Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

Discover the Best Things to Do in Edinburgh!

Looking for the best things to do in Edinburgh? Scotland’s capital is packed with historic landmarks, scenic spots, and unique experiences. It also has a buzzing cultural scene, making it an ideal destination. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a longer trip, Edinburgh offers a wide variety of things to do. Explore medieval castles or discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

For easy access to many of Edinburgh’s top attractions, consider using the Edinburgh City Pass. It offers entry to multiple experiences in one handy pass and saves both time and money. This guide highlights the best experiences to enjoy together, from scenic spots to unique activities.

Uncover Edinburgh’s Medieval History

The Royal Mile – Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is the historic heart of the city. Lined with centuries-old buildings, it’s packed with independent shops, street performers, hidden closes, museums and traditional pubs. Whether you’re browsing for tartan souvenirs, discovering tucked-away courtyards, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to wander and get a feel for Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Hidden Vaults Tour – Step beneath the city streets on a Hidden Vaults tour and uncover Edinburgh’s darker past. These atmospheric underground chambers reveal stories of crime, poverty, mystery and the supernatural, all brought to life by expert guides. It’s an immersive and memorable experience that adds a fascinating layer to your visit. Included with the Edinburgh City Pass.It’s a fun, immersive experience that adds a unique twist to your visit.
Big Bus City Tour– Hop on the Big Bus City Tour to see Edinburgh’s key historic sites. The hop-on, hop-off service covers medieval landmarks, including the Royal Mile. It’s a convenient way to explore the city’s history without worrying about transport. The good news is that this is also included in the Edinburgh City Pass.
Craigmillar Castle – Often described as Edinburgh’s “other castle”, Craigmillar Castle is one of Scotland’s best-preserved medieval ruins. Just a short journey from the city centre, it offers winding staircases, impressive great halls and dramatic battlements to explore. Surrounded by peaceful parkland, it also delivers stunning views across the city towards Arthur’s Seat — all with far fewer crowds than the Royal Mile.

Scenic Outdoor Activities

Arthurs Seat – This extinct volcano sits within Holyrood Park and offers one of the best vantage points in the city. The hike to the summit takes around 30–45 minutes and is well worth the effort. Bring a bottle of water and your camera — it’s one of the most memorable outdoor experiences in Edinburgh.
Calton Hill – An easier climb than Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill is home to several famous monuments and provides one of the most iconic skyline views of Edinburgh. It’s especially popular at sunrise and sunset, and a great place to pause during a day of exploring.
Royal Botanic Garden – Just a short walk from the city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden offers a peaceful escape among beautifully curated landscapes, glasshouses, and exotic plant collections. Whether you’re into botany or just enjoy a relaxed stroll, it’s a great way to wind down.
Portobello Beach – For a change of pace, take a short trip to Portobello Beach, Edinburgh’s seaside escape. The long promenade is perfect for a relaxed stroll, with independent cafés and classic fish and chip spots nearby. On sunny days, it’s ideal for a swim or picnic; in cooler months, it’s a bracing and atmospheric coastal walk with wide open views across the Firth of Forth.

