30 Things to Do in Edinburgh.
We spent the month of July in Edinburgh and really got to know and appreciate this city. I’ll mention this right off the top: the locals are very nice, in fact the Scottish rank up there with some of the nicest people we’ve met anywhere.
In this post I cover 30 things to do in Edinburgh. Note: it doesn’t mean you have to do each, in fact there are some top-rated highlights that I would probably skip if we were to do it again. I’m going to be very honest about everything I cover below and I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you want to visit or skip these sites and attractions.
1. Edinburgh Castle
I’m going to start with the highlight that will get me in the most trouble: Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Castle has lots of history and it is very impressive to look at from the outside: huge and imposing with a vantage point overlooking the city center. But the truth is that we were massively disappointed with our visit.
Why?
1) it is crowded. You’d think that at £23.50/pp (it’s the most expensive attraction in all of Scotland) that there wouldn’t be so many people. There are.
2) It’s not a castle per se, Edinburgh Castle was a fortress. So, apart from the Great Hall and the Royal Rooms of Mary Queen of Scots, you won’t find the furnished rooms that you would in many castles. Instead, the bare rooms now host a variety of museums, most of them crammed with tourists.
3) While the views from the castle are good, you’ll find better views of Edinburgh from other spots…for free.
If you were ready to splurge for just one Scottish Castle, I would recommend that you visit Stirling Castle in the town of Stirling (1 hour away by train). I’ll be writing about that soon.
I know most people coming to Edinburgh will want to visit Edinburgh Castle, after all you’ve come all this way. I just don’t think it’s worth it though.
Ps. I’ll list a few spots in town with equal or better views of Edinburgh than the castle. I’ll also tell you where you can get great views of the castle itself.
2. St Giles’ Cathedral
The beautiful Cathedral (dating from 1124!) down the Royal Mile from the castle. It’s a cosy, Gothic-style Cathedral with gorgeous stained glass windows. The Thistle Chapel is incredibly elaborate and gorgeous. I think the Cathedral is very impressive and definitely worth a visit.
The question is cost. We went in July when there was no set fee, just a “suggested donation” of £10. But as of now (September 2026) the Cathedral was meant to impose a mandatory £12 per person charge. That’s a lot of money to visit what is a relatively small cathedral.
What would I do? I’d probably pay that £12/pp, we were quite impressed by the Cathedral. Use the money you saved at the castle 😊
3. Royal Mile
There’s no question whether to visit or not visit the Royal Mile: it is the backbone of Edinburgh’s Old Town and you won’t have a choice but to walk it.
Pros: many of Edinburgh’s highlights are along the Royal Mile: the castle on one end, Holyrood Palace at the other. Between them are the Cathedral (which I covered above), the Camera Obscura, Canongate Kirk church, a few museums and many of the city’s famous Closes (all to be covered). Really, there’s lots to see along this stretch even apart from the highlights.
Cons: it is so crowded and so touristy. My worst memories of Edinburgh was walking along the Royal Mile, trying to dodge the crowds. I honestly hated the Royal Mile just for those reasons.
4. Calton Hill
A volcanic hill a very short (maybe 10 minute) walk from the Royal Mile. There are some monuments up here but the main reason to come are the great views of the city on one side and the water (the Firth of Forth) on the other. It’s a public space and completely free to visit.
A must if you’re visiting Edinburgh.
5. Arthur’s Seat/Holyrood Park
I loved hiking in Holyrood Park; a real park right next to the city center.
My highlight were the Salisbury Crags, where you get fantastic views looking over Edinburgh. Arthur’s Seat is a longer hike and what many people do…and it’s great but I just preferred Salisbury Crags for the view. But it’s very easy to combine both.
I write all about hiking Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags here. I was my personal favorite thing to do in Edinburgh.
6. Holyrood Palace
This Palace has been the residence of the Royal family when they visit Scotland since the 16th century. Every year King Charles spends a week here when carrying out official functions in Edinburgh.
What to See: 1) The Palace and Royal rooms including that of Mary Queen of Scots (note: no photos allowed inside the palace), 2) the 12th century ruins of Holyrood Abbey, 3) the gardens and grounds of the Palace.
It’s expensive at £22 pp and I think a lot of people will feel it’s overpriced for what it is. But if you’re interested in history and the Royal Family then it’s worth it.
7. Princes Street Garden
Just between the Old Town and New Town (previously a body of water that was drained in the early 1800’s) is this beautiful park.
You’ll find beautiful flower gardens, monuments and sculptures, and the Ross fountain – incidentally one of the best places in the city to look up at Edinburgh Castle.
Free and a “must-do” in Edinburgh.
8. Camera Obscura
Its full name is “Camera Obscura & World of Illusions” and it is located just steps from the entrance to the castle. It’s famous for the Camera Obscura which was first installed on Calton hill in 1835. Now it is on the roof of this tower and you can learn all about it. But kids will love this place for the interactive illusion games that you’ll find on its 5 floors. Go to the top floor rooftop terrace for fantastic views of Edinburgh.
