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Edinburgh, Scotland is one among my favourite European capital cities (it is the capital of Scotland, in case you did not know!). It has all the things that I like in a metropolis, together with attractive structure, entry to nature, good transport hyperlinks, and naturally plenty of fascinating historical past.
Edinburgh as a metropolis dates again to at the very least the 1100s, although the realm was inhabited by completely different teams for hundreds of years earlier than that, and there was some form of fortification atop Castle Rock since earlier than the Romans arrived within the 1st century. Both the Old Town AND New Town of Edinburgh are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which is fairly spectacular.
While it is not an enormous metropolis (inhabitants simply over 550,000 within the metro space), Edinburgh nonetheless provides up a ton of distinctive issues to do. I’ve visited this metropolis many instances over time, and nonetheless all the time discover one thing new!
This record relies off my numerous visits to Edinburgh, and consists of the issues I personally assume are price doing/seeing.
What to not miss in Edinburgh
The record beneath will cowl ALL one of the best issues to do in Edinburgh. But should you solely have a brief period of time and wish to tick off absolutely the must-dos in Edinburgh, then it’s essential to:
- Walk to Royal Mile within the Old Town
- Visit both Edinburgh Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood is my decide!)
- Stroll via Princes Street Gardens
- Try Scotch whisky (both on the Scotch Whisky Experience, or simply at a pub)
- Watch a sundown from atop Calton Hill
And learn on for the total record, which additionally consists of museums, Harry Potter websites, afternoon tea, Edinburgh’s darker historical past, and extra!
25 issues to do in Edinburgh, Scotland
I’m dividing this record into Old Town, New Town, and a little bit additional out to make it a bit simpler. And you’ll find most of these items plotted on a map in the direction of the tip of this submit!
Things to Do in Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh’s Old Town is, not surprisingly, the oldest a part of the town. It consists of the Royal Mile and well-known palaces, in addition to they metropolis’s oldest structure. Most guests image the Old Town after they consider Edinburgh, and often spend most of their time right here.
1. Stroll the Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s most well-known attraction by far is the Royal Mile. Though “attraction” is not actually the fitting phrase, because the Royal Mile is a lot greater than only a singular factor to see.
The Royal Mile stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and really measures 1.81 kilometers, or 1.12 miles lengthy. Here you will discover all the things from pubs to tartan retailers, and the pedestrian-only part is often full of avenue performers and buskers (together with, all the time, at the very least one bagpiper).
As you make your means up (or down) the Royal Mile, there are many historic websites and points of interest you possibly can try, however I like to recommend strolling the total size at the very least as soon as throughout your keep!
2. Visit Edinburgh Castle
You cannot actually go to Edinburgh with out visiting a fort (in spite of everything, there are two of them right here!).
Edinburgh Castle, sitting proudly on the prime of the Royal Mile, is the fort that you’re going to see essentially the most typically because it’s seen from many components of the town. It sits atop Castle Rock, and has been there because the yr 1103 AD.
Edinburgh Castle has not been occupied for hundreds of years, so what you will discover inside consists largely of the crown jewels of Scotland and a few army displays, together with the National War Museum.
I personally assume the doorway payment (at the moment £19.50 for adults) is a bit steep for what you really see, however go for it if it is one thing you wish to do. Just word that you’re going to have to guide a timed ticket upfront to be able to go to, and these tickets DO promote out, particularly throughout the summer season months.
(If you do go to and wish to get extra out of your time there, decide up a skip-the-line ticket that features a guided tour.)
3. Visit St. Giles Cathedral
You cannot miss this 14th-century cathedral with its crown-shaped steeple on the Royal Mile. St. Giles Cathedral (AKA the High Kirk of Edinburgh) was based in 1124 by King David I, and the oldest components of the present constructing date again to the 14th century.
Not solely is St. Giles stunning on the surface, however the church is simply as fairly on the within, too. Pop in to see the stained glass home windows, fairly blue ceiling, and complex Thistle Chapel.
(Note that St. Giles is often open every single day, although typically is closed to guests for personal occasions like weddings. It’s free to go to, although they do ask that you simply pay a small payment to take pictures inside.)
4. Have the Scotch Whisky Experience
Near Edinburgh Castle, you will stumble upon the Scotch Whisky Experience, which is one half museum and one half interactive tour. Even should you do not love whisky, that is one thing price doing in Edinburgh.
You can take a wide range of excursions that promise that will help you “become a ‘one-hour-whisky-expert,’” and likewise see a assortment of greater than 3,300 bottles of Scotch whisky. The tour comes full with a scratch-and-sniff card to stroll you thru several types of whisky, in addition to one tasting.
