This list of the best things to do in Edinburgh is my love letter to Auld Reekie
I’m proud of my hometown and can’t resist inviting friends to experience its charm. Edinburgh is a city brimming with magic, from its historic cobblestone streets to breathtaking hilltop views, offering something to captivate every visitor for days on end.
Of course, the must-see attractions like Edinburgh Castle, afternoon tea at The Spence, or a leisurely stroll along Victoria Street are iconic highlights. But as a local, I’ve got the inside scoop on hidden gems and lesser-known spots that truly make this city special.
If you’re planning a trip to my incredible hometown, here’s my carefully crafted list of the top things to do in Edinburgh!
Experience a swanky afternoon tea session at the Gleneagles Townhouse
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Address: 39 St Andrew Square
Contact Details: +44 131 322 3780
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Admission Fee: £60 per person for the regular menu or £5 for additional champagne
Start your adventure around the city with some afternoon tea at the iconic The Spence located inside the Gleneagles Townhouse. This pastel-hued luxury hotel offers one of the best afternoon tea experiences you can get in the UK.
Begin with savoury delights, like the smoked salmon croissant topped with crème fraîche and caviar or the delicate, dressed crab with tomato and basil. Then, move on to sweet treats that steal the show, such as the rhubarb and custard choux bun.
Tips:
- Elevate your afternoon tea experience by adding a bottle of champagne to your menu. It’s an additional £15 per person, but I think it’s worth every penny!
- Make sure to make your reservation at least a day before your actual visit. The Spence doesn’t accept walk-ins for their afternoon tea sessions, so make sure to book ahead of time! You can check their availability here.
Take a tour around the beautiful Edinburgh Castle
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Address: Castlehill
Contact Details: +44 131 225 9846
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £19.50
Seniors: £15.50
Child: £11.40
Edinburgh Castle is a staple of the city skyline and a must-visit for anyone exploring Auld Reekie. You’ll find treasures like the Honours of Scotland, the UK’s oldest crown jewels, and the legendary Stone of Destiny.
And don’t miss the One O’Clock Gun! Hearing that daily boom (except Sundays) still makes me smile, knowing it once helped ships in the Firth of Forth set their clocks.
Tips:
- Tickets can go fast, especially in the summer, so book ahead to avoid missing out on this iconic slice of Scotland. If tickets are sold out online, none will be available at the castle itself. You can book your tickets in advance here.
- If you want to make your experience here extra special, I recommend booking the Afternoon Tea Experience which includes entry to the castle and a tea session after. End the tour with a glass of bubbly Prosecco or the iconic Castle Gin! Book your experience ahead of time here.
Take in the scenic vista from atop Calton Hill
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Address: 32 Calton Hill
Contact Details: +44 131 510 7555
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Calton Hill is just a few minutes away from Edinburgh Castle and packs a lot of history and heritage if you’re looking for more. This sprawling hilltop park is one of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is home to multiple galleries and monuments.
You’ll find the 19th-century structure named the National Monument of Scotland, the towering Nelson Monument and Playfair Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, and the Monument to the Scottish Parliament.
Tips:
- The park becomes a hotspot for locals and tourists to gather and watch the sunset. I recommend dropping by 4:00 pm and walking around the monuments before heading to the North Viewpoint to catch the sunset by 6:00 pm. You can reach the top via the steps on Regent Road.
- The park is completely god-friendly, but don’t forget to always keep them on a leash. The park is also on a hilltop, so be careful when walking your dogs here (be mindful of other pedestrians in the area!).
Check out magnificent art at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
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Address: 1 Queen St
Contact Details: +44 131 624 6200
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free for general exhibitions
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, a stunning Gothic gem crafted by Robert Rowand Anderson in the 1880s, is a true celebration of Scotland’s artistic and cultural heritage. It proudly showcases centuries of portraiture, spanning from the 1500s to today.
I always find myself lingering in front of portraits of modern icons like Emeli Sandé and Billy Connolly, marvelling at their stories, while historic figures like Mary, Queen of Scots and Robert Burns transport me back in time.
Tips:
- If you’re visiting with kids, be sure to stop by the gallery on Fridays. They offer special activities and events designed for young art lovers and families, making it a fantastic day out. Check out more about their Family Fridays here!
- To make your visit hassle-free, consider renting a locker for just £1 to store your belongings while you explore the gallery. It’s best to travel light, as bags larger than 25 cm x 42 cm x 12 cm aren’t permitted inside unless stored in a locker, which might add to your costs.