Recommended for parents who want to keep their kids entertained…while enjoying what I think are the best views of the city from anywhere in the old town.
9. Victoria Steet
One of the most picturesque (and colourful) streets in Edinburgh which some say was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series (I don’t really see the resemblance). Above the street, which is curved and leads down to Grassmarket street, is a pedestrian walkway called Victoria Terrace. You’ll find a few bars and restaurants up there where you can enjoy the views of the activity below.
Free and a “must-do” in Edinburgh.
10. Grassmarket Square
Very close to the above Victoria Street is Grassmarket square. It was here where the city held its weekly market in the 15th century. Later it was Edinburgh’s primary site for public executions.
Today it is a pretty square with beautiful medieval buildings.
Note: come here after visiting Victoria Street and then continue on to Vennel Viewpoint (next on this list)
11. Vennel Viewpoint
At the far end of Grassmarket square you’ll get great views looking up at the castle. Opposite the views to the castle, you’ll see a set of stairs. That’s the way up to the Vennel Viewpoint (which isn’t so much a “viewpoint” as that you’ve reached the top of the stairs).
I don’t know if the views here are really that much better than those at the bottom of the stairs…but the fact that this is a well-known “viewpoint” tells you that it’s a popular spot.
CEMETERIES
Edinburgh has some pretty fabulous cemeteries with plenty of spooky ambiance.
12. Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery
Lots of stories here, including of Greyfriars Bobby (a dog who, when his owner died, guarded his grave for 14 years), names that inspired J.K Rowling to use them as her inspiration in Harry Potter (Thomas Riddell, William McGonagall, Elizabeth Moodie) as well as a grave so haunted that it is kept locked. This video (very interesting) names Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery as the “most haunted cemetery in the world”.
But besides all that, Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery has an interesting setting with a church, impressive crypts, and a historical wall.
13. New Calton Burial Ground
On a hill with views of Edinburgh, especially of Holyrood Palace and the peaks of Holyrood Park, the New Calton Burial Ground has lots of atmosphere. Why the name? When the city wanted to appropriate some property from the Old Calton Burial Ground, they had to make room…so they exhumed about 300 bodies and reburied them here in the early 1800’s. In 1821 the burial ground was opened for new burials, and remained in use until closed in the 1870s.
Interesting note: There’s a watchtower in the cemetery, built in 1820 to stop “body snatchers” from stealing fresh corpses for medical school dissection.
14. Canongate Kirk church and cemetery
Located on the Royal Mile just a bit up from Holyrood Palace, the Canongate Kirk Church has formal connections with the Palace. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II would often attend services here during her visits to Holyrood Palace. The pew at the front of the church bears the crown emblem to indicate its use by the royal family.
15. Dean Village
About a 15 minute walk from Edinburgh’s center, Dean Village feels like a little town built along the river. That’s because that’s exactly what it was: known as far back as 1535 as “the miller’s village” it used to be the hub of the city’s grain mills. It was at its peak in the 18th century, there were 11 mills here, all powered by the river.
Today Dean village is a residential area with quaint bridges and buildings. At its heart is the Water of Leith walkway, a 12-mile (20 km) path along the river and through the woods.
In my books a “must see”. It’s just a whole different side of Edinburgh.
16. Circus Lane
Circus Lane: a curved street that’s considered one of the prettiest streets in the UK. Originally built to contain the stables and carriage houses of Edinburgh’s wealthy, buildings were later upgraded to what you see today. With St. Stephen’s Church in the background, the cobblestone street and all the flowers well-tended for by the residents, Circus Lane is a pretty spot.
Really, There’s not much to Circus Lane other than a photo opportunity. But you can combine it with Dean Village (above) on a circuitous walk that will bring you back to the center. More on that here.
MUSEUMS
Edinburgh has a few great museums that you can visit for FREE. Each caters to different interests so some may interest you more than others.
17. National Museum of Scotland
I have a hard time telling you what this museum covers because it basically covers everything. You’ll find a room full of flying dinosaurs and wild animals (you’ll think yourself in Jumanji), another with real planes hanging from the ceiling, another with interactive science and technology exhibits. There are sections all about Scotland, from culture to history to the economy over the centuries. There’s so much here and it’s all housed in a very large and beautiful building. On the top floor are good views over the city.
I think it’s a bit scattered in the topics it covers. But it is a GREAT museum if you have kids, the visuals here are just incredible.
As mentioned, this museum is free along with every other museum I list below. So you can come here multiple days to explore different parts of the museum.
18. National Gallery of Scotland
A great art museum and we enjoyed seeing work by some of the best Scottish artists of all time. You’ll see lots of painting of Edinburgh and the Scottish countryside so it really gives you an extended taste of the country you’re visiting. But the National Gallery also has lots of works from international artists including originals by Monet, Matisse, Gaughin, Cezanne and even Van Gogh.
Highly recommend you visit this museum.
19. Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Another great museum housed in an impressive Gothic building. When you walk in you’ll be amazed by the gorgeous entrance hall.
