21 THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH

CALTON HILL

With every city destination, I will always look for the best viewpoints to marvel at it all from above, and in Edinburgh, it is hard to look past Calton Hill where there are panoramic views not only over the city but opposite to the ports along the Firth of Forth. It is also a free attraction to visit and within an easy walking distance from central city areas around Princes Street Gardens (0.6 miles) and Edinburgh Castle (0.9 miles). Just follow Princes Street then take a left at the entrance walk where there is an easy climb to reach the top of the hill.

Aside from the views, there are also interesting monuments on top including what is known locally as Edinburgh’s Disgrace (The National Monument of Scotland) which was an ambitious Parthenon-style sculpture that was abandoned (1829) due to lack of funds and has since been seen as a folly for the Scots. But now it works as a quirky tourist attraction for visitors. The best time to visit Calton Hill would be at sunset when the monuments are lit up and the city comes to life in Edinburgh.

Contribution and Photo from Allan of It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor

Reviews of Calton Hill  |  St. Andrew’s House 2 Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG

DEAN VILLAGE

One of the prettiest and most tranquil places in Edinburgh is Dean Village. This leafy part of Edinburgh may remind you more of Germany than Scotland due to its old fashioned timber-framed houses, quite dissimilar to the rest of Edinburgh’s classic architecture.

Dean Village can be found east of Edinburgh city centre, approximately a 20-minute walk from the centre. Alternatively, you can take a 10-minute taxi ride. The journey there is well worth it, especially if you’re keen to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Dean Village is a leafy neighbourhood set around a tranquil stream, perfect for wandering through and snapping some photos.

Start your journey on Hawthornbank Lane, admiring the picturesque cottages before joining the main street that runs beside the river. Also in Dean Village is the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, full of vibrant exhibitions that art-lovers will enjoy. If you get hungry during your visit, tuck into tea and cake at Braw Cafe in Dean Village.

Contribution and Photo from Rose of Where Goes Rose

Reviews of Dean Village  |  Dean Path, Edinburgh, EH8 8BH

GHOST BUS TOUR

The Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour is a fun thing to do in Edinburgh, especially if you are on a girly weekend in the city. Starting from the easy-to-find Waverley Bridge, you can enjoy this tour in the evenings with two different start times.

The tour lasts approximately one hour and fifteen minutes and takes you on a ghoulish tour of the city. You can learn about the darker history of the city as you pass by Edinburgh’s top attractions including the Scott Monument, Edinburgh Castle and also the Palace of Holyrood. Learn about the murderers and ghosts of the city in a laugh-out-loud tour which is great fun.

The tour guide which entertained my sisters and I was hilarious, and there are surprising moments during the bus ride, so prepare for some shocks and scares (I won’t spoil it for you). There is a short walk through a graveyard in the Princes Street Gardens, but if you don’t like graveyards, you are free to stay on the bus. Be warned, this is not for the faint-hearted or young kids but is a great way to spend an hour in the city and is ideal for creating some talking points to laugh at over a meal afterwards.

Contribution and Photo from Cath of Travel Around Ireland

Reviews of Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tours  |  Departure Point – Waverly Bridge, Edinburgh

SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE

If you’re in Edinburgh and want to enjoy an authentic Scottish experience, look no further than the Scotch Whisky Experience located on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The team at the Scotch Whisky Experience has been running tours centered around this rich amber nectar for over 30 years so they certainly know a thing or two about blending magnificent malts and distilling them to perfection!

The tour options range from simple introductions (50 minutes) for whisky newbies to three-hour extravaganzas for whisky-tasting pros. Tours generally include a ride through the history of Scotch whisky production, an introduction to the variety of aromas smelt within a whisky, viewing of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collection and finally a tasting of a dram of Scotch to top it all off!

Contribution and Photo from Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

Reviews of the Scotch Whisky Experience  |  The Royal Mile, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH12NE

CLIMB THE SCOTT MONUMENT

High above Princes Street in Edinburgh looms the incredible Scott Monument, a Gothic tower dedicated to the famous Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott.

Not only can you admire the dominating structure from afar, but you can also climb up inside the Scott Monument and seek out gorgeous views which stretch across the whole of the city. When you visit, be sure to wear your comfiest shoes and prepare yourself for the 287 steps you’ll have to climb to reach the top.

