Are you in search of issues to do in Edinburgh? We requested native author Karen Worral to share her insider suggestions and favourite Edinburgh points of interest to take advantage of your keep.
From the imposing Edinburgh Fort that appears over town to the well-known Royal Mile, Edinburgh is a type of locations that may hold you coming again. Edinburgh is a metropolis of historic tales, royal tales, gory tales, and ghost tales. It’s a potent mix of outdated and new at each flip.
The High Issues to do in Edinburgh, Scotland
Having lived in Edinburgh all my life, it’s not shocking that I believe town is unbelievable. With a large quantity of historical past, thrilling nightlife, and epic locations to see, you possibly can simply turn into overwhelmed by all of the issues to do in Edinburgh. It isn’t solely an ideal place to go to however to reside as nicely.
Over time I’ve been in a position to discover nearly all Edinburgh points of interest. That has given me the experience to share with you the entire finest issues to do in Edinburgh whether or not this can be a first-time go to or your fifth time you can find one thing that piques your curiosity.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh for the primary time it may be a bit intimidating. We wished to make issues a bit simpler for you by offering you with up-to-date details about the perfect Edinburgh points of interest in addition to our suggestions for planning the proper journey to this unbelievable metropolis.
Surprisingly, loads of Edinburgh points of interest are free! Under you can find, in no explicit order, what we contemplate the issues you shouldn’t miss if you’re visiting Edinburgh for the primary time.
1. Edinburgh Fort
Visiting Edinburgh Fort might be the primary factor to do in Edinburgh. It has been a significant fortification concerned in navy and strategic endeavors because the twelfth century and has been constantly occupied in some kind since then.
It proudly sits atop one of many metropolis’s extinct volcanos, Fort Rock, and homes many treasures like The Stone of Future and the oldest crown jewels within the UK. If you’re into Scottish historical past it’s essential to go to this Fort because it as soon as housed necessary figures corresponding to Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Don’t overlook to walk the grounds and be impressed by the huge cannons, The Nice corridor, and naturally the Chapel that dates again to the twelfth Century.
If you’re an actual Royal fan get your self the Royal Edinburgh Ticket. It saves you cash on this and different points of interest corresponding to, Holyrood Palace, The Royal Yacht Britannia, and 48-hour entry to the HOHO Bus! Get Your Royal Edinburgh Ticket Right here
The citadel has been residence to royalty, the chief seat of energy, and a navy base all through the years. The one o’clock gun goes off from the entrance of the citadel day-after-day besides Sunday. It’s one thing you don’t wish to miss. The gun was applied to assist with transport and to maintain time.
Insider Tip – This is likely one of the hottest points of interest within the metropolis and may get very busy, so attempt to go to within the morning for those who can. I like to recommend that you just guide your ticket prematurely and get one with quick monitor entry which can assist you to skip the ticket strains, particularly if you’re visiting in the course of the busy summer time season.
- Hours: Summer time (April 1-Sept 30) 9.30 am-6 pm (final entry at 5pm). Winter (Oct 1-Mar 31) 9.30 am-5 pm (final entry 4 pm).
- Worth to Enter: Proper now it’s essential to guide a ticket prematurely on-line for entry. Grownup £15.50 on-line, Concessions £12.40 on-line, Youngsters 5-15 £9.30 on-line. Below 5s are free.
2. The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the oldest a part of town and is one in every of my favourite issues to do in Edinburgh. In short, The Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Fort all the way in which down the volcanic path that takes you to Holyrood Palace – a mile down.
That is Edinburgh’s Previous City and Previous Excessive Road. It’s chock filled with historical past and tales worthy of its personal information. The Royal Mile space itself is definitely 5 separate streets and it’s price it to discover all of them. Excessive Road is stuffed with sights and landmarks in addition to eating places and museums.
Though the Royal Mile stroll itself will solely take you quarter-hour immediately, I’d advocate spending just a few hours right here. Begin on the citadel and work your approach down – it’s simpler strolling downhill! If you happen to plan to go to in the summertime be sure that to plan across the Edinburgh Fringe Competition as you received’t be capable to transfer within the streets.
Is that this your first time in Edinburgh? In that case, take a look at our 3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary
3. Holyrood Palace
Holyrood Palace, which is situated at one finish of the Royal Mile and proper throughout the road from the Scottish Parliament, is likely one of the most necessary palaces in Scotland. It’s used as a museum for a lot of the 12 months and is the official residence to the Queen and the Royal household once they come to go to.
