Things to do in Edinburgh

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Calton Hill which includes a sunset, skyline and a city
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle which includes a park
Princes Street Gardens which includes a garden
Royal Botanic Garden featuring heritage elements and a park

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What to do in Edinburgh

Discover the most popular places to visit in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle showing chateau or palace and heritage elements

Edinburgh Castle

Fortress, palace and repository of the crown jewels, this landmark overlooking the city has played a crucial role in Scottish history.

Edinburgh Castle
The Royal Mile which includes heritage architecture, a house and street scenes

Royal Mile

Explore this area in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town to find ancient buildings, historic relics, shops, museums and range of dining options.

Royal Mile
Princes Street

Princes Street

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can enjoy retail therapy at Princes Street. Experience the entertainment choices and lively festivals in this walkable area.

Princes Street
University of Edinburgh which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture

University of Edinburgh

The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.

University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Zoo featuring land animals and zoo animals

Edinburgh Zoo

See rare and endangered species and learn about the efforts to conserve them at Edinburgh’s largest wildlife attraction.

Edinburgh Zoo
February 2015 A view along Grassmarket in Edinburgh, taken while spending a weekend in this great city. There are many areas of Edinburgh to explore and having spent a couple of hours on a walking tour here, I would thoroughly recommend this as a way of getting to know those places off the usual tourist track.

Grassmarket

During your visit to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Grassmarket. Check out the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this family-friendly area.

Grassmarket
Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

Get tickets for a show at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices.

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
George Street

George Street

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at George Street. Check out the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

George Street
Princes Street Gardens which includes a statue or sculpture and a fountain

Princes Street Gardens

Spend time in this attractive green space that separates Edinburgh’s Old Town from its 18th-century New Town.

Princes Street Gardens

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Edinburgh

Calton Hill which includes skyline, general coastal views and a city

Edinburgh City Centre

While you're in Edinburgh City Centre, take in top sights like Edinburgh Castle or Scott Monument, and hop on the metro to see more the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

Edinburgh City Centre
Old Town Edinburgh showing street scenes, outdoor eating and a city

Old Town Edinburgh

4.5/5(1,280 area reviews)

Preserving its medieval street plan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features the Royal Mile, St. Giles' Cathedral, and the National Museum of Scotland. Explore narrow closes and hidden passages for a unique experience.

Old Town Edinburgh
Edinburgh which includes night scenes and heritage architecture

New Town

4.5/5(898 area reviews)

Discover original neo-classical and Georgian architecture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy Building. Shop along Princes Street, George Street, and the newly redeveloped St James Quarter.

New Town
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring boating and interior views

Leith

3/5(1 area review)

Undergoing significant regeneration, Leith boasts a busy port, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Ocean Terminal shopping centre. The shore area offers charming pubs and restaurants, while cultural attractions include Leith Theatre and Leith School of Art.

Leith
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Tollcross

4.5/5(34 area reviews)

Travelers come to Tollcross for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Usher Hall and King's Theatre while you're in town.

Tollcross
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West End

4.5/5(193 area reviews)

Visitors to West End love its popular shops, and you can check out Edinburgh Gin Distillery and Dean Village. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Haymarket Tram Station.

West End

Popular day trips from Edinburgh

North Berwick

North Berwick

South Queensferry

South Queensferry

Photo by James Gray

Livingston

Dunfermline

Dunfermline

Callendar House which includes chateau or palace and heritage elements

Falkirk

Photo by Jock Watson

Haddington

Lanark

Lanark

Peebles

Peebles

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 vacation, 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 neighborhoods, Edinburgh City Centre is 0.16 kilometers away from downtown, while Old Town Edinburgh is 0.64 kilometers away from the center 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 neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Grassmarket is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.