(Book the 50-minute tour right here, which is nice for first-timers.)
5. Palace of Holyroodhouse
If you need my trustworthy opinion, I believe that visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse is extra price it than visiting Edinburgh Castle. This palace on the backside of the Royal Mile has an identical entrance payment (£18 upfront, or £19.50 on the day) to tour, however provides the added bonus of nonetheless being an official royal residence.
Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. The late Queen would come to remain (and throw an enormous backyard occasion) each summer season, and the present King will keep right here, too.
On a tour of Holyrood, you get to see the State Apartments (that are nonetheless used), in addition to the previous chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots. Outside the palace, you will discover some stunning grounds, in addition to the ruins of the Holyrood Abbey.
Booking a timed ticket upfront is really helpful right here! (Book your ticket right here.)
6. Check out Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
If you are within the temper for a extra enjoyable approach to spend an hour or two, try the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions proper subsequent to the doorway to Edinburgh Castle. This interactive museum is full of optical illusions and enjoyable puzzles, and is very nice should you’re touring to Scotland with children.
You can see the digital camera obscura itself and study the way it works, and the tower atop the constructing additionally offers you some nice views out over the town.
7. Get ghostly or go underground
Edinburgh has a really lengthy historical past – and never all of it’s good. There are numerous excursions you possibly can take to discover the darker aspect of the town, from nighttime ghost excursions to after-dark historic excursions. Some even take you into the underground vaults beneath the present metropolis streets.
Here are some spooky Edinburgh excursions to take a look at:
You also needs to try the Real Mary King’s Close, which is a fancy of slim alleyways partially hidden beneath the Royal Exchange within the Old Town. The space has loads of darkish tales related to it, so be ready for some goosebumps.
8. Greyfriars Kirkyard
Speaking of spooky locations, I actually take pleasure in visiting previous cemeteries once I journey. They could be hauntingly stunning, and that is positively true of Greyfriars Kirkyard, the graveyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh’s Old Town with graves relationship again to the 1600s.
Greyfriars is legendary for a few issues, together with Greyfriars Bobby, a little bit canine that guarded its former grasp’s grave within the graveyard for 14 years. (There’s a statue of Bobby close to the graveyard’s entrance.)
The graveyard is also *supposedly* the place writer JK Rowling acquired a number of concepts for names within the Harry Potter collection, and you will find graves for the likes of Thomas Riddell, William McGonagall, Elizabeth Moodie, and Daniel Scrymgeour right here.
9. Take a Harry Potter tour
Speaking of Harry Potter, there are many Harry Potter websites and actions round Edinburgh, attributable to the truth that the writer lived within the metropolis whereas she wrote most of the books. You can take a Harry Potter-themed strolling tour to see quite a lot of the websites without delay – I like to recommend the free strolling excursions with the Potter Trail.
(For extra Harry Potter websites in Edinburgh, try this submit: A Harry Potter Lover’s Guide to Edinburgh, Scotland.)
10. Stroll in Grassmarket
Located beneath the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle on the Old Town aspect sits the Grassmarket. What as soon as was a historic market place is now full of pubs, eating places, and extra of the town’s unbelievable structure.
While you are there, be sure you head up West Bow Street, which results in one among my favourite streets in Edinburgh: Victoria Street.
The curving Victoria Street is without doubt one of the most photogenic streets in all of Edinburgh, and takes no time in any respect to stroll up. (The finest views of the road are literally from Victoria Terrace.)
11. Visit the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is without doubt one of the finest museums in Edinburgh. This museum is devoted to the historical past of (you guessed it) Scotland, however has displays protecting issues like artwork, design, world cultures, and even dinosaurs, too. (Guys, they’ve the actual Dolly the Sheep right here!)
And, like with most museums within the UK, this one is free to go to. Definitely plan to spend a pair hours right here, as there’s lots to see!
12. Step again in time on the Museum of Edinburgh
Another good museum to go to in Edinburgh is the Museum of Edinburgh (guess you possibly can’t guess what it is about!). This museum proper on the Royal Mile is exclusive in that it is unfold out throughout numerous sixteenth century buildings.
There are plenty of issues to see regarding Edinburgh’s lengthy historical past, with among the displays voted on by native individuals as one of the best representations of the tales which have formed the town. This museum is free, too!
13. Visit the Writer’s Museum
Did you recognize that Scotland (and Edinburgh extra particularly) has produced a large number of writers and poets? The Writer’s Museum celebrates three of Scotland’s most well-known literary figures: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The free museum has issues like portraits, uncommon books, and private objects belonging and associated to those well-known Scottish writers.
