Best 26 Things to Do and Tourist Places to Visit in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the national capital city of Scotland situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. It has been the capital of Scotland since the 15th century. The history of human settlement around the city dates back to 8500 BCE. The city has been home to Celts, Romans, British Rule, and Scottish Royalty. The majority of the best places to visit in Edinburgh are situated in the old town part. The city has history spread around the hill, atop which is the city’s eponymous fortress. This hill, known as Castle Rock, is actually a 700 million years old extinct volcano. In fact, many historical buildings and Edinburgh tourist attractions are developed along the ridge of this volcano, which is now a popular central street of the city called the Royal Mile.
The history of Scotland and of this city is quite interesting and so is the culture. There are some amazing things to see in Edinburgh which can transport you back in time. There are cultural centers and performance centers where you can witness Scottish culture as it existed at different periods of time. However, some of the best things to do in Edinburgh are the guided tours through the dungeons and closes in the old town area. Besides historical landmarks and museums, these tours offer an interesting perspective and create a memorable experience. You can also enjoy the famous Scottish Whisky experience with a tasting and a tour of the brewery.
Once you have explored the city enough, you should head out to the highlands for outdoor activities in Edinburgh. One of the best hikes around the city leads to Arthur’s Seat, which is atop an ancient volcano. You will come across wonderful natural sites as well as a few Edinburgh tourist attractions including archaeological sites and historical ruins during this hike.
Table of Contents
Explore The Best Tourist Attractions in Edinburgh in 4 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Princes Street Gardens
These gardens were first developed in 1770s and are situated close Edinburgh Castle. These gardens were created when Lake Nor Loch was drained to make space for a new town. They are especially known several important things to see in Edinburgh including historical monuments and memorials. You will need an hour to explore Prices Street Gardens.
2. The Real Mary King’s Close
This close in a small street can only be explored through a guided tour and is among the best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland to peep through myths and legends of history. The tour is part of the old town, which was the heart of the city in 1600s. You will about an hour for this tour.
3. St. Giles Cathedral
The recorded history of this church dates back to 854 A.D. but the current iteration was built in the 14th century. It is one of the best places to visit in Edinburgh to understand the city’s history and culture as it is the primary seat of worship for the Church of Scotland. It is also dedicated to the patron saint of the city. You will need an hour and a half for this cathedral when you visit Edinburgh.
4. Royal Mile
This street was constructed along the ridge of an extinct volcano and is the central street of the city. It is among the best places to begin Edinburgh sightseeing as it is surrounded by historical and cultural monuments. It is also well known for shopping, dining and socializing. You could easily spend a couple of hours walking and exploring the Royal Mile.
5. Writer’s Museum
This museum is dedicated to life and works of esteemed Scottish writers from different time periods. The museum is housed in Lady Stair’s Mansion, which itself can be included among Edinburgh attractions. The museum exhibits important literary works and items associated with literary artists of Scotland. You will need an hour for the Writer’s Museum.
6. Gladstone’s Land
This 17th century tenement building now serves as a museum as well as an art gallery. The museum showcases the life of the people who once lived here during the 17th century. It will take 30 to 45 minutes to explore Gladstone’s Land and Edinburgh tourist attractions within it.
7. The Scotch Whisky Experience
This experience is among top things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland. How could it not be. You get to witness the process which brings forth the famous Scotch Whisky and also get to try out a few samples. You will need at least an hour for this tour.
8. Outlook Tower & Camera Obscura
This tower is situated on Castle Hill and its 5 stories are dedicated to optical illusions of various kind. It is among the most fun stops on Edinburgh itinerary and would require 30 to 45 minutes of your time.
9. Edinburgh Castle
This monument tops the list of places to go in Edinburgh. This 12th century fortress has centuries of history behind it. The Castle Rock upon which this castle stands too has history of human settlement dating back to 2nd century A.D. You will need at least 2 to 3 hours from Edinburgh travel to explore this iconic fortress.
Day 2
1. The Meadows
This is one of the most popular parks in the city. It was built after draining of the Borough Lock in 1722. You can easily spend 20 to 30 minutes enjoying this patch of green alongside city sightseeing Edinburgh.
2. Greyfriars Kirk
This church was built in 1640 and is one the most important historical places to see in Edinburgh. It has greatly contributed to the city’s and country’s history for 4 centuries since its establishment. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for Greyfriars Church when you visit Edinburgh.
3. National Museum of Scotland
This museum is among Edinburgh must see places as it outlines the history and culture of the nation and allows one to get a better understand of rest of the places and activities they explore. This vast museum requires at least a couple of hours of time for visit.
4. National Library of Scotland
This library features a prestigious collection of literary works and historical artifacts including the Gutenburg Bible. It is among the most fascinating places to visit in Edinburgh. You will need about an hour to explore it.
