32 Things to Do in Edinburgh Scotland

ByCrystal

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is filled with so much history and beauty. If you are looking for things to do in Edinburgh Scotland – the city has a lot to offer.

Whether you’re looking for a hillside walk on Arthur’s Seat. A tour of 1,000-year-old buildings brimming with history. Or a spooky outing that delves into Edinburgh’s dark past – Edinburgh has something for everyone.

Edinburgh Castle on top of Castle Hill from Princes Street Gardens. The Ross Fountain is on the left with the castle in the background.

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Things to Do in Edinburgh Scotland

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur's Seat lined with people climbing in Edinburgh, Scotland

Located in Holyrood Park, just 15 minutes from the Royal Mile, lies the extinct volcano known as Arthur’s Seat. This natural wonder is the main peak of a spectacular group of hills speckled with heather and wildflowers to the east of Salisbury Crags.

It’s a fairly easy climb to the top, from where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond. The views span so far you can easily spot the Firth of Forth and its famous railway bridge — the Forth Bridge.

I recommend checking out Arthur’s Seat as early as possible to avoid crowds. If you get there super early, you’ll also have the chance to watch the sunrise from the peak, which is a beautiful way to spend a morning.

Saint Anthony’s Chapel

When you visit Arthur’s Seat, you can also take a look at Saint Anthony’s Chapel on your way up. This historic attraction is located on a rocky outcrop, high above St. Margaret’s Loch.

Not much is known about these ruins, but some speculate that the chapel could date back to the 1300s and be possibly used as an outlying chapel for Holyrood Abbey.

St. Margaret’s Loch

Located just below Arthur’s Seat, with stunning views of the ruins of Saint Anthony’s Chapel sits a serene loch. Take a walk or sit on a beach that surrounds the loch which is full of swans, ducks and other birds.  

Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is a beautiful park in the middle of the city centre. It lies between Princes Street and the Mound, which leads to the Royal Mile.

Considering how close they are to the busy city centre, the gardens are a remarkably relaxing place where you can sit and unwind. I’ve often made up a picnic and taken it down to enjoy it amongst the trees.

The history of Princes Street Gardens is an interesting one. It used to be the location of the Nor Loch, which is a marshland polluted by sewage and household waste.

It was even the final resting place for many suspected witches who were drowned. No wonder the gardens are so lush and green nowadays!

  • Address: Princes St, Edinburgh

Scott Monument

Scott Monument - Edinburgh's Gothic Monument from the bottom looking up. Marble statue of Sir Walter Scott in the center of the monument with a ferris wheel in the background. One of the best things to do in Edinburgh.

Scott Monument towers over Princes Street with its beautiful Victorian Gothic architecture. It’s a monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott and a marble statue of him sits in the centre.

Inside there’s a spiral staircase with 287 steps divided between four levels. It sounds normal enough, but you’ve got to be pretty brave to climb to the top!

At first, everything seems fine as you make it to each level and step out to admire the view. But the higher up you go, the narrower the stairwell becomes.

Soon only one person can fit in the stairwell at any time and you hope you don’t run into anyone going in the opposite direction.

The climb does pay off and when you get to the very top, you get some lovely views of Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill.

This is another example of things to do in Edinburgh I highly recommend visiting on a quiet day. If you see loads of people climbing upwards — stay away!

Calton Hill

Located at the end of Princes Street is Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a photographer’s dream. Here the Dugald Stewart Monument is a hugely popular photography spot.

The monument boasts spectacular views of Edinburgh in the background. Calton Hill is also the location for the annual Beltane Fire Festival — a modern reinterpretation of an ancient Celtic ritual.

Edinburgh Castle

One of the most famous things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, Edinburgh Castle is definitely worth the visit. Sitting atop a rocky hill, this magnificent fortress is home to both the Stone of Destiny and the Crown Jewels.

Edinburgh Castle also has a spooky past, which you can learn about in my Spooky Things to do in Edinburgh list. My favourite part of the castle is the dog cemetery which acts as a final resting place for soldiers’ loyal pets.

St Giles Cathedral

Exterior of St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

Founded around 1130 and located on the Royal Mile, St Giles Cathedral is the place of worship of the Church of Scotland. The magnificent building features a stunning display of incredible architecture, including the crown steeple dating back to the 15th century.

Inside, the cathedral offers beautiful stained-glass windows depicting Scottish saints, the Thistle Chapel and several military memorials for the Royal Scots.

