Best Things To Do in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Are you looking for what to do in Edinburgh?

WHAT TO SEE

While in Edinburgh, at the top of the list of places to visit is Edinburgh Castle. Plan your visit to the castle early and enjoy free guided tours to learn about the castle's historical culture. Another must-see attraction is the extinct volcanoes. One is the Castle Rock, upon which Edingburgh Castle is perched, and the other is Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. Another frequently-visited attraction in Edinburgh is the Ocean Terminal shopping center, built on former docklands. There are over eighty stores to browse through with waterfront pubs and coffee shops in case a break is desired. Lastly, for a fun night out, check out the restaurants, pubs, and clubs in the city. You can end the night at The City Nightclub on Market Street. With a capacity of 1500 patrons; the city's hottest people and the world's most famous DJs frequent this Edinburgh hotspot. No matter how you spend your time in Edinburgh, you are sure to have a rich and memorable experience.

WHERE TO BE

The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre: If you are ready to be introduced to whisky and you wish to try a sample, you can visit The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. Located on Castlehill next to Edinburgh Castle, you can participate in an informative tour. The friendly staff will reveal the story and custom of distilling whisky, and you can enjoy a sample of whisky, too. It does not cost a great deal, only about eight euros.

Arthur’s Seat: Moreover, if you are feeling adventurous and up for a challenge, head over to Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh’s extinct volcano. You can complement your physical activity with a trip to Our Dynamic Earth, a science museum geared for kids to learn about the landmark and other cool geological facts about the place.

Edinburgh Castle: Edinburgh Castle is the most popular paid attraction in Scotland. Inside the Castle, you can find eateries, shops, and informative displays. Plan your visit early because it gets quick crowded.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: Here, you can enjoy the country’s contemporary art collection inside the museum and also view numerous sculptures outside the building. Inside the museum, you will find cubist paintings, collections from expressionist and modern artists, and classics. Some of the well-known artists include Picasso, Matisse, and Andy Warhol.

Below we have a list of things to do in Edinburgh and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Edinburgh getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Edinburgh with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Edinburgh

Here is the list of things to do in Edinburgh and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Edinburgh Castle

    4.6 (10430 Votes)
    Edinburgh Castle

    Castle, Historical Site, War Memorial, Cemetery

    Built in 1130 by David I, the castle featured prominently in the wars for the Independence of Scotland, and as such, maintains a number of old traditions. The Military Tattoo function in August includes performances the pipes and drums played by regiments of the British Armed Forces and civilians including the fireworks. The traditional New Year's Eve party is attended by thousands of people i...Read more
  2. The Royal Mile

    Bar, Restaurant, Neighborhoods , Festival

    It’s hard to believe there was any other purpose to building the Royal Mile other than to trap tourists. Beautiful old buildings, street entertainers, quaint shops, bars and restaurants make this a wonderful place. If you go down the road at night, the cobblestones can even sound spooky. It’s ends are graced by Edinburgh Castle and Hollyroodhouse. In August, the street bustles with...Read more
  3. The Scott Monument

    4.6 (7530 Votes)
    The Scott Monument

    Monument

    This Victorian-Goth monument to Sir Walter Scott is the larget of it’s kind in the world to be dedicated to an author. Sixty one metres high, intricate and drand, and intricately beautiful, the monument can be climbed for a beautiful panorama of Edinburgh. The stair way of 287 steps is quite narrow and twisty. You can wander around the monument looking for your favorite Scott characters ...Read more
  4. Scottish Mining Museum

    4.6 (1784 Votes)
    Scottish Mining Museum

    Library, Mine, Specialty Museum

    Coal mining has an important part in the Scottish history, making the Scottish Mining Museum an important architecture of the country. Inaugurated in 1895, the museum, also known as the Lady Victoria Colliery, produces the best coals among the European countries. The buildings of the museum are genuine marvel to watch. The museum has its own library where the history of mining the coal is repre...Read more
  5. Stirling Castle

    Castle, Historical Site

    Stirling Castle, found in Stirling, is one of the biggest and generally significant chateaux, both truly and compositionally, in Scotland. The manor sits on Castle Hill, a meddling bank, which structures part of the Stirling Sill geographical creation. It is encompassed on three sides by steep bluffs, giving it an in number opposing position. Its key area, guarding what was, until the 1890s, th...Read more
  6. Edinburgh Zoo

