Things to Do in Edinburgh: Attractions, Food & Day Trips
We just came back from Edinburgh, Scotland, and have become seriously obsessed, so much so that we’re already talking about coming back for seconds in a month or two. If you are looking for the best things to do in Edinburgh, this guide is full of incredible experiences and local insight.
Before visiting, we kept hearing the same thing: people either fall completely in love with Edinburgh, or they just don’t get it. After spending time there, we’re convinced it all comes down to how you experience the city and which things to do in Edinburgh make it onto your itinerary.
There’s a very touristy side of Edinburgh that, while absolutely worth seeing once or twice (especially if it’s your first visit), doesn’t fully capture all that the city has to offer. Beyond the Royal Mile crowds and the Castle postcard views, there’s a quieter, more atmospheric side to Edinburgh.
This guide is for both first-time visitors and those returning to Edinburgh. We’ll cover the iconic attractions you shouldn’t skip, but we’ll also take you deeper into neighborhoods, hidden corners, scenic walks, and local establishments that made us fall hard for this city. From historic landmarks to lesser-known experiences recommended by locals, these are the best things to do in Edinburgh!
Best Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland (Top Attractions in Edinburgh)
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is, without question, one of the most iconic things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, especially if you’re drawn to history and old-world drama. It’s located on Castle Rock at one end of the Royal Mile. From almost anywhere in the city, you can spot it watching quietly from above, grounding Edinburgh in centuries of history.
Yes, it is one of the most visited attractions in Edinburgh, but for good reason. The history runs deep, and the setting is unforgettable.
Tickets to visit the castle are sold online with preset entry times, and during peak season, particularly in summer, they sell out quickly. Booking in advance is highly recommended. We visited in January during the late afternoon. Last entry is usually around 4:00 PM, which is perfect for seeing the city transition from daylight into dusk, with Edinburgh’s lights glowing below from the castle grounds.
Walk the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the main street in the Old Town. Walking the Royal Mile is one of those classic things to do in Edinburgh, connecting many of the main tourist places in Edinburgh Old Town. Stretching from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the street is lined with souvenir shops, centuries-old buildings, traditional pubs, and constant movement. The full walk takes about 20 minutes without stops, but realistically, you will want to give yourself at least an hour.
Along the way, you will pass St Giles’ Cathedral with its unmistakable crown spire, as well as countless closes and wynds that branch off the main street. These narrow passageways lead to hidden courtyards and tucked-away cafés that, at times, feel worlds away from the crowds just steps away. You’ll also see street performers bringing music, storytelling, and a touch of chaos, especially in the warmer months.
Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park
For one of the best outdoor things to do in Edinburgh, head to Holyrood Park and hike up Arthur’s Seat. This ancient volcanic hill offers sweeping panoramic views over the city and feels surprisingly wild, considering how close it is to the Old Town. Sunrise here is calm and quiet, while sunset brings dramatic skies and warm light that stretches across Edinburgh’s rooftops.
There are several routes up Arthur’s Seat, ranging from relatively easy walking paths to steeper, more challenging climbs. Comfortable shoes are essential, and it is always worth checking the weather before heading up, as it can get quite windy at the top. Even if you decide not to summit, simply walking through Holyrood Park is a beautiful experience and only a few minutes on foot from the Royal Mile.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
At the opposite end of the Royal Mile sits the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. The palace offers a quieter and more refined contrast to Edinburgh Castle. The royal apartments and grounds are rich in history and stories of Mary, Queen of Scots, and centuries of royal life in Scotland.
Because of its location at the base of the Royal Mile and next to Holyrood Park, the palace is easy to pair with a walk through the Old Town or a hike up Arthur’s Seat.
These highlights are all part of Edinburgh’s Old Town, but there are a few more places nearby that are absolutely worth exploring.
Things to Do in Edinburgh Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Edinburgh’s Old Town is where the city feels most cinematic. Cobbled streets, medieval closes, and centuries of history unfold just steps from the Royal Mile. Exploring this neighborhood is one of the most atmospheric things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, especially if you love wandering without a strict itinerary.
Explore Victoria Street
Near St Giles’ Cathedral, just off the Royal Mile, Victoria Street is one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh. Its colorful, curved façades tumble downhill toward the Grassmarket, creating one of the Old Town’s most iconic views.
Victoria Street is home to beloved coffee shops like The Milkman, as well as boutiques, gift shops, and restaurants.
Walking Victoria Street is one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh and a must for first-time visitors.
Visit the Farmers' Market in the Old Town
If you’re visiting Edinburgh on a weekend, be sure to explore the local farmers’ market near the Old Town. Follow the locals’ lead and browse the stalls with fresh produce and artisan breads. And try some of the baked goods, local cheeses, and seafood.
Spending your Saturday morning here is a simple but memorable thing to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, especially if you enjoy slow travel moments and supporting local producers.
