Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, may just be one of the most magical cities out there. With its ancient cobbled streets, castles, and bustling energy, it’s the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. This medieval city easily made my favorite destinations list and was the first stop on our road trip around Scotland! From the iconic Edinburgh castle to dancing in a Scottish ceilidh to trying haggis, there’s so many things to do in Edinburgh. Here’s my roundup of all of the best things to do in this charming city!
1. Walk the Royal Mile
It’s almost impossible not to walk along the Royal Mile. As the name suggests, this road is one mile in length (or one mile and 107 yards long to be exact) and links the Edinburgh Castle with Holyroodhouse, the palace where Mary Queen of Scots once lived.
Meandering through the Royal Mile’s cobbled streets and eclectic array of independent shops and charming cafes is the one of my favorite ways to get an authentic essence of Edinburgh’s bustling energy and timeless allure.
2. Marvel at Edinburgh Castle
Iconic, bloody, and the witness to many dramatic conflicts.
Edinburgh Castle has seen and experienced a lot over the centuries. As home to kings and queens, the castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. Over the years, it’s been a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress.
Most notably, it was the site of the “Black Dinner”. This was the event where the heads of the Douglas clan were invited to dine with King James II and then falsely executed afterwards. Fast forward to modern day and it’s now the historical event that went on to inspire the “Red Wedding” scenes in Game of Thrones.
If that isn’t enough drama, Edinburgh Castle is also sat on top of Castle Rock, the rock which has been acting as a plug to the now dormant 350-year-old volcano below it.
3. Wake up with a sunrise hike up Arthur’s Seat
As one of the main peaks of Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano shrouded in myths and legends that date back to the days of Celtic folklore. It’s even believed by some to be the location of Camelot, the mythical castle of King Arthur.
If you’re keen on starting your day off bright and early, hiking up Arthur’s Seat to witness the skies above Edinburgh turn golden at dawn is definitely the way to go.
There are many trails that lead up to the summit of Arthur’s Seat depending on the difficulty level that you’re up for. The main circuit trail is 4 km in total and takes about 1.5 hours to complete so do be prepared!
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to some of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh and its surrounding landscapes. The ethereal and breathtaking sights that it offers is no wonder poets and artists have had their works inspired by Arthur’s Hill for centuries.
4. Enjoy the sunset from Calton Hill
Sitting directly across the city from Arthur’s Seat is Calton Hill.
Adorned with a collection of striking monuments that pay homage to Scotland’s illustrious figures and pivotal moments in history, Calton Hill offers a compelling blend of architectural splendor and panoramic views that capture the essence of Edinburgh’s cultural legacy.
From the iconic National Monument to the striking Dugald Stewart Monument, Calton Hill is the perfect sanctuary for a serene escape from the city center while still being immersed in Edinburgh’s cultural history. Compared to Arthur’s Hill, Calton Hill is more of a walk rather than a hike and getting to the top is significantly shorter than Arthur’s Hill.
5. Explore the hidden streets of Real Mary King’s Close
The underground network of Real Mary King’s Close’s hidden streets offers a captivating glimpse into Edinburgh’s tumultuous past.
Visiting the underground streets is a fascinating, albeit eerie, experience. Back in the 17th century, the close was once alive and busy with houses and shops lining its sides. Now, you’ll have the opportunity to traverse through those preserved passageways and chambers from the 17th century on tours offered by The Real Mary King’s Close.
As you venture deeper into the close, you’ll get to learn more about the inhabitants that once lived in the close and the plague outbreaks that ravaged the city ultimately taking out most of the population. It’s an amazing way to learn more about Edinburgh’s past and is easily one of the best things to do in the city.
6. Visit the Water of Leith
The Water of Leith is a serene river that winds its way through Edinburgh offering a peaceful escape from the urban landscape. It’s not as commonly visited by tourists but if you have the time, it’s definitely one of those hidden gems that’s not to be missed.
With some pretty cool bars, grassy banks, and a conservation centre, it’s the perfect place for a laidback afternoon on your trip.
7. Go for a beachside walk on Portobello beach
Did you know that Edinburgh has a beach? It certainly wasn’t the first thing that came to my mind!
