Edinburgh knows how to make an impression. One moment you're gazing out over the skyline from an extinct volcano, the next you're dodging bagpipers on a cobbled street or exploring a centuries-old chapel steeped in history.
This Edinburgh travel guide rounds up the top things to do in Edinburgh, combining the classics with a few curveballs to make your trip feel fresh, fun, and fabulously Scottish. If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Scotland’s capital, this is where your adventure begins.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Towering over the city from its volcanic perch, Edinburgh Castle feels like the ultimate guardian of Scotland’s story. Step through the fortified gates and you’re instantly surrounded by ancient stone walls, winding courtyards, and views that stretch all the way to the sea. Inside, the mood is thick with history - this is where kings and queens lived, prisoners were held, and battles shaped the nation. You’ll walk through the grand halls where monarchs once dined, stand beside the mighty Mons Meg cannon, and see the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny up close.
For a visit that hits all the right notes, don’t miss the One O’Clock Gun - it still fires with military precision, echoing across the city and straight into your memory. For practical Edinburgh Castle visit tips, take your time exploring each section and wear comfortable shoes - the cobblestones are charming but not forgiving!
2. The Royal Mile
If Edinburgh had a heartbeat, this would be it. And if you really want to explore it, a Royal Mile walking tour is the perfect way to go beyond the surface, offering a deeper look into the street’s layered past - its architecture, hidden courtyards, and the everyday lives of merchants, royals, and rebels who once walked here. The Mile connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, passing centuries-old landmarks like St Giles’ Cathedral and John Knox House along the way. It’s quirky, full of personality, and packed with stories waiting to be uncovered.
Duck into closes, marvel at medieval buildings, and browse shops full of tartan and whisky. Among the must-see attractions in Edinburgh, this street holds its own with character and charisma to spare.
3. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Sitting regally at the bottom of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is both a royal residence and a delicious slice of history. You’ll wander through the ornate State Apartments, filled with rich tapestries, fine furnishings, and portraits of monarchs past. Step into Mary, Queen of Scots’ dramatic world as you explore the very chambers where political plots unfolded and rivalries took shape. The atmospheric ruins of Holyrood Abbey, once one of Scotland’s grandest medieval churches, are a quiet, beautiful contrast to the palace’s grandeur. The gardens, stretching out beneath Arthur’s Seat, feel like something out of a period drama.
With engaging audio guides that bring the stories to life and a classy café for a relaxing break, it’s a royal visit that balances history, beauty, and comfort.
4. Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is a natural high point that rewards you with breathtaking views and a refreshing sense of escape. This ancient volcano rises from Holyrood Park and offers a steady, scenic climb surrounded by grassy slopes and sweeping skies. From the summit, you’ll enjoy arguably the best views in Edinburgh, with panoramas stretching from the rooftops of the Old Town to the Firth of Forth shimmering in the distance. Several paths lead to the top, and for an easier ascent, the route from Dunsapie Loch offers a gentler incline with equally stunning scenery along the way.
Surrounded by natural beauty, steeped in local legend, and offering postcard-worthy views, Arthur’s Seat is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Scotland’s capital.
5. Calton Hill
Want the view without the huffing and puffing? Head to Calton Hill! Just a short walk from Princes Street, this elevated park delivers on panoramic views with minimal effort. The iconic Dugald Stewart Monument makes every Instagram shot look like a travel poster. You’ll also find the half-finished National Monument (Scotland’s bold take on the Parthenon) and plenty of space to sprawl out with a snack. It’s a must for photographers, daydreamers, and fans of chilled-out sightseeing.
The hill is also home to the Nelson Monument and the City Observatory, offering even more reasons to linger. It’s especially stunning at golden hour, when the whole city seems to glow.
6. National Museum of Scotland
If you only visit one museum, make it this one. The National Museum of Scotland is like a greatest hits album of human history, with extra bagpipes. You’ll find Egyptian mummies, Scottish inventions, wildlife dioramas, and even Dolly the Sheep (yes, the cloned one).
It’s hands-on, free to enter, and brilliantly laid out. If you're looking for Edinburgh cultural experiences that entertain every age group, this place delivers. The Grand Gallery, filled with natural light and soaring architecture, is a stunning space to explore. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic city views that feel like a bonus feature to an already impressive visit.
7. St Giles’ Cathedral
Smack in the middle of the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral is an oasis of calm and beauty. The crown spire is iconic, but it’s the interior that truly fascinates, with stained glass windows, soaring stone arches, and the intricately carved Thistle Chapel, home to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry. This 14th-century church has witnessed centuries of royal ceremonies, political speeches, and public gatherings, making it one of the most meaningful historic sites in Edinburgh.
You can see memorials to famous Scots, admire the vaulted ceilings, and pause in quiet reflection amid the grandeur. And if you're lucky, you might catch the sound of a live organ performance drifting through the nave. It’s a space that brings together history, architecture, and atmosphere all under one magnificent roof.
8. Victoria Street
Curving like a rainbow through the Old Town, Victoria Street is pure magic. It’s widely believed to have inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series - and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Brightly painted shops sell everything from artisanal fudge to tweed jackets, with wizard-themed stores tucked next to cheese mongers and independent bookshops. The upper terrace offers even more charming storefronts and a great view down the colorful curve.
It’s busy but never dull, and leads straight down to the lively Grassmarket, where pubs, markets, and live music often fill the square.
9. Princes Street Gardens
Nestled beneath the castle and dividing Old Town from New Town, Princes Street Gardens is the place to unwind. With lush lawns, the towering Scott Monument, fountains, and plenty of benches, it’s the green heart of the city. The gardens are split into East and West sections, connected by The Mound, and offer everything from quiet shaded corners to open spaces perfect for stretching out with a book.
In winter, it becomes home to the Christmas Market, complete with festive lights, mulled wine, and an ice rink; in summer, it’s picnic central with flowerbeds in full bloom and locals on lunch breaks. Statues of notable Scots are scattered throughout, and the view up to the castle from almost any angle is worth pausing for. It’s a lovely spot for a breather between sightseeing, with castle views that belong on a postcard.
10. Dean Village
Just a few minutes from the city center, Dean Village feels like another world. Once a bustling milling district along the Water of Leith, it’s now a peaceful pocket of Edinburgh known for its stone cottages, ivy-covered buildings, and gentle riverside paths. The historic Well Court building, with its distinctive red sandstone and turrets, is a standout, and the Dean Bridge, designed by Thomas Telford, offers a dramatic view over the valley. You can follow the Water of Leith Walkway from here toward Stockbridge or the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art for an easy, scenic stroll.
It’s one of the most tranquil must-see attractions in Edinburgh, perfect for soaking in the city’s quiet beauty and architectural charm.
Ready to Explore Edinburgh with Us?
You’ve just breezed through ten of the top things to do in Edinburgh, but the real magic happens when the planning is done for you. With our tailor-made tours in Scotland, you’ll skip the guesswork and dive straight into the good stuff - scenic hikes, royal palaces, quirky streets, and unforgettable moments. From castles to culture to views with a wow factor, let us craft your perfect adventure in Scotland’s capital. Edinburgh’s waiting - and it’s never looked better!
