The beautiful and historical capital of Scotland offers fascinating attractions and impressive architecture. The city is relatively compact, making the best sights within walking distance of each other. You can see most of the city within a few days, allowing for plenty of time to do a day trip or a tour of the Scottish highlands within the same trip.
1. Walk along the Royal Mile
The most popular street in Edinburgh! Since many of the attractions on this list are located right along the Royal Mile, it is a good idea to start your trip by walking from the Edinburgh Castle all the way down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Stops along the way include St Giles’ Cathedral, Real Mary King’s Close, and Cadenhead’s Whisky if you are looking for a bottle of whisky to bring home as a souvenir.
2. Visit Edinburgh Castle
No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a tour of the Edinburgh Castle. Constructed in the 12th century and sitting on top of Castle Rock, the castle has been the site of many historical events over the centuries. Tickets are £19.50 for adults and can be purchased through the official website. A visit normally takes around 3 hours, and don’t miss the One O’clock Gun!
3. Climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat
Located in Holyrood Park a few minutes away from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this hill was once an active volcano and offers some of the best views of the city. There are several routes to choose from, from a gentle walk along Salisbury Crags to a steeper climb with panoramic views of the city.
4. Enjoy the view from Calton Hill
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Calton Hill houses a number of remarkable monuments and offers breathtaking views of the city. Check out the National Monument of Scotland and, if you’re feeling ambitious, climb the narrow staircase to the top of the Nelson Monument for even better views. It is only a 3-5 minute walk to the top from Regent Road, located in the center of the city.
5. Embark on a ghost tour of the underground vaults
Edinburgh is known as one of the most haunted places in the UK. As a result, it is the perfect destination to participate in a ghost tour along the Blair Street underground vaults. Tickets are £24 per person and can be booked through sites like Get Your Guide.
6. Go window shopping along Victoria Street
This colorful street is best known for being JK Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. It was built between 1829 and 1834 with the purpose of improving access to the Old Town, and now serves as a picturesque place to do some souvenir shopping or grab a quick bite to eat.
7. Drink some Scottish Whisky
At the Scotch Whisky Experience, learn about how scotch whisky is made and enjoy a tasting of the traditional Scottish beverage. Adult tickets start at £21, and you can choose from a variety of tour options. If you are looking for a less touristy option, there are countless bars around the city where you can grab a drink. The Bow Bar on Victoria Street and The Black Cat on Rose Street both offer impressive collections of whisky.
8. Admire the exhibitions at the National Museum of Scotland or the Surgeons Hall Museum
The National Museum offers everything from Scottish history and art to science and technology. Admission is free, and the museum is open daily from 10:00-17:00. Not far from the National Museum is the Surgeons Hall Museum, geared more towards anyone with an interest in the medical field.
9. Visit Dean’s Village
Just a short 10-minute taxi ride from the center of Edinburgh, Deans Village is a quiet neighborhood that will transport you back in time. Start off at the intersection of Dean Path and Damside, crossing the bridge over the Water of Leith and heading down Hawthornbank Lane. The best views are from the bottom of Hawthornbank Lane by the edge of the river.
10. Do a pub crawl along Cowgate street
Cowgate street runs from Holyrood Road to the Grassmarket. The name Cowgate makes sense, given that it comes from the cows that were once driven to the market along this road. “Gate” is just another word for street. Today, the street is a popular place to grab a drink and has a lively nightlife scene. Some of the most notable bars include Whistlebinkies, Dropkick Murphys, and Stramash.