Edinburgh is Scotland’s magnificent capital city and has 32 districts or municipal centres for you to explore! The town has been an important centre for educational activities, especially in medicine, literature, philosophy, and science, for ages. It offers travellers the chance to learn about these fascinating topics while exploring the many things to do in Edinburgh!
The City of Edinburgh is steeped in history and a significant city centre for discovering the past and present of Scotland. The city is famous for its culture and holds a dizzying amount of activities and events, from the National Museum to touring the yacht of the Royals and many festivals and art galleries. You’ll also find that locations like the Principal Edinburgh on Charlotte Square in the New Town, the Old Town Chambers or The Glasshouse are some of Edinburgh’s best accommodation, providing comfort and luxury as you explore the top Edinburgh attractions and things to do!
Things to do in Edinburgh
There are many cultural and historical attractions to unearth in Edinburgh, and you’d be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed at the sheer amount of things to do.
This capital city has a rich history, lively cultural hotspots, and many exciting activities. One morning, you could learn about the region’s history at the National Museum of Scotland. In contrast, another could have you enjoying a fine blend of Scottish whisky at the Scotch Whisky Experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with the best views of the whole city!
Most Edinburgh residents are extraordinarily proud of their city, which shows in the friendly and smiling local faces you’ll see as you wander the cobbled streets of Edinburgh. There are many things to do in Edinburgh, so we’ve made this list of your must-see destinations when you visit this old town:
Experience the Festivals of Edinburgh
It’s entirely fair to say that Edinburgh is the City of Festivals, with some spectacular events that fill the year and bring together many communities from all over Scotland.
Edinburgh’s festivals target folks from all walks of life, so whether you love live music, literature, arts and film, or even science, there’s a festival in Edinburgh that is sure to excite and enthral you!
We’ve covered some of our favourite ones here for you to consider booking your holiday around:
Edinburgh Fringe International Arts Festival
The stunning Fringe Festival of Edinburgh is considered one of the most lavish celebrations of arts and culture in Scotland and the entire world!
For three weeks in August, from the 5th to the 29th, Edinburgh’s city is saturated with thousands of people’s creative energy and artistry. Arts and performances dominate the high street, George Street, the Royal Mile, and other corners of the town as impassioned visitors come to Edinburgh and celebrate the talent and practice of Scotland’s most incredible artists.
This festival has roots dating back to 1947 and has been a long-standing tradition, one you certainly can’t miss out on while visiting Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh Book Festival
The Edinburgh Book Festival welcomes authors from all over the world, and any book-reader, big or small, should attend the festival at least once in their life.
The Book Festival overlaps with the Fring Arts Festival, taking place from the 13th to the 29th of August. The Book Festival welcomes the leading and emerging Scottish and English authors to inspire their fans and promote their works.
Some titles cater to children and adult readers, and the festival offers the chance to pick up your new favourite title and meet the author simultaneously!
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Once you find out that ‘Hogmanay’ is the Scottish word for the last day of the year, this festival begins to make total sense. It’s one of Scotland’s most important holidays, and if you’re ever in Edinburgh during the holiday season, you’ll be treated to quite the celebration!
Lasting for over three days, from the 31st of December to the 2nd of January, The Hogmanay Festival in Edinburgh starts with a torchlight procession that lights up the Old Town district of the Edinburgh city centre before it comes alive with outdoor concerts and street parties, and fireworks.
If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh during the holiday season, take some time for one of the most important festivals in Scotland.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
From the 5th of August until the 27th, the Royal Military Tattoo celebrates the Scottish military with marching bands, Highland dancers, and music!
The festival is truly one of Edinburgh’s most famous and one of the cultural attractions you can’t miss while visiting the city. Over 200,000 people attend and stomp their feet to the beat of drums, cymbals, and bagpipes throughout this festival. The Highland dancers are fascinating to watch, and you can hear the sounds of the crowd cheering and the blaring music throughout the city when the Festival takes place.
This festival shows off the love of history and feats of the Scottish military to all that attend and is considered one of the top attractions you can see during Edinburgh’s festival months.
Edinburgh Science Festival
Science-lovers are in for a treat from the 1st to the 16th of April when the informative Science Festival takes place.
