Things to do in Kirkwall

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A historic church with a prominent tower and a surrounding graveyard.
A historic stone castle with multiple towers and turrets, surrounded by lush green trees.
A narrow stone pathway flanked by old buildings and a tree-lined street.
A narrow stone alley with a green door, white-framed windows, and red shutters.
A church interior with high vaulted ceilings, red brick columns, wooden pews, and a central aisle leading to a stained glass window.

Things to do

Orkney Day Trip: Meets the Scrabster - Stromness Ferry

Orkney Day Trip: Meets the Scrabster - Stromness Ferry

￥25,581
per adult
Orkney Day Trip: Meets the Scrabster - Stromness Ferry
Kirkwall: Smugglers, Pirates, and Gin Tour with Tasting

Kirkwall: Smugglers, Pirates, and Jacobites interactive tour

￥8,946
per adult
Kirkwall: Smugglers, Pirates, and Jacobites interactive tour
Skara brae

Private Full Day Tour in Orkney

￥34,394
per adult
Private Full Day Tour in Orkney
Orkney Heritage Tour

Orkney Heritage Tour

￥34,911
per adult
Orkney Heritage Tour
Orkney: Private Half-Day Neolithic Tour with Local Guide

Orkney: Private Neolithic Tour with Local Guide (8 people)

￥45,820
per adult
Orkney: Private Neolithic Tour with Local Guide (8 people)
Scapa Tours

Scapa Tours

￥204,215
per traveler
Scapa Tours
Picture 1 for Activity Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour By a Native Islander 5H

Historic Orkney Private Odyssey by a Native Islander 5h

￥112,856
per traveler
Historic Orkney Private Odyssey by a Native Islander 5h
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What to do in Kirkwall

Stay near popular Kirkwall attractions

A historic church with a prominent tower and a surrounding graveyard.

St. Magnus Cathedral

9.4/10 (104 reviews)
Examine the intriguing 17th-century tombstones housed inside this stunning sandstone cathedral.
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Popular day trips from Kirkwall

A coastal town with stone buildings, a harbor with boats, and a hill in the background.

Stromness

A coastal landscape with layered cliffs, a rocky shoreline, and a view of the ocean.
Photo by Phillyacct (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Deerness

Frequently asked questions

Is Kirkwall worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the local charm and cultural attractions or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Kirkwall.
How do I spend a day in Kirkwall?
Kick your day off with a visit to Balfour Castle and Scapa Beach. Then, check out other parts of Kirkwall for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kirkwall?
The top tourist attraction in Kirkwall is Balfour Castle, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Kirkwall?
If you just want to see the leading sights, three days is more than enough time for a getaway in Kirkwall. Stay for seven to ten days for the chance to really appreciate the local vibe, tour nearby highlights and discover some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Kirkwall with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Kirkwall with kids.

What to do in Kirkwall for adults?
Highland Park Distillery and Orkney Wine Company are just a few of the things to do in Kirkwall. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Kirkwall?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Kirkwall. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Scapa Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.