Edinburgh is a city that maintains a perfect equilibrium of reality and fantasy. On the one hand, it was a significant contributor to all the developments in the medical field and is home to one of the top 20 universities. On the other, it chooses the unicorn to be its national animal and is so magical that it went on to be the inspiration for one of the world's leading novel series. It is also one of movie directors' favourite spots, with many scenes from popular movies being shot in its locales. The city is one of Europe's most picturesque destinations with abundant activities to satisfy all. Photography buffs will have a field day because of the many photo ops the city promises. With this detailed guide, you will see just how many places to visit in Edinburgh. Keep in mind, though, that this is just the tip of the iceberg!
Edinburgh is slowly transforming into a foodie hub thanks to the many internationally-recognized restaurants graciously peppered amidst all the gorgeous gardens and elegant castles. Even before chic restaurants and contemporary cafes made their mark, local food like haggis and 'neeps', and Scottish breakfast were raved about in different parts of the world, while Cullen skink was considered comfort food by many who tasted it. The food scene in Scotland is very generous. You can be eating an innovative take on porridge for breakfast, a five-star shellfish platter for lunch, and a delicious venison dinner with the right balance of local flavors and international ingredients. The freshly sourced ingredients highlight the Scottish food scene, which is why food in itself is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh. Seafood lovers will be spoilt for choice with local favorites like Arbroath smokies and Cullen skink. Travellers with a sweet tooth can satisfy their cravings with the indulgent Cranachan, an assortment of teacakes or the traditional clootie dumpling. Don't let the name of certain Scottish dishes throw you off from trying them as they convey the flavours of the coast and the mountains. Undoubtedly, trying different dishes in the local restaurants and cafes is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh. You can choose to down your meals with a bottle of Irn-Bru, the local equivalent of Coca-Cola, or the Scottish favourite, Whisky. Scotland has more than 130 whisky distilleries, many of which are open to the public. Scotch Whisky lover or not, a tour through one of the distilleries will give you a first-hand experience of how the golden liquid is made. Here are some of the restaurants you should drop by to taste some good Scottish food.
A fine restaurant with an ambitious attitude of creating an environment where the landscape, the produce and the food can take centre stage. The menu keeps changing every season to accommodate the fresh produce that is readily available. Perched on top of Calton Hill, the Cottage was home to the Royal Gardener of Edinburgh Castle. Scottish, European, British, and Contemporary cuisine is served in this Michelin star restaurant.
If you want to try local food but want your options open, Bluebird Cafe can help your tastebuds ease into the Scottish fare. The restaurant serves classical Scottish food like Haggis and black pudding and traditional American dishes like pancakes, eggs and bacon. If here, you must give their Scots Breakfast a try as it is one of the most fast-moving items on the menu.
Vegans will be spoilt for choice in this restaurant that serves some of Edinburgh's most creative Vegan dishes. Their dishes exclude any animal derivative or animal products, and this restaurant is also pet friendly and has an organic selection of wines.
If the Italian in you is craving a good slice of pizza in Edinburgh, pay a visit to Dough Pizzeria. The ingredients are freshly sourced from Scotland or Italy, so freshness of authenticity is guaranteed. The best part is you get to customize the toppings of your pizza by choosing from their available toppings. If you are not in the mood to build your pizza from scratch, go for their Quattro formaggi, a truly cheesy delight.
Any guesses on what the golden liquid is? Yes, it is none other than the Scottish whisky! It is not only one of the country's most popular exports but also its national drink. The flavours of Scottish whisky are as unique as the 130 or more distilleries that make them, which is why Whisky tourism is popular in Scotland. You can drop by the distilleries, some of the popular places to visit in Edinburgh, which are open to tourists, and see the effort behind the drink. One such distillery is the Glenkinchie Distillery, the birthplace of the "Edinburgh Malt" which can be visited by just hopping on the distillery's shuttle service from the city centre. Easily accessible via train are the Pitlochry distilleries, one of which is a traditional farm distillery and is also the smallest in all of Scotland. Whisky lovers searching for a more fascinating experience can drop by Castlehill's Scotch Whisky Experience. Apart from having the most extensive collection of Scotch Whiskies globally, they offer a tutored tasting session to help you find the whisky that suits your tastebuds. Edinburgh also offers some of the best specialist whisky shops so you will never run out of scotch wherever you go.
The possibilities of enjoying Edinburgh things to do family style are numerous and boil down to what you and your family want doing. Here are some spots you definitely should cover:
Give your kids a view they won't forget by getting them to climb the 287 spiral stairs to the top. The idea of Edinburgh from one of the most popular Edinburgh attractions will be worth all the effort, plus this activity will guarantee an early bedtime for kids. It is a win-win situation for the parents!