There are almost 270 events that families can interact with, gaining a thorough understanding of the scientific world. Adults can also have fun by participating in fun science-themed activities like tasting, debates, workshops, and great nights out!
Enjoy science as you’ve never seen it before at the Edinburgh Science Festival, the perfect festival to accompany your stay in Edinburgh.
Visit the Scottish National Gallery & Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery is in the city centre, specifically on Princes Street in New Town District and is one of the best things to do when visiting Edinburgh if you’re an art lover.
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery ranks as one of the three significant galleries you can find in Scotland. The Gallery presents some of the finest works of Scottish artists, including Scotland’s most extensive gallery of modern and contemporary European paintings. It has a vast collection of original works of art too!
The National Gallery was created in 1859, and today, visitors can immerse themselves in the gallery’s history with visits to seminars and art classes and a private shuttle service that also operates that connects the two galleries and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Visit the Real Mary King’s Close
Discover a secret side of the city under the streets of Edinburgh by navigating through The Real Mary King’s Close. This attraction takes you through 400 years of the city’s history in a narrow underground maze.
This series of pathways is one of the most surreal things to do in Edinburgh, especially as it’s all hidden under the streets off the Royal Mile. Based in the Old Town, the Real Mary King’s Close is a hidden system of roads and pathways built hundreds of years ago and is famous for its spooky atmosphere.
But worry not, navigating the Close is easy with costumed tour guides who immerse you into what this portion of Edinburgh would’ve been like and the troubles and turmoil that took place in them – it’s equally mysterious and informative!
Savour the views from Calton Hill
Calton Hill provides those who scale the trail with excellent panoramic views of the city, all the way from Princes Street in the New Town to the Old Town lookout and even Arthur’s Seat!
The National Monument on Calton Hill was constructed in memory of the fallen Napoleonic soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars in France. The Monument on Calton Holl is Greek in design, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re suddenly in Athens.
If you fancy seeing the whole of the city in your holiday photos, just take a few shots from this spot of the city during sunset from atop Calton Hill. You can access Calton Hill from the River Forth and the Letha dining dock to the north and east.
Explore Edinburgh Castle
The mighty Edinburgh Castle is set in the heart of Scotland’s dynamic capital city and on top of an extinct volcano – that’s something you’d read in a fantasy novel!
Edinburgh Castle is the iconic tourist destination in the UK and is one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh. Highlights include listening to the famous One O’Clock Gun Salute from Half Moon Battery and visiting the Stone of Destiny, which was famously stolen by Edward II and then held in England.
You do have to pay a fee to enter, but it goes to maintaining and ensuring this landmark is preserved for generations, as well as the fantastic artefacts within it like the Honours of Scotland, the Queen’s Embroideries, and Mons Meg.
Grab a handy and informative tour (with an audio guide), and you’ll want to dedicate a whole afternoon to this unique attraction in Edinburgh.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock is a massive rock towering over the city and serves as the setting for Edinburgh Castle. Castle Rock is, in fact, a volcanic rock formation which was formed in the Carboniferous period and towers above Edinburgh’s Old Town and the West Princes Street Gardens.
Castle Rock is a marvel of geology, and it’s no wonder that the beautiful Edinburgh Castle was built on top of it. The sloping rocks aren’t only a fascinating setpiece that literally elevates the city above the city but were one of the defining factors that made Edinburgh Castle a more secure location during the Middle Ages.
Walk Down the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the most famous thoroughfare in the Old Town region of Edinburgh, stretching about 1.81 miles across the district’s central area.
The present-day Royal Mile is the busiest tourist street in the Old Town, rivalled only by Princes Street in the New Town. The Royal Mile also allows you to stop by a wide selection of curated shops, some of which are excellent souveneirs to take home with you. Walking the Royal Mile is a great way to get to know Old Town when you first arrive in Edinburgh, complete with stunning views of Castle Rock and Edinburgh Castle.
Also, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the statue of Greyfriars Bobby located on the corner of Candlemaker’s Row and George IV Bridge when you navigate the Royal Mile!
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
The Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an excellent set of attractions that caters to everyone who loves the feeling of impossibility and wonder when you see illusions!