14. Go on a literary pub tour
You may also study Scotland’s biggest writers by happening a novel literary pub tour, which can have you tracing the town’s literary historical past by visiting locations frequented by the likes of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
15. Have afternoon tea
While afternoon tea is usually thought to be an English pastime, you possibly can nonetheless discover loads of fancy tea choices in Edinburgh, too. Some distinctive ones to contemplate embrace:
- Tea at Palm Court on the Balmoral Hotel
- Tea on the Signet Library (it is really a library!)
- A wizard-themed tea at The Cauldron Co
- Afternoon tea on a double-decker bus (guide this one right here)
RELATED: 3 Days in Edinburgh: The Perfect Itinerary
Things to do in Edinburgh New Town
Edinburgh’s New Town is barely “new” in relation to its Old Town; this a part of the town largely dates again to the 1700s and 1800s. The structure right here is notably completely different, however nonetheless extremely stunning.
1. Stroll via Princes Street Gardens
An amazing factor to do in Edinburgh New Town is strolling via Princes Street Gardens, that are technically two adjoining gardens within the heart of Edinburgh, simply down the hill from the fort on the New Town aspect.
The Gardens have been created within the 1820s, after the Nor Loch (an historic lake) was drained. Today, they are a pretty place for a day stroll that provide up glorious views of Edinburgh Castle.
2. Climb the Scott Monument
The Victorian Gothic monument devoted to Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott sits on the sting of Princes Street Gardens, and is without doubt one of the largest monuments to a author wherever on this planet. You cannot miss it.
The Scott Monument isn’t a simple climb (it is 287 steps up, and consists of some extraordinarily slim passages), however climbing to the highest will get you among the best views of Edinburgh.
3. See the Scottish National Gallery
Another among the finest museums in Edinburgh is the Scottish National Gallery, positioned on The Mound beneath Edinburgh Castle. Here you possibly can see artwork from Scottish and worldwide artists, and this museum can be free to go to.
4. Have the Johnnie Walker Experience
Right on the border of the New/Old Towns you will discover the Johnnie Walker Experience, a brand new facility for whisky tastings and excursions. You can go on an interactive tour that features 3 tastings suited to your private preferences, do a chocolate and whisky pairing, or style whisky straight out of the cask within the cellars.
The Johnnie Walker constructing additionally has a really good present store you possibly can go to with out taking a tour, and a rooftop bar/restaurant that gives up glorious views of Edinburgh.
You’ll wish to guide each excursions and rooftop reservations upfront! (Book the whisky tour right here!)
5. Shop within the New Town
While there are many cute retailers within the Old Town, too, one of the best purchasing in Edinburgh is within the New Town. George Street is lined with boutiques and retailers, and the newer St. James Quarter just under Calton Hill can be widespread for purchasing and eating.
In the St. James Quarter, you will discover new meals courtroom ideas like Edinburgh Street Food and Bonnie & Wild which are nice for an inexpensive(er) meal.
6. Explore Dean Village
One of my favourite spots in Edinburgh is Dean Village. This little neighborhood in New Town is characterised by colourful historic homes and the Water of Leith working via it.
It’s an important place for a stroll – however beware that you’re going to really feel such as you’ve stepped again in time right here!
To discover Dean Village, take Bell’s Brae down beneath the Dean Bridge, solely a few 10- or 15-minute stroll from Princes Street.
From Dean Village, you possibly can additionally take a peaceable stroll alongside the Water of Leith. You will not really feel such as you’re in a serious metropolis in any respect!
7. Watch the sundown from Calton Hill
Located past the east finish of Princes Street is Calton Hill, the place you will discover numerous monuments (just like the Nelson Monument and Robert Burns Monument) and a few extra unbelievable views out over Edinburgh.
If you do not fancy climbing the Scott Monument, positively be sure to get to Calton Hill for the views. It’s a well-liked spot to observe the sundown in Edinburgh, however it’s nice any time of day.
8. Have a drink at The Balmoral
Staying at The Balmoral (a luxurious resort that dates again to 1902) could also be out of your Edinburgh funds, however you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in this iconic resort with a go to to its whisky bar referred to as merely Scotch. Instead of bartenders, right here “Whisky Ambassadors” sporting kilts may also help you pattern from one among Edinburgh’s largest collections of whisky.
Things to do exterior of Edinburgh heart
Open to venturing a little bit farther from the Old Town and New Town? Here are a number of of the preferred issues to do:
1. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden
If you are visiting throughout the spring or summer season and the climate is good, then a go to to the Royal Botanic Garden is gorgeous. These gardens are greater than 350 years previous and canopy 70 acres north of the Edinburgh metropolis heart, displaying a “Living Collection” of vegetation from all all over the world.
