This post provides the 27 best things to do in Edinburgh throughout the year. We also have a 3-day itinerary you can use to help plan out your trip to this historic city!
- Top 21 Things to Do
- 3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary
- Which Edinburgh City Pass is Best?
- Walking Tours in Edinburgh
27 Things to Do in Edinburgh
Free Tours By Foot has provided free walking tours for over 100,000 travelers across the world, including locations in England.
We have used the knowledge and experience gained from these services to compile some of the most interesting and popular attractions and activities to enjoy in Edinburgh.
No matter what you're interested in doing, chances are that our guides and writers will be able to give you some great ideas for places to visit in Edinburgh.
1. Visit Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle sits high atop a bluff, a site where humans have lived since the 2nd century AD.
The castle itself has been there since the 12th century.
Over the centuries, the castle has served as a military barracks, home to royalty, and a stronghold that has experienced at least 26 sieges.
Today, it houses a war museum, a 12th-century chapel, the crown jewels of Scotland, and a medieval great hall. To see the highlights, allow at least two hours.
Though tickets are required to tour the castle (see below), the esplanade is free to stroll.
Tickets include an optional guided tour of the main parts of the castle. You can purchase an audio guide if you like.
Castle Hours:
- April 1-September 30: 9:30-18:00 (6:00 PM)
- last entry at 17:00 (5:00 PM)
- October 1-May 31: 9:30 to 17:00 (5:00 PM)
- last entry at 16:00 (4:00 PM)
Note that the castle is busiest from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
National War Museum Hours:
- April 1-September 30: 9:45-17:45 (5:45 PM)
- last entry at 17:30 (5:30 PM)
- October 1-May 31: 9:45 to 16:45 (4:45 PM)
- last entry at 16:30 (4:30 PM)
Tickets:
- Adult (age 16-59): £19.50
- Concession (age 60+ or unemployed) £16.00
- Child (age 5-15) £11.50
- Child under 4 Free
- Purchase here.
It is recommended that you buy tickets in advance since the cost to purchase at the gate is £2 more per ticket.
If you want to save time, some guided tours include skip-the-line tickets.
I took the Edinburgh Castle Tour with Scotland City Tours - with kids, in the rain - and had an amazing experience. The tour guide was great at reading the group and keeping us engaged. She took family photos for us and gave us free time in the exhibits.
Tickets are free with an Explorer Pass and 25% off with the Royal Edinburgh Ticket Pass. Read more about these savings here.
Audio Guide Price
- Adult £3.50
- Concession £2.50
- Child £1.50
Get 20% off audio guides with the Explorer Pass.
2. Take a Hop On Hop Off Tour
This is the best way to get your bearings in Edinburgh. If it’s sunny, sit up top for the best views of this stunning ancient city.
You can either do a 60-minute loop of the city in one trip or get off at any stop and explore.
Buses run every 12 minutes and start at Waverley Bridge. See your options here.
Before buying tickets, keep in mind that a number of hop on hop off tours are free with the Edinburgh City Pass and the Royal Edinburgh Ticket.
Operating Hours:
- April-May 9:00 AM -18:00 (6:00 PM - last departure)
- June-August 9:00 AM -19:00 (7:00 PM - last departure)
- September: 9:00 AM -18:00 (6:00 PM - last departure)
- November-March: 9:00 AM -16:00 (4:00 PM - last departure)
Tickets (good for 24 hours):
- Adult (age 16-60) £16
- Senior (age 61+) £15
- Children (age 5-15) £8
Buy your ticket here.
3. Climb Arthur's Seat
Arthur’s Seat sits to the east, not far from Edinburgh’s city center, in Holyrood Park.
This long-ago extinct volcano is the perfect location for a spectacular 360-degree view of Edinburgh.
The walk is fairly easy if you are in decent shape, although a bit steep in places. Plan to take at least 45 minutes to get to the top.
The trail is usually quite busy during festival time (August) and less so the rest of the year.
Trails can be wet so supportive and waterproof footwear is necessary. It is windy at the top so be sure to wrap up well.
4. Take an Underground Vaults Tour
This 75-minute ghostly daytime walking tour takes you into the vaults of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
You’ll descend underground to the chambers where in days past one would find illegal whiskey distilleries and taverns.
Hear about bodysnatchers who stored corpses in the vaults. Your cloaked guide will set the mood and share the vault’s dark history.