The Abbey was constructed earlier than the palace courting again to 1128, by order of King David 1st of Scotland. Within the fifteenth century, the abbey’s guesthouse was made right into a royal residence and has been utilized by British royalty ever since. It is a crucial a part of Scottish historical past.
Make sure that to not miss the Mary Queen of Scots chambers. They’re fairly spectacular. One fast notice. Pictures isn’t allowed inside however you possibly can take photographs of the gardens, exterior, and the Abbey. If you’re in any respect within the Royal Household then it would be best to add this to your record.
Admission to Holyrood Palace: They’re solely taking timed entries in the intervening time in order that they have to be booked prematurely. This tour affords a free audio information as nicely.
4. Nationwide Museum of Scotland
If you’re a museum lover then this will probably be on the prime of your record when in search of issues to do in Edinburgh. The Nationwide Museum of Scotland is located on Chamber’s Road within the outdated city and is a effective Victorian constructing that opened in 1866.
The Nationwide Museum is free and the intensive vary of matters lined is improbable. Whether or not you’re serious about Scottish historical past, know-how, innovations, world cultures, music, pure historical past, royalty, gory historical past, historical civilizations, or pure disasters, it’ll have one thing for you.
You can undoubtedly spend loads of time within the Nationwide Museum, which welcomes over 2 million guests a 12 months, so be sure that to plan accordingly.
If the climate is sweet, be sure that to go as much as the rooftop terrace the place you possibly can absorb some unbelievable views of town and the encircling space.
5. Scottish Nationwide Gallery
When visiting Edinburgh it’s essential to be sure that to make a journey to The Scottish Nationwide Gallery. This can be a improbable Greek-columned complicated that’s artwork located proper in the course of Princes Road within the very middle of Edinburgh.
It consists of two buildings; the primary Nationwide Gallery is the constructing on the again, with the one on the entrance being a part of the Royal Scottish Academy. The principle gallery holds everlasting collections and is all the time free to go to.
If you’re an artwork lover the Scottish Nationwide Gallery has you lined. With artwork from Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Gauguin to works from Scottish artists like Reverent Robert Strolling and Henry Raeburn, the Scottish Nationwide Gallery has one of many premier collections within the UK. If you’re an artwork lover, like I’m, this will probably be the most effective issues in Edinburgh that you’ll do.
- At the moment, it’s essential to guide a timed entry ticket on their web site.
- Scottish Nationwide Gallery Hours: 10 am-5 pm day by day (Thursdays prolonged till 7 pm).
- Value to Enter the Scottish Nationwide Gallery: Free for everlasting exhibitions, some at RSA have a charge.
6. Climb Arthur’s Seat and stroll in Holyrood Park
If you’re in search of the perfect views of town then it would be best to climb as much as the highest of Arthur’s Seat for certain. Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags are the hills in Edinburgh’s metropolis middle and might be seen from nearly anyplace within the metropolis.
It’s the web site of a 350 million-year-old extinct volcano. The final eruption was greater than 100 million years in the past. Arthur’s Seat was once a royal park (you possibly can see from noting the crowns on the lamps on the way in which in), however was gifted by the Queen to the folks, so is now a public park (Holyrood Park).
The best route as much as Arthur’s Seat is to take the grassy slope on the east aspect from Dunsapie Loch on Queen’s Drive. It takes about half-hour to achieve the highest and is a comparatively simple hike (however a bit steep). Make sure that to decorate for the climate as it may well fairly windy on the prime.
We propose heading as much as Artur’s Seat for Sundown. The views of town are magnificent and you’re solely quarter-hour from town middle. If you’re in search of an alternate for sundown Calton Hill is a good different.
7. Princes Road Gardens
Princes Road Gardens is situated in the course of Edinburgh, on Princes Road proper beneath Edinburgh Fort. They was once the positioning of the Nor Loch – the North Loch which was drained when the New City was constructed within the 1760s. The gardens have a beautiful view of the citadel, and it’s a good spot to walk or cease for a picnic.
They’re additionally residence to the Edinburgh Christmas market. If you’re visiting within the winter you wish to be sure that to take this in.
8. Go to or Climb the Scott Monument
The Scott Monument, situated on the jap finish of Princes Road Gardens, isn’t solely one of the spectacular monuments within the metropolis, but it surely additionally affords some distinctive views of Edinburgh Fort and different Edinburgh points of interest.