Food & Drink Experiences

Fine Dining – Edinburgh has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s top food destinations. From refined modern Scottish cuisine to standout seafood and globally inspired tasting menus, there’s something for every palate. Popular choices include The Kitchin, Restaurant Martin Wishart and Timberyard — all known for exceptional seasonal ingredients and beautifully presented dishes. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly at weekends and during festival season.
Cosy Cafés – Edinburgh’s café culture is just as impressive. Independent coffee shops are scattered across the Old Town, New Town and Stockbridge, serving artisan coffee, homemade cakes and relaxed brunch menus. Try Lovecrumbs for creative bakes, The Milkman for excellent coffee right on Cockburn Street, or Soderberg Pavilion for Scandinavian-inspired pastries and sourdough.
Traditional Pubs – No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a pint in a traditional Scottish pub. Whether you’re stepping into a centuries-old tavern or a lively local favourite, you’ll find hearty food, welcoming atmosphere and often live folk music. Deacon Brodies Tavern, The Bow Bar and The Sheep Heid Inn (one of Scotland’s oldest pubs) are all strong choices.
If you’re looking to explore Scotland’s national drink, a whisky tasting at Holyrood Distillery is included with the Edinburgh City Pass — a great way to experience the craft behind Scotch whisky in the heart of the city.
Looking for a Sunday roast? Check out our suggestions here.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Every August, Edinburgh becomes the world’s stage during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The city fills with pop-up venues, street performers and thousands of shows spanning comedy, theatre, music, cabaret and more. From major headliners to hidden gems in intimate venues, there’s something happening on nearly every corner. Even if you don’t book tickets in advance, simply walking through the Old Town during Fringe season is an experience in itself.
Christmas Markets – From late November through December, Edinburgh transforms into a festive winter cityscape. The Christmas markets around Princes Street Gardens feature seasonal stalls, mulled wine, fairground rides and twinkling lights, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Castle. It’s one of the most atmospheric times of year to visit, whether you’re shopping for gifts or simply enjoying the seasonal buzz.
Hogmanay Celebrations – New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh is world-famous. The city’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations include torchlight processions, open-air concerts, street parties and a spectacular midnight fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle. It’s a true bucket-list experience and draws visitors from around the globe, so planning ahead is essential.

Day Trips and Excursions

South Queensferry
Just a short train or bus journey from the city centre, South Queensferry is a picturesque waterfront town with stunning views of the iconic Forth Bridges. Wander along the cobbled High Street, enjoy coastal walks, or settle into one of the local seafood restaurants overlooking the water. For the best views of the bridges, take the Three Bridges cruise with Forth Boat Tours — included with the Edinburgh City Pass. Seeing the engineering marvels from the water gives you a completely different perspective on this UNESCO-listed landmark. Included in our Edinburgh City Pass!
Rosslyn Chapel – Made world-famous by The Da Vinci Code, Rosslyn Chapel is far more than a filming location. Its intricate stone carvings, symbolic details and fascinating history make it one of Scotland’s most intriguing heritage sites. Set in the peaceful village of Roslin and surrounded by woodland walks, it’s an atmospheric and rewarding half-day trip from Edinburgh.
Stirling – For a deeper dive into Scotland’s story, a day trip to Stirling is well worth the journey. Explore the dramatic hilltop fortress of Stirling Castle, climb the National Wallace Monument for sweeping views, and wander the charming Old Town streets. To make the most of your visit, the Stirling City Pass bundles key attractions into one simple ticket, helping you experience the highlights efficiently while staying within easy reach of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Attractions Map 🗺️

Edinburgh offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and adventure—making it a fantastic city for couples to explore. From scenic viewpoints and historic sites to fun and quirky attractions, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do together.

To help you plan your visit, check out the Edinburgh City Pass attractions map. It highlights many of the top spots mentioned in this guide and makes it easy to build an itinerary that suits your interests. With the pass, you’ll also get access to multiple attractions across the city—saving both time and money.

Ready to explore? Just follow the route and let Edinburgh lead the way!

Edinburgh Sightseeing Map

Ready to start your Edinburgh Adventure?

The Edinburgh City Pass offers free entry to multiple experiences in the city, all in one easy-to-use ticket.

Created by locals who know Scotland like the back of their hand, the Edinburgh city pass is your key to unlocking unforgettable experiences while saving up to 40% along the way. Plus, we’ve added in some amazing recommendations and extra savings just for you. So kick back, relax, and let us handle the planning so you can have a truly brilliant Scottish break.

Get Your Pass

Don’t just take our word for it…

Edinburgh city pass is a must do for anybody wanting to get the most out of a short holiday in Edinburgh. It’s easy to use too. It was all electronic and I could just whip out my phone for the staff at the each venue for them to scan it.

Thomas A – Google Reviews

We got the Edinburgh city pass for 2 days while we were up there for a mini holiday, and were really impressed with how many attractions it included, and for a great price. Well worth getting and planning your trips and attractions.

Laura B – Google Reviews

The views from the top of Scott monument was breathtaking. I would not have gone up without the pass. Would recommend as an easy and affordable way to enjoy Edinburgh.

CarmenV TripAdvisor