Just a few miles from Edinburgh’s city centre is the charming seaside suburb of Portobello Beach. It was once a bustling resort destination for Victorian holiday makers and is still a great place to visit if you’re looking for some nature outside the city.
Try a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores of Portobello beach and take in the panoramic views of the North Sea as you immerse yourself in the area’s rich maritime heritage.
8. Immerse yourself in Scottish history at the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland houses a remarkable collection of artifacts that span centuries and showcases the best of Scotland’s diverse cultural legacy.
From ancient archaeological finds to modern technological marvels, this renowned institution offers an immersive glimpse into Scotland’s past and achievements.
Also, be sure not to miss the terrace on the roof! You’ll be treated to some of the best views of the city!
9. Discover the selections at independent bookshops
Edinburgh is the perfect place for all of us self-proclaimed bookworms!
The city has a thriving literary scene with plenty of independent bookshops to explore. Plus being surrounded by cobbled stones, castles, and just the general magic of Scotland makes for the perfect setting to curl up to a good fantasy book!
10. Enjoy an afternoon at the Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is a horticultural paradise teeming with a diverse collection of plant species from around the globe.
There’s so many different displays to explore like the Victorian Palm House and the Chinese Hillside.
11. Scotch Whisky Museum
As the most beloved drink in the nation, a trip to Scotland wouldn’t quite be complete without at least one glass of whisky!
Take it one step further by visiting the Scotch Whisky museum. Here, you’ll get to learn about the intricate craftsmanship and traditions that go into producing Scottish whisky’s diverse flavors and defined character. At the end of your tour, you’ll even get to sample some of the spirits!
12. Ascend the spiral staircase at the Scott Monument
The Scott Monument is definitely something to be marveled at. It’s a Gothic spire dedicated to the esteemed Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, one of the Scotland’s most celebrated literary figures. What makes the monument so unique is its striking architecture and intricate design. You’ll definitely want to take a few steps back so that you can get a full view of the monument.
After admiring it from the outside, ascend the spiral staircase to take in those panoramic views of Edinburgh’s skyline and surrounding landscapes.
13. See the universe at The Royal Observatory
Coming from Washington DC, there aren’t many opportunities to stargaze. But when these is an opportunity to do some stargazing, you’re sure to find me there!
For my fellow stargazing lovers, The Royal Observatory has a wealth of celestial wonders and exhibits to explore. From interactive stargazing sessions to learning about the cosmos, it’s a great way to see and learn more about the universe.
14. Step into the shoes of a royal at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is nothing short of grand and regal.
Sitting at the bottom of the Royal Mile, the palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland and is home to the meticulously manicured palace gardens as well as the opulent State Apartments.
For the past 500 years, it’s been used as the residing home to kings and queens. Even now, it’s still used by the British monarch while on official visits to Scotland.
15. Pop into a cozy coffee shop
While whisky may be the national drink of Scotland, second may be coffee.
Walking through the cobbled streets of Edinburgh you’ll find plenty of cozy, little coffee shops that are perfect to pop into especially when the weather gets a bit moody.
For Harry Potter fans, pop into Nicolsons Cafe to see the place where J.K. Rowling started writing the first Harry Potter book.
16. Dance the night away at a Scottish Ceilidh
If you’re looking for a fun night out, look no further than a Scottish pub hosting ceilidh night!
A ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”) originates from the Gaelic word for “gathering” or “party”. It’s a common social event in both Scotland and Ireland filled with dancing and folk music.
For those who have never been to a ceilidh, don’t worry about not knowing the dances. The band on stage will usually have an instructor who teaches the crowd the steps for the dance so that you can easily follow along.
It’s a night where you’ll be treated to traditional music, lively rhythms, and lots of high spirited dancing. It’s one of the most fun nights I had while in Scotland!
17. Try Haggis, the national dish of Scotland
Now, I know you might be thinking that one is a hard pass but as the official national dish, you have to try it. At least once.
Haggis, is a sausage made from sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs) mixed with spices, oatmeal, and spices and then cooked in the sheep or cow’s stomach. The texture and taste is quite similar to ground beef.
If you’re looking for a place to try haggis in Edinburgh, try The Little Chartroom. On Sundays, they serve a classic roast of beef, shin, Yorkshire pudding and, of course, haggis.
One Comment