Take your kids into the past by getting them to stroll the length of the Royal Mile. It links Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle and is lined with stone buildings on either side. The cobblestones make walking more accessible, and the street performers make the experience even more cheerful and are regarded as one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
If your kids are above the age of five and are an adventurous lot, get them to climb an extinct volcano that exploded a millennia ago. Hiking Arthur's seat is one of the compulsory things to do near Edinburgh. Numerous gravel trails lead to the summit, and the view from the top is utterly breathtaking.
Stunning rooftop views combined with five floors of mind-boggling illusions, optical tricks, and puzzles await the Royal Mile's end. Walk along hallways that feel like miles, visit the Vortex Tunnel, look through the thermal camera, enter the Ames room, and so many other thematic attractions that have been brilliantly presented on different floors. This attraction tops the list of fun things to do in Edinburgh.
Do you have any Harry Potter fans as children? Promise them a trip to Diagon Alley of the Harry Potter universe that was inspired by and resembles Victoria street. Your kids will rub off on the magical aura that envelopes the road. The spires, the cobblestoned path, and the numerous shops combine to exude that Diagon Alley feels your kids will rave about for a long time.
We all have heard a lot about this fantastic lake or what is locally known as a 'loch .' Tap into your adventurous side by exploring it on board a RIB. RIBs are Rigid Inflatable Boats that go fast and promise a magnificent tour of the Loch Ness. The boats can accommodate up to 12 people, or it can be one of those things to do alone in Edinburgh.
Apart from being a mesmerizing city, Edinburgh is also famous for the historical Edinburgh tourist attractions, some of which have been considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also see Scotland's most important buildings, including castles, palaces, abbeys, and prehistoric monuments. History buffs can have a ball with around 70 amazing historical things to see in Edinburgh if time permits. These castles will do enough justice to extinguish your castle craze if you are in a time crunch.
Edinburgh Castle has been one of the strongest fortresses of the Scottish kingdom for more than 900 years. Although the castle is currently used as an infantry barracks, it served its purpose as a state person, gun foundry, a royal palace, and a treasury for Crown Jewels and state records. Climbing Castle Hill will put you in the footsteps of soldiers, monarchs and queens, and even the occasional pirate.
Today, the castle is a world-famous visitor attraction, even though parts of it are still used for military purposes. It's also an iconic feature of the World Heritage Site of Edinburgh's Old and New Towns. The Great Hall, The Royal Palace (Apartment of the Monarchs until King Charles I), St Margaret's Chapel (Private chapel for the Scottish royal family), The Stone of Destiny, Honours of Scotland (Display of the oldest crown jewels), Mons Meg (a six-tonne siege gun named after a Belgian town), and others are among the exhibits on display.
Visiting Craigmillar Fortress, a destroyed medieval castle, is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh Scotland. The most renowned feature of Craigmillar Castle is that it is the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. The castle still has the appearance of a medieval stronghold. The construction of the castle began in the early 15th century, and over the next 250 years, it evolved into a pleasant home surrounded by beautiful gardens and pastureland. The castle's history is intertwined with that of Edinburgh. Still, it also plays a vital role in the story of Mary Queen of Scots, who escaped to Craigmillar Castle after Rizzio's assassination. The plot to assassinate Mary's husband, Lord Darnley, was devised at the castle. Craigmillar, built around an L-plan tower house in the early 15th century, was greatly enlarged in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Blackness, built in the 15th century by the Crichtons, one of Scotland's most prominent families, was never intended to be a pleasant lordly mansion; instead, it served as a garrison castle and a state jail. 'The ship that never sailed' is how many people describe blackness and is one of the top things to see in Edinburgh. This is due to its appearance, which resembles a large stone ship that has gone aground from the seaward side. The square stern is beached on dry land, while the pointed stem protrudes into the sea. The small stem tower at the prow, the tall main mast tower in the middle, and the solid stern tower in the back all contribute to the overall effect. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and oddities of The Lobster Pot after you tour the castle. A lovely spot for a cup of tea or coffee and a fantastic meal or dinner.
Linlithgow Palace is a 15th-century Scottish palace where several Scottish monarchs were born, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Its ties with the royalty and the scenic surroundings make it an enduring Edinburgh tourist attraction, even though it is now a stunning ruin. Following a severe fire that destroyed the former home, James I of Scotland built the current palace in 1424.