Don’t let the strenuous challenge put you off — there are several places you can rest as you ascend to the peak. The first platform within Scott Monument houses a museum showcasing the life and works of Sir Walter Scott.

As you continue your journey on to the second and third platforms, you’ll notice each higher floor rewards your efforts with dizzying heights and increasingly spectacular views of Scotland’s capital which include the historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill.

By the time you breathlessly take the final step which leads onto the top viewing platform, you’ll be welcomed by 360-degree views which stretch as far as the Firth of Forth.

Contribution and Photo from Crystal of Wandering Crystal

Reviews of Scott Monument  |  E. Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2EJ

EDINBURGH WRITER’S MUSEUM

For literary fans, one of the best things to do in Edinburgh is to visit the Writers’ Museum. Located off the top of the Royal Mile at Lawnmarket you’ll find a square covered in quotes by famous authors in front of the Writers’ Museum.

The museum is free and has exhibits showcasing three of Scotland’s finest authors, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robert Burns. Within you’ll find interesting pieces from each writer, everything from journals to personal items like Robert Louis Stevenson’s riding boots, and even the printing press that Walter Scott’s Waverley novels were first created on.

Not only is the museum full of memorabilia from the writer’s themselves but it’s also housed within an enchanting old building, built in 1622, called Lady Stair’s House. With a small castle-like appeal with turret, incredible stonework, and grand interior, you’ll love a visit to the Writers’ Museum whether you’re looking for free activities in Edinburgh, an off the beaten path attraction, or checking off UK literary stops.

Contribution and Photo from Stephanie of The World As I See It

Reviews of the Writer’s Museum  |  Lady Stairs House, Lady Stair’s Close Lawnmarket Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2PA

HARRY POTTER TOUR

Edinburgh is a city that should be on any Potterhead’s bucket list. Not only did the wonderfully beautiful streets inspire much of the wizarding world but the city is also considered to be the birthplace of the story, as it is where J.K. Rowling wrote many of the books.

The best way to discover this magical world is on foot, either via a self-guided Harry Potter tour or with a company that specialises in this niche. The tours will take you all over the city, stopping at cafes in which J.K. Rowling wrote many of the novels, as well as at landmarks that inspired famous spots in the books.

There are numerous tours around the city offering Harry Potter experiences and in peak season, they all get booked up in advance. If you are hoping to take part in one of these magical tours, make sure you reserve your space before they all go! After all, Edinburgh might just be the most magical place outside Diagon Alley!

Contribution and Photo from Sheree of Winging the World

Reviews of Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh 

REAL MARY KING’S CLOSE

Calling all history lovers! The Real Mary King’s Close will take you on a journey back through time. Hidden under the Royal Mile, it is Edinburgh’s only preserved 17th-century street. The one hour tour will tell you the stories of people that use to live, work and how they died down there. As you walk through all of the passageways and homes you will realise how dark Edinburgh’s history really was.

You will also learn the stories of the worst plague that hit Edinburgh in 1645 and what the two plague doctors would do to help the sick. You have probably seen the terrifying clothing of the plague doctors, long black cloaks (to stop the infections getting to the skin) and the beak-like masks which was filled with petals and spices to prevent miasmas from entering through the nose.

The Real Mary King’s Close is situated right across from the St. Giles Cathedral, so you really will be in the middle of Edinburgh’s rich but dark history.

Contribution from Helena of Through an Aussie’s Eyes

Reviews of the Real Mary King’s Close  |  High Street, 2 Warriston’s Close, Edinburgh EH1 1PG

HIKE ARTHUR’S SEAT

From almost any vantage point in Edinburgh, you can spot a distinctive cliff on the outskirts of town. This is an ancient, extinct volcano that is now known as Arthur’s Seat, and climbing it is definitely one of the top things you can do in Edinburgh.

There are a few different routes you can take to get to the peak of Arthur’s Seat, which means you can choose the level of difficulty that best suits you. The views from the top are lovely, and popping up there at sunset is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Edinburgh. We highly suggest making a date of it and enjoying an evening picnic at the summit.

