Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

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Top 10 attractions in Edinburgh

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Edinburgh Old Town
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town

9
4.9/5
132 reviews
Edinburgh Old Town refers to the old town area of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The district preserves many buildings from the European Middle Ages and the Scottish Reformation, including notable landmarks such as St. Giles' Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland, the Surgeons' Hall, the National Museum of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Parliament Building. Strolling through the streets of Edinburgh Old Town, exploring the unique architecture, pubs, restaurants, and shops on either side, with the occasional sound of beautiful Scottish bagpipe music in the air, is a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.Edinburgh · 487m from downtown
Calton Hill
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Calton Hill

7.1
4.6/5
516 reviews
Calton Hill is a high vantage point overlooking the entire city of Edinburgh, dotted with several neoclassical memorial buildings. Take a walk along the summit trail, and from the top, looking west, you can take in the entire cityscape, with the magnificent Edinburgh Castle standing in the distance, the vast waters of the Firth of Forth visible to the north, and buildings such as the Scottish Parliament Building and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the south. A prominent feature on the summit is the National Monument of Scotland, built to commemorate those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. It was left unfinished due to a lack of funds, and today only a row of massive columns supporting a beam remains. The nearby Nelson Monument was built in the early 19th century and features a time ball on top, which drops promptly every afternoon. It was originally a signaling device set up to calibrate time for ships in the Port of Leith. Not far away is the Dugald Stewart Monument, with several stone columns supporting a circular dome. Its elegant design makes it a classic foreground for photographing the Edinburgh skyline.Edinburgh · 397m from downtown
Princes Street
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Edinburgh

Princes Street

6.7
4.8/5
339 reviews
The total length of Princes Street is only 1.5 kilometers. This street divides Edinburgh into two cities, the old and the new, the new city in the north and the old city in the south. The east end of Princes Street is connected to Calton Hill. The hill is not high and overlooks the city.Edinburgh · 627m from downtown
National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland

6.5
4.7/5
285 reviews
The National Museum of Scotland was formed by the merger of the original Scottish Museum and the Royal Scottish Museum, and is considered one of the buildings of Scotland in the 20th century, adding a lively modern atmosphere to Edinburgh's Old Town. The architectural design of the museum echoes the unique history and natural environment of Scotland, especially the Round Tower in Edinburgh, forming an ingenious connection between history and modernity. The building is clad in Scottish golden sandstone, creating a weather-beaten ancient look. The triangular entrance hall is as high as seven floors, creating a sense of space full of tension, which is vividly likened to a "bird cage". The light is good, and the sun can almost fill every corner of the hall. Decorative pieces such as fountains and fish ponds add to the natural appeal.Edinburgh · 709m from downtown
St Giles' Cathedral
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

St Giles' Cathedral

6.3
4.5/5
169 reviews
St Giles' Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile in the city center of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a representative religious building in Edinburgh and an important church of the Church of Scotland. Its religious history dates back to 1124, and the existing building has undergone expansions and renovations over several periods, featuring an overall medieval Gothic architectural style. The exterior is characterized by stone walls, pointed arched windows, and a striking crown spire. The spire rises high above the city blocks and is a highly recognizable view in the Royal Mile area. Today, it is still used for daily worship, while also being open to visitors and hosting concerts and cultural events.Edinburgh · 449m from downtown
Royal Mile
Selected for Night Attractions in United Kingdom

Royal Mile

6.1
4.7/5
419 reviews
The Royal Mile is the central avenue of the old city of Edinburgh. This avenue starts from Edinburgh Castle and ends at the Palace of the Holy Cross. The alleys on both sides are intertwined and form the skeleton of the old city. The ground paved with cobblestones has long been polished, and the buildings on the side of the avenue are simple and majestic, full of historical atmosphere. Kilt-clad street performers play bagpipes every afternoon, reminding visitors that they are in the old heart of Scotland. The Royal Mile is divided into four sections. A small slope in front of the castle is called Castlehill, where the Scottish Whisky Heritage Centre is located. The next small segment is called the Lawnmarket. After the intersection of George IV Bridge Street is called High Street (HighStreet), St Giles Church is on High Street. Like most cities in the UK, the High Street is Edinburgh's city centre and a bustling strip of business. The section after the intersection of St. Mary's Street is called Canongate. Pedestrians are gradually sparse, surrounded by medieval buildings. At the end of the road is the Palace of the Holy Cross. On the Royal Mile, take a seat in an atmospheric restaurant or bar, or pick up gifts from Scotland.Edinburgh · 349m from downtown
Arthur's Seat
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