    4.3 (1956 Votes)
    Edinburgh Zoo

    Zoo

    Penguins; that’s the deal here, for the zoo breeds them. Exotic birds, lions, monkeys, koalas and giant pandas are the zoo’s other attractions. There are even ex-military personnel among the animals, which include Wojtek the bear and Sir Nils Olav the penguin. Highly respected for its animal behavorial research and conservation work, the zoo recieves over half a million visitors eve...Read more
  7. Edinburgh Dungeon

    4.5 (3221 Votes)
    Edinburgh Dungeon

    Off Beaten Path, Entertainment

    Horror and humour have always gone well together, and the Edinburgh Dungeon exploits that to it’s fullest. Gallows, cannibals, mirror rooms… this is a horror house that wants you experice the chills without getting bogged down in a B-Grade plot. The actors are all terrific, and portray villains out of Scotland’s history. For a short experience, it packs quite the punch. We wo...Read more
  8. The Nelson Monument

    4.5 (3106 Votes)
    The Nelson Monument

    View Point, Observatory, Monument, Tower

    In the honour of the Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson, the magnificent Nelson Monument was built in Edinburgh. He became a martyr at the Battle of Trafalgar. Being located on top of Calton Hill, the monument rises toward the sky from where the entire city is be visible. On the top of the tower a large ball called the Time Ball made of wood, is situated which was elevated and descended to denote the ...Read more
  9. Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre

    Food And Drinks, Winery, Entertainment, Leisure

    There is just no way a whiskey museum can be anything but fun. Located next to Edinburgh Castle, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre has scotch of every quality and type. It was used by the royal family of Scotland in the ancient past. One of the experienced Tour Guides will take the visitors through the different characteristics between whiskies from the Highlands, Lowlands, Spey side and Island...Read more
  10. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

    Garden, Botanical Garden

    This scientific centre and popular tourist attraction wasfounded in 1670. About 4% of all known plant species are preserved here. There are no limit to the things you can see: rare plants, waterfalls, rock gardens, glass houses, Asian-themed gardens and stunning borders and plant collections. The staff is wonderfully helpful and knowledgable so don’t be afraid to ask quentions. There...Read more
  11. Royal Yacht Britannia

    4.6 (1683 Votes)
    Royal Yacht Britannia

    Off Beaten Path, Cruise

    Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia is the previous Royal Yacht of the British ruler, Queen Elizabeth II. She was the 83rd such vessel since the restoration of King Charles II in 1660. She is the second imperial yacht to endure the name, the first being the really popular dashing cutter assembled for The Prince of Wales in 1893. She is currently for all time moored as a show ship at Ocean Terminal. T...Read more
  12. Calton Hill

    View Point, Monument, Architecture , Hill

    It’s location in the middle of Endinburgh makes it a very convenient destination. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hill offers fabulous views of Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat and the sea reaching over to Fife. Bring your cameras! It’s best to visit in the early morning when the air is crisp and clean. Also catch the numerous iconic monuments scattered over the area, one o...Read more
  13. Mansfield Traquair Centre

    Entertainment

    The Mansfield Traquair Centre is located in Mansfield Place at the foot of Broughton Street in the east end of the New Town of Edinburgh. Mansfield Traquair is a well known for its versatile nature as it hosts weddings and conferences. Now a day’s everybody wants to get married in a royal manner. Therefore the Mansfield Traquair Centre is an automatic choice for the Scottish people. It or...Read more
  14. Arniston House

    Architecture , Heritage Building

    Located in Midlothian, Edinburgh, the Arniston House has special historical significance. It was originally inhabited by the Knights Templar and then the Knight's of Saint John. It has four floors with traditional sloping roof. A huge lawn full of lush green grass is situated at the front of the house with mountain ranges far off. The house is a famous tourist destination in Scotland where Guid...Read more
  15. Hopetoun House

    4.5 (1318 Votes)
    Hopetoun House

    Historical Site, Architecture , Heritage Building

    Looking at this place, Marlinspike Hall comes to mind.A marvel of architecture, the Hopetoun House was the residence of the Earl of Hopetoun. The interior of the house reflects the aristocratic taste of the early 18th century Europe. It is two storied house with the ceilings full of antique paintings. It has marvellous parklands and beautiful flower gardens. The staffs of the house are very hel...Read more