Make sure to check out the ruins of St. Anthony’s chapel, a stone wall from an old church that is still standing. On a misty morning, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back into the time of Arthur himself!

Contribution from Amy & Nathan of Two Drifters

Reviews of Arthur’s Seat  |  Queen’s Drive, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh EH8 8HG

CAMERA OBSCURA AND WORLD OF ILLUSIONS

Located near Edinburgh Castle on Castle Hill is the city’s oldest visitor attraction – the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. With five floors and over 100 illusions and hands-on experiences, it will keep both kids and adults entertained.

I recommend doing this museum from the top down. Head right to the rooftop for the star attraction – a virtual tour of Edinburgh through the Camera Obscura. The show takes place inside the 166-year-old Victorian chamber where you will stand in the darkness and watch as lenses and mirrors capture light and reflect it into a moving picture. You will experience an amusing tour of the city and its history and spy on those walking the streets below.

After the show, head outside and enjoy what I believe are some of the best views in all of Edinburgh. To the west, you’ll see Edinburgh Castle, to the east is the Royal Mile, and fantastic views of the Old Town and New Town. You can even see all the way to Fife or the Pentland Hills if you have a clear day.

Once you’ve had your fill of the views, make your way down through all the different and fun interactive exhibits. See optical illusions and holograms and do not miss fan favorites like the mirror maze and the vortex tunnel.

Contribution and Photo from Joella of Roving Jo

Reviews of Camera Obscura and World of Illusions  |  Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND

HOP-ON/HOP-OFF BUS TOUR

Although the city centre of Edinburgh is fairly compact, it does require quite a bit of climbing up and down steep hills or stairs. If you are short on time or just want to rest your tired legs, the hop-on/hop-off tour buses are a good option. It is a great way to learn about the city while you travel and if you sit in the open-top section, you can get some unique photographs along the way.

In Edinburgh there are three tour buses to choose from, each one goes a different route and they all have different facilities, for example, one has live commentary in English, while another has multi-language recorded commentary via headphones. I recommend buying a joint 24 or 48-hour ticket that allows you to hop on and off any of the buses.

The various bus routes cover all the main attractions including Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and National Museum of Scotland. One of the bus routes also goes beyond the city centre to the Royal Yacht Britannia and Royal Botanic Gardens.

Bus tickets can be purchased online or on the bus, and the tickets also qualify you for a discounted entry at some attractions.

Contribution and Photo from Susanne of Adventures Around Scotland

Reviews of Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tours 

SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY

The Scottish National Gallery is one of my favourite places to while away time in Edinburgh. Home to an impressive collection of fine art pieces, the permanent exhibition covers periods from the early Renaissance to Post-Impressionism. As well as a comprehensive section of Scottish paintings, the collection also features works by greats such as Rembrandt, Raphael, Monet and Van Gogh.

The best thing about the gallery is that it’s easy to explore even if you are short on time. Housed in just 18 rooms over two floors, it’s possible to get around in about an hour. You won’t want to, of course. From the much-loved Skating Minister by Raeburn to Sir Edwin Landseer’s iconic Monarch of the Glen, there are plenty of reasons to linger. Younger art lovers are catered for with loads of seats, art workshops and special family tours.

A central location next to Princes Street Gardens, a couple of cafes to relax in and a regular programme of events provide even more reasons to visit. Best of all? It’s completely free to enter!

Contribution and Photo from Alexei of Travel Lexx

Reviews of the Scottish National Gallery  |  The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL

EDINBURGH CASTLE

No trip to Edinburgh is complete without visiting Edinburgh Castle. It completely dominates the skyline and has become the most recognizable symbol of the city. For this reason, it’s also the most visited paid tourist attraction in all of Scotland. Given its popularity, it’s a wise idea to book your tickets online in advance.

The castle sits perched on a crag that’s actually the eroded plug of an ancient volcano. A royal fortress, it has been continuously in use for the past 1,000 years and is remarkably well preserved. This is where the famous Edinburgh Tattoo takes place, with kilted pipers swirling below the castle’s battlements.

