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- January 22, 2025
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14 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland: The Ultimate Bucket List
Exploring Edinburgh and looking for the best the city has to offer? Whether you’re here for just a day or a longer stay, this guide has something for everyone! We recently returned from a trip to Scotland’s capital and have compiled the 14 best things to do in Edinburgh. From iconic landmarks to the birth of Harry Potter, here are our top recommendations for an unforgettable experience in this beautiful city!
How to Reach Edinburgh
Edinburgh is easily accessible by air, train, or bus. The city has its own international airport, Edinburgh Airport, with direct flights from major cities around the world. If you’re traveling within the UK, there are regular train services to Edinburgh from cities like London and Glasgow. Additionally, multiple bus companies offer routes to Edinburgh! For us, we took a 5-hour train ride from London, and it was a very relaxing and scenic way to reach Edinburgh.
When is the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh?
The best time to visit Edinburgh is during the summer months, from June to August. This is when the city comes alive with festivals and events, including the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It’s also the ideal time to travel here due to the weather, with average temperatures ranging from 55–65°F (13–18°C). Edinburgh is a very cold and rainy city, so visiting during the summer months will give you the most enjoyable weather to explore. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher hotel prices during this time.
If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November). The weather will be slightly cooler, but you’ll still get to enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer without the crowds.
Winter (December–February) is also a great time to visit for those looking for a festive atmosphere. The city hosts its famous Christmas market and Hogmanay celebrations, making it a fun winter destination!
What is the Best Way of Getting around Edinburgh?
The best way to get around Edinburgh is by foot or public transportation. The city center is compact, making it easy to explore on foot and take in all the sights and sounds.
If you prefer not to walk, there are plenty of options for public transportation including buses, trams, and trains. You can purchase a day pass or a multi-day pass to make traveling around the city more convenient and cost-effective.
If you’re here during the summer, consider taking a ride on one of Edinburgh’s hop-on-hop-off tours. These double-decker buses offer a guided tour of the city with stops at major attractions, and you can hop on and off as much as you like!
Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland
Below, we will highlight all the top things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland. Edinburgh is a beautiful and gothic city, which has so much to offer for all types of travelers. From historical landmarks to lively entertainment, there is something for everyone in the Scottish capital!
1. Walk the Royal Mile
The perfect way to start your time in Edinburgh is by walking the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh! Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this mile-long street is packed with history and charm. You can find plenty of shops, restaurants, and pubs along the way too!
2. Visit Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a must-see for every visitor atop a hill overlooking the city! The castle has been around since the 12th century and offers stunning views of the city below. Inside, you can explore the various exhibits and learn about Scotland’s rich history. There’s so much to see and do here, and we really enjoyed it the most for its history and views. On top of all this, performances are occasionally held within the castle grounds!
3. Victoria Street
Victoria Street was our favorite area in all of Edinburgh! It’s a charming, curved street known for its colorful shopfronts and is often cited as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series! We can easily see why as it’s just so magical, especially at night! You’ll also find a couple of Harry Potter shops, including Museum Context and the Enchanted Galaxy, with officially licensed merchandise. Whether you’re shopping, grabbing a coffee, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Victoria Street is a must-visit!
4. Hike Arthur’s Seat
For a dose of nature and one of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh, a hike up Arthur’s Seat is a great activity. Located adjacent to Holyrood Park, this extinct volcano is the highest point in Edinburgh and offers stunning views of the city, as well as surrounding areas such as Firth of Forth and Pentland Hills. The hike takes about an hour and can be steep at times, but it’s definitely worth it for the breathtaking views.
5. Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour
Our first night in Edinburgh obviously had to include a Harry Potter Walking Tour! As major fans of the series, we were beyond excited to see some of the famous locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s magical world. The tour starts at Greyfriars Kirkyard, where you can find gravestones with familiar names like Tom Riddle and McGonagall. From there, we walked through Victoria Street (yes, the same one mentioned above!) which is said to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley. There’s so much more, but we also were sorted into our houses and did trivia as we went! Our guide was awesome and this is a must-do if you’re a Harry Potter fan in Edinburgh.