Camera Obscura, placed on the roof of a Victorian building, contains a series of pinholes that illuminate an image when you look through them. Throughout the experience, you will be confronted with mirror slides, spinning turbulence, three-dimensional holograms, and various optical illusions that boggle the mind.
The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is one of the more exciting attractions in the city, providing excellent entertainment to everybody of all ages!
St Giles Cathedral
St. Giles Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is Edinburgh’s principal Parish church on Edinburgh’s high street. It’s also one of the city’s most popular places, attracting upwards of a million visitors each year.
The current building was designed around 1600, with an 88-foot-tall central tower and eight arches surrounding the spire. The interior of the Cathedral also holds nearly 200 statues of famous figures of Scottish History, including John Knox, the leader of the Scottish Reformation.
Check out the St. Giles Cathedral while you’re in Edinburgh. It’s genuinely one of the most stunning Cathedrals and historic sites in Edinburgh, Scotland!
Admire the Sir Walter Scott Monument
An international memorial site was built to celebrate the death of an Edinburgh-born author, Sir Walter Scott.
Take the 277 steps high for stunning panoramic views of the town and reach the top of the monument, which features several statues depicting the revolutionary author Walter Scott and his beloved dog. The collections on Walter Scott are available in the Museum Room, another testament to this prolific writer.
The Scott Monument is one of the most impressive monuments in the city and is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh. Just remember, the staircase is pretty narrow, so always watch your step as you ascend to the Scott Monument.
Ascend Arthur’s Seat
One of Edinburgh’s most recognisable points of travel might be Arthur’s Seat, situated in Holyrood Park. Located in the west end of Edinburgh, the old extinct volcano grants some of the most amazing views of Edinburgh and West Lothian.
But the views aren’t the only great thing about Arthur’s Seat, and it’s the fact that Holyrood Park contains a plethora of other notable attractions like Holyrood Palace, St Anthony’s Chapel, and Duddingston Loch. Arthur’s Seat can be found in the heart of Edinburgh and is a natural sanctuary within the city that is perfect for an afternoon of exploration and hiking.
The views from Arthur’s Seat cannot be understated, and exploring the beautiful and lush Holyrood Park is a must for anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of Britain’s most beloved attractions and has acted as the vessel of choice for the Royal Family for decades. Following over 30 years of service to the Royal Family, the ship arrived in Leith, an essential marina in the Scottish Harbour and docked for travellers to see!
Check out the visitor centre nearby, and you’ll be gifted with a wide selection of activities you can do at the marina, like catching a boat trip onto the seas or experiencing fine seafood dining. The Royal Yacht Britannia is the crown jewel of this marina and immediately draws your eye!
The main attractions on board the Royal Deck are its tea rooms and the suites and bedrooms of this royal ship. Visitors can also relax on sun loungers with hot and cold drinks like true royalty – precisely what a vacation should be about!
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum is a great experience when the weather isn’t in your favour. This National Museum is maintained by the Edinburgh council and is a major centre of Scottish history.
We’re not joking when we say hundreds of thousands of visitors take advantage of the city’s museums every year. The National Museum of Scotland aims to incorporate the national collections of archaeology and medieval objects and contains artefacts from all over the world. The 16 new galleries reopened in 2011 include 8,000 new pieces of never before seen art!
One of the more notable exhibits is the stuffed body of Dolly the sheep, the first successful cloning of a mammal ever! Other highlights include exhibits from Ancient Egypt, one of Elton John’s extravagant suits, the Jean Muir Collection of costumes and a large sculpture known as the Millennium Clock.
This is Edinburgh’s most popular exhibit, and grabbing a knowledgable tour guy is the best way to experience this collection.
Unearth the Edinburgh Dungeon
For those that love thrills and a bit of mystery, visiting the Edinburgh Dungeon is a must.
The Edinburgh Dungeon is the ultimate underground trip through Edinburgh’s darkest moments in history. It is a unique, award-winning visitor attraction that combines a professional cast of character actors that enhance the experience, spooky special effects, and thrilling rides in a truly unique and immersive walk-through experience.
Edinburgh Dungeon also offers Dungeon Late events, usually for adults, as the contents may be too graphic for children.
Walk the length of Princes Street
Prince’s Avenue is the longest and most prominent street in the New Town District of Edinburgh – a total hotspot for activities and shops!
