Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is steeped in history and tradition that can still be seen and experienced today. Known sometimes as the ‘Athens of the North,’ the city is packed with ancient architecture and exquisite panoramas.
There’s a lot to love about Edinburgh. You’ll find an excellent variety of museums, historic monuments, leafy parks and quirky attractions to cater to a wide range of interests. Adding to the city’s appeal are the fabulous restaurants and the cosy pubs where you can indulge and soak up the local atmosphere.
It’s safe to say that you’ll always find something to do and enjoy in Edinburgh, especially when including the activities highlighted in this travel guide.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers a variety of neighbourhoods and accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets.
Here are some recommendations for where to stay in Edinburgh, and I’ve selected a few accommodations options too – including a quirky overnight stay on a boat (!).
New Town: Something of a misnomer, Edinburgh’s New Town is actually well over two hundred years old. Elegant Georgian architecture, shopping on Princes Street, and a wide range of restaurants and cafes. It’s also generally a bit quieter than the Old Town which is still only a short walk away.
Hotel Pick: Kimpton Charlotte Square
Grassmarket: A lively area with a mix of pubs, restaurants, and shops. Close to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. It’s also home to the insta-famous string of quirky boutique shops along the pastel-coloured swerve of Victoria Street.
Hotel Pick: Wilde Aparthotels
Leith: Pretty waterfront area where you’ll find charming boats lining the opening of the harbour. It offers leafy streets and some of the best restaurants Edinburgh has to offer. It’s slightly farther from the city centre so you’ll find many accommodation offering better value for money.
Hotel Pick: Hotel Mist (Boat accommodation!)
1. Explore Edinburgh Castle
Looming over the city like a stern parent, Edinburgh castle is the obvious starting point. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also one of those places that earns its reputation. The Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the cannons – all reminders of Scotland’s endless tussle with power and sovereignty.
The castle sits on top of an extinct volcano so consider reaching it part of your daily exercise. Dating back from the 12th Century, it has been the setting for many important and tumultuous events in Scotland, in fact it claims to be the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world!
Today, the castle is home to the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum of Scotland, aside from being home to hundreds of ancient Scottish objects including the ‘Scottish Crown Jewels’ (hmmm that sounds rude, doesn’t it?).
Don’t forget to enjoy the views from inside the castle walls. If you time it well, the firing of the gun is a famous tradition dating back to the 19th Century that takes place at 1 pm daily (except on Sundays).
2. Stroll down the Royal Mile
From Edinburgh Castle, cut down to the Royal Mile, the name given to the main street that runs for almost a mile (not surprisingly) from the castle at the top of the hill to Holyrood Palace at the bottom.
Besides the many shops that are perfect for finding Scottish souvenirs, there’s plenty of other attractions to look out for. There’s St. Giles Cathedral with its imposing Gothic architecture, the underground passageways brought to life at Real Mary King’s Close, and the many open-air market stalls. With so many other gems to see, you’ll definitely visit the Royal Mile more than once during your visit to Edinburgh.
3. Climb Arthur’s Seat
Craving the Scottish nature? Luckily you don’t have to go too far. Grab your trainers and head up Arthur’s Seat, the highest point of Edinburgh. It’s an ancient volcano that offers stunning panoramic views for miles around on a clear day.
Begin your hike from Holyrood Park at the end of the Royal Mile and follow the marked path. It takes around 45-minutes to hike up but the views and photo opportunities are well worth it. The name is thought to have emerged from King Arthur’s legendary tales. On a sunny day, bring a picnic.
Further reading : Climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland – the UK’s Highest Mountain.
4. Explore Leith waterfront
Located by the port in the north of Edinburgh, Leith is considered the city’s most cool and creative neighbourhood. Check out the artsy delights on display at Custom Lane which hosts many pop-ups and events, or go down to Pitt Market to enjoy live entertainment, food stalls, and brewpubs.
You can walk along the boat-filled harbour, then stop for a bite to eat at one of the waterfront cafés or restaurants. The district is home to Michelin-starred restaurants like The Kitchin, which specializes in locally-sourced, seasonal cuisine, and the stylish Restaurant Martin Wishart. Alongside fine dining, Leith also boasts a variety of cozy pubs, independent cafes, and street food options that give the area a laid-back, welcoming vibe.
For something really memorable, you can even spend overnight on a boat (see accommodation options at the start of the guide).
5. Join a whisky tasting tour
Scotland is famous for whisky so it comes as no shock that there are many places to consume this popular spirit in the capital. Whisky is everywhere: tiny pubs, grand tasting rooms, hidden basements. Each glass is a geography lesson in peat, smoke, and rain.
Personally, I can’t handle it myself – I can barely sip a glass of wine without it going to my head. However, my brother loves the stuff, and the flat I used to share with him was filled with bottles of whiskey from distilleries all over Scotland.
