Things to Do in Edinburgh
Perhaps you’ve already visited the vibrant, culture-infused capital city of Scotland; walked its stunning gardens, admired its famous landmarks, absorbed its nightlife and experienced its eclectic and enthralling culture. Whether you are familiar with the delights of Edinburgh or have never before set foot on its charming streets, this guide details some of our highlights, as well as aspects of the beautiful city and its surroundings that may not be as well-known.
Edinburgh is small and compact, which is a real pull in itself as you can cover a lot of ground in just one visit. Home to almost half a million people, it comprises gardens, castles, cathedrals, museums, monuments and so much more.
Historic sites and streets full of intrigue
Edinburgh is an extremely old city with a long heritage: some of its best known geological landmarks have existed hundreds of millions of years. Venture off the beaten track onto its rural paths to discover Castle Rock, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill, which were formed from volcanic eruptions.
Edinburgh comprises the Old Town (World Heritage Status since 1995) and the New Town. The former was once a walled city, mainly to protect from English invasion. Many people never even left this 140-acre area. The ancient Flodden Wall no longer remains but part of it still makes up The World’s End (a pub definitely worthy of a pint and hearty Scottish dish) aptly named in tribute of long-ago locals who believed the earth stopped outside of the wall (enthusiasts note: the brass cobbles in the road represent the exact location of the city gates).
A regal heritage
At the heart of the Old Town is The Royal Mile - a very popular street that stretches from Edinburgh Castle all the way to The Palace of Holyroodhouse (the King’s official residence in Edinburgh). It features some of the city’s most distinguished landmarks. As you amble, enter the doors of the City Chambers, which command a beautiful view of the city’s skyline from its elegant rooms, and wonder at the beauty of St Giles Cathedral, a striking backdrop to Scotland’s turbulent religious history and a working church for the past 900 years. Don’t forget to detour off down the atmospheric and mysterious steep narrow streets also known as ‘closes’.
Ghosts of the past
Underground in the city’s Old Town are the hidden vaults. Initially built in the 1700s to house additional space in the city – houses (slum dwellings), taverns and businesses - they were once a hive of illegal activity and crime. Today, the underground network is navigated by guides who add all of the necessary context, dark torturous history and spooky stories. Dare to take a tour along one of the most famous of the hidden streets, Mary King’s Close, and decide for yourself if it is as haunted as it is believed to be.
Outdoor paradises - parks and gardens
At the eastern end of The Royal Mile, find yourself in 12th century Holyrood Park, its 640 acres originally a hunting ground and now combining hills, lochs and woodland amid ancient ruins and geological delights. It is home to the famous “Arthur’s Seat”.
Similarly located and not to be missed is this very accessible 1970s replica of a 17th-century walled garden. Dunbar’s Close Garden is divided by neat gravel paths into eight sections of topiary plants, low hedges, herbs and fruit trees.
A most beautiful space, created out of love, Dr Neil’s Garden – often known as Edinburgh’s secret garden – offers a calming antidote to the buzz of the Old Town and is located in one of Edinburgh’s oldest and prettiest areas, Duddingston Village. Within its walls, take a joyous stroll through its royal park, seek out Thomson’s Tower and admire the tranquil Physic Garden.
Jupiter Artland Sculpture Park and Gallery is an enchanting family attraction, located ten miles from Edinburgh, its sculptures (from world-leading contemporary artists) dotted around a freeing landscape of meadows and woodland, including some colourful works of art on a grand scale.
Princes Street Gardens, close to Waverley Station, is a vast scenic green space; the eastern side of which has always been a public park, the larger western area comprising 29 acres and featuring numerous historic landmarks and monuments. It is one of the most important public parks in the heart of Edinburgh, created in the 1820s after draining the infamous Nor Loch, where it is believed ‘witch ducking’ would take place.
Gardens with royal links
The extensive formal gardens of The Palace of Holyroodhouse, spanning almost ten acres, were originally Medieval gardens cared for by monks, and are where the late Queen Elizabeth II hosted her much-loved garden parties. Delight in the sights of the flowering meadow, find the sundial originally placed to coincide with the Scottish coronation of Charles I and step inside the three-sectioned physics garden, the original site of Edinburgh’s Botanic Garden.
