Are you planning a trip to Edinburgh? Make sure you don’t miss anything by planning ahead. Book in advance your admission to the King’s official residence, take an eerie ghost tour of an underground castle, follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter, and experience much more. Find here the best things to do in Edinburgh!
Best tips and tours for your trip to Edinburgh:
1. City Pass The Royal Edinburgh (visit the Royal Yacht Britannia among other royal attractions)
2. Edinburgh Palace Guided Tour (with skip-the-line entrance)
3. Hollyrood Palace’s Ticket
4. Harry Potter Original Locations Tour
5. Haunted Vaults walking tour
6. Take a Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise
7. Visit the Scottish National Gallery
Recommended Hotels in Edinburgh:
1. Cheval Old Town Chambers (5-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle)
2. Sonder Royal Garden Apartments (close to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery)
3. Ocean Mist Leith (close to the Royal Yacht Britannia
1. Visit the Edinburgh Castle
If you’re a history buff, you’ll love visiting this iconic castle in Edinburgh. One of the oldest castles in Europe, it sits majestically on a hill of volcanic origin and offers stunning views of the city from its esplanade. A visit to the castle is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh. Don’t be alarmed if you hear a cannon shot at 1:00 pm every day – it’s been happening since 1861!
Visit the Royal Apartments and have a glance at the bedchamber of Mary, Queen of Scots.
View the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels.
Enter The Vaults of the Castle of Edinburgh which were used as a prison for soldiers captured during the American War of Independence and the Napoleonic Wars. Watch the original graffiti carvings done by American and French prisoners on the old wooden doors.
Take this guided tour with skip-the-line entrance in order to avoid long lines and save time.
2. Stroll Through The Royal Mile in the Old Town
The Royal Mile, is a series of cobbled streets connecting the Edinburgh Castle and the Holyrood Palace. The distance between the two points is 1,814.2 meters, which gave rise to the Scottish mile unit of measurement in the 16th century.
Explore the numerous alleys and courtyards along the street, which add to the medieval atmosphere of the city.
Walk to the Castle Esplanade, a public area that was previously used for executing witches and now serves as the location for the Tattoo Festival.
Midway down the Royal Mile, in High Street visit St Giles’ Cathedral. Outside the Cathedral, there is a heart-shaped image on the ground that people spit on because they believe it brings good luck.
One of the best things to do in Edinburgh is to stroll the Royal Mile Market looking for souvenirs. Some of the items in demand are kilts, bagpipes and whisky. It usually opens on weekends and during summer months.
And if you are looking for great vegetarian food don’t forget to pay a visit to Edinburgh Larder in this part of town.
3. Visit the King´s Official Residence in Scotland: The Holyrood Palace
After you finish your walk through the Royal Mile, you will arrive at Holyrood Palace. If you are interested in royalty and have watched ‘The Crown,’ a visit here is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
Holyrood Palace has been the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland since the 16th century. Queen Elizabeth II would traditionally spend one week at Holyroodhouse at the start of each summer.
Tour the 16th-century apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots and the State Apartments, which are open to the public, except when members of the royal family are in residence.
Book in advance your Hollyrood Palace’s ticket.
4. Enjoy Art in the Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery and almost all of Edinburgh’s museums are free to visit.
At this one you will enjoy masterpieces by Rafael, Leonardo Da Vinci, Botticelli, Monet, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Velasquez, Goya, among many others.
A visit to the Scottish National Gallery is part of a 3-day Edinburgh itinerary.
5. Take a Harry Potter Tour
Although J.K. Rowling was not born in Edinburgh, she moved there in 1993 when she started writing her first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
In this Harry Potter Locations tour you will visit the places that inspired J.K. Rowling to create her characters and the cafes where she used to write. Greyfriars Kirkyard and Victoria Street are some of the locations that inspired the settings of her novels. This is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh for every Potter lover.
However, this is not all that is about this beloved magician on the streets of Edinburgh. Another fun activity, a Harry Potter Cocktail Making Experience, is also waiting for you.