Arthur's Seat

5.9
4.7/5
199 reviews
Arthur's Seat is one of Edinburgh's iconic natural landmarks and the highest point in the park, with an elevation of approx. 251 m. It is an ancient volcanic remnant that, through long-term geological erosion and glacial activity, has formed rolling slopes, exposed rock, steep ridges, and open grasslands. Its distinct silhouette is visible from many locations in the city and is an important part of the Edinburgh skyline. Visitors can set off from Holyrood Park along various routes to gradually climb to the summit. Once at the top, on a clear day, you can overlook Edinburgh's Old Town, New Town, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth, as well as enjoy distant views of the surrounding hills.Edinburgh · 1.9km from downtown
Holyrood Park
No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

Holyrood Park

5.6
4.3/5
50 reviews
Holyrood Park is located east of the city center of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, United Kingdom, adjacent to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and is a natural park characterized by volcanic landscapes, hills, rock faces, lakes, and open grasslands. It covers an area of approx. 260 hectares, with distinct undulating terrain that contrasts sharply with the surrounding city blocks. The park features sites such as St Margaret's Loch, Dunsapie Loch, Hunter's Bog, and the ruins of St Anthony's Chapel. It is suitable for hiking, sightseeing, photography, and connecting with nature, and also serves as an open space for daily leisure for local residents.Edinburgh · 2km from downtown
The University of Edinburgh
No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh

5.6
4.7/5
167 reviews
The University of Edinburgh is a comprehensive university located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, United Kingdom, founded in 1583. Its buildings and teaching facilities are distributed across multiple areas of the city, with the George Square campus in the city center being one of the main campus areas. The campus architecture blends historical styles with modern design, featuring classical stone buildings, courtyards, and arcades, as well as modern teaching buildings, research centers, and learning spaces, creating a campus environment that integrates with Edinburgh's Old Town and surrounding neighborhoods. It is closely connected to the city blocks, with cafes, shops, parks, and public transportation facilities nearby. Visitors can follow campus walking routes to admire the architecture or visit open exhibition spaces to experience the local academic atmosphere and city life.Edinburgh · 973m from downtown
Victoria St

Victoria St

5.3
4.7/5
48 reviews
Victoria St is located in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, and is a distinctive street known for its colorful shop facades and traditional cobblestone road, connecting George IV Bridge above with the Grassmarket below. Built in the 1830s, it extends in an arc along the slope, with buildings of varying heights on both sides. The vibrant shop fronts complement the ancient stone architecture, creating a highly recognizable urban view. It is suitable for walking, photography, shopping, and tasting local cuisine, and can also be included in the same itinerary as the Grassmarket and the Royal Mile.Edinburgh · 588m from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Edinburgh

Featured Food & drink in Edinburgh

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90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town
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4.8/5
· 275 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
English
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64 consecutive positive reviews
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Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh
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Edinburgh: Scottish Cooking Class + Dinner
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Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromAU$ 183.89
Gothic Edinburgh: afternoon tea tour of women's stories and hidden history
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Edinburgh: Gin Distillation Workshop with Gin Tasting
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$ 161.83AU$ 170.35

Featured Cultural experiences in Edinburgh

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1-day tour to Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe + Loch Ness with Edinburgh round-trip
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111 booked
Duration: 2.9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
79 travellers saved
FromAU$ 134.15
City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free
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4.4/5
· 1.1k reviews· 54 booked
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FromAU$ 38.75
Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry Ticket
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 26 booked
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FromAU$ 41.63
Top Edinburgh: Private guided tour with your mobile
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Duration: 1.6 hrs
English
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FromAU$ 16.00
1-day tour to Doune Castle + Blackness Castle + Falkland + Culross | comfortable minibus
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FromAU$ 157.56
Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe Adventure from Edinburgh
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4.1/5
· 1 review
Duration: 735 mins
English
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Glenfinnan Viaduct + Scottish Highlands 1-day tour|A must-visit for Harry Potter fans
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3.9/5
· 19 reviews· 178 booked
Duration: 9.7 hrs
English
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The King's Gallery at Palace of Holyroodhouse: Entry Ticket
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 23 booked
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Edinburgh

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1-day tour to Loch Ness + Glen Coe + Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh, UK
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4.3/5
· 35 reviews· 343 booked
Duration: 4.8 hrs
English
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Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh
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4.6/5
· 668 reviews· 82 booked
Duration: 13 hrs
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91.2% of travelers recommend
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1-day tour to Glenfinnan Viaduct + Glencoe + Highlands from Edinburgh, UK
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3.9/5
· 9 reviews· 182 booked
Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
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Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands tour from Edinburgh
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3.5/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 750 mins
English
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West Highland Lochs, mountains and castles tour from Edinburgh
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 630 mins
English
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1-day tour of St Andrews Cathedral + Old Course + Fife Coast | Medieval University Town
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 6.2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromAU$ 123.94

