Things to do in Edinburgh: visits recommended by our experts

You are wondering What to do in Edinburgh Our agency has been based in the Scottish capital since 2012, and we live here year-round. Here are our favorite sights, from the castle to lesser-known neighborhoods, along with tips for planning your stay.

The city is easily explored on foot. Its medieval old town and its Georgian new town have been jointly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.

What to do in Edinburgh's Old Town?

Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop an extinct volcano, the castle overlooks the entire city. Inside, you'll discover, among other things, the Honours of Scotland, the oldest British Crown Jewels. St. Margaret's Chapel, built in the 12th century, is also the oldest building in Edinburgh.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Things to do in Edinburgh: visits recommended by our experts "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In a castle, you look first…

The history of the placeThe architecture and decor

Question 2 of 5

Would you prefer to visit…

A must-haveA more discreet location

Question 3 of 5

During the visit?

With a guideAt your own pace

Question 4 of 5

Which setting appeals to you the most?

An impressive fortressA house with beautiful gardens

Question 5 of 5

What do you like to feel?

Understanding what happened hereTo transport you to another era

Arrive when it's best to be there when it opens, as the queue gets long quickly in summer. Also, book your ticket online. official website of the castle. Finally, be there at 1 p.m.: the One O'Clock Gun, a cannon shot, is fired every day except Sunday.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile connects the castle to Holyrood Palace over approximately 1.8 km. Its narrow alleyways, called closes, branch off on either side of the main street. Take the time to explore them, as they conceal numerous courtyards and viewpoints.

On your way, push open the door of St Giles' Cathedral. Its richly sculpted Thistle Chapel is worth the visit alone.

Holyrood Palace

At the foot of the Royal Mile, Holyroodhouse Palace is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. Visitors can explore the royal apartments, including those of Mary, Queen of Scots, as well as the ruins of the nearby abbey. Opening times vary depending on the royal family's visits; please check the website for details. Royal Collection Trust.

Victoria Street and Grassmarket

Victoria Street curves down towards the Grassmarket, past colorful facades and independent shops. This street is often associated with the world of Harry Potter. We feature other locations from the saga in our guide. Harry Potter in Scotland. The Grassmarket, a former marketplace, is home to many historic pubs.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

This peaceful cemetery is famous for Greyfriars Bobby, the little dog who remained loyal to his master. His statue stands just at the entrance. The place also attracts fans of dark stories, which we recount in our guide to... Scottish legends.

The underground passages of Mary King's Close

Beneath the Royal Mile lie 17th-century alleyways, covered over during the construction of new buildings. The guided tour of The Real Mary King's Close thus recounts daily life at the time, particularly during the plague.

What is there to do in Edinburgh's new town area?

Princes Street and the Scott Monument

Built from the late 18th century onwards, the new town offers a striking contrast to the old town. Princes Street runs alongside its gardens, opposite the castle. The Scott Monument, an immense Gothic spire dedicated to Walter Scott, is climbed by 287 narrow steps.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Edinburgh, especially at sunset. There you'll find the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon and left unfinished, as well as the Nelson Monument and the Dugald Stewart Monument. The climb takes only a few minutes from Princes Street.

Dean Village and Stockbridge

Nestled on the banks of the Water of Leith, Dean Village feels like a country village right in the heart of the city. Then follow the path along the river to Stockbridge. This lively area is home to Circus Lane, one of the city's most photographed alleyways, and a Sunday market.

Free things to do in Edinburgh: museums

Good news for your budget: several of the city's major museums are free. The National Museum of Scotland, for example, traces the country's history, from geology to Dolly the sheep. Be sure to go up to its terrace, which offers a beautiful view of the castle.

The Scottish National Gallery, on The Mound, also exhibits Scottish painters and great European masters. Its permanent collection is also free to access.

Things to do outdoors in Edinburgh: Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano rising 251 meters, stands in the heart of Holyrood Park. Allow about an hour and a half for the round trip from Holyrood Palace. The path is easy, but the summit is often windy, so be sure to wear good shoes and bring a windbreaker.

Things to do in Edinburgh by the sea: Leith and Portobello

The port of Leith has changed a lot in just a few years. The Shore, its quays, now houses some of the best restaurants in the city. Royal Yacht Britannia, The former royal family yacht can also be visited in Leith.

Further east, Portobello beach and its promenade offer a refreshing seaside escape twenty minutes by bus from the centre.

What to do in Edinburgh depending on the season?

In August, the city hosts the world's largest arts festival: discover our guide to the...’Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The same month, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes over the castle esplanade. At the end of October, don't miss it either. Halloween in Edinburgh and its grand fire festival on Calton Hill.

In winter, the city installs its Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens, then celebrates New Year's Eve at’Hogmanay. Finally, for the weather, consult our guide to climate in Scotland.

Day trips from Edinburgh

• Rosslyn Chapel, famous for its sculptures and the Da Vinci Code, is located south of the city.
• South Queensferry and the Forth Bridge, a railway bridge listed as a World Heritage Site.
• Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Stuart.
• The filming locations of the Outlander series, presented in our guide to Outlander filming locations.

How many days do you need to do everything in Edinburgh?

Two days are enough to see the Old Town, the castle, and Calton Hill. Three days, on the other hand, allows time to add Dean Village, Leith, Arthur's Seat, and a museum. Edinburgh is above all an excellent starting point for a road trip in Scotland.

Getting to and around Edinburgh

The airport is located about ten kilometers west of the city center and is accessible by tram. From London, the train reaches Waverley station in approximately four and a half hours. Once there, forget the car: the city center is easily explored on foot, and buses provide excellent service to the more distant neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do in Edinburgh in one day?

Start at the castle when it opens, then walk down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse. In the afternoon, stroll through Victoria Street and the Grassmarket. Finally, end your day with sunset over Calton Hill.

What to do in Edinburgh when it rains?

Free museums are perfect for a rainy day, as are the underground passages of Mary King's Close. Holyrood Castle and Palace can also be largely explored from the inside.

What is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

May, June, and September offer long days and reasonable crowds. August is very lively thanks to the festivals, but accommodation is expensive. Our guide on when to go to Scotland detailed each month.

Do you need to book Edinburgh Castle in advance?

Yes, especially from April to October. The most popular time slots are often fully booked several days in advance.

Discover Edinburgh with locals

At Brightside Travel, we live in Edinburgh and organize our travelers' trips here. This allows us to recommend well-located accommodation, book your tours, and integrate the capital into your itinerary. tailor-made trip to Scotland.

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