A few miles north of The Old Town in Inverleith, The Royal Botanic Garden, the second oldest of its kind in the UK, is a leader in horticultural research and a fabulous 17th-century garden for all the family to explore. Its peaceful landscaped grounds are abound with butterflies and other wildlife from foxes, squirrels and badgers to the kingfisher, sparrowhawk and grey heron.
Looking for more blooms? There are numerous National Trust Scotland properties in Edinburgh, historic houses and grand country homes, all within easy travelling distance of the city and boasting beautiful gardens.
Whisky distilleries in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s whisky distilleries are an important part of the Lowland Scotch Whisky Region. There are many in operation in Edinburgh although they do not always offer tours, so here are some tips for facilities offering tours and tastings of their creations...
Glenkinchie, originally founded in 1825, sits in beautiful landscaped gardens just 15 miles from Edinburgh. Its 2020-launch visitor centre offers an innovative sensory experience for visitors. With a bar area overlooking the garden, enjoy local specialties served with a dram in beautiful surroundings.
Here are two distilleries in Edinburgh that have have changed the city’s landscape forever:
The Port of Leith Distillery is a young establishment offering a selection of single malts and blended whiskies as well as their own brand of gin “Lind & Lime”, has proudly built its distillery tower in the city’s historic harbour, making it extremely accessible for tourists. Their tasting experience lasts about 90 minutes and is complemented by a well-stocked bar and a range of small dishes.
The first single malt whisky distillery in Edinburgh for almost a century, The Holyrood Distillery opened in 2019 and is a short walk from The Royal Mile. Complete with an award-winning visitor centre, a courtyard bar and a range of tours, masterclasses and tastings, it creates a historically-inspired yet new style of whisky in special casks.
Cultural Edinburgh
Museums
Discover fascinating facts and gruesome tales at the charming 16th-century Museum of Edinburgh all the while admiring its iconic items and beautiful objects.
The Writer’s Museum celebrates the lives of three giants of Scottish Literature – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The Museum of Childhood has a place in the hearts of millions. The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, it displays toys and games from across the generations.
Gladstone’s Land, a surviving 17th-century high-tenement house, is an immersive visitor experience taking you through three centuries of trading history in the heart of Edinburgh.
Galleries
In its 40th year, The Travelling Gallery tours around Scotland, incorporating Edinburgh, with an exhibition that explores and illuminates our human capacity for mutuality, connection and interdependence through movement, language, and film.
For contemporary triumphs, visit Morningside Gallery, established in 2003 with a focus on painting and ceramics, or the fresh and innovative Greystone Gallery, representing highly professional artists.
City Art Centre houses The City of Edinburgh’s Art collection, one of the finest in Scotland, and includes works by the most important Scottish artists.
Monuments
Next door to the above you’ll find Makars’ Court, an evolving national literary monument where you can see some of the famous words of great Scottish writers inscribed in the flags.
Stunning city views juxtapose with architectural magnificence in the form of Nelson Monument. The upturned telescope was designed by the architect Robert Burn, and was built between 1807 and 1815. In 1853, a large time ball was introduced, which is lowered as the one o'clock gun is fired from Edinburgh castle each day.
Discover one of Edinburgh's most iconic landmarks, Scott Monument, standing proudly in Princess Street Gardens. Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, it is one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world.
Castles – from ruins to riches
With so many castles open to the public in Edinburgh your choice is vast. Here are a few highlights chosen for their proximity to the city centre or historical relevance...
Edinburgh Castle, of course, is a cultural gem and the city’s most popular attraction. From the 11th century onwards, it was often central in Scotland’s constant political and religious upheavals.
A few miles out you’ll find Craigmillar Castle, linked to the influential Preston family and the infamous Mary Queen of Scots.
The magnificent Lauriston Castle is a 16th-century tower house with early 19th-century additions set in stunning grounds overlooking the Firth of Forth.
The unusual boat-shaped Blackness Castle on the shores of the Firth of Forth, has housed prisoners from Britain’s wars in Spain, France and America.
Though far out of the city, Stirling Castle is worth a visit if time permits. It has been besieged or attacked 16 times, often changing hands in the process, and was the guardian of the road to the Scottish Highlands from the south.
Stay in your very own castle
Staying in a castle is something we believe everybody should experience in their lifetime; for their beauty and grandeur, their history and architecture, their luxury and hospitality.
Celtic Castles features a plethora of different castles across Scotland, many within only a few miles of Edinburgh, making them a convenient historic haven for your city adventures.