Heart of the Midlothian

Just outside St Giles’ Cathedral is the heart of the Midlothian — a heart-shaped mosaic built into the pavement.

This spot marks the original doorway of the Old Tolbooth prison where executions took place.

Make sure to step around or over the heart and not on it because locals like to spit onto it as a sign of disdain for the former prison!

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Scotch Whiskey Experience in Edinburgh Scotland

If you used to watch the show The Magic School Bus as a child, get ready for some nostalgia because that’s how I describe the first half of the Scotch Whiskey Experience.

You climb into a barrel, much like an amusement park ride, and head off on an adventure to learn how Scotch whisky is made, all the while feeling like a tiny adventurer in your barrel.

At the end of the tour, you go into a spectacular room with the world’s largest Scotch whisky collection for some tastings! There are loads of fantastic places to try whisky in Edinburgh, and I recommend going on one of the best whisky tours in Edinburgh to taste them all!

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyrood House is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II when she was staying in Edinburgh. The palace has been the principal residence of Scottish Kings and Queens, including Mary Queen of Scots, since the 16th century.

My favourite parts of The Palace of Holyroodhouse are the beautiful gardens and the ruins of the Augustinian Holyrood Abbey. The palace is located at the end of the Royal Mile, adjacent to Arthur’s Seat.

Victoria Street

Colorful buildings, cobblestone streets of Victoria Street is a things to do in Edinburgh Scotland
The Picturesque Victoria Street is a must-see for Harry Potter fans looking for things to do in Edinburgh

Victoria Street is a picturesque cobblestone street that leads down from Grassmarket towards Castlehill. This street is so captivating it was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

The real lane even has its own Harry Potter shop, aptly named Diagon House. Victoria Street is lined with vibrant, colourful buildings full of independently owned shops.

If you’re a big Harry Potter fan or if you just want to see one of the most beautiful streets in the city, definitely add this place onto your list of things to do in Edinburgh.

  • Address: Victoria Street, Edinburgh

Grassmarket

Situated below Edinburgh Castle and still one of the liveliest parts of the city, Grassmarket was originally one of Edinburgh’s main market places.

Today it’s home to a wide range of pubs, including Scotland’s smallest pub, The Wee Pub, which can only hold about 20 people at a time.

The Grassmarket is also where you’ll find one of the scariest haunted pubs in Scotland, called The White Hart Inn. This pub is rumoured to have been the hunting place for Edinburgh’s notorious murderers Burke and Hare.

  • Address: Grassmarket, Edinburgh

Surgeons’ Hall Museum

Skulls and things in jars at Glasgow University
No photography is allowed at Surgeons’ Hall Museum so these are from Glasgow University! It gives you an idea, though.

If you’ve ever wanted to see amputated fingers, surgically removed organs or diseased brains and skulls in jars, the Surgeons’ Hall Museum is your place.

The exhibitions are split up into pathology, dental and surgery, so you can discover how medical practices worked in the past.

I look at the museum as one of the best educational and most unusual things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, as it provides you with loads of fascinating information about the human body.

The museum also guards the death mask (a plaster cast of a person’s face following their death) of the infamous William Burke, of the body-snatchers Burke and Hare.

Water of Leith

The Water of Leith is a 12-mile river that runs through Edinburgh. Lining it on one side is a walkway that offers a serene and peaceful walk through the vibrant, bustling city.

You can spot all sorts of wildlife here, such as a beautiful heron searching for his lunch. Taking a leisurely stroll around here is one of the most relaxing things to do in Edinburgh if sightseeing gets a bit too much for you. 

Dean Village to Stockbridge Walk

Dean Village - quaint little Edinburgh village with the water of Leith running in between brick buildings

Dean Village is located on the Water of Leith, a quaint little place full of cute houses and cobblestone pathways that were once a milling village. The walk from Dean Village to Stockbridge is the most popular in the area.

The route is overflowing with history and beautiful sites, including man-made waterfalls, St Bernard’s Well and the historic Dene bridge.

When you arrive at Stockbridge, you’ll see the streets and the picture-perfect Circus Lane is lined with charming Georgian and Victorian terraced houses.

SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART

I stumbled across the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art on one of my walks along the Water of Leith walkway. It’s a free art gallery that boasts collections by artists including Picasso and Warhol.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a beautiful, lush garden filled with all sorts of different types of trees, plants and flowers.

The gardens encompass ten glasshouses, including the Victorian Temperate Palm House, the Tropical Palm House and the Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden, all just a 20-minute walk from Princes Street. 