The royal court went to London in 1603 when James VI left to claim the English throne as James I, and Linlithgow Palace's tenure as a royal pit stop began to decay. The palace's demise was hastened when it was entirely destroyed by fire in 1745. Linlithgow Palace is 15 miles west of Edinburgh, in West Lothian, Scotland, and can be reached by the M9. A number of bus services stop at Cross bus and coach station, which is a 3-minute walk away, and Linlithgow train station is a 5-minute walking distance.
King David I established Inchcolm Abbey as a hermitage on this islet in 1140. It's the best-saved monastic complex in Scotland, and Inchcolm Abbey possesses the complete remaining remnants of any Scottish friary.
The monastery is at a spectacular point, which you can see from the boat as you approach the islet. The 13th-century well-oil is a unique medieval triptych, and the medieval gravestone defenses inside the belltower are uncommon medieval church institutions. The islet is also known for its seals, fauna, and World War II-period littoral defences. Get there by train, and get off at Dalmeny Station. The abbey is a short walk from the quay at South Queensferry and is one of the exciting things to do in Edinburgh.
There are 2 ferries from Hawes Pier, South Queensferry Fourth Tenures and Maid of the Forth. Via public transport, get a Scotrail train from Edinburgh Waverley to Inverkeithing (they run every 15 twinkles and the trip takes 23 twinkles).
In 1816, the Incorporation of Shipowners and Shipmasters (on the site of a medieval mariner's hospital dating from the 1500s) relocated into Trinity House, a charity dedicated to assisting injured and retired mariners and their families.
In 1380, King Robert II authorized the Incorporation of Master and Mariners of Leith to levy a 12-penny prime gold duty on each ton of goods landed in Leith.
It's a wonderful building that Historic Scotland has lovingly restored to a high standard, with antiques and period details aplenty. The Trinity House of Leith also has a wonderful collection of artworks and marine memorabilia, as well as magnificent stained-glass windows (particularly the War Memorial Window dedicated to sailors who died in the First World War), as well as viewing Sir Henry Raeburn's painting of Admiral Duncan, and many other interesting things to do.
Apart from witnessing history, you can admire the stunning architecture that is eminent throughout both parts of the town. This breathtaking blend of architectural styles is complemented by the bright colored buildings and the cobblestoned streets, which is why UNESCO designated both towns a World Heritage Site in 1995. You will surely feel like you are walking through the streets of a town plucked from a fairytale. A slow walk down the alleys can be one of the Edinburgh things to do couples can enjoy. A highlight of your stroll along Edinburgh's old and new towns will be the mediaeval and Georgian architecture styles, and the vibrant and cheerful ambience.
The city's St Giles Cathedral is situated near many statues of famous figures. Behind the Cathedral is Britain's oldest lead cast statue of King Charle's on a horse that was completed in 1685. Turn the corner from St Giles and you will be able to see a statue of the person who first imported Labradors from Canada, the 5th Duke of Buccleuch. A little farther away is the monument of the loyal watchdog Greyfriars Bobby who stood guard over his master's grave for 14 years. You can enjoy a monumental walk and observe all the statues of writers, martyrs, dukes and more if you start from the east of Grassmarket near the stone memorial commemorating more than 100 covenanters. This is one of the best Edinburgh things to do free of charge if you love culture and sculptures.
Cairnpapple Hill is a prominent hill in mid lowland Scotland offering panoramic views from coast to coast. Over the course of 4 millennia, it was used and re-used as an important ritual site, and in its day, it would have been equivalent to better-known monuments like the Standing Stones of Stenness.
The location features a small visitor centre and is open to the public from April to September. The 1940s excavations were partly covered by a concrete dome replicating the second cairn (although the dome is much higher than the cairn) so that visitors can go inside what was once a solid cairn and see the reconstructed graves, outside this, the surrounding post holes and graves are marked by colour-coded gravel like an archaeological plan, with red indicating upright pits and white gravel indicating white gravel.
St Giles Cathedral stands out in a city abounding with magnificent cathedrals. For over a thousand years, it has served as Edinburgh's main church and, more recently, as Scotland's national church. One of its other claims to fame is that it is the only breeding ground for White Storks in the United Kingdom, the first nest being built in 1416.
Of the most unique church with a fascinating history is Greyfriars. After the battle of Bothwell Bridge in 1679, its enormous churchyard was used as a jail for 1,500 Covenanters captured. Some of the tombs are surrounded by strong metal cages known as Mortsafes. These were used to protect recently deceased bodies from being dug up and sold to the medical school at the university.