5. Edinburgh Dungeons
This tour of dungeons is actually a show featuring performances and special effects. You will get to witness a few historical events concerning the city. It is among the most fun things to do in Edinburgh. You would need an hour and a half for this tour.
6. Museum of Childhood
When opened, it was the first museum of its kind focusing on children’s toys from 18th to 20th centuries. It is quite popular among Edinburgh attractions for all kinds of people. You will need an hour to explore it.
7. The People’s Story Museum
This museum is held in a 16th century Canongate Tolbooth and exhibits the life of people in the 18th century. You will need about an hour for this museum.
Day 3
1. Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat
If you are looking for outdoor activities in Edinburgh, this is the place to be. The park has a 640 acre landscape with historical ruins and natural springs. You would need 2 to 3 hours to enjoy various Edinburgh tourist attractions spread across this park.
2. Our Dynamic Earth
This 360 degree dome theatre showcases how the earth was formed and also highlights other cosmic events like the Big Bang. It is among the best things to do in Edinburgh for families. You will need 2 hours for the show at this dome.
3. Holyrood Palace
This used to be the residence of the British Monarch in Scotland. Aside from a museum, the palace also has a wonderful art gallery and collection of antique interior items. You will find some of the most opulent things to see in Edinburgh at this Palace. It will take you an hour to explore Holyrood Palace.
4. Scottish Parliament Building
This building has housed the country’s parliament since 2004. It is included in Edinburgh itinerary for various historical artefacts, paintings and sculptures which are housed in this building. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this place.
5. Museum of Edinburgh
As the name suggests, this museum talks about the history of the city and the story of its people. It should be among the very first places to see in Edinburgh sightseeing. You will need an hour and a half for this museum.
6. John Knox House
Part of Scottish Storytelling Center, this house belonged to the famous 15th century protestant reformer John Knox. This house museum talks about his life and his role in the history of the country. You will need 30 minutes for John Knox House.
7. Scottish National Portrait Gallery
This art gallery exhibits paintings, portraits and photographs of various people from renaissance onwards. The museum also exhibits Scottish National Photography Collection. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Edinburgh and will require an hour of your time.
Day 4
1. The Georgian House
This 18th century house was designed by architect Robert Adam. It now functions as a museum featuring historical interior decor artifacts from the period including furniture, kitchen equipment, sculptures, utensils and so on. You will need an hour or so to explore this house.
2. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
This modern art and portrait gallery features an impressive collection of 96,000 items including paintings, prints, drawings, art installations, and more. It is an Edinburgh must see for art admirers and practitioners. You will need 2 hours at least to explore it.
3. Royal Botanic Garden
Another wonderful place to enjoy a bit of nature while city sightseeing in Edinburgh. The gardens feature 270,000 species of plants and trees and will require 2 hours of time to explore.
If you are looking for more top things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland check out the section below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities in the city and around it.
Things to do in Edinburgh
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle
- National Museum of Scotland
- Palace of Holyrood House
- Scottish National Gallery
- Royal Yatch Britannia
- St. Giles’ Cathedral
- Mary King’s Close
- Scott Monument
- Rosslyn Chapel
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
- Greyfriars Kirkyard
- Scottish National Portrait Gallery
- Craigmillar Castle
- Museum of Childhood
- Scottish Parliament Building
- The Queen’s Gallery
- The Writer’s Museum
- National Library of Scotland
- Jupiter Artland Sculpture Park
- Surgeons Hall Museums
- The Royal Scottish Academy
- Lauriston Castle
- Museum of Edinburgh
- National Art Museum
- Georgian House
- John Knox House
- Gladstone’s Land
- Holyrood Abbey
- National Mining Museum
- Greyfriars Bobby Statue
- Nelson Monument
- Museum on the Mound
- Dundas Castle
- The People’s Story Museum
- Talbot Rice Gallery
- Newhailes Estate
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
- St. Mary’s Cathedral
- The Scottish Gallery
- Ross Fountain
- St. Margaret’s Chapel
- Gilmerton Cove
- Rosslyn Castle
- Corstorphine Hill
- Dugald Stewart Monument
- The Mound
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Edinburgh