There’s plenty to see here, so allow yourself two to three hours to take it all in. If you want to hear some of the stories of the castle’s rich history, audioguides, as well as in-person guided tours, are available. And if you time your visit carefully, you can catch one of the performances by actors dressed in historical costumes. Check the official website for dates of these performances, which are included in the cost of admission.

Contribution and Photo from Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

Reviews of Edinburgh Castle  |  Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

CROSS THE FORTH BRIDGE

The Forth Bridge is an engineering marvel that has traversed the Firth of the Forth since it opened in 1890. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and voted as Scotland’s greatest man-made wonder, a visit to Edinburgh isn’t complete with taking in a view of this stunning bridge.

The impressive red bridge is almost 2.5km long and the railway track is over 45m above the water at high tide. Held together with 6.5 million rivets the bridge weights over 50,000 tons. An endless task was often likened to “painting the Forth Bridge” because the painting of the bridge never stopped. This is no longer true however as a new 25-year coating has been applied to the bridge to protect it.

Viewing the bridge is all very well, but why not go one step further and enjoy a short rail trip across the bridge? You can get a train from Dalmeny to North Queensferry for just a few pounds and enjoy the bridge for its intended purpose, to get rail traffic across the firth.

From Dalmeny station, you also can enjoy the view straight down the tracks and across the bridge which is a unique view of this iconic structure.

Reviews of the Forth Bridge  |  North Queensferry KY11 1HP

SOUTH BRIDGE VAULTS

The vaults of South Bridge are supposedly one of the most haunted places in Britain. As such, they’re not for the faint of heart – but for those who dare enter, they offer unique insights into a short, but eventful part of Edinburgh’s past.

South Bridge was completed in 1788, leading from High Street in the Old Town to the University buildings in the south. To accommodate workshops and storage spaces for its businesses, vaults were added into 18 of the 19 arches, leaving only the Cowgate Arch open. However, as the bridge wasn’t waterproof, businesses soon moved out, leaving the dark, airless vaults to be taken over by the city’s poor, homeless and criminals. These lived in abysmal conditions until the city drove them out and filled the vaults up with rubble.

A chance excavation in 1985 rediscovered the vaults and they turned into a tourist attraction. The only way to visit is on ghost tours. The utter darkness and claustrophobic atmosphere create the perfect environment for stories about their shady former inhabitants, many of which supposedly haunt this place until today. Many visitors have indeed experienced unexplained phenomena during their visits.

Contribution and Photo from Nele of Global Introvert

Reviews of Edinburgh’s Underground Tours

PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

When in Edinburgh, you can visit Holyrood Palace, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II when she is in Scotland. It’s fascinating to see the Royal Dining room, Throne Room, Great Gallery, some of the rooms Mary Queen of Scots used, and more. The audio tour provides interesting insight for history and art lovers.

After seeing all the rooms inside, you can visit the ruins of Holyrood Abbey directly behind Holyrood Palace as its included with your admission. This church founded in the 12th century was also used for royal ceremonies, including the coronation of James V and Charles I. By the 16th century, the Abbey was one of the largest in Scotland. Then, in the 18th century, the roof collapsed and they never repaired it. There were other churches nearby that could be used.

Lastly, go for a walk in Holyrood Gardens, where the Queen throws her annual Garden party. Take in the spectacular views of the Palace, Abbey, and Holyrood Park (also known as the Queen’s Park). You might even be able to see some hikers walking up Arthur’s Seat.

Holyrood Palace is located at the end of the Royal Mile across the street from the Holyrood Scottish Parliament building.

Contribution and Photo from Anisa of 2 Traveling Texans

Reviews of Holyrood Palace  |  Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX

ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA

Between 1660 and 1997, the Royal Family had access to a succession of Royal Yachts. The last of these, the Royal Yacht Britannia, is now moored just outside Edinburg at Leith’s Ocean Terminal.

Visitors can explore the yacht from bow to stern and see how the Royal Family lived whilst aboard. Using the supplied audio guide you are navigated around the ship and will visit all five decks of this opulent ship.

Areas you will visit include quarters for the Royal Family as well as the dining rooms they entertained honoured guests in and the decks that they used to relax on. You’ll also be guided to the staff quarters from the Admiral to the rest of the staff that kept the ship in tip-top shape. The gleaming engine room, the Rolls Royce that took the Royal Family ashore and the ships motor yacht are all included.