The lovely Dutch-gabled Canongate Church is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile. It is the church for both the Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle and was built in 1691. It is the burial ground for many prominent figures, including Adam Smith, the economist, and Robert Fergusson, the poet.
Edinburgh is proof that dedicated effort can actually bring about a change. Ages ago, Edinburgh was known as a really polluted city. Its makeover has made it the United Kingdom's greenest city with good quality air. All this greenery is concentrated throughout the city in the form of parks and gardens providing the people with pockets of nature amidst the urban jungle.
The most well-known park in Edinburgh is Princes Street Gardens that spans a total of roughly 40 acres. The garden is divided in two and is located between Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town. The Mound and Lothian Road are wedged between East Princes Street Gardens and West Princes Street Gardens, which are both near Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station (West End). Edinburgh Castle is perched on a cliff above the gardens' western end. In the spring, the cherry blossom trees provide a lovely backdrop for the castle. The world's oldest flower clock, which dates from 1903, is one of the most unusual features of Princes Street Gardens.
The Royal Botanic Garden, often known as the Botanical Gardens, includes four parks totaling 70 acres to tour in Edinburgh's New Town. The Botanic Gardens contain around 100,000 plants, some of which are as old as 350 years.
The classic Victorian Temperate Palmhouse is the most well-known feature of Edinburgh Botanics, although there are ten glasshouses housing over 3,000 exotic plants. In the Heath Garden, there is an area dedicated to indigenous Scottish species. Visitors flock in droves to witness the yearly Botanic Gardens Lights rather than hibernating from the harsh Scottish weather. A trail of almost one million glittering lights runs through the grounds, and interactive installations are exhibited.
In the south of Edinburgh, The Meadows is a 63-acre public park that used to be home to Borough-Loch. This urban park is popular with young people, families, athletes, and bikers all year because it is one of the most picturesque free things to do in Edinburgh. The Meadows Community Garden, which contains an orchard, wildflower patch, tiny meadow, and open classroom, is located within the park.
Edinburgh is bulging at the seams with heritage, history, and culture. You will find many museums here too! Every museum or gallery is dedicated to conserving different aspects of the city's rich history. You can find a museum allocated for everything from children and grave robbers to money and writers. Here is a handful of Edinburgh's museums, that are regarded as some of the most interesting Edinburgh tourist attractions, that will pique your interest:
The leader of Edinburgh's museums, it sports a mix of ancient and modern architecture. The exhibits cover various lighthouses, minerals, bagpipes, the Romans, dinosaurs, and ancient Egypt.
Located in the headquarters of the Bank of Scotland, the museum covers all money-related topics ranging from technology, crime, security, and more. The exhibits showcase how money evolved over the past 4 millennia, objects used instead of money, what one million pounds look like, and the oldest Scottish banknote. Immersive experiences like how to crack open a safe or the process of bullying a model home are also available.
Edinburgh was a leading contributor to the advancements in modern medicine, and this museum is home to one of the UK's largest pathology collections. Formerly open only for medical teaching, the Museum is now open to the public. It exhibits remarkable findings of pathology, anatomy and numerous medical memorabilia. The Hall is also home to a book made of one of the notorious murder duo, William Burke's skin.
A perfect place to visit for families with young kids, the museum gets full very quickly during weekends because it is a favourite among kids. You can gaze at a massive collection of old-fashioned games and toys or the interactive exhibits and get your kids involved in the seasonal special events or the dress-up area.
If you enjoy a hands-on experience, this is the place to be as the museum takes the basic exhibit up a notch by letting you feel what is on display. Dynamic earth promises some of the most fun things to do in Edinburgh. Feel what it's like to touch a real iceberg, experience what an earthquake will feel like with the help of simulations, or delve deeper into the depths of the ocean or the outreaches of space with interesting shows and exhibits. They also offer many workshops for kids to try their hands on unique stuff.
Music lovers will enjoy the 400 or so instruments worldwide that are on exhibit at the St Cecilia's Hall and Music Museum. Fans of Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, or Robert Burns can drop by the Writer's Museum. If you want to understand why Scotland has numerous marvelous castles, stop at the National War Museum. For those who enjoy listening to stories of historical people or being boggled by an optical illusion, you should visit the People's story museum or the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.
Edinburgh is a Jack of all trades, but its coast is one of its most overlooked highlights. We know you wouldn't want to make the same mistake, so here are some of the city's best spots to enjoy the sea breeze.
A mere 15 minutes bus ride away from the heart of the city, it is lovingly known by the locals as 'Porty beach.' If you aren't washing your legs in the water, you can walk along the extensive boardwalk, have some fun in the amusement centers or explore the Turkish baths.