Wander through the serene gardens of Lauriston Castle
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Address: 2 Cramond Rd S
Contact Details: +44 131 336 2060
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 7:30 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £10 per person
Senior and Child: £8 per person
Family Ticket: £27 per group of 5
If you’re after a bit of peace away from the city buzz, Lauriston Castle and Gardens is your spot. It’s a real 16th-century hidden gem for those keen on Scottish history and a bit of quiet and most especially if you’re a big fan of flowers and nature.
The castle itself is full of Edwardian charm, and the guided tours give you a great insight into its past. Take a stroll through the Woodland Walk around the castle, and make sure to visit the serene Japanese garden, as it’s a perfect spot to unwind.
Tips:
- Guided tours are available between 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm from Saturday to Sunday only. Make sure to book your slots in advance because they can only accommodate a few people at a time. You can book your slot for the tours here.
- If you’re hungry, you can refuel your energy at Mimi’s Bakehouse. The cafe and bistro opened in 2020 and serves a selection of brunch food as well as drinks like tea and coffee. They don’t take reservations, so arrive before tea time (2:00 pm to 4:00 pm) for more available seating.
Taste all sorts of sweet treats at The Chocolatarium
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Address: 3-5 Cranston St
Contact Details: +44 117 205 1079
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £25 per person
Child: £17 per person
Got a big sweet tooth like me? If you do, then a visit to The Chocolatarium is a must when you’re looking for fun things to do in the city!
This chocolate factory offers the famous chocolate tour which takes you into the world of chocolate-making plus a workshop where you can unleash your creativity to craft a bar of your own.
The 90-minute tour also includes a visit to the tasting room where you can indulge in 40 different kinds of chocolate flavours!
Tips:
- If you will be joining the tour with someone who has severe allergies to nuts, take note that the factory is not a nut-free facility and uses equipment and facilities associated with the handling of such allergens. People with allergies are allowed to join the tour, but the management can’t guarantee that all allergens are completely eliminated.
- For a more elevated experience, consider the Chocolate and Whisky Experience. This 90-minute tour pairs Scotch whisky with decadent chocolate truffles, adding a luxurious twist to your visit. Tickets start at £44 per person.
Transport yourself back in time with a stroll around Victoria Street
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Address: 46 Victoria St
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
One of the things I love most about my hometown is how many streets feel like they’ve been plucked right out of a period drama. Take Victoria Street, for instance. Its historic facades have earned it a special nickname in my heart: the “Diagon Alley of Scotland.”
If you’re a Harry Potter Fan, then you know exactly what I mean. The street is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city, most notably bearing the viewpoint where you can take a photo with the cobble-stoned paths and colourful storefronts (sans magic).
Tips:
- The best time to visit Victoria Street is at night when the stores turn their lights on. The street becomes lively and, honestly, more beautiful at night. There’s a viewpoint towards Bow Well that’s considered to be the best spot to snap a photo of the street. To find it, check this link out.
- If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit very early in the morning before the storefronts open. Although the street looks better at night (in my opinion), it’s less of a hassle to take photos in the early morning. You won’t have to wait in line or squeeze through crowds just to get a great shot!
Spend the day at Portobello Beach
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Address: 1 Promenade, Portobello
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
If you want to take a break from the city, take a trip down to Portobello Beach for a seaside day out. The beach offers a mix of beach activities, carnival fun, and lots of dining options to keep you and your tummy occupied.
If you’re looking for other things to do than swim at the beach, there’s the Portobello Swim Centre wherein you can take a dip in their Turkish Baths. The experience is posh, but it’s something you can do if you want to unwind luxuriously!
Tips:
- Aside from being dog-friendly, the beach is also super accessible for persons with disabilities. There are beach wheelchairs you can rent free of charge from the visitor centre.
- The best time to visit the beach is between October and April when the weather is a bit cooler. It won’t be the sunniest and warmest months, but you’ll get to explore the historical landmarks, the shores, and other attractions with fewer people compared to the summer months.
Take a tour through a thousand years of Scottish history at The Edinburgh Dungeon
– Media from edinburghdungeon
Address: 31 Market Place
Contact Details: +44 131 240 1041
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £26 per person
Child: £26 per person
Don’t let the word “dungeon” deter you from stepping into this immersive, history-packed attraction. The Edinburgh Dungeon offers an interactive walk-through experience that plunges you into some of Scotland’s most chilling historical moments.
In 70 minutes, you’ll step into a 17th-century courtroom as a witness, observe Dr. Knox’s unsettling dissections, navigate the Edinburgh Vaults, and uncover chilling tales from Scotland’s castles. It’s a gripping way to explore the eerie side of Scotland’s past!
Tips:
- The Edinburgh Dungeon recommends a minimum age of 8 for visitors, with entry not allowed for children under 5 (due to some experiences tackling murder, death, gore, and violence).