You can spend a whole day browsing the stores and cafes in a bustling city atmosphere that calms the soul. There is also a collection of extraordinary historical landmarks along the road, including the Sir Walter Scott Memorial and the David Livingstone Memorial. The New Register House on the street houses the National Library, Scotland’s oldest collection of family history records.
A stroll along the length of Princes Street is a compulsory activity that improves any holiday to Edinburgh.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is home to Scotland’s outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art and is a must on any to-do list to Edinburgh.
Ranging from classical pieces to the surreal, the range and depth of artwork at this Gallery will have any art enthusiast coming back for more. It’s worth dedicating a whole afternoon to admiring the stunning works of Edinburgh characters and countrysides.
The National Gallery of Modern Art offers an opportunity to explore significant contemporary art in Edinburgh, with works by the likes of Matisse, Emin and Picasso – some of the most famous artists in the world.
A trip to the Gallery of Modern Art will never leave you disappointed as an art lover.
Greyfriars Church and Greyfriars Bobby
The churches of Greyfriars and the statue of Greyfriars Bobby are one attraction that shouldn’t escape any visit to Edinburgh.
Grey Friars Bobby is the state of a Skye Terrier with a tragic tale. The story goes that the Terrier spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave, John Gray, before passing. This story of unfaltering loyalty is captured in the Skye Terrier statue on one end of the Greyfriars Chruch.
The Chruch is also marvellously designed, boasting stone columns and buttresses that invoke a sense of mystery. Visitors can feel this sense of mystery the most as they explore and wander through the graveyard behind the church, which holds the notable members of the church and Edinburgh.
Enjoy a Tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience
No trip to the city would be complete without one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh, tasting and enjoying all that Scottish distilleries have to offer.
Any whisky lover cannot visit the Royal Mile without visiting the Scotch Whisky Experience, which offers some of the finest whiskies. This attraction contains an extensive array of activities that is perfect for seasoned travellers and whisky enthusiasts.
Take a tour around the virtual distillery to learn what happens when whiskey distillation is performed and how the technique works. When you get peckish, feel free to enjoy a meal at the Amber Restaurant, and get ready for another tasting right after!
Sip the Finest of Johnnie Walker
We can’t talk about things to do in Edinburgh without mentioning a visit to Johnnie Walker Princes Street for immersive experiences, unique personalised gifts or souvenirs. They serve exclusive cocktails, cuisine, and beverages with exceptional views of Edinburgh from their 1820 rooftop bar.
Book a unique whisky tour to see Scotland’s flavours for yourself, it’s an excellent experience to have with friends and family as your recall the adventures of the day exploring the Highlands of Scotland.
Taste the most curated collection of whiskies from Scotland in Edinburgh, with over 150 special bottles. This is one treat that you can give your tastebuds that they will thank you for!
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is the paramount animal experience unlike any other that you can enjoy while visiting the west end of Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh Zoo is in the heart of the city and grants exciting views of the city around it. The zoo was constructed in 1913 and owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, it’s a thrilling attraction that your children will love visiting.
The Edinburgh Zoo is one of the foremost leading facilities in conservation and education, and you have the opportunity to learn the details and importance of protection through the many helpful guides and tours the zoo offers.
Lauriston Castle and Gardens
Edinburgh provides many attractions away from the traffic in the city centre, but the Lauriston Castle and Gardens are undoubtedly one of the best attractions to do so.
Lauriston Palace and Gardens are the best places in Edinburgh for those who want to explore and experience nature in peace and tranquillity. Step back in time to explore this historic Edwardian castle, and do not miss the afternoon’s guided explorations for the whole family. Take nature walks around the Castle and then return to the peaceful Tokyo Gardens, a hidden gem in the city.
Lauriston Castle and Gardens are a perfect place to relax and enjoy yourselves, making an incredible attraction to add to your to-do list.
The Museum of Childhood
The Museum of Children in Edinburgh is dedicated to the history of childhoods throughout the ages. The Museum holds a vast collection of toys, games, and dolls that children have been playing with since the 1800s.
However, it is far beyond simple toys. Since its first opening in the early 1900s, the museum explores broader aspects of the family’s culture: school day traditions and fashionable clothes. Added authenticity is replicating Victorian streets, complete with outdoor toys that allow you to dress in old costumes!
