Dive into the historic charm of Edinburgh
This piece was written in collaboration with Skyscanner.
Gorgeous Edinburgh, capital of Scotland, is one of the UK’s most attractive city with festivals all year round, easy access to the fantastic countryside and awesome architecture. If you’ve never visited the city, Edinburgh should make it to the top of your holiday list with these 15 things to do.
1. Join the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Photo Credit: Flickr
With 12 festivals a year, including the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this city sure knows how to put on a great party. One of the more famous ones is the Edinburgh Festival Fringes, which is the world’s largest arts festival. Throughout the festival period, you can witness thousands of performances and shows in various venues.
2. Investigate spooky goings-on
With so much history in Edinburg, comes many spooky stories and supernatural encounters. Join a ghost tour and explore Edinburgh’s seedy underbelly and haunted spots to learn more about the city’s gruesome past and things that come to life in the night.
3. Enjoy a wee dram or two
When in Scotland, sampling their world-renowned whisky is a definite must! Head to a whisky bar to enjoy a glass (or two) of that liquid gold. Well-known bars in Edinburgh that offer a diverse selection of the spirit include Whiski Rooms and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. For fans of the drink, you can also join a Scottish Malt Whisky tasting tour!
4. Fill up on deliciously fresh local fare
If dining on fresh and seasonal produce is your thing, then Edinburgh is the city for you. You can head down to Leith to enjoy a fine dining experience at the Kitchin or go for a hog roast feast at Oink. For a unique dining experience, you can also join a 3-course Scottish dinner accompanied by live entertainment with storytelling and music.
5. Catch an exciting football match
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Fitba, the endearing Scottish slang for football, is taken seriously in Edinburgh! Soak up the atmosphere at a Hearts or Hibs match and of course, you gotta enjoy a match of fitba with a famous Scotch pie and a steaming cup of Bovril.
6. Be a fresh air fiend in amazing outdoor spaces
Edinburgh is surrounded by some stunning countryside and picturesque landscapes. Treat yourself with fresh air and scenic views by going on a blustery walk up Arthur’s Seat. This extinct volcano is the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh with amazing views of the city and beyond.
7. Experience the famous Hogmanay
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One of the greatest New Year’s parties in the world, is right here in Edinburgh. The Hogmanay features fireworks, live music, a torchlit procession and a ceilidh for you to practice your traditional Scottish dance moves. So, don’t forget to pack your kilt, gents!
8. Be a bookworm
Edinburgh has been home to many of the world’s great writers and features the world’s largest monument to a writer, the Scott Monument. If you’re a bookworm, you’ll definitely be excited for a visit to the Writer’s Museum for a literary tour you’ll remember for years to come.
9. Find the real life Hogwarts
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JK Rowling wrote the first chapters of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in a café in Edinburgh, taking inspiration from the city around her. In the city, you can check out some Potter-esque buildings including George Heriot’s School, which inspired the fictional version of Hogwarts.
10. Visit places from Trainspotting
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Trainspotting was one of the greatest books of the 90s, which turned into a movie starring Ewan McGregor. Set in and filmed on location in Edinburgh, you can follow in the footsteps of Renton and Begbie with a Trainspotting Tour.
11. Take a tour of the Scottish Parliament
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
With a growing independence movement, you can get a deeper insight into the machines of power in Scotland with a visit to the Scottish Parliament. See where key decisions are made, sit in on a parliamentary session or take a tour. You can easily get to the Scottish Parliament with a hop on hop off bus pass.
12. Soak in the salty air by the beach
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If it’s a sunny day, head to Portobello Beach and enjoy a dip in the sea. There are also outdoor and indoor Victorian pools where you can go for a swim, or perhaps pop into the Turkish baths. Whatever it is, make sure to grab a plate of fresh fish and chips after that swim!
13. Visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle
Standing proudly above the city is the world-famous Edinburgh Castle. Feel like royalty while going for a stroll around the castle’s Great Hall and the Royal Palace, and see the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. If you’re a history buff or a fan of the royalty, visiting this castle is a must.
Day trips from Edinburgh
14. Hunt the Loch Ness Monster
You can’t come to Scotland and not hunt down the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Take a day trip to Loch Ness, to visit classic Highland sceneries and see Scotland’s stunning countryside with stops in famous Glen Coe and Ben Nevis. Don’t forget your binoculars for this tour!
15. Walk along Hadrian’s Wall
Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, the Romans built the Hadrian’s Wall in AD122 to keep the Picts from invading England. Join a day tour of the Roman Britain and the Scottish borders where you get to stop by this famous wall. Slip on your hiking boots and hike along this landmark, exploring old Roman forts and quaint villages along the way.
Edinburgh essentials
Discover more Edinburgh sightseeing tours and unique experiences you can enjoy from Klook. Enjoy fast and convenient transfers between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre 24/7 with the Airlink 100 airport shuttle service. Travel around the city with ease and great value with a hop on hop off sightseeing bus pass.
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