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is a collection of portraits through paint, photos and sculpture of famous Scots (it’s a Who’s Who of Scotland) as well as international figures (including portraits of a young Churchill and King Charles). But there are also some interesting and eccentric portraits of more common people.
Again, you really should make time for this museum.
20. Museum of Edinburgh/People’s Story Museum
If you want to know about history and what life was like in Medieval Edinburgh, you should visit the Museum of Edinburgh as well as the People’s Story Museum right across the street (which is related to the former). Both are free.
The Museum of Edinburgh isn’t big but there’s a lot of detail and much to see. I loved the models of the city and found interesting the story of how the New Town was planned out and the story behind it (they even have the original architectural plans). Very interesting. The People’s Story Museum is more about the people behind the history and makes you realize how decrepit life was in Edinburgh, even until the mid 1900’s.
An essential “must-do” if you want to understand the history of Edinburgh.
21. Writers Museum
Edinburgh has 3 famous writers: Walter Scott (one of the most popular novel writers in all of Europe in the early 1800’s), Robert Burns (regarded as the national poet of Scotland) and Robert Louis Stevenson (known for novels such as Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde).
This museum includes portraits, works and personal objects of the 3 writers.
Recommended for anyone who’s interested in knowing more about these writers.
22. The Shore Leith (Old port)
The Shore was the original port of Leith and Edinburgh. It was a major trading port with exports such as fish, coal, grain and animal hides going to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean and imports such as wine, fruit, spices and cloth coming back.
Today the area is busy with bars and restaurants frequented mostly by locals. But it’s pretty and you should also take one of the small bridges across the river to see remaining locks (Google “Teuchters Landing”) to find the sport. It’s an atmospheric area and you won’t see many tourists.
You may want to combine the above with the next item…
23. The Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britania was the former Royal yacht (1954 – 1997) of the British Monarchy. The monarch during this whole time was Queen Elizabeth II and she sailed around the world (mostly with her husband Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh). For example, they sailed Britannia to the United States in 1959. The vessel has had notable dignitaries come aboard such as Dwight Eisenhower, Gerard Ford, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Frank Sinatra, Ursula Andress…and many more. Prince Charles (now king) and Diana took the Britannia on their honeymoon cruise.
The Britannia is now retired but it sits in the Port of Leith and you can visit it. About 300,000 visitors visit it every year.
Note: It’s not cheap to visit (£23 for an advance ticket). The official website where you can also buy tickets. I’ll admit we didn’t visit the yacht which we now regret. It gets very good reviews on trip advisor).
24. Craigmillar Castle
If you want to visit a castle in Edinburgh that is not Edinburgh Castle, then you should visit Craigmillar Castle. It’s more “castle ruin” than castle but it’s remote setting (it’s not really “remote” but feels that way with its location amid grasslands) and lack of tourists made it a pleasure to visit. We enjoyed climbing the towers and imagining the history (Mary Queen of Scots stayed here for a few weeks in 1566).
Getting there: the 33 and 49 buses get you from Edinburgh’s center to close to the castle in about 40 minutes. From there you have to walk about 10 minutes along a path to get to the castle itself.
25. Edinburgh’s “Closes”
“Closes” are historic little alleyways and passageways that often bring you to surprising and almost secret spots in the old town. Most are actually located right on the Royal Mile. They’re not really “secret” anymore, seeking out “closes” now seems quite popular among tourists.
Popular Closes include White horse close, Sugarhouse close, Riddles Court and Lady Stair’s Close. My favorite Close is Dunbars Close which, based on our experience, many have not heard of (the alleyway brings you to a series of gardens. You’re steps off the Royal Mile yet suddenly you’re in the middle of nature)
26. Have a beer at The Guildford Arms
An atmospheric pub located steps from Princes St. One of the most beautiful pubs in Edinburgh with good beer. One of Edinburgh’s classic pubs.
27. St. Andrew Square Garden
When they started building the New Town in 1772, they started here. A pretty square surrounded by impressive buildings. Good place to sit in the park.
28. The Scott Monument
I’ve previously mentioned Sir Walter Scott the famous novelist (when describing the Writer’s Museum). On Princes Street you’ll find this impressive monument dedicated to him. It is the second-largest monument dedicated to a writer in the world (only the José Martí monument in Havana is larger). Today you can take a tour explaining the monument and climb up the monument itself.
29. The New College of the University of Edinburgh
A beautiful building. But it gets even better when you enter the courtyard and see the views of “the hub” across the way (a former church, now an arts and events venue).
30. Tron Kirk market
On the Royal Mile, this is a church that’s been converted into a market selling mostly artisanal items (most higher end souvenirs). Worth a pop into just because of the setting and beautiful stained glass.
I’ll add to the list if more highlights come to mind…
What have I missed in Edinburgh? Feel free to let me know.
Related: A Visit to North Berwick (and Tantallon Castle)
Related: Edinburgh: a hike up to Arthur’s Seat (and what to prioritize instead)
Leave a Reply