Things to Do in Edinburgh New Town
While Edinburgh’s Old Town feels dark, dramatic, and medieval, New Town offers a lighter, more refined contrast. With its wide streets, elegant Georgian architecture, and carefully planned layout, exploring New Town is one of our favorite things to do in Edinburgh.
Walk Through Princes Street Gardens
One of the best things to do in Edinburgh, especially when you first arrive, is walking along Princes Street and catching your first proper glimpse of Edinburgh Castle. From below, the castle feels even more dramatic, rising above layers of stone and moss-covered walls.
You can stroll along the lively shopping stretch of Princes Street, or step down into Princes Street Gardens for a calmer, more scenic experience. We highly recommend walking through West Princes Street Gardens, which feels like a peaceful pocket tucked between New Town and Old Town.
This walk is not only beautiful, but also one of the most scenic free things to do in Edinburgh, offering postcard-worthy views without costing a penny.
Visit the Scottish National Gallery
When it rains in Edinburgh, and it often does, one of the best things to do is to visit the Scottish National Gallery, conveniently located beside Princes Street Gardens.
We visited in January and were lucky enough to catch the free seasonal exhibition of William Turner’s watercolors. These delicate works are only displayed during the darkest month of the year to preserve their color, making it a rare and special experience for winter travelers.
Beyond Turner, the gallery houses an impressive permanent collection featuring Degas and other European masters. Visiting the Scottish National Gallery adds a cultural balance to days filled with walking and sightseeing, making it one of the top things to do in Edinburgh.
Go Shopping on George Street
Just a minute’s walk north of Princes Street and the Scottish National Gallery, you’ll find George Street, one of the most elegant shopping streets in Edinburgh city centre.
This wide boulevard is lined with high-street shops, independent boutiques, cafés, cocktail bars, and stylish restaurants. Browse at your own pace, stop for a coffee, or enjoy an early aperitif.
Things to Do in Edinburgh Scotland Like a Local
Now that we’ve covered many of the more well-known attractions in Edinburgh, it’s time to shift into a more local perspective. These are the neighborhoods we kept returning to and the experiences that made us feel less like visitors and more like temporary residents.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Edinburgh beyond the obvious tourist spots, don’t miss this part of the list!
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
One of the best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, no matter the season, is to visit the Royal Botanic Garden. Founded over 300 years ago, this expansive garden houses thousands of beautiful plant species from around the world.
The glasshouses are a major highlight and well worth your time. Each one recreates a different climate, showcasing rare and exotic plants from tropical, desert, and temperate regions. This is also one of the most romantic things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, whether visiting as a couple or solo.
Throughout the year, the Royal Botanic Garden hosts interactive exhibits and seasonal events including Valentine’s experiences, summer programs, and festive Christmas celebrations. It is always worth checking what is on during your visit.
Stockbridge
One of the most local and easily our favorite neighborhood in Edinburgh was Stockbridge. We are not sure if it was because the locals seemed to love it just as much as we did, or because it reminded us of Ballsbridge, the neighborhood we once lived in Dublin, but spending a day roaming through Stockbridge is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
Walk along Gloucester Lane and Raeburn Place to explore vintage shops, cozy cafés, and beautifully curated boutiques. Scotland is known for its wool and knitwear, and Dick’s is a favorite store among locals. It is a great place to pick up a jumper or scarf made from 100% Scottish lambswool to bring home.
When it comes to food, there are also plenty of options. For pies, Harkness Pies was our favorite in the neighborhood. For sandwiches and casual bites, Mootz General Store and Café Gallo are both solid choices. The area is filled with cafés, pubs, stationery shops, and locals going about their day, which adds to the charm and makes it feel genuinely lived in.
If you love wine and cheese, Smith & Gertrude is just a couple of blocks away and still very much part of the Stockbridge neighborhood. It is a lovely spot to relax after a long walk, especially in the early evening.
Dean Village and Dean Gardens Walk
If you have spent any time researching the best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, chances are you have already come across Dean Village. This picturesque canal area is one of the most photographed spots in the city, and while it is undeniably beautiful, we recommend experiencing it as part of a longer walk rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
One of the most scenic walks in Edinburgh starts in Stockbridge and follows the Dean Gardens canalway toward Dean Village. Walking along the canals gives you a sense of how locals experience and romanticize their own city, using these paths as an escape from daily life. The walk itself is calm, with gentle water sounds and glimpses of old stone buildings along the way.
End your walk in Dean Village, where the historic façades frame the waterways, creating a beautiful setting. Take your time here, wander slowly, and soak in the atmosphere. It is one of those places that perfectly captures the softer, more romantic side of Edinburgh.
Where to Eat and Drink in Edinburgh: Best Bars, Cafés, and Restaurants
No trip to the United Kingdom feels complete without a bit of pub hopping, and Edinburgh is no exception. Exploring the city through its food and drink scene is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Edinburgh, whether you are after popular pubs, inventive cocktail bars, or relaxed cafés.