The Museum of Childhood is a superb place to take your children as they don’t only get to see and play with toys but learn about how their favourite dolls have evolved.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a scientific centre for studying plants and is world-leading in its horticulture and education, as well as a popular tourist attraction you can visit in Edinburgh.
Founded in 1670 as a garden to grow medicinal plants, it occupies four sites across Scotland: Edinburgh, Dawyck, Logan, and Benmore, each with its specialist collection that contains unique and beautiful plants.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s living collection consists of more than 13,000 plant species. The herbarium contains over 3 million preserved specimens, so there’s plenty to admire and marvel at when you visit!
Honestly, passing up a visit to the royal palace of plants is a missed opportunity – there’s nothing more serene.
Discover Dynamic Earth
A visit to Dynamic Earth is like nothing else on Earth, and this attraction in Edinburgh offers something spectacular for families and kids of all ages.
It’s a chance to experience the extraterrestrial forces (we’re not talking about aliens) of the universe that shaped Earth into what it was today, to journey through space and time, and even go on a 4D adventure around the world. At Dynamic Earth, you can travel back to the beginning of time, witness the Big Bang, and explore the stars.
Dynamic Earth combines interactive media and historical experience by taking visitors on a 500-million-year voyage from the beginning of the universe to today. The centre has an innovative infrastructure encircling an ultra-modern tent building. It recently launched a 4D Adventure simulation, allowing visitors to explore life’s evolution on Earth in a high-flying spacecraft.
Entertainment & education are married at one attraction when you visit Dynamic Earth, so don’t miss out on your chance to learn about the rock you live on.
See a show at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre
The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is located right in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre and boasts spectacular shows and gorgeous sights. The original building was opened way back in the 19th Century and is now the home to the Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera.
Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre is one of the largest venues in the British Isles and hosts amazing ballet and musical performances. There’ve been many outstanding performances by famous entertainers, including Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy and David Bowie.
One of the most famous stories of the Edinburgh Festival Theatre is of The Great Lafayette. Legend claims this Theatre is haunted by the famed illusionist The Great Lafayette, who died in an inferno in 1911 in the theatre. If you hear spooky sounds that you can’t quite explain, then perhaps the tales of this ‘Man or Mystery’ are more than just stories…
Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey
Holyrood Palace is the official home to the Queen in Scotland and her palace of choice when visiting Edinburgh. Perched just across from the Scottish Parliament, it’s a great place to explore and see a little slice of royal life whilst in the city.
You can see the Palace of Holyroodhouse when the Queen is away, which is usually empty most of the year except when she returns in the summer. At such times, access is granted to the stunning Historic Apartments in Holyrood Palace (former home of Mary Queen of Scots) and the State Apartments, famous for their incredible design and detailed furniture and wallpapers.
Princes Street Gardens
The beautiful Princes Street Gardens is the lush park that divides the Old Town and New Town of Edinburgh. The Street Gardens are open year-wide and boast a stunning 37-acres of bountiful gardens and a tranquil atmosphere.
The main monument is the Ross Fountain and a familiar meeting spot for many of the locals of Edinburgh. Suppose you’re lucky enough to visit Edinburgh during the winter months. In that case, you’ll see the Princes Street Garden transformed into a winter wonderland with a Christmas market, an ice rink, and a towering Ferris Wheel known as the ‘Edinburgh Eye’.
The Street Gardens is the gateway between Edinburgh’s two most famous districts and one attraction you should consider visiting!
Charlotte Square
This central square is named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III, and is considered one of the finest Georgian squares in Britain! The plaza has maintained many elegant and dynamic building designs that line the square’s four sides.
Charlotte Square is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, and standing in its centre shows off this brilliant history of the square and takes you back to the 1800s version of Edinburgh.
If you have some free time, Charlotte Square is an excellent place to enjoy lunch basking in the sun and near some of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings.
Explore Leith
Leith is one of the most iconic places to visit in Edinburgh and well worth a visit when you’re stopping by Edinburgh.
Leith not only has a quaint and homely collection of restaurants, cafes, and shops that make a shopping holiday a quick flight away but also a stunning waterfront with a serene marina containing beautiful boats. The most famous is the Royal Yacht Britannia, which we’ve mentioned in this list already.
