Edinburgh, Scotland’s fairytale capital, is one of the UK’s most attractive cities – where Edinburgh Old Town meets volcanic hills, royal residences, and enchanting medieval architecture. As if frozen in time, its cobblestoned streets come alive in modern day with cozy bookstores and cafes on every corner.
If you’ve never visited the city, you should definitely consider adding Edinburgh to the top of your list on your next trip to Europe. From castles and palaces to local experiences at homey villages, here’s your ultimate guide to the top 15 things to do in Edinburgh!
Dive into the historic charm of Edinburgh
1. Visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle
A stunning view of Edinburgh Castle
Standing proudly above the city is the world-famous Edinburgh Castle. If you’re visiting Edinburgh for the first time, visiting this castle is non-negotiable (our list of things to do in Edinburgh would be incomplete without it).
Feel like royalty as you stroll around the Great Hall and the Royal Palace, and see the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. You’ll also find various museums as well as the oldest building in Edinburgh, St. Margaret’s Chapel. If you’re interested to learn more, you can check out this Beginner’s Guide to Edinburgh Palace for a glimpse of what to expect. Want to save the history lesson for your actual visit? Get your Edinburgh Castle Ticket with Guide to skip the queues and uncover the history behind this marvelous castle!
Klook Tip: Keep in mind that it’s one of the city’s most visited sites and gets very crowded during peak seasons, so we’d suggest arriving early to avoid the crowds. Not an early riser? You can still catch sweeping views of the cityscape from around the castle’s outer terraces!
2. Take a stroll down the Royal Mile
Explore the historic charm of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile!
Stretching 1.6 km from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile is the backbone of Edinburgh Old Town. Its cobblestoned streets are lined with historic closes, traditional pubs, and souvenir shops you can check out along the way. Edinburgh’s also huge on independent bookshops and coffee shops, so be sure to stop by to get an authentic feel of local life.
Klook Tip: The best way to stroll the Royal Mile is to start from the castle down to the palace–that way, you’ll be heading downhill. It’s also a central spot for tourists, so it’s best to wander early in the morning!
3. Go underground at Mary King’s Close
Step back in time at Mary King’s Close
While roaming the Royal Mile, don’t miss out on a guided tour to Mary King’s Close—Edinburgh's only preserved 17th-century street. If you’re a history lover, we highly recommend adding this to your itinerary of things to do in Edinburgh. Here, you’ll learn all about a place that once endured overcrowding, plagues, and lots more interesting stories.
A close refers to a small alleyway that once led residents to their homes deeper off the Royal Mile. They were often (but not always) named after a noble person who resided there. Visitors can still roam these alleyways, but take into account that many of these remain residential areas.
4. Hike around Edinburgh’s Hills
Panoramic views of Calton Hill, Edinburgh
Edinburgh is surrounded by stunning countryside and picturesque landscapes. Treat yourself to some fresh air and scenic views by going on a blustery hike up the Seven Hills of Edinburgh. These include beautiful viewpoints such as Arthur’s Seat, Castle Rock, Blackford, Braid, Craigslockhart, Corstophine, and Calton Hill.
Not sure which hiking spot to try? Here are some insider favorites:
- Arthur’s Seat: Did you know Edinburgh is surrounded by a volcanic landscape? But don’t worry, these have long been extinct. This extinct volcano is the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh, with amazing views of the city and beyond. It’s popular and often busy, but worth it.
- Calton Hill: If you prefer a quieter hike that doesn’t compromise the views, Calton Hill’s a short 5-minute climb from New Town and hosts the National Monument and City Observatory. It’s perfect for sunset views as it offers a completely unobstructed view of Edinburgh and its surrounding neighborhoods.
The Pentlands: Beyond the seven hills, there are also amazing hiking spots just outside Edinburgh. The rolling hills of the Pentlands are especially ideal for longer hikes and day trips.
5. Step inside the gorgeous Holyrood Palace
The Palace of Holyrood under a clear sky
At the foot of Edinburgh’s Old Town street, you’ll come across the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, the Palace of Holyrood. When the royals are out of town, visitors are free to visit the palace, explore the chambers and vibrant gardens, and walk through the same halls where Scottish kings and queens once lived. For more details, take a look at this handy Holyrood Palace Guide, and to secure your entry, pre-purchase a Palace of Holyroodhouse ticket for a hassle-free visit.
Klook Tip: Ever wondered what it feels like to have a palace all to yourself? Be there as soon as its doors open to enjoy a quieter visit. Just remember that photos aren’t allowed inside, so absorb the details in person.
6. Discover the real-life Hogwarts
Welcome to…Victoria Street!
Fun fact: 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. You can pass by George Heriot’s School, which inspired the fictional version of Hogwarts. And just steps from the Royal Mile, you can check out some Potter-esque buildings in the colorful Victoria Street—one of the city’s most photographed spots, said to have inspired Diagon Alley.
Want to see all the spellbinding spots in one go? Join a Harry Potter Walking Tour in Edinburgh to explore filming locations, behind-the-scenes secrets, and the real-life settings that brought the wizarding world to life.
7. Wander Edinburgh’s timeless neighborhoods
The ever-so-picturesque Circus Lane / Photo Credit: Bex Walton on Flickr
If you’re wondering what else people come to Edinburgh for, it’s the character-filled neighborhoods. You can’t leave Scotland without spending time just admiring these local landmarks.
