Edinburgh is like walking through a real-life storybook – only with better pubs. With its cobbled streets, dramatic skyline, and a history that ranges from royal to downright spooky, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do in Edinburgh. Whether you’re here for the views, the vibes, or just a very good scone, this guide has you covered.

View of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh, with the city name spelled out in large letters on a grassy hill. A tall amusement ride is visible on the right.
Edinburgh in December
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I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger splitting my time between London and Scotland. I’ve called Edinburgh my second home for years, and still get butterflies every time I see the Castle peeking through the mist.

👉 Looking for a planned itinerary? Try my Edinburgh in One Day Itinerary, or if you’re travelling at Christmas time, my 3 Day Edinburgh Christmas Itinerary.

Here are my top picks for the best things to do in Edinburgh – without the fluff.

Explore Edinburgh Castle 🏰

This ancient fortress dominates the skyline from Castle Rock, and inside, it’s all regal rooms, cannon-lined battlements, and Scottish history.

Stone walls and towers of Edinburgh Castle lit by afternoon sun under a clear blue sky.
Edinburgh Castle

Highlights include the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the daily One O’Clock Gun.

Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets in advance or take a guided tour to get the best stories (and avoid the queue).

Take in the Views from Calton Hill 🌄

For classic Edinburgh skyline shots, Calton Hill is the place.

View from Calton Hill with the Dugald Stewart Monument and the Edinburgh skyline at golden hour.

Just a short climb from Princes Street, this hilltop park delivers epic views of the Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and out to the Firth of Forth – all without the leg burn of Arthur’s Seat.

It’s home to the National Monument (aka “Edinburgh’s Folly”), the Nelson Monument, and the City Observatory, so there’s plenty to see.

Person walking on Calton Hill, Edinburgh, with the National Monument in the background under a clear blue sky.

Go for sunrise if you’re an early bird, or pack a flask for golden hour and watch the city light up below. Bonus: it’s free and rarely too crowded.

Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse 👑

This is the King’s official residence in Scotland, and it’s every bit as regal as you’d expect.

Stone palace in Edinburgh with towers and conical roofs under a blue sky, set in a spacious courtyard. Large windows and detailed stonework are visible on the structure.
Holyrood Palace

Wander the historic apartments, see Mary Queen of Scots’ chambers, and stroll through the royal gardens. Get your admission tickets in advance, as there are limited slots available.

It sits at the base of Arthur’s Seat, so you can pair both in one day.

Climb Arthur’s Seat ⛰️

It’s not Everest, but it’s a nice solid leg-stretcher.

A green, hilly landscape under a blue sky with scattered white clouds. Vegetation covers the hills, with rocks and patches of dry grass visible.

Arthur’s Seat is a dormant volcano that offers one of the best views in the city after a short but quite steep climb. Perfect for a morning walk or golden hour photos.

Wear proper shoes – it can get muddy and rocky near the top!

Wander the Royal Mile 🎻

Running from the Castle to Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s historic heart.

People walking along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh on a sunny day with St Giles’ Cathedral spire in the distance.
Interior view of St Giles cathedral in Edinburgh with arched ceilings, stained glass windows, and wooden pews.

Expect tartan shops, street performers, and the occasional ghost tour floating past.

Pop into hidden closes (narrow alleyways) and don’t miss St Giles’ Cathedral (it’s free to enter). The Thistle Chapel inside is a Gothic masterpiece.

Book a Royal Mile Guided Tour to learn local knowledge in a small group. Or, if you want to beat the crowds, try this Private Evening Royal Mile Tour instead.

Sip Whisky on the Royal Mile 🥃

You don’t have to love whisky to enjoy The Scotch Whisky Experience – though it helps.

The Scotch Whisky Experience building facade with brickwork, windows, and hanging basket, featuring illuminated top floor windows.
Scotch Whisky Experience

Learn how it’s made, smell the difference between smoky and sweet, and see the world’s largest whisky collection. The guided tastings are really worth it.

Snap Photos at Victoria Street 📸

The curvy, colourful street that allegedly inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

A cobblestone street in a historic city with stone buildings, colorful storefronts, and hanging festive bunting. People walk and gather below a partly cloudy sky.

It’s full of cute shops, cosy pubs, and brilliant angles for your camera roll.