Climbing up the slender staircase (287 steps) of the Scott Monument could also be one of many extra adventurous issues to do in Edinburgh however be sure that to cease on the primary degree and be taught a bit extra concerning the revered Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.
In-built 1832 to commemorate the loss of life of Sir Walter Scott, this gothic spire stands 200 ft excessive and is intricately embellished with beloved characters from his books. If you’re serious about literature and the writings of Sir Walter Scott in addition to Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and different Scottish writers we advocate visiting the Writers Museum close to the Royal Mile.
9. Climb Calton Hill
The highest of Calton Hill is likely one of the finest spots for a spectacular view of town, particularly at sundown. It’s a a lot simpler climb than Arthur’s Seat, taking lower than ten minutes to achieve the highest from Regent Highway.
The highest of Calton hill is residence to the Nelson Monument (that appears like a type of upside-down telescope), the Nationwide Monument, which is designed equally to the Parthenon in Athens in Greece, and the Metropolis Observatory.
Though the nationwide monument stays unfinished 200 years later, it’s nonetheless extremely popular amongst guests. Calton Hill can also be an ideal place to benefit from the fireworks above the citadel throughout Hogmanay.
10. Royal Botanic Backyard Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Backyard is located outdoors town centre by the beautiful village of Stockbridge and has been there because the Victorian period. It’s one other good spot to get away from the crowds and luxuriate in nature, however right here it’s cultivated nature, with many lovely flowerbeds. There are gardens and flora from many alternative international locations together with China, Japan, France, Spain, and Australia.
- Royal Botanic Backyard Edinburgh Hours: Every day 10am-6pm.
- Value: Gardens free. Glasshouse £6.
11. Mary King’s Shut
The Actual Mary King’s Shut is likely one of the coolest issues to do in Edinburgh, primarily as a result of it’s all beneath the streets of Previous City and the Royal Mile.
What was as soon as one of many busiest streets within the metropolis was lined by building again within the nineteenth century. However you may get a take a look at what life was like between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries with a tour of the Actual Mary King’s shut.
You possibly can solely discover the world with a delegated information, so we recommend reserving a guided tour to get probably the most out of this nice Edinburgh attraction. FYI, there are not any photographs allowed on the tour.
12. Digicam Obscura & World of Illusions
Digicam Obscura & World of Illusions is by far one of the enjoyable issues to do in Edinburgh, particularly if you’re visiting Edinburgh with youngsters. This attraction is made up of two completely different areas. The primary is the World of Illusions, which is a number of flooring of magic shows, optical illusions, interactive displays, and different enjoyable issues that everybody will get pleasure from. Make sure that to attempt the Vortex!
However the primary attraction is on the roof, which is the Digicam Obscura. That is principally an old school projection system, however the demonstration and the story behind are what make this the star attraction. If cameras and magic are usually not an excessive amount of of curiosity, the views from the rooftop over Edinburgh are undoubtedly price it as nicely. You possibly can learn the opinions and guide your tickets right here.
13. St Giles Cathedral
There isn’t a scarcity of church buildings in Edinburgh and most are fairly spectacular. However for those who determine to go to solely one in every of them you must make it to this one. It’s exhausting to overlook the crown-shaped steeple of St Giles Cathedral which dates again to the 14th century and is an icon of the Edinburgh skyline.
Situated near Previous City and the Royal Mile, it’s spectacular from the skin however I discover the within to be actually lovely. Don’t miss the Thistle Chapel (be sure that to take a look at the ceiling) or the rooftop tour to take advantage of your time there. Admission is upon donation and you should buy a images allow for two kilos on the data desk if you wish to take photographs inside, which I like to recommend.
14. Royal Yacht Britannia
You can’t go to Edinburgh and never go to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. It’s undoubtedly one of the standard issues to do in Edinburgh.
This floating museum was Her Majesty the Queen’s ex-Royal Yacht. Constructed again in 1953 it served because the Royal Yacht till it was decommissioned in 1957. A number of decks are open to the general public to view the assorted staterooms and public rooms of the vessel.
You possibly can take the audio tour to get all the within royal particulars or you possibly can have Afternoon Tea on the Royal Deck Tea Room for the complete expertise. Since it’s Scotland’s Greatest Attraction in response to the tourism web site, it would be best to guide your ticket prematurely to keep away from the crowds.
