Things to do in Edinburgh

Sightseeing in Edinburgh reveals a score of attractions, highlighting this ancient city's historical, cultural and visual charm. Most Edinburgh attractions are quite centrally located and best enjoyed during the summer, when the days are both longer and warmer. It is easy and pleasant to get around the main tourist enclaves of the city on foot.

Located on the mound of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle includes structures from as early as the 12th century. The National Gallery has displayed fine works of art to the public since 1859 and continues to exhibit an impressive collection. For Scottish opera and ballet performances, visit the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, while the Museum of Edinburgh is another worthwhile attraction.

The Scotch Whisky Experience shows visitors the art of brewing Scotland's celebrated whiskies, locally referred to as 'the water of life'. The Royal Yacht Brittania is docked in the port of Leith and has hosted the likes of Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela. Founded in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden is made up of Victorian glasshouses and impressive landscaped grounds. The Royal Mile in Old Town, which stretches from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse is another must. Strolling down this atmospheric road, travellers will encounter many people advertising themed tours of the city including a number of thrilling historical and ghostly routes, which are a great way to get some insight into this mysterious Gothic city.

Edinburgh Castle photo

Edinburgh Castle

The imposing castle that stands on the craggy mound of an extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh is not only the city's top attraction, but a proud and lasting symbol of the Sco…

Palace of Holyrood House photo

Palace of Holyrood House

The Palace of Holyrood was originally an abbey, built in the 12th century, and later the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, notorious for her turbulent reign and dramatic life. Today th…

Royal Botanic Garden photo

Royal Botanic Garden

Not just any garden, the Edinburgh Botanic Garden is acknowledged as one of the finest in the world. The garden features six percent of all the world's known plants, the most tende…

National Gallery of Scotland photo

National Gallery of Scotland

The National Gallery of Scotland is situated in the heart of Edinburgh and is home to Scotland's greatest collection of European paintings and sculpture from the Renaissance to Pos…

St Andrews photo

St Andrews

The historic city of St Andrews is home to one of the most famous golf clubs in the world, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Often referred to as 'the home of golf', S…

Dumfries photo

Dumfries

Known as the 'Queen of the South' and birthplace of both world-famous poet Robert Burns and James Barrie, author of Peter Pan, the quaint and picturesque town of Dumfries may not b…

Museum of Edinburgh photo

Museum of Edinburgh

Get to grips with the mystery and magic of the ancient city of Edinburgh at the museum dedicated to its history, from prehistoric times to the present day. The Museum of Edinburgh …

Scotch Whisky Experience photo

Scotch Whisky Experience

Alongside Edinburgh Castle, visitors can enjoy a 'wee dram' and uncover the secrets of brewing Scotland's famed malt, grain and blended whiskies, known to the locals as 'the water …

Royal Yacht Britannia photo

Royal Yacht Britannia

The famed Royal yacht, Britannia, is the pride of the Ocean Terminal in the port of Leith, Edinburgh's recently developed waterfront shopping and leisure area. Numerous illustrious…

Rosslyn Chapel photo

Rosslyn Chapel

Made famous by the conclusion of the exciting novel (later turned movie) The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, this 15th-century Gothic church has become a touristic site of pilgrimage, …

Edinburgh Festival Theatre photo

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is used primarily for musical events and touring groups, and it is one of the main venues for the annual summer Edinburgh International Festival, as …

Royal Mile photo

Royal Mile

An essential activity for travellers in Edinburgh is a stroll along the Royal Mile, a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh's Old Town. Fittingly, the Ro…

Edinburgh Dungeon photo

Edinburgh Dungeon

Like the London and York Dungeons, the Edinburgh Dungeon gives a graphic and spine-chilling look into Edinburgh's history. The dungeon employs every trick in the book to scare the …

Edinburgh Zoo photo

Edinburgh Zoo

Featuring a wonderful variety of cute and exotic animals, children will be absolutely thrilled with a visit to the Edinburgh Zoo. It also offers younger visitors a Kids Zone where …

The Museum of Childhood photo

The Museum of Childhood

When travelling to Edinburgh with children, a trip to the Museum of Childhood is an absolute must and a favourite with both adults and children. It contains wonderful displays, fea…

Our Dynamic Earth photo

Our Dynamic Earth

Situated at the foot of Edinburgh's beautiful Salisbury Crags, this science centre is a fabulous attraction for children of all ages and adults alike, and aims to educate and inspi…

Arthur's Seat photo

Arthur's Seat

The tallest of the seven hills that form Holyrood Park at 822 feet (250m), Arthur's Seat is actually an extinct volcano that overlooks the city of Edinburgh. There are the remains …

Stirling Castle photo

Stirling Castle

One of the most impressive castles in Scotland, Stirling Castle has a famous history of clashes between British troops and Scottish revolutionaries. Its bridge is the site of one o…

Falkirk Wheel photo

Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat-lift located near the town of Falkirk in central Scotland, is an unlikely but extremely popular Scottish tourist attraction. The Wheel, which was…