By Soren Rivero
As captivating as it is welcoming, the vibrant capital of Scotland boasts a wide array of activities. History buffs, adventurers, or even nature-enthusiasts should all have Edinburgh on their travel list.
If you're wondering what to do in Edinburgh, here are some of the best activities to help you explore. Whether you're on a budget or looking for hidden gems, this guide covers everything from iconic landmarks to free activities and top nighttime attractions.
Start your journey by exploring our trips to Edinburgh or view all vacation packages to Scotland.
Explore Edinburgh Castle
Quite fittingly dubbed the “crown jewel” of things to do in Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Castle should be at the top of your list when visiting this epic city. Perched high atop of Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers unparalleled views of the city and a journey through Scotland’s storied past.
Ticket prices are affordable, though ranges depending on time of the week and age of the visitor. Regardless, once inside, you’ll find the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the National War Museum. For history enthusiasts, this is a must-see, and even if you're not, the panoramic views alone make it one of the top activities in Edinburgh.
Walk the Royal Mile
Once you’re done taking a blast into the past over at Edinburgh Castle, prepare yourself for some more exploration as you take on the charming Royal Mile! Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is a bustling street lined with shops, historic sites, and charming alleyways (known as “closes”).
Keep your eyes peeled along the way, as you’ll want to make stops to visit the St. Giles’ Cathedral, take a tour of The Real Mary King’s Close (a series of hidden streets beneath the city), or simply enjoy the numerous street performers and local artists. This iconic thoroughfare encapsulates much of what makes Edinburgh unique and is a fantastic way to dive into its history and culture.
Tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse
At the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, you’ll find the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This majestic palace is overflowing with history, starting with its connections to Mary, Queen of Scots, even going as far as partaking in a role in modern royal life.
Feel free to explore the state apartments, the beautiful royal gardens, and the historic ruins of Holyrood Abbey. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the Great Gallery, where portraits of Scottish Kings from ages ago are displayed.
Perhaps you’ll want to time this attraction with your walk along the Royal Mile, or maybe you’ll just save it for another day during your Edinburgh trip! That’s the beauty of creating your own itinerary.
Which – if you’d rather not craft your own to-do list, our affordable vacation packages to Edinburgh all come with a pre-made itinerary, so all you have to do is book, pack, and enjoy. Click here to explore our vacations to Edinburgh.
Take the Hogwarts Express to Sites Any Muggle Would Love
J.K. Rowling famously penned the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione sitting in an Edinburgh cafe, and although the movies weren’t filmed in the city, there’s plenty of magic in and around Edinburgh for Potterheads to explore.
Visit the Balmoral Hotel, where Rowling finished the last installment of the Harry Potter series, or visit Victoria Street, rumored to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Spend some knuts, sickles, and galleons at Museum Context, Edinburgh’s premier Harry Potter shop housed in what was historically Robert Cressar’s Brush and Broomstick shop. Take the Jacobite Express (aka, Hogwarts Express) through the Scottish Highlands to visit Alnwick Castle, which will look very familiar to any Quidditch fans out there!
You can string together these Potter-related sites on your own self-guided tour of Edinburgh, but you can also find a Harry Potter themed tour of Edinburgh take you through the highlights.
Stroll Through Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens is an oasis of greenery and flora, located in the heart of the city right between Old and New Towns of Edinburgh. With the shadow of Edinburgh Castle looming above, these gardens offer a serene place to unwind and relax, or even picnic while still being close to the city.
If you plan your trip to Edinburgh in the summer, you might be able to catch a host of various festivals and events that are held at the gardens annually.
Discover Dean Village
In need of a peaceful escape from the busy city center? Take the short walk from Princes Street over to Dean Village to witness one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems!
This picturesque, riverside village feels like stepping back in time, with its cobbled streets, stone buildings, and the gentle flow of the Water of Leith. It’s a great place to take a quiet walk after a packed day (or week) of exploring the city’s more popular attractions. Even better, Dean Village is a fantastic option if you're looking for free things to do in Edinburgh or want to add a unique spot to your itinerary.
Check Out Edinburgh’s Historic Libraries
Calling all history buffs! Edinburgh is home to several historic libraries where you can explore archival photographs and maps of the city, browse millions of books, or simply soak up the beautiful architecture.
