Things to Do in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh, Scotland's captivating capital, seamlessly blends medieval charm with modern sophistication. The city is dramatically split between the historic Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and towering Edinburgh Castle, and the elegant Georgian New Town, featuring pristine crescents and neoclassical architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site pulses with cultural energy year-round, from world-class museums and galleries to vibrant pubs and restaurants. Famous for hosting the world's largest arts festival each August, Edinburgh transforms into a global cultural hub where street performers, theater productions, and comedy shows take over every available space. Beyond the festival season, the city enchants visitors with its rich literary heritage (it's a UNESCO City of Literature), stunning Arthur's Seat extinct volcano, and the mysterious closes and wynds that hide centuries of Scottish history.

Top Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle Tour

Perched dramatically on an extinct volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline and houses Scotland's Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the famous One O'Clock Gun. The castle offers breathtaking views over the city and houses several museums including the National War Museum of Scotland. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, St. Margaret's Chapel (Edinburgh's oldest building), and witness the daily firing of the cannon.

Booking Tip: Book online in advance for £19-26 for adults, with audio guides included. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, and allow 2-3 hours for a full visit. Consider combination tickets that include other Historic Scotland properties if planning multiple castle visits.

Royal Mile Walking Tour

The Royal Mile stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, forming the spine of the Old Town with its medieval closes, wynds, and historic buildings. This atmospheric cobblestone street is lined with shops selling tartans and whisky, traditional pubs, and significant landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral. The area comes alive with street performers and offers glimpses into Edinburgh's fascinating past through its architecture and hidden courtyards.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily and rely on tips (£10-15 suggested), while private guided tours cost £150-250 for groups. Morning tours are less crowded, and many operators offer themed tours focusing on ghosts, history, or Harry Potter connections. Book ahead during festival season (August).

Arthur's Seat Hike

This ancient volcano and highest peak in Edinburgh offers one of the most rewarding hikes in the city, providing panoramic views across Edinburgh, the Forth bridges, and the surrounding Lothian countryside. The main route takes about 45 minutes to reach the 251-meter summit, passing through Holyrood Park's diverse landscapes of grassland, lochs, and crags. The area is steeped in history and geology, with evidence of ancient settlements and fascinating rock formations.

Booking Tip: This is a free activity accessible year-round, though guided geology or history walks cost £15-25 per person. Wear sturdy shoes as paths can be steep and rocky, and check weather conditions before ascending. Early morning or late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds.

Scottish Whisky Tasting

Edinburgh offers exceptional opportunities to explore Scotland's national drink through dedicated whisky bars, distillery tours, and tasting experiences. The city hosts several whisky shops and bars with extensive collections from all Scottish regions, plus educational tastings that explain the differences between Highlands, Speyside, Islay, and other regional styles. Many venues offer guided tastings with expert sommeliers who share the history and production methods behind Scotland's most famous export.

Booking Tip: Whisky tastings range from £25-60 per person depending on the quality and number of drams included. Book experiences that include at least 3-4 different regional styles for comparison. The Scotch Whisky Experience near the castle offers comprehensive tours, while smaller bars provide more intimate settings.

Underground Vaults Tour

Beneath Edinburgh's South Bridge lies a network of chambers that were once used by businesses and later became home to the city's poorest residents. These atmospheric underground vaults now offer fascinating tours that explore Edinburgh's darker history, including stories of body snatchers, illegal distilleries, and the harsh realities of 18th and 19th-century life. The stone chambers maintain a constant cool temperature and provide a unique perspective on the city's layered history.

Booking Tip: Tours cost £14-20 per person and run throughout the day, with ghost tours commanding premium prices in the evening. Book in advance as group sizes are limited, and wear warm clothing as underground temperatures remain around 8-10°C year-round. Choose historical tours over ghost tours for more factual content.

Getting There

Edinburgh Airport, located 8 miles west of the city center, serves as the main gateway with direct flights from major European cities and connecting flights from North America and Asia. The Airlink 100 bus provides frequent service to the city center for £4.50, taking about 30 minutes, while taxis cost £20-30. Edinburgh Waverley train station, situated in the heart of the city, connects to London in 4.5 hours via the East Coast Main Line, with regular services also running to Glasgow (1 hour), Inverness, and other Scottish destinations. The city is easily accessible by car via the M8 motorway from Glasgow or the A1 from England, though parking in the center can be expensive and limited.

Getting Around

Edinburgh's compact city center is highly walkable, with most major attractions within easy walking distance of each other. The city operates an efficient bus network run by Lothian Buses, with day tickets costing £4.50 for unlimited travel within the city. Trams run from the airport through the city center to Newhaven, providing a scenic route past many attractions for £1.80 per journey. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, though can be expensive and slow during peak times and festival season. The city's bike-share scheme, Just Eat Cycles, offers an eco-friendly way to explore, with rental stations throughout the center and rates starting from £3 per 30 minutes.

Where to Stay

Old Town

New Town

Grassmarket

Leith

Stockbridge

Bruntsfield

Food & Dining

Edinburgh's culinary scene brilliantly balances traditional Scottish fare with innovative contemporary cuisine, earning the city recognition as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The city boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants like The Witchery by the Castle and Restaurant Martin Wishart, alongside excellent gastropubs serving elevated versions of haggis, neeps and tatties, and fresh Scottish seafood. The Grassmarket and Rose Street areas buzz with traditional pubs offering hearty meals and local ales, while Leith has emerged as a foodie destination with waterfront restaurants specializing in fresh seafood and international cuisines. Don't miss trying authentic fish and chips, shortbread, and tablet (a sweet Scottish confection), and explore the growing number of craft distilleries and breweries that offer tastings alongside their food menus.

When to Visit

Edinburgh's peak season runs from May through September when weather is mildest and daylight hours are longest, though this coincides with higher prices and larger crowds, especially during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and reasonable accommodation prices, with temperatures ranging from 10-18°C and occasional sunny spells perfect for outdoor activities. Winter visits (November-March) can be magical with Christmas markets and Hogmanay celebrations, though daylight is limited (as little as 6-7 hours in December) and weather can be cold and wet, with temperatures rarely exceeding 8°C. The city's indoor attractions, cozy pubs, and cultural venues make winter visits rewarding for those seeking a more intimate Edinburgh experience.

Insider Tips

Visit the Real Mary King's Close for a fascinating glimpse into 16th-century Edinburgh life - this preserved medieval street offers more authentic history than many tourist attractions

Climb Calton Hill at sunset for spectacular city views without the crowds of Arthur's Seat, and explore the various monuments including the 'modern Parthenon' National Monument

Book restaurant reservations well in advance during August's festival season, and consider staying in Leith or other neighborhoods outside the city center for better value and a more local experience

Things to Do in Edinburgh