Whitewashed houses, views of the Firth of Forth, or the cycling and walking paths adjacent to the beachside are a few highlights that make this beach a hotspot for residents and tourists. If the tide is low, you can enjoy a walk on the island.
North Berwick is home to two beaches with superb views of the white Bass rock backed by the sprawling sea and a line of architecturally pleasing buildings. You can enjoy a boat trip out to the rock, climb the massive Law hill, enjoy a scenic coastal walk, swim in the cool water, or window shop. Either way, you will have a good time escaping the city's fast-paced life.
Silver sands is a picturesque beach located on the Fife coast. The shallow water is backed by woodlands and is a favourite of families because of the calming vibe. You can also tap into your adventurous side by trying the water sports on offer, going kayaking or experiencing windsurfing.
Compete in a variety of traditional highland outdoor activities and test your strength level in one of Scotland's most treasured traditions, the Highland Games. Give the unusual sport of Haggis Hurling a try, where male and female participants hurl the weighed haggis while standing on a designated platform. If you are into group games, then the tug of war will be an interesting sport to compete in. The game's origins date back a millennium to King Malcolm's time. You can also get an idea of highland culture with pipe bands and all-day dancing competitions
Edinburgh is home to the world's oldest golf course. There is documentation that golf was played here in 1672, and Mary Queen of Scots is said to have played here in 1567. Visitors are welcome at all of the courses, and many of them accept reservations online. A disability certificate may be required in some cases. Others are more family-friendly, welcoming newcomers and allowing you to show up, purchase simply, and enjoy. There is no other capital city with so many well-known and good golf courses so close by.
To play superb golf, you don't have to leave the city. Royal Burgess and Bruntsfield Links are two of the city's most well-known golf courses; Duddingston, Baberton, and Kings Acre are excellent options. Braid's Hill No 1, high above the city and one of the best rounds of golf in Edinburgh, is run by Edinburgh Council.
The jewels of Scotland's golfing crown are located further east. Muirfield, an Open venue and home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, is the most well-known. In 1744, the world's first golf club was created, and that same year, the first set of golf regulations was published. Gullane No. 1, West Links in North Berwick, and Dunbar are excellent East Lothian links courses.
Edinburgh is so interesting that the fear of leaving something out might make you want to join a tour to make sure you see everything. Bus excursions depart Waverley Bridge regularly, with narration in various languages, and many of them include a hop-on hop-off option. Rest easy in Rabbie's glass roofs for a more intimate experience. Detachable mini-coaches will take you on a tour of Edinburgh from a local standpoint. Do you dare to go on one of Edinburgh's ghost tours if you feel brave? There's plenty to thrill and unnerve you on these frightening tours, and that's all before you go deep into Edinburgh's underground complex. One of the best things to do in Edinburgh for Harry Potter addicts is to go on a Potter trail excursion that covers the spots that the author wrote the books in and many other sites that inspired the setting in the books.
Two excellent boat cruises are within easy reach of the city centre. You can choose from a variety of trips around the gigantic Bass Rock in North Berwick, which is only a 30-minute rail ride from Edinburgh Waverley. It is host to 150,000 gannets and has been dubbed "one of the world's 12 wildlife wonders" by Sir David Attenborough.
Boat journeys to the Island of Inchcolm from South Queensferry, which is also easily accessible by train, are equally fascinating. The cruises travel beneath the magnificent Forth Rail Bridge, which was built in 1890 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inchcolm, often known as the 'lona of the East,' is home to Scotland's most complete medieval monastery.
Aventure enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, located to the west, is Europe's largest indoor climbing facility. A short bus ride from the city center will take you to Europe's largest skiing and snowboarding slope. Glentress, Britain's premier mountain biking center, is just a few miles south.
Other activities include hot air ballooning over the Lothians and Borders, as well as karting at Scotland's largest indoor circuit. There are a number of paintballing locations. You could get into a large zorb ball and roll down a hill for some serious riding or you could get into a giant zorb ball and roll down a hill for the ultimate thrills!
In recent years, footpaths have vastly improved. You'll usually find a variety of well-marked trails wherever you go, especially on Forestry and Scotland-owned land.
Walking, camping, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, ski touring, and a variety of other outdoor activities are open to everyone and are some of the best things to do in Edinburgh Scotland, as long as they follow some simple guidelines:
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which may be found at www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot, is a precious document outlining all users' rights and duties, from hikers to mountain bikers and kayakers to campers. This book is also a must-read for dog owners.
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