- Keep in mind that the experience takes place in a dimly lit setting with loud sounds, which may not suit all children. Since tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, please ensure your decision before making a purchase.
- You can get discounts if you book your tickets in advance! Check out better deals on tickets here.
Taste and learn more about Scottish whisky from the Holyrood Distillery
– Media from holyrooddistillery
Address: 19 St Leonard’s Ln
Contact Details: +44 131 285 8977
Operating Hours:
Monday to Wednesday, 11:15 am to 7:00 pm
Thursday to Saturday, 11:15 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday, 11:15 am to 7:00 pm
Admission Fee: Tours start at £25 per person, tasting flights start at £20 per person (only for adults)
Scottish whisky, or simply Scotch, is my go-to recommendation for friends looking to bring home a truly iconic souvenir. When it comes to where to buy it, Holyrood Distillery is always my top choice.
While Edinburgh boasts many distilleries, Holyrood stands out for its engaging tours that offer a deep dive into the whisky-making process.
And the best part? The tour wraps up with a tasting session—an experience no Scotch enthusiast should miss!
Tips:
- There are several types of tours you can choose from, ranging from only gin or whisky sessions to full-fledged tours of the whole distillery and production process. All these tours have separate fees and timings, so check out this page for more info.
- Note that the distillery doesn’t provide parking within their premises, only designated drop-off points for blue badge holders or PWDs. I highly recommend taking public transport to get here (since it’s only a 2-minute walk from the Rankeillor Street bus stops) or using a bicycle and parking it at the racks available on site.
Get lost in a maze of optical illusions at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
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Address: 549 Castlehill
Contact Details: +44 131 226 3709
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
Friday, 9:30 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday, 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Sunday, 9:30 am to 9:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £22.95 per person
Child: £17.95 per person
Senior: £20.95 per person
Are you ready for something a little unusual during your tour of the city? One of the most fun things to do here that will keep your attention locked in for hours is navigating your way through the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
This 5-storey exhibit showcases different room-sized optical illusions, ranging from mazes to mind-boggling exhibits that you can interact with. My friends said they never expected something this crazy to be in the centre of Old Town!
Tips:
- After going through as many optical illusions as you can in a day, I recommend heading up to the turret. The view from there is breathtaking, especially when you arrive by sunset!
- Note that the exhibits are located inside a 17th-century building, so expect a lot of stairs when heading up to each floor. That said, you can’t bring wheelchairs, prams, or buggies with you as you ascend. You can, however, borrow baby carriers that you can bring to every floor (if you have extra muscle for that!). You need to speak to a staff member before heading up to the first exhibit to avail of one.
Get to the top of Arthur’s Seat and enjoy splendid views
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Address: Holyrood Park
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
Arthur’s Seat, located within Holyrood Park, is a dormant volcano that I consider to be one of the best spots in the city to catch the skyline. It’s a little over 250 metres above sea level, so get ready for a bit of a climb.
From the top, you can see multiple landmarks, including the remains of the St. Anthony’s Chapel and Duddingston Loch.
Tips:
- Despite the uphill climb, the volcano is actually wheelchair accessible thanks to the walking trails put in place. You can start your trail from St. Margaret’s Loch or from the base of Holyrood Park. These spots are buggy-friendly, so start there if you’re bringing prams or wheelchairs with you!
- I highly recommend packing a picnic basket and blanket and then spending the afternoon lounging on the grass while the sun goes down. Trust me, it’ll be the best seat in the city while you wine and dine with your loved ones and friends!
Learn all there is about nature at Dynamic Earth
– Media from dynamic_earth
Address: Holyrood Rd
Contact Details: +44 131 550 7800
Operating Hours:
Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £19.50 per person
Child: £12 per person
Senior: £16.75 per person
Dynamic Earth is a science museum that welcomes anyone of all ages who loves science and nature. This family-friendly museum features immersive interactive galleries, a 4D flight simulator, a planetarium, tropical monsoon simulators, and more.
The signature tour lasts about 90 minutes, but you’re free to roam around the galleries and planetarium or just one of either. Tickets are sold separately, though, so I recommend getting the package that includes access to all attractions!
Tips:
- If you’re visiting with your children, you can avail of the Explorer Pack. It’s a kit that includes fidget toys, stress balls, ear defenders, sunglasses, soft toys, and other tools to help keep your child occupied and immersed in the interactive galleries. Just ask for the pack from the welcome desk when you arrive.
- For the planetarium, note that shows are limited to a few slots each day. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check out this online calendar to see which time slot you can visit before you arrive.