Featured Day tours in Edinburgh

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Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William
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4.9/5
· 1.8k reviews· 171 booked
Duration: 12 hrs
Free cancellation
45 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$ 80.91AU$ 85.17
Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh
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4.3/5
· 639 reviews· 46 booked
Duration: 60–75 mins
English
Free cancellation
FromAU$ 40.69
Luxury Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Underground Vaults | 90min
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4.8/5
· 60 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
English
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32 consecutive positive reviews
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Free things to do in Edinburgh

More ways to travel from Edinburgh

Edinburgh Cruises

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Private Tours in Edinburgh

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What travellers say about Edinburgh

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M Ahem3 May 2025
5.0
Awesome place! Had an amazing experience—highly recommended for everyone to visit!

Edinburgh Old Town

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苏河家园14 July 2025
5.0
卡尔顿山是爱丁堡标志性景点,其以新古典主义建筑群、360度城市全景和丰富的文化活动而闻名。设计灵感以雅典帕特农神庙为蓝本,山顶上希腊式立柱恢宏雄伟,像一座被时光凝固的神庙骨架,静静守护着爱丁堡。‌

Calton Hill

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樂悠遊11 May 2022
5.0
Princes Street in Edinburgh is the main avenue that separates the old and new cities. Walking on this street, you can not only enjoy the pleasant gardens and the magnificent castle, but also enjoy shopping😁😁

Princes Street

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Totsy.daisy20 November 2023
5.0
This museum is so amazing; my daughter loves it so much! It has 5 floors with different sections of natural world; world cultures; art & design and also science & technology with interactive displays that intrigued children. You can go the roof terrace to see the overview of Edinburgh city from there. And not to forget; it is free entrance! There’s also a cafe inside that sells good coffee and cakes. A must visit when you’re in Edinburgh.

National Museum of Scotland

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YA MEI23 February 2023
5.0
Starting from the appearance of St. Giles Cathedral, it is so solemn and sacred! Walking into the church is even more awe-inspiring. Its architectural design, sculpture art, and historical traces are all touching and worth your visit!

St Giles' Cathedral

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Traveltheworld@bd25 February 2026
5.0
Walking the historic Royal Mile feels like stepping straight into a living storybook. Stretching from the castle down to Holyrood Palace, every cobblestone seems to carry centuries of character. The atmosphere is electric yet charming — street performers, cozy cafés, and little shops tucked into medieval buildings create a perfect blend of culture and warmth.What makes the experience truly special is how effortlessly history and everyday life coexist here. One moment you’re admiring stunning old architecture, the next you’re browsing handmade crafts or enjoying a relaxed coffee while bagpipes echo in the distance. The views along the way are beautiful, especially on a crisp day when the city feels extra magical.It’s lively without feeling overwhelming, touristy yet still authentic. Whether you’re exploring museums, discovering hidden closes, or simply wandering with no plan at all, there’s always something memorable around the corner.The Royal Mile isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a place you feel. A must-see for anyone wanting to experience the heart and soul of Edinburgh.

Royal Mile

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_TS***fb16 June 2023
5.0
this is highest elevation in Edinburgh. the hike is about 1.5km, 260m elevation. hike up from the Queen’s Drive side. coming down is more difficult than going up. bring water.

Arthur's Seat

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suifeng201918 April 2020
4.0
The park is near Holyrood Palace and was once the hunting ground of the Scottish king. There are many hills, lakes, canyons and basalt cliffs in the park, providing people with a spectacular highland landscape.

Holyrood Park

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小思文1 January 2022
4.0
The University of Edinburgh is a famous British federal institution of higher learning. It has an old school district with hundreds of years of history. The university is full of classical buildings. The tall buildings are very beautiful. The school is also a free place to visit, and there are connecting areas between different buildings.

The University of Edinburgh

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Iamis1 September 2019
5.0
This street is very famous and I have seen it in many travel notes. I was very excited to find this street following the navigation, but there was a maintenance project at the end of the street, so taking photos was inevitably affected. The colors of the shops on this street are very beautiful. Each store uses different colors and is lined up in a row, which is quite nice. This street is not long. There is the internet celebrity oink, but it was sold out and closed when I went there. Don't go at closing time, it will close after it is sold out.

Victoria St

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Edinburgh?

Don't miss these attractions in Edinburgh: Edinburgh Old Town, Calton Hill, and Princes Street. If you like Food & drink, try 90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try 1-day tour to Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe + Loch Ness with Edinburgh round-trip.

You can give 90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town and Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 1-day tour to Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe + Loch Ness with Edinburgh round-trip, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, and Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 15 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Edinburgh is around AUD 40.69 – AUD 184.05. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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