Times:
- Daily at 11:00, 13:00 (1:00 PM), 15:00 (3:00 PM), and 17:00 (5:00PM)
Tickets:
Purchased here.
5. Climb Nelson’s Monument
This monument was built in honor of Admiral Lord Nelson, the British naval war hero.
Completed in 1815, it sits with stones darkened black, shaped like an upturned telescope atop Calton Hill.
Around the base are displays dedicated to various historical people and groups, and to the Battle of Trafalgar.
The platform on the monument, reached after a climb of 143 narrow and winding steps, allows for panoramic views of Edinburgh.
Hours:
- Monday: 10:00-16:00 (4 PM)
- Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00-17:00 (5 PM)
- Last entrance half an hour before closing time
Tickets:
£6:00 (visit the official website)
Free with the Edinburgh City Pass.
6. Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour
JK Rowling, the fabulously creative person behind the Harry Potter series, is Edinburgh’s most famous daughter.
It was here in the city’s cafes that Rowling created this fantasy world that millions have enjoyed.
The city's spires and dark alleys inspired her vision of the world of Harry Potter.
The Harry Potter tour is the perfect way to learn more about the locations that sparked JK Rowling's creativity and about Edinburgh itself.
The tour is included for free with the Edinburgh City Pass.
7. Climb Aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
For 44 years, this ship served members of the royal family, ferrying royal figures to far-flung destinations in style.
Today, she is one of the most visited attractions in Edinburgh and stands moored in the Port of Leith.
A complimentary audio guide will help you easily explore her five decks, from the State Apartments to the cramped Crew Quarters.
There is a “find the corgi” trail for children, and visitors can stay for soups, sandwiches, tea, and scones in the Royal Tea Deck Room.
Fingal, her sister ship moored right next door, has a champagne tea, a bar, and a 23-room luxury hotel.
Hours:
- January-March 10:00 AM
- last admission at 15:30 (3:30 PM)
- April-October 9:30 AM
- last admission at 16:30 (4:30 PM)
- November-December 10:00 AM
- last admission at 15:30 (3:30 PM)
Closed on December 25 and January 1, with early closing times the day prior
Tickets:
- Adults: £17.00
- Seniors (aged 60+): £15.00
- Children (aged 5-17): £8.75
- Students (with ID): £15.00
- Families (2 adults, up to 3 children): £47.00
- Armed Forces (with ID): £8.75
Tickets can be purchased here.
8. Take a Boat Tour
The Maid of Forth provides well-reviewed sightseeing cruises on the Firth of Forth, just outside of Edinburgh.
Their 90-minute 3 Bridges Tour shows you the Edinburgh Skyline, Fife, and several islands, along with the 3 bridges that provide transport links between Edinburgh and Fife.
This tour is free with the Edinburgh City Pass.
Maid of Forth offers other tours as well, ones that visit castles, ruins, and stately homes, using boats, trains, and buses, including one that offers tea.
9. Take a Free Walking Tour
Locals lead pay-what-you-like walking tours, which charge no upfront cost. At the end of the tour, you determine its value.
Our post on free walking tours of Edinburgh explains these tours in detail.
We also offer 2 free, self-guided walking tours, one of the Royal Mile and another for Harry Potter sights.
We currently have an audio tour for the Royal Mile.
10. Walk the Royal Mile
This stretch of cobblestone street runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
At one point, this was the city's main street, with back alleys and below-ground living quarters dotting the way, while trade took place at every corner.
The architecture makes it easy to imagine the past, and symbols of Scottish history are found at every turn.
While it is a tourist area where loads of shops sell the usual tartans and cheesy souvenirs, one also finds statues, churches, the Scottish Parliament, and John Knox House, along with restaurants, pubs, and cafes.
11. Stroll through the National Museum of Scotland
This museum is located close to the Royal Mile. Plan to spend all day here, because there is much to see. Entrance is free!
Natural history, cultural history, modern history, and more. The museum interior is stunning.
The museum is spread across three large floors and has several interactive exhibits, a cafe, and a gift shop.
As it has merged with the Royal Scottish Museum just across the street, one can also access that collection.
Hours:
10:00 - 17:00 (5:00 PM)
Check the museum's website for more information.