You can, of course, try a variety of them on your own, but for an extra memorable experience why not join one of the organised tours in town? You’ll not only taste many of the most prized whiskies, but also learn about the traditional processes behind making it. Book a whisky tour.
6. Reach the top of Calton Hill
If you don’t have time to climb Arthur’s Seat, but you still want a good view of Edinburgh, the next best place is Calton Hill at the end of Princes Street.
Atop of the hill you are greeted by a surprising collection of buildings and monuments that make you question if you’re really in Scotland. Many of the buildings, such as the National Monument and Dugald Stewart Monument, look like they’ve been transplanted straight from the Acropolis in Athens. It’s truly a sight to behold. Take the opportunity to explore the various monuments and enjoy the great views of the city skyline.
For an even better panorama climb the 143 steps of Nelson Monument to the viewing platform on top (£5). The small museum also details the history of the monument, and the man for whom it was named, Admiral Horatio Nelson, who led the British navy to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars.
7. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Welcome to the city’s quirkiest attraction – Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. With 5 floors of optical illusions, puzzles and mazes, Camera Obscura is the closest thing to experiencing some of the visual effects of LSD without actually taking it.
A camera obscura is basically an old-fashioned projection system, which directs visible light from the outside world onto a viewing surface in a darkened room. These have been known about for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and were a particularly popular attraction in Victorian times. In fact, Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura dates from the 19th century, making it one of the oldest visitor attractions in the city.
Nothing here is as it seems – you can grow to the size of a giant, see Edinburgh in Victorian times through a ViewCam and make your way through the magical Mirror Maze. Needless to say, you’ll get some seriously unique shots for the ‘gram.
8. Discover Edinburgh’s literary legacy
You can’t walk ten feet in this city without tripping over a writer’s ghost. Edinburgh was UNESCO’s first City of Literature, and it wears that badge without apology. Sir Walter Scott practically invented the romantic image of Scotland with his novels; his monument on Princes Street is a Gothic rocket of stone, spiky and strange, like something ripped out of one of his own stories.
Then there’s Robert Louis Stevenson, the restless soul who grew up on Heriot Row dreaming up tales of pirates and sinister alter egos. And of course, J.K. Rowling, who sat in cafés like The Elephant House while penning much of the series. Even if you’re not a Potterhead, you can’t deny that Edinburgh’s mix of gloom, grandeur, and spires makes the fantasy believable.
There’s also the Writers’ Museum (free entry), tucked away on Lady Stair’s Close, a tiny labyrinth dedicated to Stevenson, Scott, and Robert Burns. Creaking floors, manuscripts, portraits. It’s the kind of place that makes romantics about becoming a writer.
Edinburgh isn’t just about reading the past, though. Every August, the Edinburgh International Book Festival takes over Charlotte Square, and the city floods with writers and readers. It’s the world’s largest celebration of the written word, and somehow it makes perfect sense that it happens here, in a city where literature feels less like a hobby and more like oxygen.
9. Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Another quirky museum to add to the list, but this one comes with a disclaimer: it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted! But if you’re the sort of person who binge watches medical and crime dramas and documentaries on Netflix, then you’re probably going to love it.
Housing the largest collection of surgical pathology in the world, this museum offers a fascinating insight into medical history. Expect preserved bone and tissue specimens, artworks and a range of interactive exhibits guaranteed to grab your attention.
Further reading: Morbid Curiosities: Surgeons’ Hall Museums in Edinburgh.
10. Capture the colourful buildings and cobbled stones on Victoria Street
The prettiest street of any city is always a contested option, but Victoria street definitely ranks high on the list.
It looks like a curving ribbon of cobblestones punctuated with brightly painted buildings. From its historical appeal of ancient stone facades to independent shops, explore the jewels embellishing this charming street.
Finally, for Harry Potter fans, the street is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley, and to celebrate this you’ll find magical emporium at Daigon House selling official Harry Potter merchandise and fantastical finds by local artisans
11. Tour Edinburgh on a vintage double decker bus!
Planning on going to Edinburgh in a group and looking for a fun and fabulous activity?
A couple of year ago my best friend had her hen party in Edinburgh and as part of the celebrations we hired out a fabulous vintage double decker bus to take us around the city.
The tour was complete with flowing wine and a selection of sweet and savoury treats to keep a group of 30 girls satisfied and happy. As you can imagine, that’s not such an easy task haha!
Further reading: The Perfect Hen Party Weekend in Edinburgh.
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland and want to see beyond the capital city, take a look at these blogs and guides below for inspiration.
- Climbing Ben Nevis – the tallest mountain in the UK
- Street art in Glasgow
- Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness – a church full of books!
- Enchanting views from the Isle of Kerrera
- The beautiful Lost Valley Walk in Glencoe
Are you planning a trip to Edinburgh and Scotland?