- Hours: 9.30 am-4.30 pm.
- Value to go to the Royal Yacht Britannia: £17.00/15.00 concession, £8.75 for youngsters 5-17.
15. Georgian Home Museum
The Georgian Home is a museum in Charlotte Sq., which showcases the approach to life of the excessive Georgian society in Edinburgh’s New City (George Road). In-built 1796, and situated in New city, its first proprietor was John Lamont, who was the 18th clan chief of the clan Lamont.
He moved to town centre to search out the perfect training for his sons and the perfect husbands for his daughters. Individuals serious about Georgian instances, structure, and life would get pleasure from visiting the Georgian Home at No. 7 Charlotte Sq..
- Notice: They’re closed in the intervening time. Please examine their web site for up-to-date hours.
- Hours: Summer time hours (April-October) 10 am-5 pm day by day. Winter hours (November-March) 10 am-4.15 pm day by day.
16. Scottish Nationwide Portrait Gallery
The Nationwide Portrait Gallery is one in every of Edinburgh’s finest artwork galleries. If you’re a fan of portraiture, then this is likely one of the issues to do in Edinburgh that you just don’t wish to miss. It holds tons of of work of distinguished Scots from royalty, lords, and women, to artists, poets and writers.
The gallery has a mixture of mediums, from oil work to watercolors, to images. Additionally, there’s a statue of Robert Burns – Scotland’s bard – welcoming within the lobby.
17. Take a Ghost Tour
Edinburgh is seemingly one of the haunted cities on this planet. One of many elements that contribute to this consists of the tons of of plague victims who had been walled in, within the outdated streets beneath the Royal Mile.
One other issue is all of the hangings that occurred within the Grassmarket, the place a number of the sad souls, and grieved harmless folks hanged hang-out town. That is my favourite Ghost tour in Edinburgh. Nice guides and really fairly scary.
18. Greyfriar’s Bobby
Greyfriar’s Bobby is the story of a wee canine from the Greyfriar’s space of Edinburgh. His is a story of friendship and devotion. A sort native policeman named Jock Gray adopted a bit Skye terrier and named him Bobby when he was simply a few weeks outdated. The pair quickly turned the perfect of pals, going all over the place, together with the native pub by Greyfriar’s Kirk (church), collectively.
Sadly after solely two years collectively, Jock handed away from tuberculosis, and Bobby was left master-less. The wee canine was broken-hearted, so spent each evening of the remainder of his life – one other 14 years – sleeping on Jock’s grave. He was taken in by the neighborhood and given a license by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and has been a type of people hero since.
Many individuals have taken to rubbing the statue of Bobby’s nostril for luck and taking a photograph with him, so don’t miss visiting town’s favourite canine.
19. The Grassmarket Gallows
The Grassmarket is a bustling a part of Edinburgh, which has nice nightlife and locations to eat, in addition to an intriguing previous. Located within the shadow of Edinburgh Fort to the south, it’s named, because it was the market the place all animals that ate grass –in addition to the grasses to feed them – had been offered.
The bustling sq. hosts a meals and craft market on Sundays and has a plethora of nice outdated character-filled pubs to go to and nice eating places to pattern Scottish or worldwide meals. Widespread criminals who had been sentenced to loss of life had been hanged right here on the spot, which now could be a raised platform with a cross on it.
Some notorious Edinburgh criminals corresponding to mass assassin William Burke and thief Deacon Brodie met their finish right here.
20. Harry Potter in Edinburgh
You can’t say you have got accomplished the perfect issues to do in Edinburgh with out taking in a number of the Harry Potter points of interest. JK Rowling lived in Edinburgh when she began writing Harry Potter, and through most of her time writing the tomes, so there are many hyperlinks to the tales for these . If you’re a Harry Potter fan you’ll love Edinburgh.
The best way to get the perfect Harry Potter expertise is to take a tour. This Harry Potter Strolling Tour is likely one of the finest within the metropolis and is admittedly reasonably priced.
21. Tour the Harry Potter Places in Edinburgh
You don’t must take a guided tour to get pleasure from Harry Potter areas in Edinburgh. You possibly can go to many by your self. Listed below are just a few of my favorites.
The Elephant Café – On George Fourth Bridge. This can be a café the place Rowling did loads of writing throughout her early phases of the books.