12. Relax in Princes Street Gardens
Located in the center of Edinburgh, the Princes Street Gardens is the best place in the city for a break. Grab a park bench or stroll among her gardens.
You’ll find statues, lush lawns, and a stunning view at all times of the year.
In the shadow of the Castle, with the backdrop of Old Town, one can behold the majesty of the city.
You can’t miss Scott Monument, the 200-foot Victorian Gothic celebration of Sir Walter Scott.
Its 200 steps can be climbed for £5.00. Stop and see the floral clock, usually themed, depending on the time of year.
In the winter, there is a Christmas Market with stalls and a Ferris wheel.
13. Explore St. Giles Cathedral
This Gothic cathedral stands at the halfway point of the Royal Mile. Founded in 1124, it was the center of the Scottish Reformation.
The Thistle Chapel is a spectacular sight, with intricate wood carvings and stained glass windows.
You can visit this stunning cathedral for free, though a £5 donation is requested. Also, free 30-minute tours are offered at 10:30 and 14:30 (2:30 PM)
Tickets:
Entrance is free, but a £5 donation is requested.
Hours:
- Church
- Monday-Saturday 9:00-17:00 (5:00 PM)
- Sunday 13:00-17:00 (1:00 PM -5:00 PM)
There is a free 30-minute walking tour twice a day at 10:30 and 14:30 (2:30 PM).
- Rooftop Tour
- Saturday 10:30 AM- 16:00 (4:00 PM)
- Sunday 13:30 - 16:00 (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
- Maximum 4 people and £6 per person. Bookings are taken that day
Read more about how to visit St. Giles Cathedral here.
14. Try Haggis
It’s not a trip to Scotland unless you indulge in a national delicacy, Haggis. What is Haggis, you ask?
Well, it’s either calf or sheep offal mixed with onion, suet, oatmeal, salt, and spices. At times, nutmeg or cinnamon is added as well.
You can find it boiled (the traditional way), baked, or deep-fried, and it’s often served with a side of mashed potatoes and mashed yellow turnips (“AKA mashed tatties and bashed neeps”).
In the past, it was the traditional meal of Burn’s Night, an annual celebration of Scotland’s favorite poet, Robert Burns.
Today, it can be found anywhere in the country, from grocery stores to fast food places to high-end restaurants.
15. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse
This palace sits at the end of the Royal Mile, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth when she is in Scotland.
Around 900 years ago, an Augustinian Abbey was first built on this site, and its ruins can be found today next to the palace.
As the abbey prospered and grew, it added a royal chamber. In the 1500s, James I decided to convert these chambers into a palace.
Since then, rulers renovated and rebuilt the palace many times until 1679, when it largely became what we see today.
One can now visit Mary Queen of Scots's apartment, which is atop a tower reached by a small spiral staircase.
One can step into the Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie set up court for a short period.
One will find portraits, tapestries, furnishings, thrones, gardens, and more throughout the house.
An audio tour is available, and there are activities for children. Pictures are allowed outside and in the main courtyard. There is also a lovely cafe and a royal gift shop.
Hours:
- November 1 - March 31 9:30 - 16:30 (4:30 PM)
- Last admission at 15:15 (3:15 PM)
- April 1 - October 31 9:30 - 18:00 (6:00 PM)
- Last admission at 16:30 (4:30 PM)
16. Join a Whiskey Tasting Tour
Whiskey is Scotland’s biggest export and its most loved liquor. Whiskey is a complex liquor with a lot to learn -- and lots to taste!
On a guided whiskey-tasting tour, you’ll get a brief education on whiskey while you taste different kinds.
In Edinburgh, there are a number of ways to enjoy a tasting, from a walking tour to a 4-hour pub crawls.
There is even a whiskey tasting with storytelling (particularly fitting for a country that excels at oral tradition).
It’s easy to find the type of whiskey experience most appealing to you.
TIP: A visit to the Holyrood Distillery is free with the Edinburgh City Pass.
17. Admire Art at the Scottish National Gallery
At the Scottish National Gallery (formerly the National Galleries of Scotland), you will be taken aback by the breadth of the permanent collection displayed in this small collection.
From old masters (Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Gaugin, Botticelli) to the best of Scottish artists, you can find them here.
Sir Edwin Landseer’s “The Monarch of the Glen” stag painting is particularly popular, commissioned to hang in the Palace of Westminster.