6. Take a Ghost Tour
Known as one of the most haunted cities in Europe, it’s no surprise that Edinburgh has a variety of ghost tours to choose from. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or not, these tours offer a unique and spooky way to explore the city. One of the most popular options is the Edinburgh Vaults Ghost Tour, which takes you underground to explore the city’s hidden passageways and vaults. You’ll hear tales of ghosts, murders, and other eerie events that have taken place in these dark tunnels beneath the city.
7. Explore Holyrood Palace
Home of the British monarchy in Scotland, Holyrood Palace is a cool place to visit in Edinburgh because of its rich history and stunning architecture. Take a tour of the royal apartments, see where Mary Queen of Scots lived, and explore the beautiful grounds!
8. Visit The Elephant House
Fans of the Harry Potter book series will know that Edinburgh is where J.K. Rowling wrote the majority of her first Harry Potter novel. The Elephant House cafe on George IV Bridge proudly boasts being “the birthplace of Harry Potter” and has become a popular spot for fans to visit. Unfortunately, this location was severely damaged by a fire in August 2021 and is currently under renovation, but it is still worth a quick stop to see the iconic exterior. By the time you read this, that location may be back, but if not, you can visit their other location on Victoria Street!
9. Head to Calton Hill
Another one of our favorite things to do in Edinburgh was going up to Calton Hill! Calton Hill is home to some of Edinburgh’s most iconic monuments, including the National Monument of Scotland and the Nelson Monument. The National Monument of Scotland was so cool and it looked like it should be in Athens, Greece! Beyond the impressive monuments, Calton Hill is also a great spot for a picnic or to simply hang out with incredible views of the city skyline. We had so much fun here and think you must come here during your stay!
10. Discover the National Museum of Scotland
If you’re in the mood for a museum, visit the National Museum of Scotland! This free museum is one of the top attractions in Edinburgh and for good reason. With a wide range of exhibits covering everything from Scottish history to natural sciences, there’s something here for everyone.
11. Stroll Through Princes Street Gardens
Another one of the best things to do in Edinburgh is to take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens. These beautiful gardens are located right in the heart of the city, making it the perfect stop from the hustle and bustle. Admire the colorful flowers, relax by the fountain, and enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle in the distance. Within the Princes Street Gardens, you’ll also see the Scott Monument, a Gothic monument dedicated to famous Scottish author Sir Walter Scott! It was one of the first monuments we saw while we were in Edinburgh and was a sneak peak to the unique Gothic architecture!
12. The Scotch Whisky Experience
This isn’t our cup of tea, but for whisky lovers, the Scotch Whisky Experience is a must-do activity in Edinburgh. Learn about Scotland’s national drink through interactive exhibits and even take part in a whisky tasting!
13. Check Out Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
One of the most unique things to do in Edinburgh is to visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. This attraction features five floors of optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. It’s a fun experience for all ages!
14. Visit the Greyfriars Bobby Statue
The story of Greyfriars Bobby is a beloved legend in Edinburgh! This loyal dog was said to have spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave before passing away himself. A statue was then erected in his honor and today, visitors can rub his nose for good luck!
Food Stops in Edinburgh
In Edinburgh, there are plenty of delicious food options to choose from. Edinburgh is known for its traditional Scottish dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties, and Scotch broth. However, you can also find a variety of international cuisines including Indian, Chinese, Italian, and more.
The Kitchin: For a fine dining experience, head to The Kitchin where you can taste modern Scottish cuisine with French influence.
The Witchery by the Castle: Dine in a historic and atmospheric setting while indulging in Scottish dishes at The Witchery by the Castle.
Mary’s Milk Bar: You may have heard of Mary’s Milk Bar due to it’s popularity as the best handmade gelato in Edinburgh. Everything you’ve heard of is true! This was the best ice cream we’ve ever had and that is not an exaggeration! There are so many different flavors and the gelato is always made with fresh, local ingredients.
Knoops Edinburgh: For all the hot chocolate lovers out there, Knoops is a must-visit. This specialty shop offers over 30+ different types of hot chocolate made with real melted chocolate and milk. It was so unique and tasty; we wish we had one close to where we live!
Café on the Mound: This café is situated right in the heart of Edinburgh and is the perfect place for a quick coffee break and traditional Scottish breakfast. It’s not super obvious to find, but we’re so glad we found it as it gave us a taste of the local cuisine.