Grab a coffee from The Milkman or a scoop of gelato from Mary’s Milk Bar nearby.

Stroll through Dean Village 🏡

Just a 10-minute walk from Princes Street, this former milling village feels like a fairytale.

View of a picturesque riverside with colorful historic buildings, framed by a vibrant yellow building on the left and a white one on the right, against a backdrop of stone structures and a partly cloudy sky.
Dean Village

Think riverside paths, cobbled lanes, and Instagram-perfect cottages. It’s especially pretty in the morning when the light hits the Water of Leith.

👉 Read more: 9 Best Things to do in Dean Village.

Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard (and say hi to Bobby) 🐾

This 16th-century graveyard is famously haunted – but most visitors come to see the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years.

Statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the famous loyal Skye Terrier, outside Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh.
Two weathered gravestones set against a stone wall in a cemetery with bare trees in the background.

There’s also a tombstone for a Thomas Riddell – yes, that one might have inspired a certain dark wizard.

Tour the Real Mary King’s Close🕯️

This is one of Edinburgh’s best underground attractions.

A woman sits beside a bronze statue of a cloaked figure on a bench at The Real Mary King's Close exhibit.
Stone building facade with arched window, two columns, and a sign reading "Mary King's Close.

This hidden street below the Royal Mile reveals what life was like in the plague-ridden 1600s.

Think costumed guides (who are really good actors, btw!), eerie tales, and surprisingly excellent historical detail. There is a gift shop full of weird and wonderful items, too.

Book online in advance – it often sells out. You can only get tickets on their website here.

Visit the National Museum of Scotland 🦖

This place is huge, free, and fascinating.

Dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, the Lewis chessmen, Scottish history, fashion, science – it’s all here. Great for rainy days or if you’re travelling with kids.

Head to the rooftop terrace for one of the city’s most underrated views.

FAQs about Things to Do in Edinburgh💡

Got questions about exploring Edinburgh? Here are some quick answers to help you plan like a pro.

What’s the best time to visit Edinburgh?

May to September is ideal for weather and festivals. August is the most vibrant – but also the busiest!

Is Edinburgh walkable?

Very – though it’s also very hilly. Wear good shoes and prepare for lots of steps.

Are there free things to do in Edinburgh?

Loads! Try the National Museum, Royal Botanic Garden, and a wander through Dean Village.

Where’s the best view in Edinburgh?

Arthur’s Seat is the top pick, but Calton Hill and the Castle ramparts are also stunners.

What’s unique about Edinburgh?

It’s the only capital with a dormant volcano, a royal palace, and a unicorn on its coat of arms.

Edinburgh Castle illuminated at dusk, glowing golden against a deep blue evening sky.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Edinburgh ✨

There’s a reason Edinburgh steals so many hearts. It’s moody, magical, and endlessly walkable – with cosy cafés on every corner and ancient stories under every cobblestone.

Whether you’re climbing crags or just chilling in Princes Street Gardens, this list of things to do in Edinburgh is your ticket to falling for Scotland’s capital.

Map of things to do in Edinburgh🗺️

To help plan your adventures, here’s a handy Google Map with all the top attractions in this list marked. Click the star to save it to your own map – ideal for offline use while exploring.

Below are some posts related to this article on things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland.

🏰 Ultimate Edinburgh Travel Guide.
🏴 Edinburgh in One Day: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary.
🚗 19 Perfect Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland.
🛏️ Where to stay in Edinburgh: 12 Neighbourhoods reviewed.
🏡 Things to do in Dean Village, Edinburgh.
⚓ Things to do in Newhaven, Edinburgh.
😋 Food of Scotland: 18 Traditional Dishes & Local Drinks You Have to Try

Pinterest: Things to Do in Edinburgh 📌

Planning a trip to Scotland’s capital?

Here are a few Pinterest-friendly images to help you remember all the best things to do in Edinburgh – castles, views, whisky and all.

👉 Pin it now, read it later, and get ready for the cobbled magic of Edinburgh!

Collage showing Edinburgh Castle, a lit Ferris wheel at night, colorful city buildings, and Calton Hill. Text: "Things to Do in Edinburgh", website link at the bottom.
Urban skyline of Edinburgh at sunset with text overlay "Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland" and hazelstravels.co.uk website.

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