6. Take an Underground Vaults Ghosts Tour
Did you know that Edinburgh is considered the most haunted city in Europe? Many individuals reported sightings of ghostly figures in the 19 underground vaults. These reports include at least five distinct ghostly entities that have been seen over the years.
If you are a mystery lover asking what to do in Edinburgh I’d strongly suggest you to explore Edinburgh’s eerie history on a haunted vaults walking tour which will take you through the city’s most haunted locations. You will hear chilling stories of Edinburgh’s gruesome past as you visit the underground Blair Street vaults, haunted by the spirits of the past.
7. Climb Arthur´s Seat, an Extinct Volcano
Arthur’s Seat is a hill located on top of an extinct volcano within Holyrood Park, at the end of the Royal Mile. It is a popular hiking destination in Edinburgh and a big attraction for its scenic views of the city.
The track begins at the base of Arthur’s Seat, near Holyrood Palace. From there, you should follow the path that leads uphill and stay to the left. Prepare for steep inclines and uneven ground, and wear suitable footwear, such as hiking boots or sturdy shoes.
The park opens from 7:00am to sunset.
8. Take a Sight-Seeing Cruise to View the Firth of Forth
The Firth of Forth, an estuary in eastern Scotland is one of the best things to see in Edinburgh. The Firth is known for its iconic Forth Bridges, including the Forth Rail Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge, and the Queensferry Crossing. It is also home to a variety of marine wildlife, including seals and puffins.
Experience the thrill of a Firth of Forth Sightseeing Cruise and capture unrivaled views of the “three bridges” crossing the river Forth. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge and Inchcolm Island. Get up close with the vibrant marine wildlife, including seals and puffins.
Scotland, in general, is indeed a country with wonderful spots. If you intend to venture beyond Edinburgh on your next trip, check out the amazing Isle of Skye and its stunning locations.
9. Step Aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia or HMY Britannia, is the former royal yacht of the British monarchy. The yacht served as the Royal Family’s floating residence, traveling to over 600 ports in 135 countries during its 43 years of service. After its retirement, it stays permanently at Ocean Terminal in Leith, Edinburgh, and receives over 300,000 visitors annually.
Book the City Pass The Royal Edinburgh which allows fast-track access to Royal Yacht Britannia.
Explore the State Apartments and the late Queen Elizabeth’s favorite room, as well as visit the Royal Sailing Exhibition, the Crew’s Quarters and the Engine Room.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Old Town
This is the neighborhood comprising the Royal Mile, with many attractions within walking distance.
Cheval Old Town Chambers is located just a 2-minute walk from Waverley railway station and a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle, this hotel in Edinburgh is situated in a central location. Additionally, it provides convenient access to a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and bars in the city centre.
Book a stay at the Cheval Old Town Chambers here.
New Town
This area is home to exclusive shops and the Scottish National Gallery. The Waverley train station, with links to London, Glasgow, and other important cities, is also located here.
Sonder Royal Garden Apartments has an excellent location in the New Town. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is just steps away from this hotel. Close to charming bakeries, lively pubs, and diverse restaurants. Enjoy the perfect combination of comfort and excitement during your stay at Royal Garden Apartments.
Book a stay at the Sonder Royal Garden Apartments here.
Leith
This is a very lively town with a vibrant social scene, located 11 minutes by bus from the Old Town. There are numerous excellent dining options available, and the main attraction in the city is the Royal Yatch Britannia.
Ocean Mist Leith is a seventeen-bedroom luxury Hotel and bar with amazing 360-degree views of the historic Water of Leith from Edinburgh Castle to The Victoria Swing Bridge. The Royal Yacht Britannia is reachable within less than 1 km from the hotel. Some rooms at the property feature a balcony with a river view.
Book a stay at the Ocean Mist Leith here.
When is the Best Time to visit Edinburgh
The best time to visit Edinburgh is during the summer from June to August, when the average temperature ranges from 52°F (11°C) to 66°F (19°C). It is important to note that it can rain throughout the year and the rest of the year can be cold and windy, as Scotland is known to be the windiest country in Europe. The annual average temperature is 48°F (9°C).
Check WayAway for low-cost flights to Edinburgh.
