Things To Do In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a beautiful, historic city located in Scotland. It is the capital of Scotland, and it is home to the world-famous Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland. The city is known for its vibrant cultural life, with its many festivals, art galleries, and theatres. Edinburgh is a great destination for tourists, as it is full of attractions and activities to explore. This city guide will help you get the most out of your visit to Edinburgh and make sure you don’t miss anything!

A Brief History

Edinburgh was founded by the Celts in the 6th century. It was then invaded by the Romans, who built many of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Edinburgh Castle. In the 11th century, Edinburgh was declared the capital of Scotland, and it has remained so ever since. In the 16th century, Edinburgh became one of the most important cities in the British Isles, and its importance grew even further with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Today, Edinburgh is a vibrant city with a population of over 500,000 people.

Things to Do in Edinburgh

Explore the Old Town

The Old Town of Edinburgh is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. It is filled with winding cobbled streets, hidden alleys, and ancient buildings. It is home to Edinburgh Castle and St Giles Cathedral, as well as a variety of pubs and restaurants. The Royal Mile is a great place to start exploring the Old Town, as it runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace and is full of historical sites and attractions. You can also explore some of the many museums in the Old Town, such as the National Museum of Scotland and the Museum of Edinburgh.

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s most popular attractions. This ancient structure has been standing since the 12th century and has been at the centre of many battles throughout history. Today it is open to visitors who can explore its many towers, courtyards, and dungeons. There is also a museum detailing the castle’s history. The castle offers spectacular views of the city below, and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Edinburgh.

Take a Guided Tour

If you want to learn more about Edinburgh’s history and culture, then taking a guided tour is a great option. There are many different types of tours available, from walking tours that explore the Old Town to bus tours that take you around some of the city’s most iconic sights. Taking a guided tour is a great way to get an insight into Edinburgh’s past and present.

Visit Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace is another of Edinburgh’s most famous attractions. This grand palace was once the residence of Mary, Queen of Scots and is now used as an official royal residence by Queen Elizabeth II when she visits Scotland. Visitors can explore the palace’s stunning grounds and gardens as well as its many historic rooms and galleries. There are also daily tours available which offer an insight into its royal history.

Enjoy a Show at The Fringe

The Fringe is an annual arts festival taking place in Edinburgh for three weeks every August. It is one of the largest arts festivals in the world, with thousands of performers from around the world coming to take part in theatre, comedy, music, dance, visual arts and more. Visiting The Fringe is a great way to experience some amazing performances while also exploring some of Edinburgh’s most vibrant venues.

Go Shopping on Princes Street

Princes Street is one of the main shopping streets in Edinburgh, offering an array of high street retailers as well as independent boutiques and gift shops. The street also houses some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks, such as Calton Hill and The Scott Monument. It is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring some of Edinburgh’s best shops and soaking up its unique atmosphere.

Visit Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano located near Holyrood Palace in central Edinburgh. It offers spectacular views over the city and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to go for a walk or have a picnic. You can even take a guided tour which will take you on a journey through time and explore the history of Arthur’s Seat and its surrounding area.

Sample Some Local Cuisine

Edinburgh has a vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants offering local specialities such as haggis, neeps and tatties (mashed potatoes with turnips), Cullen skink (a traditional Scottish soup) and whisky-smoked salmon. There are also plenty of international restaurants offering everything from Italian to Indian cuisine. If you’re looking for something more casual, you can enjoy some traditional fish and chips or visit one of the city’s many pubs for some traditional pub grub.

Popular Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle Tour

The Edinburgh Castle Tour is a great way to learn more about this iconic landmark. The tour includes an exploration of its history, architecture, and legends as well as access to some of its hidden areas such as its dungeons and secret passages. You will also have access to its various towers, courtyards, and battlements which offer spectacular views over the city below. You can book an Edinburgh Castle Tour here.

Haunted History Tour

Experience Edinburgh’s spooky side with this guided tour around some of its most haunted locations. You will hear stories about witches, ghosts, and ghoulish murders as you explore some of the city’s most mysterious sites. The tour also includes access to some hidden passageways under Edinburgh Castle and Mary King’s Close which are not open to the public during daylight hours. You can book a Haunted History Tour here.

Whisky Tasting Tour

This whisky tasting tour is perfect for those looking to sample some of Scotland’s finest whiskies. During the tour you will visit some of the city’s best whisky bars and learn about Scotland’s whisky-making tradition while sampling some delicious drams. The tour also includes access to some exclusive whisky clubs where you can sample rare whiskies not available elsewhere. You can book a Whisky Tasting Tour here.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is an amazing city with so much to explore. From ancient castles to vibrant nightlife and delicious local cuisine, there is something for everyone in this historic city. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Edinburgh has something for you. Hopefully this guide has given you some ideas about what to do in Edinburgh and made your visit to this beautiful city even more enjoyable!