Things to do in Edinburgh

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic cityscape with a prominent castle and a tall church spire.
A historic street with buildings, a church tower, and a busy sidewalk.
A castle on a hill, lush greenery, and a pathway with flowers.
A historic cityscape with a prominent castle and lush green park.
A stone building with a tiled roof, a garden with neatly trimmed hedges, and a clear blue sky.

Things to do

Countryside in Edinburgh

Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & Borders from Edinburgh

RM569
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain & Borders from Edinburgh
Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour

Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour

RM190
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour
The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

RM103
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets

Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets

RM207
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets
Discover Edinburgh A Guided Tour

Discover Edinburgh: A Self-Guided Tour

RM33
per adult
Discover Edinburgh: A Self-Guided Tour
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included

RM212
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included
Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

RM351
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour
Loch Ness viewed from Fort Augustus

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands

RM364
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands
mountain view in edinburgh

Loch Ness & the Highlands of Scotland

RM372
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Loch Ness & the Highlands of Scotland
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What to do in Edinburgh

Stay near popular Edinburgh attractions

A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, including a Gothic church and a classical building with arches.

Royal Mile

9.4/10 (9,742 reviews)
Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile connects the castle to Holyroodhouse Palace through medieval cobblestone streets. Explore hidden closes branching off the main thoroughfare to discover centuries of Scottish heritage.
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Where to stay in Edinburgh

Find the best Edinburgh areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Edinburgh
Learn more about Edinburgh
A bustling street with historic buildings, a clock tower, and outdoor seating at a pub.

Old Town Edinburgh

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Royal Mile to Princes Street – discover Old Town Edinburgh, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A Gothic-style clock tower with a statue at its base, illuminated by warm lights.

New Town

Travellers love New Town for its popular shops, and you can see more of Edinburgh by jumping on the metro at Princes Street Tram Stop or St Andrew Square Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Princes Street and Assembly Rooms.

A river with boats and historic buildings along the shore.

Leith

Known for its abundant dining options and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Leith. Top attractions like Edinburgh Port and Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre are major draws, and you can catch the metro at The Shore Tram Stop or Port of Leith Tram Stop to see more of the city.

A historic stone building with a river in front.
Photo by scott marsland
Open Photo by scott marsland

West End

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Princes Street to Dean Village – discover West End, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A cobblestone street lined with historic stone buildings, a clock tower, and a clear blue sky.

Stockbridge

Historical sites, museums and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Stockbridge. Make a stop by Stockbridge Church or St. Stephens Centre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

A river flowing through a forested area with a stone building on the left.

Lanark

A river flowing through a park with a bridge, a church, and residential buildings in the background.

Peebles

A historic castle with a moat, surrounded by lush green hills and a serene lake.

Bathgate

A coastal town with a harbor, a football field, and a sunset over the sea.

Dunbar

A rural landscape with a large open field, a few trees, and a cloudy sky.
Photo by Walter Baxter (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Humbie

A historic stone castle with battlements, a flagpole, and a clear sky.

Kirknewton

A historic cathedral with Gothic architecture, featuring pointed arches, a large rose window, and a blue-tiled roof.

Roslin

A field of red poppies with two trees silhouetted against a sunset.

Gorebridge

Frequently asked questions

Is Edinburgh worth visiting?
Providing a mix of festivals and history, there's no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh. While you're here, visit Edinburgh Castle, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Edinburgh?
Kick your day off with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo. Then, explore different areas of Edinburgh for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Edinburgh and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Edinburgh?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off many city attractions, like Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo and Grassmarket. The average stay in Edinburgh is three days. If you have the time to extend your holiday, Newbridge isn't far away.
Is Edinburgh a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to do and see in Edinburgh. Several top sights, such as Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Edinburgh's neighbourhoods, Edinburgh City Centre is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Old Town Edinburgh is 0.64 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Edinburgh with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all ages, here are some terrific ideas for what to do in Edinburgh with kids.

What to do in Edinburgh for adults?
Scotch Whisky Experience and Edinburgh Gin Distillery are just two of the things to do in Edinburgh. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Edinburgh?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Edinburgh is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Grassmarket is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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