Tortilla: For a quick and delicious lunch option, head to Tortilla for some tasty Mexican food. Their burritos are huge and it’s a great budget-friendly option for travelers. The set-up is very similar to Chipotle!
Day Trips from Edinburgh
There are so many options for day trips from Edinburgh, but we’ll share the favorites!
St. Andrews:
The town of St. Andrews is a perfect day trip from Edinburgh. It’s known for its famous university and as the home of golf! If you’re a fan of golf, you absolutely have to take a St. Andrews Golf Course Tour. Even if golf isn’t your thing, the town has plenty to offer, with its beautiful beaches and charming streets lined with shops and cafes.
Glasgow:
If you’re looking for a more urban day trip, head to Scotland’s largest city—Glasgow! Just an hour away by train, this vibrant city is bursting with culture and history. You can visit the Glasgow Cathedral, explore the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, or enjoy some shopping on Buchanan Street.
London:
While this would make for a whirlwind day trip, we still thought London was worth mentioning! About a 4½-hour train ride from Edinburgh, you could realistically visit a few of London’s main sights during an 8-10 hour day trip—or better yet, plan to stay an extra day! Top attractions in London include Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and more. For more London inspiration, check out our 3 Days in London blog post!
Where to Stay in Edinburgh?
The best place to stay in Edinburgh depends on your budget and preferences. For luxury travelers, The Balmoral Hotel is a top choice. Fun fact: J.K. Rowling finished writing the final Harry Potter book in one of their suites! In that suite, she even signed a statue of Hermes, marking the completion of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. So cool!
For a more affordable option, consider staying at the Holyrood Aparthotel. Located near popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, this hotel offers spacious rooms and convenient amenities. Other popular areas to stay include the historic Old Town, New Town, and the West End.
For budget-conscious travelers, there are plenty of options, such as hostels like Castle Rock Hostel or Airbnb rentals. These can be excellent choices for those who want to save on accommodations and spend more on experiencing the city’s many attractions.
Edinburgh, Scotland Travel FAQs:
1. How many days should I spend in Edinburgh?
You can cover the highlights of Edinburgh in 2-3 days. This allows enough time to explore Edinburgh Castle, walk along the Royal Mile, hike up Arthur’s Seat, and visit key attractions like the Palace of Holyroodhouse. If you plan on taking day trips or diving deeper into the city’s attractions, consider staying 4-5 days.
2. What is the best way to get around Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a very walkable city, especially in the Old Town. For longer distances, the city has a great public transport system, including buses.
3. Are Edinburgh attractions expensive?
Some of Edinburgh’s most iconic attractions, like Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, charge admission fees, but aren’t super expensive! There are also many free things to do, such as walking up Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill, visiting the National Museum of Scotland, and exploring the picturesque streets of the Old Town.
4. Can I visit Edinburgh on a budget?
Yes! Edinburgh offers plenty of budget-friendly options. Stay in hostels or budget accommodations, dine at local pubs or casual eateries, and take advantage of free attractions and walking tours to keep costs low.
5. Is Edinburgh suitable for families?
Absolutely! Families will enjoy attractions like Edinburgh Zoo, the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, and the National Museum of Scotland. Many attractions offer family-friendly experiences, and the city’s parks and green spaces are perfect for kids to explore.
6. What is the weather like in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh’s weather is often unpredictable, with frequent changes throughout the day. Expect mild temperatures and the possibility of rain, even in summer. Layers and a waterproof jacket are essential year-round.
7. Do I need to book tickets for attractions in advance?
It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance for popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle because these tickets can sell out!
Final Thoughts on Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is such an underrated European city, and you’ll enjoy it even more if you’re a Harry Potter fan! You can see how this city inspired J.K. Rowling by exploring the streets and landmarks that served as inspiration for the series. The streets feel magical, medieval, and full of mystery around every corner. But even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, Edinburgh has something for everyone. From its rich history and stunning architecture to its lively nightlife, this city offers enjoyment for all! So pack your layers, book those tickets, and get ready to fall in love with the charming city of Edinburgh! As always, thank you for supporting our blog, and safe travels!
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