Best Things to Do in Edinburgh Scotland
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On any given day the busy streets of Edinburgh are a spirited melding of Scottish music, food, and art. From the ancient fortress of Edinburg Castle to the Neo-classical columns of New Town, our list of the best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland hits all the highlights. Journey with us to the unique neighborhoods, museums, and historical attractions in this city of castles and clouds.
THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH SCOTLAND
HOW TO GET TO EDINBURGH SCOTLAND
Edinburgh is located in southeastern Scotland. The city lies between the North Sea and the Port of Leith. The closest airports are Edinburgh Airport (EDI) (6.6 miles away), and Glasgow (GKA) (48.5 miles away). Edinburgh is serviced by the Edinburgh Waverley Train Station (located in New Town).
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TOURS IN EDINBURGH SCOTLAND
With so much history and local lore, many of the top things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland are best seen on a guided tour. A good local guide can make the past come alive and navigate the complexities of a busy tourist district - especially if you have limited time in the city. Be sure to reserve your must-see tours before leaving home and book through a reputable vendor like GetYourGuide or Viator.
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HOTELS IN EDINBURGH SCOTLAND
Choose a hotel in historic Old Town to be near the majority of sites and attractions you will likely most want to visit. In this neighborhood you will find a vibrant restaurant and pub scene as well as many atmospheric shops. While you may pay more to stay in Old Town, you will save in transport costs.
Consider these well-reviewed hotels in the Old Town:
BEST THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH SCOTLAND
Tour Edinburgh Castle
Instantly recognizable Edinburgh Castle is packed with history and legends. Perched above New Town on a rocky crag, the palace has served as a fort, prison, and a royal palace during its 900 year existence.
Today, the Castle is a popular tourist attraction and active military base. While visiting the Castle don’t miss the Scottish Crown Jewels, St. Margaret’s Chapel, underground dungeons, military barracks, and so much more. Leave time to hang out on the ramparts where there are stunning views of the city.
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The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Scotland
The Royal Mile is located in Old Town Edinburgh. The “mile” is made up of 5 avenues that stretch between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace). The lively route is full of Medieval buildings, Scottish attractions, and top tourist attractions.
In this part of town, you are most apt to see bagpipers, street performers, buskers, and souvenir shops. Look for Dunbar’s Close, The Real Mary King’s Close, and the John Knox house along the route. On the Royal Mile and its side streets, visitors will find many fun pubs and shops.
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St. Giles Cathedral
The Gothic nave and crowned spire of St. Giles Cathedral are spectacular. The Protestant church, aka the High Kirk of Edinburgh, has magnificent stained-glass windows that feature famous Scotsmen. St. Giles is located on the Royal Mile in Parliament Square. The church keeps opening hours on most days. Admission is by donation. Free guided tours are available.
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TRIP ESSENTIALS
For almost every travel destination, I find myself reaching for my Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Jacket, Frogg Toggs Hat, Merrell Hiking Boots, and Crocs Strappy Sandals (wear to dinner or the pool).
Other items I rely on include my Huk Sunglasses and Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle (no spills in the backpack).
But by far, my number one can’t-do-without essential is my Sony RX100 Compact Camera. It fits perfectly into a pocket. Or, mounted on a Mini-Tripod it slips into my Travelon Sling Bag.
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Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse began as a humble Augustinian Abbey. Over the years the structure was expanded until it grew into a royal palace. The address is now the official residence of the British Monarch while in-country. Holyrood Palace was once home to Mary Queen of Scots. Take a guided tour to see the State Apartments, Throne Room, Holyrood Abbey, the Palace Garden, Great Gallery, and more.
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Arthur’s Seat: An Extinct Volcano
Best experienced at sunrise or sunset, the outcropping of rock called Arthur’s Seat is a popular hike. The ridge sits at the edge of the city in Holyrood Park (behind Holyrood Palace). There are three main trails to the top, with varying levels of steepness. Hiking the wide gravel trails takes around two hours. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking city vistas.