Look for special exhibits and displays, such as the January 2023 exhibition of Turner’s landscape oil paintings and works on paper.
There is a museum shop, an excellent cafe, and lockers to be rented for £1, all in the city center.
Hours:
Check the website as hours change often.
Admission:
Free. Special exhibitions may have a cost.
TIP: A gallery shuttle for £1 travels between the Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
18. See a Show at the Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre
The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is Scotland’s most significant performance venue. There has been a theatre on this spot since the 1830s.
The current building was refurbished in 1994 to provide modern-day comfort, space, and acoustics while retaining the look of an antique auditorium.
The theatre, a short walk from the Royal Mile or 10 10-minute walk from Princes Street, is Scotland’s premier dance and opera house.
Here, you’ll find large-scale musical events and touring shows. It’s also a major venue for the Edinburgh International Festival.
Visit their website for information on shows and ticket pricing.
19. Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard
This cemetery, where burials have been taking place since 1561, is considered the most haunted place in Edinburgh.
It is the resting place of many well-known residents of Edinburgh, the most famous of which is likely Greyfriars Bobby (read below).
The name Greyfriars comes from the gray robes that Franciscan friars housed on this site once wore.
Throughout its history, there were several revolts and rebellions over the chosen stage religion, one which saw over 1200 people held and tortured in the prison of Greyfriars Kirkyard.
See their website for more information to plan your visit.
20. Visit Greyfriars' Bobby
Scottish 19th-century lore says that Bobby, a Skye terrier, belonged to a nightwatchman named John Gray. When Gray died, he was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Day after day, for 14 years, Bobby sat at his master’s grave until he died in 1872.
A year later, Lady Angela Burdett-Coutts paid for a statue of Bobby that stands today at Candlemaker Row.
No one knows if the tale behind the statue is accurate, but it captured the imagination of the Scottish people in the mid-1800s and continues to do so today.
To this day, Bobby remains a beloved figure in Scottish history. Read more about Bobby here.
21. Camera Obscura
This very popular and old (1853) attraction near Edinburgh Castle has something for all ages.
Over 5 floors and hundreds of exhibits, one finds all sorts of illusions, including a 360-degree projected panorama of Edinburgh on the top floor.
There’s a Magic Gallery of optical illusions, the Electric Gallery, which allows you to hold lightning in your hand, the Light Fantastic, which is full of holograms, and Eye Spy Edinburgh, which allows you to see the city in three different dimensions.
It is well-reviewed, and visitors are often surprised at how much they enjoy it.
*Hours:
- April-June
- Sunday-Friday 9:30 AM - 20:00 (8:00 PM)
- Saturday 9:30 AM - 21:00 (9:00 PM)
- July-August
- Every Day 9:00 - 22:00 (10:00 PM)
- September-October
- Sunday-Friday 9:30 AM - 20:00 (8:00 PM)
- Saturday 9:30 PM - 21:00 (9:00 PM)
- November-March
- Hours not listed
*in April, December, and January, there are special hours on certain dates, so be sure to check the website
Tickets:
- Adults: £16.50
- Seniors (aged 60+): £14.50
- Children (aged 5-15): £12.50
- Age 5 and under: Free
- Students (with ID): £14.50
Discounts are available for parties of 10 or more as long as they are booked in advance over the phone.
Tickets can be purchased here or at the door.
22. Visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Housed in two separate buildings, this historic museum includes a variety of beloved modern art, including pieces from artists such as Picasso and Matisse.
The best thing about this attraction is that it's entirely free to see their permanent collection. They also offer a £1 shuttle between this location and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
In other words, you can visit both museums in the same day and only pay £1 for travel between each one!
23. Enjoy a Drink at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
If you're a fan of Johnnie Walker whisky, you owe it to yourself to visit their Whisky Experience on Princes Street.
In addition to a traditional tour of the attraction, you'll also have the chance to enjoy several different tasting opportunities.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street also has rooftop bars to enjoy incredible views of nearby landmarks and historic sites, including Edinburgh Castle.
24. Discover Lauriston Castle and Gardens
Everyone knows about Edinburgh Castle, but if you've already visited that historic location and want to see even more beautiful architecture, consider a short trip to Lauriston Castle.
Located just outside the city, this 16th-century castle offers free admission to the grounds. It also offers daily tours from Tuesday through Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. each week. A family tour is also offered at 11 a.m. on weekends.
