday. One popular activity is to take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens. This beautiful park lies in between Princes Street and George Street and is one of the largest public parks in Edinburgh. In addition to its lush gardens, Princes Street Gardens is home to many monuments and statues, including the National Monument and Robert Burns Statue. It’s also a great place to relax on a sunny day and take in some stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill.

For a unique experience, visitors can take a tour of Edinburgh’s underground vaults. These mysterious vaults date back to 1788 and were once used by merchants for storage and illicit activities. Today, visitors can explore these underground tunnels and learn about their fascinating history on a guided tour.

Finally, visitors can enjoy a performance at one of Edinburgh’s many theaters or comedy clubs. Edinburgh is home to some of the best theater companies in Scotland, including The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company and The Traverse Theatre Company. There are also many comedy clubs with regular shows throughout the week. So if you’re looking for something more lively than a stroll through a park, then you won’t be short on entertainment options in Edinburgh!

Tours To Consider

For visitors who want to make the most out of their time in Edinburgh on a Sunday, there are two popular tours they may want to consider: one taking visitors on a walking tour of Old Town, and another taking them on a bus tour of New Town.

Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour

The Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour takes visitors on an exploration of some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, including St Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard and Royal Mile. This two-hour tour begins at Greyfriars Kirkyard where visitors learn about its macabre history before heading up to St Giles’ Cathedral to admire its impressive architecture. From there, visitors make their way down the Royal Mile where they learn about its many attractions such as The Scotch Whisky Experience and The People’s Story museum. The tour ends with a visit to Holyrood Palace, once home to Mary Queen of Scots. This tour provides an intimate look at Edinburgh’s history and culture that will leave visitors with memories they won’t soon forget. Book an Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour here.

Edinburgh New Town Bus Tour

The Edinburgh New Town Bus Tour provides visitors with an opportunity to explore some of Edinburgh’s newer attractions such as The National Museum of Scotland and The Royal Botanic Garden. This two-hour tour begins at The National Museum where visitors can admire its incredible collection before departing on an open-top bus tour through Edinburgh’s bustling streets. As they make their way around New Town they are able to take in its stunning architecture and learn about its history from their knowledgeable guide. The tour then continues through Stockbridge and Dean Village before winding up at The Royal Botanic Garden where visitors can admire its many beautiful plants and flowers. This tour provides visitors with an overview of some of Edinburgh’s most impressive attractions that they won’t soon forget! Book an Edinburgh New Town Bus Tour here.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most stunning cities filled with history, culture, and attractions that make it one of the most extraordinary places to visit in Britain. There are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh on a Sunday for visitors to enjoy, from exploring its famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill, to taking a stroll through Princes Street Gardens or ghost tour of Mary King’s Close. There are also two popular tours that visitors may want to consider: The Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour and The Edinburgh New Town Bus Tour. Both tours offer unique insights into some of Edinburgh’s most iconic attractions that will leave visitors with memories they won’t soon forget!