Our neighborhood picks:
- Stockbridge: A charming area beloved for its cafes, independent shops, great eats, and leafy streets.
- Circus Lane: A cobbled residential lane often dubbed one of the prettiest streets in the city.
Dean Village: A quintessential milling community dating back to the 12th century. With its quaint, picturesque architecture and riverside paths, it feels like a town frozen in time.
8. Fill up on local Scottish flavors
Enjoy the flavors of Scotland!
Hungry yet? After all that walking, you’ll definitely want to fuel up on some delicious local cuisine. You can explore the selection of local restaurants in Victoria’s Street or spice things up with a Food and Drinks Tour in Edinburgh to get a true taste of Scotland. And if fresh and seasonal produce is your thing, you can head down to Leith to enjoy some traditional Scottish seafood or have a fine dining experience at the Kitchin.
9. Explore the Water of Leith walkway
The Water of Leith, Dean Village / Photo Credit: Spencer Means on Flickr
Stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway, a 13-mile path offering a peaceful promenade past many interesting areas that leads you to the docks. You can join the path from several different spots and even enjoy an audio trail guide along the way. If you’ve ever watched The Crown on Netflix, you might recognize the Royal Yacht Britannia as you approach the port of Leith. Here, you can explore its five decks and carefully preserved cabins at your own pace with a hand-held audio guide. Fan of the royals? Opt for a Royal Edinburgh Ticket that takes you to all the royal attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland, with a 48-hour bus pass including admission to The Royal Yacht Britannia.
10. Enjoy a dram of Scotch
Slàinte mhath! (Translation: good health)
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 spirits include Whiski Rooms and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. For fans of the drink, you can extend your Scotch experience with a Holyrood Distillery Whisky Tasting Tour in Edinburgh!
11. Investigate paranormal activities underground
Anyone down for some ghost hunting?
With a rich history comes spooky stories and supernatural encounters. Join an Old Town and Underground Ghost Tour and explore Edinburgh’s seedy underbelly and haunted spots to learn more about the city’s dark past and the things that come to life in the night.
12. Embrace your inner bookworm at Princes Street
Books, coffee, crepes, and the Scott Monument
If you’re a reader at heart, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh. Home to many of the world’s great writers, you’ll be excited for a visit to the Writers’ Museum, where you can discover manuscripts and memorabilia from Scotland’s greats. Edinburgh also features the world’s largest monument, the Scott Monument, dedicated to writer Sir Walter Scott. Here, you can also roam around Princes Street to browse bookstores and enjoy light (or heavy) reading at artisan cafes. From here, you can easily wander through other areas in New Town, such as George Street, to indulge in some shopping.
13. Get fresh air at the Royal Botanic Garden
The Palm House at the Royal Botanic Garden / Photo Credit: Ham II on Wikimedia Commons
Originally starting as a physic garden in the 17th century near Holyrood Abbey, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has since relocated and evolved as a global center for biodiversity science and horticulture. Spend a couple of hours exploring its peaceful grounds and stop by the small shop for souvenirs.
14. Breathe in the salty air by the beach
A sunny day at Portobello Beach / Photo Credit: Subberculture on Flickr
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 in Turkish baths. Whatever it is, make sure to grab a plate of fresh fish and chips after!
15. Take a day trip from Edinburgh
If you have extra time, take a day trip to see Scotland’s breathtaking countryside:
Reflections of the Scottish Highlands on the tranquil Loch Ness
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 scenery and see Scotland’s stunning countryside with stops in the breathtaking Glen Coe. Don’t forget your binoculars for this tour!
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, the Romans built Hadrian’s Wall in AD122 to keep the Picts from invading England. Join a Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & the Borders Tour from Edinburgh, 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.
Short on time? Save more with an Edinburgh Pass
Soak in all the best parts of the city with a hop-on hop-off bus tour!
Overwhelmed by all these things to do in Edinburgh? We know the city is packed with incredible sights, and it can feel impossible to fit everything in—especially if you’re staying for a shorter time. Luckily, the Klook Pass Edinburgh lets you see more for less by giving you bundled access to popular attractions (including many of our top picks above), letting you skip out on time-consuming queues. You can even pair this with the Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, so you can travel around and explore the top sights with ease and great value (without tiring out your legs).
FAQs About Visiting Edinburgh
What should I not miss in Edinburgh?
If you’re visiting Edinburgh for the first time, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the classics: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace, and the historic Old Town. These top attractions capture the city’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and Scottish culture.
Is 2 days enough to see Edinburgh?
Yes, two days are enough to see the main sightseeing highlights, but you’ll need to skip out on the heavier activities, such as day tours. You can still make the most of a short stay by planning carefully and prioritizing key attractions you want to see.
Can I do Edinburgh in 3 days?
Absolutely! With three days, you’ll have enough time to balance all the iconic sights with local gems like Dean Village, Leith, and the Royal Botanic Garden.
What are five of the top tourist attractions in Edinburgh?
The top five tourist attractions in Edinburgh include Edinburgh Castle, Old Town & Royal Mile, Palace of Holyrood, Arthur’s Seat, and Calton Hill.
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