2. Climb Arthur’s Seat
The hottest hike you can begin proper in central Edinburgh is the stroll to the highest of Arthur’s Seat. Arthur’s Seat is definitely an historic (extinct) volcano that rises 251 meters (823 toes) over Holyrood Park, which is the Royal Park subsequent to Holyrood Palace.
The views from Arthur’s Seat over Edinburgh are unbelievable, and the entire hike often takes about 2 hours (there and again).
3. Tour the The Royal Yacht Britannia
Formerly a favourite royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Yacht Britannia is now completely anchored in Leith, the fashionable port neighborhood of Edinburgh. The yacht was in service from 1954-1997 (should you watched “The Crown,” you will keep in mind it within the storyline), touring greater than one million nautical miles all all over the world.
Today, the yacht is a part of the National Historic Fleet and is a vacationer attraction. You can tour the yacht to see its elaborate state rooms as they’d have been used when the ship was a royal residence, and even have tea in its tearoom.
4. See the Forth Bridge
Slightly additional out nonetheless, the long-lasting Forth Bridge spanning the Firth of Forth is price seeing should you’ll be driving north from Edinburgh. The cantilever railway bridge stretches throughout the Firth of Forth, and could be very putting. It dates again to 1890, and is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
One finish of the bridge is within the city of (South) Queensferry, which performs host every New Year’s Day to the Loony Dook, an annual polar plunge custom the place individuals in costumes bounce into the Firth of Forth. (I’ve accomplished it as a part of Hogmanay! It’s wild.)
Day excursions from Edinburgh
There’s a lot to do in Edinburgh itself, however if you wish to discover a bit additional, there are many glorious day tour and day journey choices, too!
Some of those I’d suggest embrace:
Where to remain in Edinburgh
Here are a number of of my favourite locations to remain in Edinburgh:
Mid-range resort within the Old Town: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Royal Mile – I like this resort on Cowgate as a result of it is near the Royal Mile, and but not tremendous noisy. The rooms are vibrant and clear, the free wifi is quick, and also you often get free breakfast together with your reserving. (Read critiques | Book right here)
Apartment within the Old Town: No1 Apartments Edinburgh – George IV Bridge – On a earlier solo go to to Edinburgh, I rented a one-bedroom condo on George IV Bridge via No1 Apartments. The condo was attractive, and I had a view of Edinburgh Castle from my kitchen window! (Read critiques | Book right here)
Apartment-hotel within the New Town: Eden Locke – For studio and one-bedroom flats on George Street, I like Eden Locke. It’s completely located close to eating places and cafes within the New Town, however nonetheless inside strolling distance to Princes’ Street Gardens and the Old Town. (Read critiques | Book right here)
Luxury resort within the Old Town: Radisson Blu Edinburgh – If you wish to keep proper ON the Royal Mile, try the Radisson Blue with its modern rooms. (Read critiques | Book right here)
Luxury near the prepare station: Market Street Hotel – Right throughout the road from Edinburgh Waverley Station, this resort is one among my favorites. It’s understated luxurious with plenty of added particular touches, together with a welcome glass of champagne and a free mini bar in each room. (Read critiques | Book right here)
Edinburgh FAQ
And now a number of extra generally requested questions on Edinburgh!
If you wish to actually soak in all the town’s historical past and attraction, I believe you want at the very least 3 days in Edinburgh. Can you do Edinburgh in 2 days? Yes, you possibly can positively see the highlights. But 3 days can be best!
The finest time to go to Edinburgh (in my view) is in June. The climate is beginning to get nicer, however it’s not but as busy as it is going to get in July and August.
August can be a enjoyable time to go to, although, because it’s Edinburgh Festival month. The Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and a lot extra occur in August! It’s a enjoyable time to go to, but additionally very busy and costly.
Edinburgh can be enjoyable across the holidays. The metropolis has Christmas markets, and the large Hogmanay celebration to ring within the New Year lasts a number of days.
Edinburgh is in Scotland, and Scotland is within the United Kingdom. They use the pound sterling (GBP) right here, although should you get money out the payments might be from the Bank of Scotland.
Edinburgh isn’t what I’d name an affordable vacation spot, however it’s not as costly as London! There are plenty of free issues to do, too.
You can fly into Edinburgh Airport, take a prepare to Edinburgh Waverley Station from many UK cities (together with London), or you possibly can drive from different components of Great Britain.
Have you been to Edinburgh? If so, what’s your favourite factor to do there?
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