This castle also has an incredible Japanese Garden, and plenty of tree-lined paths to walk around the grounds.
25. See the Edinburgh Dungeon
Similar to the London Dungeon, this attraction offers visitors a live show featuring actors who portray infamous figures from throughout Edinburgh's sordid history.
Learn about the terrifying tale of Burke and Hare, discover what the city looked like during the plague, and face a trial for your life!
This attraction also offers late-night services, allowing you to visit after dark for an even more disturbing experience.
- £20.50/Adults | £16.50/Children
- Availability: Daily from 11 am - 4 pm
- Duration: 80 minutes
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
26. Take the Kids to Dynamic Earth
This science museum is home to a planetarium and offers many special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
From interactive galleries covering life on this planet to educational activities focusing on satellites and what it's like in outer space, this attraction offers plenty for families to enjoy.
They even hold Christmas parties during December!
- £19.50/Adults | £12.00/Children
- £16.75/Concessions (Students, 65+)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Availability: Daily
- Learn more here.
27. Go to the Chocolatarium
If you're looking for another excellent family activity, visit the Chocolatarium in Edinburgh.
This chocolate factory offers what it calls the Tour of Chocolate, which includes the opportunity to learn about how the delicious treat is made and where it comes from.
You'll even have the opportunity to make your own chocolate bar and choose from over 40 different flavours.
They also offer truffle-making classes and a variety of different tasting experiences.
A Sample 3-Day Itinerary in Edinburgh
Day 1: Historic Edinburgh
Morning: Commence your journey with a visit to the historic heart of Edinburgh Castle. Meandering down the Royal Mile, you'll be enthralled by its unique mix of quaint shops, inviting cafes, and compelling historical sites such as St Giles’ Cathedral and the Museum of Edinburgh.
Afternoon: Venture towards the majestic Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official Scottish residence.
In its vicinity are the contemporary Scottish Parliament Building and the awe-inspiring Arthur's Seat, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its summit.
Evening: Feast on traditional Scottish fare in one of the snug restaurants hidden within the city's ancient streets. Later, soak up the vibrant atmosphere and experience authentic Scottish music in the lively pubs of the Grassmarket area.
Day 2: Cultural Exploration
Morning: Embark on your second day with a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. This enlightening experience will give you a comprehensive understanding of Scotland's rich history and diverse culture.
Afternoon: Absorb some culture at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and then stroll to the picturesque Dean Village.
From there, meander along the Water of Leith to reach Stockbridge, a buzzing part of the city renowned for its unique independent shops and lively Sunday market.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in the dynamic Leith area, where you can sample the city's evolving gastronomy, which boasts a range of gourmet dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Then, explore the waterfront pubs of Leith, providing a relaxed setting for your evening.
Day 3: Modern Charms and Tranquil Moments
Morning: Start your third day by immersing yourself in the tranquility of the Princes Street Gardens. Subsequently, indulge in some retail therapy in Edinburgh's vibrant City Centre, particularly the New Town area, known for its high-street and designer boutiques.
Afternoon: Retreat to the serene Royal Botanic Garden, a perfect antidote to the bustle of the city.
You can enjoy a leisurely hike there through beautifully curated plant collections worldwide.
Evening: For your final night, sample the culinary delights at one of the trendy restaurants in the West End.
Complete your Edinburgh experience with a spellbinding show at one of the city's many theatres, truly making your visit a memorable one.
What Is Edinburgh Known for?
Edinburgh is known for its rich history and stunning architecture, prominently seen in landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Holyrood Abbey.
It also boasts beautiful natural sites like Calton Hill and Portobello Beach. The city is a hub for the arts, notably hosting the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
How much time do you need in Edinburgh?
To fully experience Edinburgh, it is recommended that you spend at least three days there. This will allow you to explore its historic landmarks and participate in activities such as the Scotch Whisky Experience.
You might even have the opportunity to engage in the unique World of Illusions or stroll on Portobello Beach. Extra time can be spent visiting the nearby Scottish Highlands or Loch Ness.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is lively during late spring and summer, offering warm weather and blooming landscapes, making it an ideal time to visit.
If you want to partake in local festivities, consider planning your trip around the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.
Also, Edinburgh is known for its spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations, known as Hogmanay, a truly unique experience.