Leith is like the holiday home you can vacation to while you’re in Edinburgh, and it’s well-worth visiting if you have some extra time during a weekend.
Forth Road Bridge
Spanning the Firth of Forth is the magnificent Forth Road Bridge, your gateway to the Highlands of Scotland.
Forth Road Bridge was built in 1964, the largest of its kind and a testament to engineering. Today, it spans over the Firth of Forth and catches the eye of those travelling to the city from the northern reaches of Scotland.
You’ll likely cross this bridge at some point on your Scottish journey, but we highly recommend that you take some time to admire the marvellous design and engineering that has gone into the Forth Road Bridge.
Dean Village
Dean Village is a little piece of paradise in the city of Edinburgh; the twisting stream, the beautiful lopsided townhomes, and cosy streets make this Village a cottagecore fantasy.
The collection of quaint houses is impressive to walk through, and if you have an hour to spend, you should certainly make the most of your time here. Taking pictures is an absolute must, and many unique spots will have your timeline utterly envious of your vacation.
Dean Village is a hidden gem of Edinburgh and a must-see destination right by the Water of Leith.
Surgeon’s Hall Museum
Within the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh is the Surgeon’s Hall Museum, a delightfully gory and informative Museum for those of keen interest.
The Museum holds several fascinating tours, although we highly recommend the Blood And Guts Tour, which takes you through a blood-chilling selection of body parts and blood. This is all in the name of education, though, and the excellent tour guides of the Surgeon’s Hall Museum are fantastic at keeping you informed and curious.
If you’re not faint of heart, the Surgeon’s Hall Museum is an incredible attraction that deserves your time while in Edinburgh.
Check Out Jupiter Artland
The grounds of Jupiter Artland are like something from a different world, and curated and precisely cut art displays await anyone who visits.
Within the Jupiter Artland sits a surreal collection of unique worlds of art, from the green ‘Cells of Life’ that are especially pleasing to the eye to the evocative ‘I Lay Here For You’ exhibit surrounded by peaceful woodlands. The exhibits in the Jupiter Artland are constantly rotating, so while you may not see the ones mentioned here, there is always something to look forward to at Jupiter Artland.
Holidays should be about rejuvenation and relaxation, and there is no better place to do so than at Jupiter Artland.
Portobello Beach
Travel a few miles from the city centre of Edinburgh, and you’ll have the chance to see Portobello Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in Scotland!
The beautiful white sands are accompanied by the gorgeous designs of the waterfront Portobello houses, and this award-winning beach is known for hosting unique events throughout the year. If you’re looking for a beach holiday while visiting Edinburgh, Portobello Beach is undoubtedly the first choice that people go for.
Craigmillar Castle
Explore the same castle used by Mary, Queen of Scots, as a refuge in 1566. Craigmillar Castle is one of Edinburgh’s most fascinating and spectacular castles, and you should be putting it at the top of your list!
Craigmillar is famous for its beautiful towers, and most are accessible to climb up and grant picturesque views of the countryside around Craigmillar and the ‘Granite City’ itself in the distance. For history buffs, the significance of Craigmillar Castle in the story of the Queen of Scots is also self-evident. The owner of this old castle would end up being her jailer a mere year after giving her sanctuary!
With delightfully delicious history and a fantastic interior to explore, it’s no wonder that Craigmillar Castle is one of the city’s top attractions.
Enjoy a Heart of Midlothian Game
Edinburgh’s football team are known as the Heart of Midlothian, and catching one of their exhilarating games is one of the most fun activities you can do while in Edinburgh!
Their home turf is Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh, a stadium that can hold over 18,000 cheering fans. Nothing beats the energy and atmosphere of a Heart of Midlothian game, and grabbing a ticket to see them over a weekend is certainly one of the best ways to experience the fierce spirit of Scottish locals.
If you have an evening to spare, check to see if any games are coming up while you’re in Edinburgh!
Other Things To Do in Edinburgh & The Lothians
- Things to Do in Bathgate
- Things to do in Haddington
- Things to do in Linlithgow
- Things to do in Livingston
- Things to do in North Berwick
- Things to do in South Queensferry