If you are looking for a fun night out, head toward Rose Street in Edinburgh’s New Town. This lively street runs parallel to Princes Street and is packed with traditional pubs, casual bars, and places that stay busy well into the night. It is an easy area to wander and pop in for a drink.
For cocktails, Panda & Sons is one of the most well-known bars in Edinburgh. Hidden behind the façade of a barbershop, it is creative and well-executed, though we did find it a bit on the touristy side. For a more local-feeling experience, we loved Nightcap. Bramble is a true speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for its finely crafted cocktails and intimate atmosphere.
If you are in the mood for a proper local pub, The Vinnie is always a fun time and feels refreshingly unpretentious. For great food paired with great drinks, Little Capo is another favorite that works just as well for dinner as it does for a late lunch.
When it comes to cafés and daytime spots, Ante quickly became one of our go-to places. It is a lovely coffee shop for strong coffee, brunch, and breakfast, and its “cousin” wine bar, Spry Wines, is located just upstairs and is perfect for a casual glass of wine later in the day. We also loved The Cobbled Roastery and Wellington Coffee, both great choices for quality coffee while exploring the city.
No matter where you choose to eat and drink in Edinburgh, there are a few classic Scottish dishes worth seeking out. Cullen skink is a must-try: a rich, creamy smoked seafood soup that feels especially comforting on colder days. Battered Scottish haddock served as fish and chips is a local staple that never disappoints, as are steak or beef pies. For dessert, we loved the famous deep fried mars bars.
Leith
Leith was once a separate town from Edinburgh and served as a major port where, centuries ago, sailors and pirates alike would gather. Over time, Edinburgh expanded, and today Leith is fully part of the city, known for its creative energy and vibrant food and drink scene.
Walk down Leith Walk to explore independent shops, boutiques, bars, and pubs, or stop for a coffee or a glass of wine at places like Browns of Leith.
Day Trips & Nearby Attractions from Edinburgh
One of the best things about visiting Edinburgh is how easily you can escape the city and explore more of Scotland. From rolling countryside to historic towns and centuries-old craft traditions, there are countless day trips from Edinburgh that offer a deeper look into the country’s history and way of life.
See the Highland Cows or Coos
If you do not have enough time to visit the Scottish Highlands, you can still get a glimpse of countryside life just outside Edinburgh. Several nearby farms (Swanston Farms one of the most popular) offer the chance to see and interact with Highland cows, giving you a small but memorable taste of rural Scotland. It is a lovely way to experience a quieter side of the country and see how life moves beyond the city.
If you have more time, a trip to the Highlands and the Isle of Skye is absolutely worth it. From dramatic castles to rolling landscapes and open countryside dotted with sheep, it is one of the coolest experiences Scotland has to offer and makes for a perfect extension to your list of things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Day Trip to St Andrews
Scotland is known for its historic universities and deeply rooted academic culture, and St Andrews is perhaps the most magical of them all. If you have the time, taking a day trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews is an excellent addition to your Edinburgh itinerary.
This charming university town sits along the coast and combines rich history with enchanting architecture and a youthful atmosphere. St Andrews is timeless and vibrant, and the perfect place to learn history, go on seaside walks, or simply soak in the energy of a classic Scottish university town.
The Scottish Borders
A day trip to the Scottish Borders is a beautiful way to experience a quieter, more rural side of Scotland. Located just south of Edinburgh, the Borders are known for their soft, rolling landscapes, historic abbeys, and a long-standing tradition of wool and textile craftsmanship. This region has been at the heart of Scotland’s wool industry for centuries.
One of our favorite experiences in Scotland was visiting the Johnstons of Elgin mill. The brand is rooted in Scottish heritage and craftsmanship. At the mill, we learned about cashmere and wool production in Scotland, from raw fibers to finished knitwear.
We got to see the process firsthand, which gave us a new appreciation for the work and care that go into wool and cashmere pieces. There are many other mill experiences throughout the region where you can learn not only about wool, but also about the whiskey and gin production process and its ties to local communities.
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh and Final Travel Tips
The most popular season to visit Edinburgh runs from June through early September, when the days are longer and warmer. Summertime brings energy and events, but it also comes with heavier crowds and higher hotel prices. Personally, we loved Edinburgh in the depths of winter, although colder and darker, it has its own charm, particularly around Christmas markets and Hogmanay celebrations. Spring and Fall are always great times to visit European cities, with landscapes shifting in color as the seasons change.
If you are planning your visit, it is worth considering attraction passes and transport options to save time and money. Many of Edinburgh’s top attractions are centrally located and easily walkable, and public transportation makes it simple to explore neighborhoods beyond the Old Town and New Town.
Exploring beyond Edinburgh? Head to our European destinations section, where we share guides to other unforgettable places across the UK and Europe, including scenic day trips and slower travel experiences.
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Have you been to Edinburgh before? What are some of the best things to do in Edinburgh that you absolutely loved? Share your favorite spots, neighborhoods, and can’t-miss experiences with us.
Besitos from Edinburgh,
Laura
