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Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Destination Guide

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

Best things to do in Edinburgh

50 curated attractions in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - September

Average temp

9°C/48°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Generally safe

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city shaped by its dramatic topography and a rich history that draws visitors year-round. Its Old and New Towns are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where medieval streets meet neoclassical architecture, all under the watchful eye of the extinct volcano, Arthur's Seat. The city is famous for its festivals, particularly the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which turns the streets into a stage for performers from around the world. Local life thrives in neighborhoods like Stockbridge, known for its market and independent shops, while the Royal Mile connects significant historical sites including the Real Mary King's Close and John Knox House. People come for the festivals, history, and the chance to immerse themselves in creativity, all with a backdrop of views.

Who it's for

Ideal for culture enthusiasts, festival goers, and history buffs. Those looking for a beach vacation or a quiet getaway may find themselves disappointed, as the energy of the city can be overwhelming during peak times. If you can't handle a few hills, this is not the place for you.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city centre is compact enough to walk across in about thirty minutes, with plenty of sights along the way
  • Buses are frequent, but a day ticket is recommended if you plan on using them often
  • The closer you are to the Royal Mile, the more likely you are to stumble upon street performers and festival events
  • Edinburgh Waverley station connects to major cities and is a ten-minute walk from the Old Town
The Fishmarket

The Fishmarket

Food markets & food halls
Water of Leith

Water of Leith

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Victoria Street

Victoria Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Water of Leith Walkway

Water of Leith Walkway

Hiking trails
Dean Village

Dean Village

Traditional villages
Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh Old Town

Old towns & historic quarters
Greyfriars Bobby Statue

Greyfriars Bobby Statue

Cultural
The Shore

The Shore

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Cadenhead's Whisky Shop

Cadenhead's Whisky Shop

Breweries, distilleries & food makers
The Vennel

The Vennel

Urban Attractions
Leith Links

Leith Links

City parks
Victoria Terrace

Victoria Terrace

Historical Attractions
Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat

Mountains & volcanoes
National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland

History museums
St. Cuthbert's Kirkyard

St. Cuthbert's Kirkyard

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Blackwell's

Blackwell's

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Calton Hill

Calton Hill

Scenic viewpoints
The Museum of Edinburgh

The Museum of Edinburgh

History museums
Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens

City parks
Royal Yacht Britannia

Royal Yacht Britannia

Specialty & quirky museums
Royal Mile

Royal Mile

Streets & neighbourhoods
Portobello Beach

Portobello Beach

Beaches
Surgeons' Hall Museums

Surgeons' Hall Museums

Science & natural history museums
Greyfriars Kirkyard

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Cemeteries & tombs
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Botanical gardens
Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle

Castles & palaces
Vennel Viewpoint

Vennel Viewpoint

Nature
Scott Monument

Scott Monument

Monuments & memorials
Grassmarket

Grassmarket

Streets & neighbourhoods
The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Breweries, distilleries & food makers
Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Art museums & galleries
Scottish National Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

Art museums & galleries
Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Castles & palaces
St. Giles Cathedral

St. Giles Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Palace of Holyroodhouse

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Castles & palaces
The Real Mary King's Close

The Real Mary King's Close

Old towns & historic quarters
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Specialty & quirky museums
Gladstone's Land

Gladstone's Land

Historic houses & mansions
Stockbridge Market

Stockbridge Market

Local & craft markets
Witches' Well

Witches' Well

Historical Attractions
The Writers' Museum

The Writers' Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Jupiter Artland

Jupiter Artland

Art museums & galleries
Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth

Science & natural history museums
The Queen's Gallery

The Queen's Gallery

Art museums & galleries
University of Edinburgh

University of Edinburgh

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Museum of Childhood

Museum of Childhood

Specialty & quirky museums
John Knox House

John Knox House

Historic houses & mansions
Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo

Zoos
Museum of Magic, Fortune Telling, and Witchcraft

Museum of Magic, Fortune Telling, and Witchcraft

Specialty & quirky museums
Ocean Terminal

Ocean Terminal

Malls & department stores

Where to eat in Edinburgh

The places worth planning a meal around.

The Dome

The Dome

★ 4.6 · 10,454 reviews

Frankenstein

Frankenstein

British

★ 4.3 · 6,560 reviews

Deacon Brodie's Tavern

Deacon Brodie's Tavern

British

★ 4.4 · 6,544 reviews

Last Drop

Last Drop

Scottish

★ 4.4 · 5,636 reviews

Stramash

Stramash

British

★ 4.5 · 5,031 reviews

The Fishmarket

The Fishmarket

seafood · $$

★ 4.4 · 4,748 reviews

Things to do in Edinburgh

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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