Edinburgh Central Library was the first public library in the city, opening its doors way back in 1890. Today, the Central Library is comprised of six specialized libraries – lending, reference, music, art and design, Edinburgh and Scottish, and the children’s library. The main Central Library building, located just off of Royal Mile, regularly hosts small archival exhibitions in the main hallway and stairwell – which are free to visit!
Other historic Edinburgh libraries include:
* The National Library of Scotland, which is dedicated to Scotland’s heritage spanning centuries and over 30 million items
* The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Library, which holds over 70,000 books including the first medical book ever published
* The Library of Advocates, library to the Faculty of Advocates and widely considered one of Europe’s finest working law libraries
Wander the National Museum of Scotland
History lovers, this one's for you! Others, well, still add this to your itinerary anyway.
The National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit attraction in Edinburgh if you’re looking for a fun and educational way to spend a few hours. The museum offers an impressive array of exhibits ranging from natural history and world cultures to science and technology.
The museum's highlights include the Millennium Clock, Dolly the sheep (the first cloned mammal), and stunning galleries on Scottish history. Admission is free, making it one of the best things to do in Edinburgh on a budget.
Hike Arthur’s Seat
Adorn your best walking shoes and pack plenty of water, this next fun thing to do in Edinburgh is sure to get you well over your daily steps goal.
Hiking Arthur’s Seat is a perfect choice for those wanting to see more of the natural side of Scotland. This ancient volcanic hill, located in Holyrood Park, provides a 360-degree view of Edinburgh and beyond. The hike is moderate, making it accessible for most visitors. The climb takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace.
Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding landscape. This hike is ideal for connecting with nature without straying far from the city center.
Pen a Line at the Writer’s Museum
Get to know THE three giants of Scottish literature for free! The Writer’s Museum celebrates the lives of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Located just off of the Lawnmarket, the Writer’s Museum is at the top part of Edinburgh’s Museum Mile, making it a must visit for anyone touring the area.
The Writer’s Museum collection includes everything from rare books to manuscripts to portraits to personal items, like the printing press on which Scott’s Waverley novels were first printed and a plaster cast of Robert Burns’s skull.
Visit the Scotch Whisky Experience
Immerse yourself in Scotland’s famous whisky culture at the Scotch Whisky Experience near Edinburgh Castle! This interactive tour takes you through the whisky-making process of Scotland’s most famous export.
For those who are willing, you’ll also be offered tastings of some of Scotland’s finest whiskies. At the end of the tour, you’ll be introduced to the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky, which is truly a sight to behold, even if you aren’t a whisky connoisseur. It’s an ideal activity for couples or friends looking for a fun thing to do in Edinburgh at night or during the day.
Explore the Underground at The Real Mary King’s Close
For a captivating look at Edinburgh’s hidden history, take a tour of The Real Mary King’s Close. This subterranean maze of streets and alleyways was once a thriving part of the city, now tucked beneath modern structures.
The tour is both haunting and informative, letting those who dare plunge into its depths take a glimpse into the lives of Edinburgh’s former residents. It's a must-do for lovers of the avant-garde or anyone seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure in Edinburgh.
Attend a Show at The Edinburgh Playhouse
Finally, you can’t leave Edinburgh without catching a show at The Edinburgh Playhouse! An iconic venue for many reasons, such as being the largest working theater in the UK, you’ll be able to watch a wide range of performances at this epic venue, from West End Musicals to comedy shows and concerts.
The atmosphere inside the theater is electric, making it one of the best places to experience Edinburgh’s vibrant arts scene. Be sure to check the schedule ahead of your visit to see what's on.
Experience a Ghost & Vampire Tour
Edinburgh’s ancient streets are said to be home to some of the most haunted locations in the whole world. Read on for a preview of some of the haunted highlights of the more gruesome side of Edinburgh’s colorful history… if you dare!
Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of the most famous graveyards in the world. It’s open 24 hours a day, which means you can visit by the safety of the afternoon sunshine or go walking around after midnight to catch a glimpse of its famous ghosts like the merciless judge “Bloody” George Mackenzie.
Visit the ghosts of Mary King’s Close after hours. The cramped cluster of closes was at one time home to all sorts of dangers, and today is rumored to be home to several ghosts including respected lawyer Thomas Coltheart and even a ghostly dog.
There are so many exciting things to do in Edinburgh – and these are just a few!
Edinburgh is where centuries worth of history, modern amenities, and plenty of natural Scottish beauty intersect – so you can be sure there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy!
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