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New Town's Georgian Architecture
In the late 1700s, Edinburgh grew over-crowded and city leaders hatched a plan to develop a suburban sanctuary for the city’s elite. The result of this effort is the Georgian-styled New Town, Edinburg. The neighborhood is characterized by Neo-classical public buildings, crescents, and grand squares. No visit to the city is complete with touring the neighborhood’s elegant shopping and residential districts.
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Princes Street Garden
Located in New Town Edinburg, the Princes Street Garden serves as a natural boundary between Old and New Town. The park was designed so the wealthy residents of George’s Street would have first-class views of Edinburgh Castle. The city park is well-landscaped with lots of shade trees, benches, and monuments (including the Walter Scott spire). It’s the perfect spot to grab some street food and people-watch for a while.
Grassmarket in Old Town Edinburgh
The neighborhood of Grassmarket sits at the bottom of Old Town between Edinburgh Castle and the University of Edinburgh. The neighborhood is said to be named for the grass-feeding livestock that were traded in the area in the Medieval era. In Grassmarket, visitors will find artisan crafts, clothing and food. While in the district, locate Vennel Viewpoint for great snapshots of Edinburgh Castle.
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The Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the British Monarch’s floating ‘royal palace’ for 44 years. In 968 voyages, the yacht traveled the world carrying the royal family. Now retired and ported in the Edinburgh neighborhood of Leith, visitors can tour five decks of this amazing living history museum. The tour takes in the Queen’s bedrooms, engine room, crew’s quarters, and more.
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An Edinburgh Ghost Tour
Edinburgh is well known for its paranormal phenomena (ghosts!). After a 1000-years of history, the city has experienced its share of tragedy. An after-dark guided walk is a fun way to learn about some of Edinburgh’s more unfortunate and unsavory characters. Tours often feature walks to Old Town’s hidden alleys, Greyfriars Kirkyard (said to be the most haunted cemetery in the world), and Edinburgh’s underground vaults.
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Sample Scottish Whiskey
Edinburgh is proud of its whiskey heritage. Throughout the city there are establishments to teach visitors about whiskey production. One fan favorite is The Scotch Whiskey Experience in Old Town. Self-guided pub crawls are also a popular pastime. Local bars are happy to share what they know of the art of blending, and will often do ‘tastings’ for customers 18 years or older.
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The Monuments of Calton Hill
Just past the City Center on Princes Street lies Calton Hill. In this area there are several famous Edinburgh points of interest including the Nelson Monument, City Observatory, the unfinished “Parthenon” War Memorial, and the Neo-Classical Old Royal High School. The nearby New Calton Burial Ground features wonderful views of the city and Arthur’s seat.
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The Scottish National Gallery
Lovers of art will adore this free museum. Located in City Center Edinburgh, the galleries of the Scottish National Gallery feature paintings from international masters (Botticelli, Raphael, and Rembrandt) as well as Scottish natives (Ramsay, Raeburn, and Wilkie).
PACKING ESSENTIALS
We rely on a combination of bags: Our Level-8 28” and Level-8 20” spinners are fun and stylish. Our Delsey Helium 28” hardshell is a workhorse. Our Tomtoc Backpack is great for short trips.
Randy doesn’t use them, but I swear by segregating items into Compression Packing Cubes and Wet Bags.
For security, we place an Apple Air Tag in each bag, and keep a supply of RFID Blocking Sleeves on hand.
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Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
If the weather is bad or time is tight consider a City Sightseeing Tour. The company’s hop-on hop-off tour route hits numerous stops at major city sites and attractions. There is audio commentary in nine languages, plus a kid’s script. The bus will carry you up and down Edinburgh’s hills, while allowing you as much time as you desire at each location.
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Scottish Shops & Cuisine
There is no better way to remember your vacation to Scotland than with a souvenir. In Old Town look for traditional Scottish goods such as whiskey, gin, chocolate, haggis, tartans, sweaters, and kilts. In New Town you will find upscale luxury goods like fine jewelry, silver, shoes, handbags, and artwork.
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Be happy while you’re living, for you’re a long time dead, Laura and Randy
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