Welcome to Edinburgh, a bustling city full of unique Scottish charm. You’ll find attractions, shops, cultural spots and great food in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Get ready to enter our ultimate guide, where we’ll take you on a journey to discover the best things to do in Edinburgh.
Must-See Edinburgh Attractions
Edinburgh is a popular travel destination in Scotland, and the ancient city is filled with tourists from all over the world. With its royal palaces, cobbled alleyways, elegant Georgian architecture, and a castle perched on a dormant volcano, Edinburgh is a city to marvel at.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous tourist attractions and a symbol of Scottish history and culture. Located on a rocky hill in the centre of Edinburgh, the castle is a magnificent structure built in the 12th century AD.
Dating back to the 2nd century AD, Edinburgh Castle began as a military fortress to protect the city from foreign invasion. Over time, the castle grew to become the residence of the Scottish royal family and a political centre. The castle was attacked and occupied several times during the Scottish Wars of Independence, making it an essential strategic fortress in Scotland’s history.
Nowadays, Edinburgh Castle has become an important tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors every year. Tourists can visit the castle’s museums, auditoriums, and turrets to learn about the history and culture of Scotland. In addition, the castle hosts the annual Edinburgh International Festival in August, attracting artists and audiences worldwide.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is historical and cultural. Formerly known as Holyrood Abbey and later used as a royal residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, also known as the Palace of the Holy Cross, is situated at the end of the Royal Mile, at the other end of Edinburgh Castle. It has been the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scotland since the 16th century. It is the setting for state occasions and official entertainment.
Holyrood Palace’s architectural style is unique; the interior decoration is gorgeous and exquisite; visitors can enjoy the essence of European history and culture here and feel the magnificence of human wisdom and aesthetics. When the palace has a golden flag raised, indicating a royal visit, it will be closed for tours, so remember to watch the opening hours before travelling.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a hill on the east side of the new city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Views of this hill and views from it are commonly used in photographs and paintings of the city. Calton Hill is home to the headquarters of the Scottish Government, St Andrew’s House, situated on the steep southern slopes of this hill. The Scottish Parliament building and essential buildings such as the Palace of Holyrood are located near the foot of the hill.
Calton Hill is also home to several iconic monuments and buildings: the National Memorial, the Nelson Memorial Tower, the Dugald Stewart Memorial Pavilion, the Old Royal High School, the Robert Burns Monument, the Monument to the Political Martyrs, and the City Observatory. Mount Carlton is great for watching sunrise and sunset and is a better climb than King Arthur’s Seat.
Galleries and Museums in Edinburgh
National Gallery of Scotland
The National Gallery of Scotland is the oldest of Scotland’s five galleries. It is situated on ‘The Mound’ in the centre of Edinburgh, between the ancient Old Town and the New Town, built in the 18th century. The gallery has one of Scotland’s wealthiest and most valuable collections of European paintings and sculptures, covering all genres from Renaissance to Post-Impressionism. It is one of the finest galleries of its size in the world.
The National Galleries of Scotland are divided into three venues: the Scottish National Gallery, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Conveniently located in the centre of Edinburgh, it first opened its doors to the public in 1859. The gallery houses a wide range of Scottish fine artists and foreign artists from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, including some of the world’s finest works of art by Rembrandt, Monet and Raphael. As one of Scotland’s most popular free visitor attractions, it warmly welcomes you to explore its treasures daily from 10am to 5pm.
National Museum of Scotland
Located in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, the National Museum of Scotland has 36 galleries and over 20,000 exhibits ranging from specimens of species collected by Darwin to 3,000-year-old mummies and encompassing the disciplines of nature, art, design, technology and cultures worldwide. The early premises, a Victorian building, reopened to the public on 29 July 2011 after a three-year, £47 million refurbishment project. The museum’s original interiors have been restored, and storage areas have been converted into public spaces, making it one of the largest museums in the UK. Some of the collection’s highlights include a 3,000-year-old mummy, Dolly the sheep cloning and much more. It’s well worth a visit for the little ones!
