Edinburgh, Scotland's stunning capital city, known for its iconic skyline dominated by the majestic Edinburgh Castle to its charming cobbled streets and elegant Georgian architecture, Edinburgh offers a unique experience. Whether you're exploring the medieval Old Town or the New Town, the city is full of character and surprises around every corner.
Edinburgh is home to world-renowned festivals, fascinating museums, beautiful green spaces, and a thriving food and drink scene. Whether you're here for culture, history, shopping, or just a great view from Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh delivers.
This guide to the best things to do will help you uncover the top attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that make this city one of the most exciting destinations in the world.
Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's most famous Castle. At the top of Castle Rock, it dominates Edinburgh's skyline. As a historic stronghold, royal residence, and military fortress, it has played a crucial role in Scotland's history for over a thousand years. Edinburgh Castle is at the top of the famous Royal Mile, stretching through Edinburgh's Old Town.
Exploring Edinburgh has never been easier than with the City Sightseeing Bus Tours. These open-top, hop-on-hop-off buses offer a convenient and informative way to experience Scotland's capital city.
The Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Stretching from Edinburgh Castle at the top to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. This historic street, roughly a mile long, has centuries-old buildings, hidden closes, and some of the city's most famous landmarks.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is moored in the historic port of Leith in Edinburgh and is one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions. It was Tripadvisor's Number 1 Attraction in the UK 2023 - 2024. It served the British Royal Family for over 40 years.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, also known as Holyrood Palace. It is located at the foot of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and serves as the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. This grand building has been central to Scotland's Royal history for centuries and remains one of the city's most visited landmarks.
Princes Street Gardens is one of the city's most renowned green spaces, providing stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. A tranquil escape from the busy Princes Street. The gardens are two parts, the East and West sections, with the Scottish National Gallery positioned between them.
One of the most recognisable landmarks in Edinburgh, rising 251 metres above the city and offering sweeping panoramic views in every direction. Arthur's Seat is part of Holyrood Park, a short walk from the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace.
This extinct volcano is believed to have formed around 340 million years ago. It's part of the same geological formation of Salisbury Crags and the surrounding rugged landscape of Holyrood Park.
The Scott Monument is one of Edinburgh's most striking landmarks, towering over Princes Street Gardens in honour of the famous Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott. Built in the 19th century, it offers some of the city's best views, including the stunning sight of Edinburgh Castle.
St Giles' Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is in Edinburgh's Old Town on the historic Royal Mile. This stunning Cathedral, with its distinctive crown spire, history, and deep connections to Scottish royalty, remains one of Edinburgh's most visited landmarks. Founded in the 12th century, St Giles' Cathedral has been at the heart of the city for nearly 900 years.
St Giles' Cathedral has remained a site of national significance in Scotland. Most recently, in 2022, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, St Giles' Cathedral played a key role in Scotland's mourning process.
The Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium is Scotland's National rugby stadium and the home of Scottish Rugby. It has been the heart of Scottish rugby since it opened in 1925 in Edinburgh, to the west of the city centre. With a capacity of 67,144, it is the largest stadium in Scotland and hosts international rugby matches, concerts, and other major events.
Edinburgh Street Food is a must-visit destination for food lovers. Located in the city centre and just a short walk from Waverley Station, it is located on Leith Street at the Omni Centre. Edinburgh Street Food brings together an exciting mix of street food vendors under one roof, offering a vibrant and dynamic dining experience.
Located just north of Edinburgh's city centre, Leith is a vibrant district with a rich maritime history and a growing reputation as one of the capital's coolest neighbourhoods. Featuring in Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh, once a busy port town in its own right and once one of Scotland's main ports before becoming a part of Edinburgh in 1920. Leith has evolved into a modern waterfront area packed with character, culture, and excellent food and drink.
The Grassmarket is below the famous Edinburgh Castle in the city's Old Town. Once a medieval marketplace, the Grassmarket is now full of vibrant pubs, restaurants, hotels, independent shops, and cultural attractions.
The Edinburgh Dungeon is one of the top things to do for thrill-seekers and history lovers alike. This popular attraction brings Scotland's darkest tales to life through live actors, special effects, and immersive storytelling. Located in the heart of the city near Waverley Station, visitors can experience 1,000 years of Edinburgh's gruesome history, from the plague-ridden streets to the chilling tales of Burke and Hare. With underground rides, dramatic sets, and plenty of frights, The Edinburgh Dungeon offers a unique way to explore the city's past.
The Real Mary King's Close is one of the most fascinating things to do, offering a unique glimpse beneath the Royal Mile. This historic underground close reveals what life was like in 17th-century Edinburgh, frozen in time beneath the city streets. Led by costumed guides, visitors explore narrow alleyways and preserved rooms while uncovering stories of plague, mystery, and everyday life in the Old Town. Located just off the Royal Mile. It's a must-visit Edinburgh attraction for those interested in hidden history and atmospheric tours. Mary King's Close offers an unforgettable journey into the city's past.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Johnnie Walker Princes Street is a new state-of-the-art, must-visit attraction in Edinburgh for whisky lovers. Located in the heart of the city on Princes Street, this immersive whisky experience celebrates Scotland's most famous whisky. Visitors can enjoy interactive tours, tastings tailored to personal flavours, the rooftop bars with stunning city views, and world-class food pairings. It's more than a whisky tour — it's a journey through 200 years of Johnnie Walker history. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or new to whisky, Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
Victoria Street is one of Edinburgh's most iconic streets, known for its colourful buildings, cobbled streets, and vibrant independent shops. Located in the heart of the Old Town, just off the Royal Mile. This charming street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. It's a popular spot for browsing quirky boutiques, artisan stores, and cosy cafés. A must-visit for photography lovers and fans of historic architecture, Victoria Street blends Edinburgh's medieval past with modern character. If you're exploring Edinburgh's top attractions, this picturesque street should be on your list.
Edinburgh Zoo is one of the top family attractions in Edinburgh. It is just a short bus ride from the city centre, including giant pandas. Edinburgh Zoo provides an unforgettable experience. The zoo is set on a hillside with scenic views of the city, it is a great place to explore wildlife in a natural setting. For animal lovers, Edinburgh Zoo is a must-visit destination in the capital.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a fun and interactive attraction, perfect for all ages. It features five floors of mind-bending optical illusions, holograms, and hands-on exhibits located near Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile. The highlight is the original Victorian Camera Obscura, offering a fascinating live view of the city. With mirror mazes, light tunnels, and rooftop views, it's an ideal stop for families, couples, and curious minds. If you're looking for unique things to do, this quirky attraction promises fun, wonder, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Festivals
August in Edinburgh is synonymous with world-class festivals, making it one of the best times to visit Scotland's capital. The city hosts the renowned Fringe Festival (1–25 August 2025), the world's largest arts festival, featuring thousands of performances across various genres. Running concurrently, the Edinburgh International Festival (1–24 August 2025) showcases premier opera, theatre, music, and dance performances. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (1–23 August 2025) offers a spectacular display of military precision against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Additionally, the Edinburgh International Book Festival (9–24 August 2025) attracts literary enthusiasts worldwide. These events collectively transform Edinburgh into a vibrant cultural hub each August.
Located just one mile from the city centre, the Royal Botanic Gardens offers visitors a tranquil escape into nature. Open daily, the gardens span over 70 acres. Access to the outdoor areas is complimentary, while a fee is requiredfor entry into the glasshouses. Visitors can take advantage of guided tours, a café, and a gift shop on site.