Edinburgh Zoo

Cute little gentoo penguin looking up at the camera at Edinburgh Zoo
My cute little penguin friend at Edinburgh Zoo

Having worked at Edinburgh Zoo, my views might be a little biased, but the Edinburgh Zoo is one of my favourite zoos in the world. It’s located in Corstorphine and sits on quite a steep hill.

Here you can meet several very cool animals, such as chimps, penguins, owls, koalas, pandas and the Scottish wildcat! You’ll get in a good leg workout as you spend a day exploring the zoo, so make sure you bring decent walking shoes.

Pentland Hills

Pentland Hills, part of the Pentland Hills Regional Park, is a range of hills in the southwest of Edinburgh. These hills are stunning when seen from afar, especially when they’re covered in a light dusting of snow.

The Pentlands are the perfect place to head to for an afternoon walk. As well as the hills, the rest of the park is filled with well-maintained trails, reservoirs and several conservation areas.

It’s the perfect place to spend a day relaxing with a picnic or getting a good workout on a hill trek.

  • Address: Pentland Hills, West Linton

Greyfriars Bobby

Statue of Bobby the Skye Terrior from Greyfriars Bobby

Greyfriars Bobby is a statue of a Skye terrier who became well-known throughout the city. Bobby spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner.

The statue is located just outside of Greyfriars Kirkyard which today is his (and his owner’s) final resting place.

  • Address: George IV bridge & Chambers Street, Edinburgh

Dr. Neil’s Garden

Dr. Neil’s Garden is a special place. It’s almost a secret garden. Not a lot of people are aware of the enchanting gardens that line Duddingston Loch. You can enjoy sitting amongst the heathers, magnolias and rhododendrons overlooking the calm waters of the loch.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Edinburgh is full of incredible historic graveyards. One of the most famous graveyards is Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Famous for its tales of the famous dog Greyfriars Bobby, it’s terrifying stories of being the most haunted graveyard in the world.

The graveyard is also known to be the inspiration for Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. You can find the names of people like Professor McGonagall and Voldermort.

Flodden Wall

A medieval brick wall with a site that says Flodden Wall in gold writing. The wall and sign are partially covered in ivy.
The Flodden wall is located in various places around Edinburgh’s Old Town

Take a self-guided tour of the medieval defence walls that once surrounded Old Town Edinburgh. The walls that are still standing will give you an idea of what it was like to live in such a small area of town.

Take Alpaca’s for a Walk in the Pentlands

Spend an afternoon walking some adorable alpacas with Bobcat Alpacas. The walks offer a form of enrichment and allow visitors to get up close and personal with the alpacas.

The walk is determined by the alpaca as they can stop, eat and drink whenever they walk so it takes approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Edinburgh Dungeons

Located on Merchant Street, the Edinburgh Dungeons are perfect for those who love spooky history tied with thematics and jump scares. Follow character actors through Edinburgh’s terrifying history and spend your afternoon screaming with fear.

Armchair Books

Surround yourself in the chaos of hundreds of thousands of books as far as the eye can see. Okay, I don’t know the exact number of books contained in the shop located in West Bow but it’s a sight you must see.

Address: 72-74 West Port, Edinburgh

The Real Mary King’s Close

Go below the Royal Mile and step into the past. A tour guide from the 1600s will join you as you walk around the real closes, houses and tenements that used to be occupied by the people of Edinburgh during the plague.

Book here: Mary King’s Close

Blair Street Vaults

One of the best underground vaults in Edinburgh is the Blair Street Vaults. Take a tour with Mercat Tours and learn the history behind the vaults and the ghosts that haunt them.

The Witches’ Well

Witches Well in Edinburgh Scotland
Witches Well in Edinburgh

Located on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade is a small bronze monument dedicated to the lives of the accused witches during the Great Scottish Witch Hunt.

Anatomical Museum at Edinburgh University

This free museum is only open one Saturday a month and features a collection of pathology, zoology and human anatomy. It is also the location of the skeleton of William Burke from the serial killing duo Burke and Hare.

Address: Doorway 3, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh

Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

This free museum, located on Queen Street, features several temporary displays and exhibits that are related to health and the body. Exhibits include exploring disease histories, health in early modern England and the truth about vaccines.

More Information About Things to do in Edinburgh

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32 Things to do in Edinburgh Scotland
32 Things to do in Edinburgh Scotland

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