This laid-back but beautiful city never fails to disappoint. It’s bursting with culture, class and a huge sense of national pride! To show you the best it has to offer, here’s our pick of the top 10 things to see and do in Edinburgh:
1. Edinburgh Castle
There are few images more synonymous with this fabulous city than Edinburgh Castle, which is perched on top of an ancient volcano and stands very proudly above the city. As far as things to do in Edinburgh go, a visit to Edinburgh Castle tops most people’s lists. It was the official base of the British Army until the 1920s and has seen its fair share of battles over the years. Surprisingly, the castle is still in excellent condition and lots of it is open to the public. Don’t miss the grand Entrance Gateway which is flanked by large statues of two Scottish heroes: William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, the Castle Vaults and the Grand Hall. The castle holds lots of events throughout the year, especially during the summer, as well as guided or audio tours. See the recommended Edinburgh Castle itineraries here, you might find it easier than trying to navigate it all yourself.
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
Opening times: Daily, 9.30pm – 6pm (5pm in October 1 – March 31). Last entry is an hour before closing
Entry: Online prices start at around £17 (Dh83) for adults and £10.20 (Dh50) for children over 5. On-site tickets cost £18.50 (Dh90) for adults and £11.50 (Dh56) for children
2. Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat
The highest point of Edinburgh’s popular Holyrood Park is Arthur’s Seat. It’s quite a hike to the top but the views of the city on a nice day are worth it. It’s actually another ancient volcano and sits 251 meters above sea level. Holyrood Park itself is next to Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the Scottish British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who usually spends at least a few weeks there every summer. Other attractions inside the park include the 15th-century St Anthony’s Chapel and Duddingston Loch. It is a real gem in Edinburgh’s green space crown.
Address: Queen’s Drive, Edinburgh, EH8 8HG
3. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
One of the great things about all the best things to do in Edinburgh is most of the top attractions and sights are all within walking distance. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is no exception, and is just 15 minutes by foot from Princes Street. Despite it housing the best modern and contemporary art, the buildings themselves that make up the museum were built in 1825 and 1833, and were once part of an incredibly grand manor. The main collection is in the Modern One building and is made up predominantly of 20th-century art, including pieces by Picasso, Magritte and Matisse. It’s also surrounded by a sculpture park, and hosts various temporary exhibitions (extra fees might apply). If you’re into art, it’s well worth the visit.
Address: 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR
Opening times: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Entry: Entry is free but there may be some charges to see certain exhibitions
4. Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh
This is another great thing to do in Edinburgh if you’re lucky enough to get a warm, sunny day on your Scottish vacation. It’s Britain’s second oldest garden of its kind and considered to be one of the best in the world. It covers around 70 acres and features a world-famous rock garden, Scottish Heath Garden, various Victorian glasshouses that house around a quarter of the garden’s living collection, a fruit garden and the Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden, which was opened in 2006. Springtime is possibly the best time to visit but there’s plenty to see in every season. The on-site cafe and shop are well worth a look too. Catch the number 8 bus from Edinburgh Waverley.
Address: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR
Opening times: November through January 10am – 4pm, February through October 10am – 5pm and March through September 10am – 6pm. Glasshouses close and hour earlier
Entry: General admission is free for all ages. Admission to the glasshouses is £6.50 (Dh32) for adults and £5.50 (Dh27) for concessions. Children under 15 go free
5. Catch a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
This is arguably the best arts festival in the world and an absolute must-do if you’re in Edinburgh over the summer. If you manage to secure a hotel room (you’ll need to book early if the Fringe is your goal) you can take your pick of thousands of music, comedy, dance, theater, poetry, and children’s shows. The program is always packed with a huge number of big names as well as plenty of Next Big Things. The city is always at its best when the festival is on. You can see the program here.
6. Visit Edinburgh Zoo
This is one of the UK’s most important projects in terms of conservation and breeding, hence it being one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh. Again, it’s not far from the city center so is easily accessible by bus from almost anywhere. Highlights include the Giant Pandas, Sumatran tigers penguins, pygmy hippos, and giant anteaters. As well as the enclosures, there’s plenty of specific attractions and talks you can reserve a spot for on the day of your visit. It’s built on a hill so wear comfy shoes and if you have young children you might want to consider taking a lightweight stroller.
Address: 134 Corstorphine Rd, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS
Opening times: April through September 10am – 6pm, October and March 10am – 5pm, November through February 10am – 4pm
Entry: Online tickets start at around £17.50 (Dh85) for adults and £9.95 (Dh49) for children over 3. On-site tickets cost from £19.50 (Dh95) for adults and £9.95 (Dh46) for children over 3
7. Shop on Princes Street
This is one of the best places to go in Edinburgh for shopping and handily it’s smack bang in the middle of the city. It joins the East and West ends and has almost every high street store you could want, as well as a few famous offerings such as Jenners, which opened its doors in 1838 and is worth visiting even if you don’t want to get out the plastic! Running down from Princes Street is the Princes Street Gardens which makes a perfect lunchtime picnic spot when the weather is good.
8. Greyfriars Bobby
The tale of this little Skye Terrier dates back to long before the 1961 Walt Disney movie Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog hit the big screen. The dog actually became famous in the 19th century when he – as the story goes – spent 14 years faithfully guarding the grave of his owner before passing away himself in 1872. His owner is believed to have worked for the police and was then buried at Greyfriars Kirkyard when he died in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The then Lord Provost of the city put measure sin place to keep Bobby safe (and even bought him a collar which is now in the Museum of Edinburgh!). In 1873 a water fountain featuring a statue of the dog was erected on the corner of Candlemaker Row, and is now one of the most popular places to visit in Edinburgh! Don’t miss the nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard while you’re there.
Address: Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QE
9. Walk the Royal Mile
Along with Princes Street, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is probably its most famous street. It runs right through the Old Town from Holyrood Palace up to Edinburgh Castle and is by far one of the most popular places to go in Edinburgh. A walk along the Royal Mile will take you past some of the city’s most popular attractions including the imposing St Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Storytelling Centre, the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions and the wonderful Museum of Childhood which are all perfect places to go if you’re vacationing with children. It also has some fabulous shops, cafes and restaurants, and is especially buzzing during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
10. Edinburgh Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday, more than 50 local food and drink producers gather at Castle Terrace to sell their wares. It’s here under the shadow of Edinburgh Castle that you’ll find some of the best Scottish cheeses, fish, sweets, jams and other yummies like coffee and chocolate. It’s incredibly well organized and you can find a map and directory online. It runs from 9am to 2pm every week and is easily accessible by bus if you’re not staying in the city center.
Address: Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2EL
Opening times: Every Saturday, 9am to 2pm
*Content first written/published in June 2018. Information correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