For such a serious ship, flying the flag for Britain and hosting members of the Royal Family, it was interesting to see that the bar for the crew was humorously named the Verge Inn!

Reviews of Royal Yacht Britannia  |  Ocean Drive, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ

ROSSLYN CHAPEL

A short drive from Edinburgh you can find the steeped-in-mysticism Rosslyn Chapel that is famous for appearing in the Da Vinci Code and its rumoured links to the Knights Templar, the Masons and even the Holy Grail. Whatever the truth of its history, today you can visit an ornately decorated chapel where every part is covered in symbolic imagery.

Built in the mid-15th century for William St. Clair the chapel was intended to be a cruciform shape, however, only choir and was constructed, though the foundations for the intended nave and transepts have been discovered.

One of the most beautiful items in the church is the Apprentice Pillar. The story has it that the master didn’t trust that the apprentice could carve the pillar without seeing the original, but while the master was travelling to view the original the apprentice did complete the amazing pillar without permission. Upon the master’s return, he was so angry and jealous that he killed the apprentice with a mallet. As an eternal punishment, the face of the master is carved in the church, forever facing the apprentice’s pillar.

Reviews of Rosslyn Chapel  |  1 Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PT

LITERARY PUB TOUR

Edinburgh has a past rich in notable literary figures and was designated as the world’s very first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004. Those looking to dig deeper into this side of Edinburgh’s history should exchange the run of the mill Royal Mile walking tour for the fun and insightful Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour.

The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour is anything but boring. First off, the tour meets at a pub in one of Edinburgh’s most lively areas, Grassmarket. From there, two very spirited actors put on a thoroughly entertaining show over a visit to three different pubs in Old and New Town. While sipping beers, you will learn how this city inspired so many works of famous literature, from Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Even if you aren’t big on literature, anyone could enjoy this tour for its entertainment value and pub hopping. In doing so, you will learn about the role Edinburgh’s pubs played in the lives of famous Scottish authors as they wrote their greatest works.

Contribution and Photo by Theresa of Fueled by Wanderlust

Reviews of Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour  |  Departure Point: Beehive Inn

ENJOY EDINBURGH’S FESTIVALS

If you are traveling to Edinburgh in August, you cannot miss the famous Edinburgh Festivals in the Scottish capital. You have to live them at least once in a lifetime!

The city of Edinburgh is completely transformed during the summertime and becomes the world’s Festival City.

You will have the opportunity to take part in fantastic lineup events across the city. These festivals have been celebrated in Edinburgh for more than seventy years, where 25,000 artists perform and about 1,000 daily performances take place in different parts of the city.

Of all the festivals held this month in Edinburgh, you cannot miss:
• International Film Festival, where the best international films of the year are screened.
• Festival Fringe, where the streets of Edinburgh are filled with life with hundreds of musical and theatrical performances.
• Royal Military Tattoo, an impressive performance that takes place every night at 9 pm next to Edinburgh Castle. Numerous military bands from around the world represent their countries in a show of lights and sound like no other.

Contribution and Photo from Sara of Mindful Travel by Sara

Reviews of Edinburgh Festivals

WALK THE ROYAL MILE

There is always something happening on the Royal Mile, from street theatre to bagpipers, it is the lively heart of the city. The street, which is Edinburgh’s oldest and most famous street, runs from Edinburgh Castle at the top of the hill to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. For hundreds of years, this cobblestone street was home to the entire city of Edinburgh.

We highly recommend taking at least a couple of hours to stroll along the whole mile to see the little shops, restaurants, cafés, churches, and the little alleyways and side streets called “closes” that come off it. The most famous close is Mary King’s Close, but there are several others such as Dunbar Close, Advocates Close, and White Horse Close to be on the look-out for while you make your way along. Some of the best, if not the eeriest stories can be found in these dark little alleyways.

Reviews of the Royal Mile  |  Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2PB

• Rick Steves’  ‘Edinburgh TV show‘ (whole episode)
• Rick Steves Audio Europe App: With this app, you can listen to many excerpts from his radio shows and books including a guided audio tour called “Edinburgh: Royal Mile Walk”.