Greyfriar’s Kirk – The grave of Scottish poet McGonagall was the inspiration for the character Ms. McGonagall, as Rowling loved the irony of naming a really literate and intelligent character after somebody notorious for his horrible poems.
Hogwarts – The outline of Hogwarts is claimed to be an amalgamation of inspiration from three non-public colleges in Edinburgh, Stuarts Melville, Fettes School, and George Heriots. All three colleges aren’t removed from town middle, with George Heriots located proper behind Greyfriar’s Kirkyard for those who go to there, so are simple to go to see.
The Boy Wizard Retailers– Harry Potter retailers referred to as The Boy Wizard are popping up round Edinburgh for all of your Potter merchandise wants. There’s at the moment one on South Bridge, The Royal Mile, contained in the Tartan Weaving Heart proper subsequent to the Fort downstairs, and one simply opened in Edinburgh airport!
21. A Scotch Whisky Expertise
You can’t go to Scotland and never expertise Scotch. Nicely, that is what The Scotch Whiskey Expertise is all about. Situated throughout the road from Digicam Obscura and The World of Illusions, this is likely one of the most enjoyable grownup issues to do in Edinburgh palms down. Particularly for those who love whiskey.
Even for those who don’t you should have enjoyable studying concerning the course of and why it’s so standard on this a part of the world. For individuals who are in search of only a style I like to recommend The Silver your which is their most reasonably priced and if you’re extra of a connoisseur then take a look at the Platinum tour or the Masterclass. This place can get fairly busy so I counsel grabbing a Skip the Line Ticket particularly if you’re visiting in the course of the summer time.
Edinburgh affords a ton of various whiskey excursions all through town and I’ve finished just a few. The one above is my favourite however if you wish to examine some extra of town do this Historical past of Whiskey Tour.
22. The Edinburgh Dungeon
Edinburgh has an extended historical past and a tumultuous one. A go to to The Edinburgh Dungeon is a should for those who like exploring a bit of the macabre. This expertise is completed very well with reside actors, particular results, and underground rides.
Stroll the plagued roads of 1645, keep away from Burke and Hare and you possibly can even face prosecution at trial. The Edinburgh Dungeon holds late-night occasions as nicely which might be adults solely. You’re assured to have a superb time.
How A lot Time Ought to You Spend in Edinburgh?
Like most locations, the period of time you want in a metropolis is solely depending on how a lot you wish to see and do.
We advocate spending at the very least 3 Days in Edinburgh, with the intention to take full benefit of visiting all the primary Edinburgh points of interest like Previous City, Arthur’s Seat, and Calton Hill in addition to a number of the extra distinctive issues like a ghost tour.
If you’re actually into Scottish historical past and Museums you may wish to give your self a bit longer.
When is the perfect time to go to Edinburgh?
One of the best time to go to Edinburgh is in the summertime. There are loads of issues occurring and you will get the perfect climate. August can also be the month when loads of festivals happen such because the Edinburgh worldwide competition, so it would be best to issue that into your planning. The one caveat is that will probably be fairly busy.
If you wish to go to when it’s a little much less crowded then the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall are for you. Lodging costs are a bit decrease and the primary points of interest are much less busy.
Don’t write off winter although, particularly if you wish to go to the Edinburgh Christmas Market.
Methods to Get to Edinburgh
There are direct flights to Edinburgh from any of the UK’s main cities and round Europe.
Plus many main cities are related to the Scottish capital by prepare. The principle prepare station is the Waverley Practice Station however you may also take the prepare to Haymarket.
Buses additionally function between London and Edinburgh.
Getting Round Edinburgh
The fantastic thing about a compact metropolis like Edinburgh is which you can simply entry loads of the primary points of interest on foot. If you’re not into performing some strolling (and a few hill climbing) you possibly can entry the cities environment friendly bus and tram strains in addition to the well-run taxi service.
There’s additionally the HOHO Bust that’s supplied free for 48 hours on the Edinburgh Move, one other nice solution to get round.
Ultimate Ideas on Visiting Edinburgh
And that’s my information to the perfect issues to do in Edinburgh, Scotland. Visiting these Edinburgh points of interest ought to offer you an ideal start line when planning your journey to Edinburgh.
No matter whether or not you’re visiting for per week or a weekend, I’ve tried to incorporate issues which might be free to do in addition to loads of low-cost gadgets. I hope you get pleasure from visiting my metropolis as a lot as I do residing right here.
