Edinburgh is one of the most historic and scenic cities in Europe that you really need to visit. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical buildings and castle.
Just like any of the big cities in the United Kingdom, Edinburgh is jam-packed full of interesting sights and activities. There is undoubtedly something within the parameter of the city for everyone, young or old.
When visiting Edinburgh for the first time, it’s a good idea to have an idea of the places you want to visit so you can make the best use of your time possible.
If you want to know the best things to do while visiting Edinburgh, you have come to the right place. Check out our list of the top things you really should miss on your Edinburgh itinerary.
1. Visit Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the UK.
It is likely that you have seen pictures of this imposing old fortress that sits atop of a volcano. It is situated at the highest point of the old sector of Edinburgh and has stayed firmly in place for hundreds of years.
As you approach the castle from The Royal Mile you will get a sense of the history that the castle and the city are soaked in.
The castle stands at the head of the old town and it’s one of the most historic monuments in this city which has witnessed many important events including the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th Century and the Jacobite Rising of 1745.
Once at the castle take the time to enjoy the impressive views of the city. As well as the views and the structure itself, there is also a large war memorial and the Scottish Crown Jewels are on display.
2. Walk Around the Old Town
Edinburgh is a wonderful city to walk through and explore on foot, particularly in the Old Town.
This area features a multitude of nods to its medieval past and as you walk through the neighbourhoods like Grassmarket and Cowgate, you can really get a feel for what life might have been like centuries ago.
The Old Town is one of the most popular places to explore with foreign tourists as you’ll see so many historic buildings and interesting shops. Put down your phone and just admire the ancient streets and architecture.
3. Attend a Festival
Edinburgh is known for a variety of festivals that are held annually.
One of most popular events is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which is regarded as the largest arts festival in the world. It takes place every August for three weeks and is acknowledged as the premier showcase for performing arts, it brings the world to the city.
This ‘official’ Festival offers music, dance and drama of stunning quality from around the world, and on its own it would provide abundant enjoyment. But it’s joined by the Edinburgh Film Festival, the Jazz Festival and the Tattoo, a spectacular open-air entertainment which takes place on the Castle Esplanade.
On top of all that there’s the Festival Fringe, a huge explosion of performance and art. In one short month, the whole city throbs with shows and exhibitions, street performers and entertainers. The keynote is excitement and fun, and there are enough free shows and impromptu acts to enable you to have a hectic Festival without overspending.
Fringe Sunday brings hundreds of performers and an audience of thousands into the Royal Park for a huge party, where everyone is welcome.
4. Hike Arthur’s Seat
If you’re up for a small adventure then plan a hike to Arthur’s Seat, the largest of the three parts of the Arthur’s Seat Volcano site. Many locals believe that the Arthur’s Seat is possibly one of the locations of the legendary castle of Camelot where King Arthur used to reign.
From the top of this famous landmark you will be able to see places such as East Lothian and Leith. Even if you are not interested in walking up to Arthur’s Seat, there is a road that takes you around it all the way to the top and down, that offers some stunning views of Edinburgh from above.
5. Take A Walk Along Princes Street
If you start from Waverley Station at the Eat end of Princes Street you can walk the full length of the street. Follow the road westwards and avoid the shops on the right to begin with, instead looking at the vista as it approaches on your left.
This skyline of Old Town Edinburgh is magnificent and so big and impressive that you could spend all day trying to get the perfect shot.
Princes Street Gardens is to the left and is the perfect place to sit and have a spot of lunch on the grass. The further you walk along Princes Street, the higher the skyline gets, before you reach the point where it is high cliffs and Edinburgh Castle on top.
6. Relax at the Royal Botanic Garden
If you’re tired of walking and exploring the city then stop for a while at the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh.
This is a huge garden with a total land area of 70 acres. It’s said that there are more than 13,000 species of plants that can be found here.
If you’re a gardening hobbyist then you’ll definitely fall in love with this place.
7. Eating Out
Dine and enjoy the gastronomic delights of the city.
Edinburgh is waking up with influence from New York and London to the non-stop approach of the meccas of street food and there are plenty of food stops in the city to grab some food on the go.
Be sure to try the local food such as haggis or stovies – or, if you have a bigger budget, visit the city’s range of Michelin-starred restaurants.
8. Visit Art Galleries and Museums
There are lots of art galleries and museums in Edinburgh; one of the most popular is the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Others include the Museum of Edinburgh where you can learn more about the past and also fascinating facts about Edinburgh.
Along the famous Royal Mile, you will find four museums, all free and worth a visit if you want to get a flavour of the culture and history of Edinburgh.
There is the Writers Museum, which pays tribute and celebrates the lives and works of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns, three of the most famous Scottish writers in history.
Then there’s the Museum Of Childhood which is the world’s first museum dedicated to children and the history of childhood.
If you want to uncover more about the history of Edinburgh as a city and its inhabitants through the years then you will want to take a visit to The People’s Story.
The National Museum Of Scotland is one of the world’s best loved museums, located on Chambers Street. It is the perfect place to seek shelter from the unpredictable Scottish weather. The architecture alone makes this place worth seeing in the flesh.
Standing in the atrium in the middle of the building you can look up at the Victorian era design of the structure and marvel. Then there’s the exhibits themselves, many of which are interactive making them great for kids.
9. Shop Til You Drop
Edinburgh has a wide range of shopping options to cater to various visitors.
There are high-end shops like Harvey Nichols for those who love designer labels as well as plenty of mid-range to budget shops where you can buy almost anything your heart desires.
There are also plenty of souvenir shops for those who want to buy some memorabilia. Don’t miss Princes Street and George Street for the ultimate Edinburgh shopping experience.
10. Go On An Edinburgh Ghost Tour
The dark and dingy streets of the old town have lots of different folk tales and ghost stories. The way the ancient buildings are packed tightly together, the narrow streets and small closes make this part of the city scary at night.
One of the best ways to see this part of the town is on either a witches or ghosts and ghouls tour. There are many tours that have a starting point set up along High Street, also known as The Royal Mile.
11. Enjoy Live Music
If you are in Edinburgh on an evening and love a bit of live music, then Whistlebinkies is the pace for you. As well as being open 7 nights a week, it is also free entry Sunday to Thursday all night and free to enter before midnight on Friday and Saturday. It showcases up and coming talent in a very intimate and friendly atmosphere.
12. Be a Scotch Whisky Connoisseur for a Day
Don’t settle for just buying a Scotch whisky at the nearest supermarket – explore local pubs and bars and try different blends. Consider becoming a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society so you can get a chance to try various rare whiskies. You can also sign up for various Scotch Whisky tours and learn more about the history of this world famous drink.
13. Watch a Football Game
Football is the local passion in Scotland and if you love football you have to go see a live game in Edinburgh. This city has two main football teams: Hearts, who play at Tynecastle Stadium and Hibernian who play at Easter Road in Leith.
Plan Your Trip to Edinburgh
Hopefully our article has given you the lowdown on the top things that you should do when you visit the Scottish capital. Edinburgh is built for walking so be sure to bring your most comfortable shoes and explore the city on foot.
If you’re thinking of looking for a place to stay near this historical site, check out one of the ibis hotels in Edinburgh as they are situated near to various tourist sites in the old town – including Edinburgh Castle.
If you are going to be visiting this city for the first time check out some interesting facts about Edinburgh. Or not sure when to go, view our guide to the best season to visit Edinburgh.
