What To Do In Edinburgh: 2025 Guide To The Best Places To Visit

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is a city that blends medieval grit with Georgian elegance, volcanic landscapes, and world-famous festivals. It’s compact enough to explore on foot yet rich enough to fill a week. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape, a cultural deep-dive, or just a quick stop before heading to the Highlands, Edinburgh never fails to impress. If you’re asking what to do in Edinburgh or searching for the best places to visit in Edinburgh Scotland, this comprehensive guide covers everything—from castles and cobbled lanes to whisky tastings, hikes, ghost tours, and practical travel tips.

Quick Overview: Top Places To Visit in Edinburgh

• Edinburgh Castle
• The Royal Mile
• Palace of Holyroodhouse and Abbey
• Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park
• Calton Hill
• National Museum of Scotland
• Old Town and Grassmarket
• New Town and Dean Village
• Edinburgh’s Festivals
• Harry Potter Locations
• Scottish Food and Whisky
• Ghost Tours and Underground Vaults

Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline and has stood for more than 900 years. It has survived sieges, housed monarchs, and imprisoned enemies of the state. Today it’s Scotland’s most visited attraction.

What to see inside: The Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh), National War Museum, and the prisoner-of-war vaults. The One O’Clock Gun, fired daily except Sundays, is a long-standing tradition.

Tips: Book tickets online (£19.50 for adults), arrive early to avoid crowds, and allow 2–3 hours. Join a guided tour or pick up the audio guide for context. After visiting, head down into Princes Street Gardens for a different perspective of the castle towering above.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace. It’s the Old Town’s backbone—an atmospheric stretch lined with pubs, cathedrals, shops, museums, and hidden alleys known as closes.

Highlights: St Giles’ Cathedral, Camera Obscura, the Real Mary King’s Close, and historic pubs like Deacon Brodie’s and The World’s End. Don’t miss hidden gems like Lady Stair’s Close with the Writers’ Museum or Dunbar’s Close Garden, a secret 17th-century style retreat.

During August, the Mile turns into a stage for the Festival Fringe, packed with comedians, jugglers, and musicians. It’s one of Europe’s most vibrant street experiences.

Palace of Holyroodhouse and Abbey

At the base of the Royal Mile sits the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the monarch. It’s still used for royal events today.

Inside: Tour the Royal Apartments, the Great Gallery of Scottish monarchs, and Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, where her secretary David Rizzio was murdered. Step outside into the haunting ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the beautifully maintained gardens.

Tips: Tickets are about £19.50 with audio guides included. Allow 1.5–2 hours. Combine with a walk into Holyrood Park right behind the palace.

Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park

Arthur’s Seat is a 251-meter extinct volcano and one of the best free experiences in Edinburgh. The climb offers sweeping views of the city, the Firth of Forth, and even the Pentland Hills.

Routes: Steep direct climbs take 40 minutes, while gentler circular routes via Dunsapie Loch are family-friendly. Salisbury Crags offer a dramatic alternative without the full climb.

Tips: Best at sunrise or sunset. Wear sturdy shoes—it can be muddy and windy. The climb takes 1–2 hours depending on your pace.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is an easier climb than Arthur’s Seat but offers equally impressive views. It’s home to the Nelson Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, and the unfinished Parthenon-inspired National Monument.

Why visit: For photographers, this is Edinburgh’s classic viewpoint. Sunset here captures the Old Town, New Town, and beyond in golden light.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is free and has something for everyone—natural history, technology, art, and Scottish heritage.

Highlights: Dolly the Sheep, Egyptian artifacts, Viking treasures, interactive science exhibits, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.

Why go: It’s family-friendly, weatherproof, and one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh. You could easily spend half a day here.

Old Town and Grassmarket

The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestones, medieval buildings, and hidden alleys. The Grassmarket, once used for executions, is now a lively square filled with pubs, restaurants, and markets.