- Arthur’s Seat
- Water of Leith
- The Meadows
- Pentland Hills
- Blackford Hill
- Dr Neil’s Garden
- Roslin Glen Country Park
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Zoo
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- The Scotch Whisky Experience
- Dynamic Earth
- Princes Street Gardens
- Holyrood Park
- Edinburgh Dungeon Experience
- Dean Village
- Deep Sea World
- Mercat Tours
- City Art Center
- LOVE Gorgie Farm
- Dalkeith Country Park
- The Colonnades at the Signet Library
- Dovecot Studios Limited
- Scottish Storytelling Center
- Edinburgh City Chambers
- Midlothian Snow sports Center
- Dunbars Close
- Edinburgh Gin Distillery
- Edinburgh Scotch Whisky
- Royal Observatory
Shopping in Edinburgh
- Grassmarket
- Fruit Market
- Stockbridge Market
- Princes Street
- Waverly Mall
- George Street
- Rose Street
- Multrees Walk
- Duncan Street
- Stockbridge
- The Royal Mile
- Ocean Terminal
- Gyle Shopping Center
Beaches & Islands in Edinburgh
- Portobello Beach
- Fife Coastal Path
- Cramond Island
- Inchcolm Island
- Firth of Forth
- Gullane Beach
- Yellowcraigs beach
- Longniddry Beach
- Aberlady Bay
- Seacliff
- Silversands Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Edinburgh
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Trekking
- Canal Tour
Sightseeing in Edinburgh
- Royal Mile
- Calton Hill
- Princes Street
- Forth Bridge
- Edinburgh Waverley
- Victoria Street
- George Street
- Forth Road Bridge
- Charlotte Square
- Circus Lane
- Saint Andrew Square
- Union Canal
- Cockburn Street
- Canongate
- Vennel Viewpoint
- The Royal Mile
- Queensferry Crossing
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Edinburgh
- Kanpai
- Meltmongers
- Forage and Chatter
- Aizle
- Bon Vivant
- Aurora
- IJ Mellis
- The Little Chartroom
- Timberyard
- Cafe St Honore
- Southside Scran
- Leftfield
- Fhior
- Locanda de Gusti
- Edinburgh Food Studio
- Dishoom
- Fortitude
- Edgwood
- Archipelago bakery
- The Outsider
- Saboteur
- Dusit
How to Reach Edinburgh?
By Air
The city’s international airport receives several flights from many major cities around the world. You can get direct flights for Edinburgh to travel from Amsterdam, New York City, Doha, Athens, Dubai, Barcelona, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Boston, Brussels, Washington D.C., Budapest, Faroe Islands, Copenhagen, Newark, Dublin, Toronto, Philadelphia, Frankfurt, Warsaw, Geneva, Stockholm, Hamburg, Rome, Istanbul, Prague, Krakow, Paris, Madrid, Oslo, Munich and Milan. You can use trams, buses and cabs to get to the city from the airport. There are also day tour buses available from the airport if you have a significant layover in Edinburgh.
By Road
You can get direct trains to visit Edinburgh from several cities and towns in the UK. Some of the popular directly connected destinations include Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Perth, Inverness, North Berwick, Stirling, London, Newcastle, York, Birmingham, Bristol, Plymouth, Manchester and Liverpool. The bus network is quite widespread, so you can get a direct or at least a connecting bus to visit the city. You can also get day tour buses for Edinburgh sightseeing from nearby cities and towns.
If you plan to travel by road, pick between routes A1, A68, A7, A703, A702, A71, M18 or A90. Many of the best places to visit in Edinburgh also fall on these routes.
By Water
You can get a ferry service from Belfast for Edinburgh travel. Other than that there aren’t other destinations from where you can get to this city by water.
Image Reference
- Princes Street Gardens – Tim Rawle / Flickr
- The Real Mary King’s Close – Stephen Mackenzie / Flickr
- St. Giles Cathedral – J. Philipp Krone / Flickr
- Royal Mile – Ralf Steinberger / Flickr
- Writers’ Museum – Mike McBey / Flickr
- Gladstone’s Land – James Stringer / Flickr
- The Scotch Whisky Experience – Sasha / Flickr
- Outlook Tower & Camera Obscura – Travel Stock Photos / Flickr
- Edinburgh Castle – Peggychoucair / PixaBay
- The Meadows – Patrick Down / Flickr
- Greyfriars Kirk – Carlos Delgado / Wikimedia Commons
- National Museum of Scotland – Mason Taylor/Simon Taylor / Flickr
- National Library of Scotland – Kim Traynor / Wikimedia Commons
- The Edinburgh Dungeon – Shadowgate / Flickr
- Museum of Childhood – David McKelvey / Flickr
- The People’s Story Museum – Stefan Schäfer, Lich / Wikimedia Commons
- Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat – Sophia Hilmar / PixaBay
- Our Dynamic Earth – smthng else / Flickr
- Holyrood Palace – Wolfgang Claussen / PixaBay
- Scottish Parliament Building – Jorge Franganillo / Flickr
- Museum of Edinburgh – Stefan Schäfer, Lich / Wikimedia Commons
- John Knox House – dvdbramhall / Flickr
- Scottish National Portrait Gallery – Tom Parnell / Flickr
- The Georgian House – Billy Wilson / Flickr
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art – Spencer Means / Flickr
- Royal Botanic Garden – James Stringer / Flickr