Don’t miss: Greyfriars Kirkyard (inspiration for Harry Potter names), Greyfriars Bobby’s statue, and Victoria Street, a curved colorful lane said to inspire Diagon Alley. Stop at The Last Drop pub for history with your pint.

New Town and Dean Village

Built in the 18th century, New Town is a model of Georgian design—grand squares, wide boulevards, and elegant facades. It contrasts perfectly with the Old Town’s medieval charm.

Highlights: Princes Street (shopping with castle views), George Street (restaurants and bars), and Charlotte Square (home to literary events).

Just minutes away, Dean Village feels like a countryside retreat with stone bridges, watermills, and the tranquil Water of Leith walkway.

Edinburgh’s Festivals

Edinburgh is known worldwide as a festival city. Every August, it hosts the Festival Fringe (the largest arts festival in the world), the International Festival, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. In winter, Hogmanay turns the city into one massive New Year’s Eve party.

Tips: Book accommodations months in advance. The city gets fully booked. If you can handle the crowds, festival season is unforgettable.

Harry Potter Locations

Edinburgh is a must for Harry Potter fans. J.K. Rowling wrote much of the series here, and the city inspired her work.

Key spots: The Elephant House Café, Victoria Street (Diagon Alley vibes), Greyfriars Kirkyard (names like McGonagall and Riddell), and George Heriot’s School (Hogwarts inspiration).

Scottish Food and Whisky

No trip to Edinburgh is complete without trying Scottish food and whisky. Sample haggis with neeps and tatties, Cullen skink (a smoked haddock soup), fresh seafood, and classic shortbread.

Drinks: Join a tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience or head to a traditional pub like The Bow Bar. Food tours are a good way to sample multiple dishes and drinks in one evening.

Ghost Tours and Underground Vaults

Known as one of Europe’s most haunted cities, Edinburgh is perfect for spooky adventures. Explore the South Bridge Vaults, the Real Mary King’s Close, and Greyfriars Graveyard with its infamous poltergeist. Ghost tours run day and night, but evenings are best for atmosphere.

Day Trips From Edinburgh

Edinburgh is an ideal base for exploring Scotland’s wider attractions. Take a trip to Rosslyn Chapel (Da Vinci Code fame), St Andrews (birthplace of golf), Stirling Castle (linked to William Wallace), or Loch Ness in the Highlands for legendary monster-hunting. Tours and trains make these easy day trips.

Where To Stay

Old Town – Perfect for first-timers wanting history at their doorstep.
New Town – Elegant, stylish, with shopping and dining.
Leith – A waterfront district with great restaurants and nightlife.
Dean Village/Stockbridge – Quiet, picturesque, and residential.

Seasonal Guide: When To Visit

Spring – Blossoms in Princes Street Gardens, fewer tourists.
Summer – Festival season, long days, crowded but lively.
Autumn – Golden leaves, fewer crowds, cozy atmosphere.
Winter – Christmas markets, Hogmanay celebrations, and pub culture.

Getting Around

Edinburgh is walkable, but hills can be steep. Trams connect the airport to the city center, buses cover all districts, and trains from Waverley Station link to Glasgow, London, and beyond. A day bus pass is cost-effective if you’re traveling around often.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do in Edinburgh for free? Hike Arthur’s Seat, explore Dean Village, stroll the Royal Mile, and visit the National Museum of Scotland.

How many days do you need in Edinburgh? Two days for highlights; four to five for a full experience including day trips.

What to do in Edinburgh at night? Ghost tours, whisky tastings, and live music in Grassmarket pubs.

Is Arthur’s Seat difficult to climb? Moderately. Choose the circular route for an easier climb.

What are the most photogenic spots? Calton Hill at sunset, Victoria Street, and Dean Village.

Conclusion

Edinburgh offers castles, cobblestones, volcanic hikes, festivals, food, and folklore—all in one compact, unforgettable city. Whether you’re visiting for two days or two weeks, this guide to what to do in Edinburgh ensures you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.