Museum of Edinburgh
Located behind Moray House School of Education, the Museum of Edinburgh looks unassuming on the outside, with a rust-coloured building that’s not as grand as many museums. Still, inside, you’ll find a whole other world of treasures, not least a wide range of decorative arts, including beautifully carved glass, intricate silver, costumes, longcase clocks and 18th-century Scottish ceramics. And long cabinet clocks, as well as 18th-century Scottish ceramics. The various silverware tableware, in particular, looks very fine. In addition to some of the permanent collections, the museum hosts regular exhibitions, and there is usually no admission fee.
Festivals in Edinburgh
Edinburgh International Festival
The much-anticipated Edinburgh International Festival returns for its 77th anniversary from 2-25 August. This year’s theme is ‘Rituals That Unite Us’. This year’s theme is ‘Rituals That Unite Us’, and more than 2,000 artists from 42 countries across the globe will take to the Edinburgh Festival stage to showcase the very best in opera, dance, music and theatre. Many of these performances will have their UK and world premieres in Edinburgh. The 2024 Edinburgh International Festival will have many unique highlights, such as the Lazy Couch Concerts and VR performances that will literally ‘get you stuck in’ to the music. You’ll also have the chance to watch rehearsals up close or participate in post-show talks to learn more about the artists and the stories behind their work.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
From the Royal Mile to St Andrew Square, from street corners to pubs and theatres, from exploring popular themes such as racial identity to harking back to traditional cultures, from creative magic and juggling to hilarious stand-up comedy, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is blossoming. The world’s biggest folk arts festival, also known as the Fringe, is full of avant-garde creative arts programmes that anyone can attend and watch.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
August also sees the return of the annual Edinburgh International Book Festival. Started in 1983, it is the world’s largest and most vibrant book festival and one of the most significant events in the literary world. Over 550 writers and thinkers worldwide will gather in Edinburgh to share their stories and ideas, with over 600 events for all readers.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is one of the world’s best-known book festivals. Edinburgh is the world’s first City of Literature, and the publishing, arts and culture worlds are celebrating. Nobel Prize winners, prime ministers, and typically reclusive authors are all regulars at the festival. The overall atmosphere of the Edinburgh Book Festival is very relaxed. It’s a valuable experience to have a couple of rounds of chats with authors at book signings, to share your thoughts and to find out what’s going on with the authors afterwards.
Shopping in Edinburgh
Princes Street
Princes Street is a major traffic artery and shopping street in the city centre of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. It is the most southerly street in the New Town and is about 1 mile long, running from Lothian Road in the west to Leith Street in the east. The south side of the street is almost devoid of buildings, with views of the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle and the valley between. Several upmarket British brands have shops on Princes Street. At the west end of the street, there are department stores such as House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer. Suitable for shopping for souvenirs.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the busiest tourist street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting two major focal points of Scottish history. The Royal Mile is approximately one mile long and is the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the heart of the Old Town. A variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, hostels and attractions scattered on both sides of the road, everywhere is selling tourist souvenirs, woollen products or other Scottish specialities of the small shops. Tourists can buy postcards, butter biscuits, Scottish cashmere scarves, and other souvenirs. Wandering around this avenue and shopping is an excellent feeling.
Multrees Walk
The Multrees Walk shopping street connects St Andrews Square to St James Quarter shopping centre and is adjacent to Harvey Nichols. It offers a great luxury shopping experience and the chance to explore some of Scotland’s unique brands. In addition to familiar names such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Max Mara, Canada Goose, and Mulberry, you’ll also find Edinburgh designer brand Strathberry and cashmere brand Johnstons of Elgin.
Best things to do in Edinburgh FAQ
Is Edinburgh worth visiting?
Yes. Edinburgh offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travellers of all interests. With its enchanting charm and endless attractions, Edinburgh will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
What should you not miss in Edinburgh?
- Edinburgh Castle
- Arthur’s Seat
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Calton Hill
- National Museum of Scotland
- National Gallery of Scotland
- Museum of Edinburgh
- Princes Street
- Royal Mile
Why Edinburgh Castle is the number one attraction in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Castle holds the title of the number one attraction in Edinburgh for several compelling reasons:
Historical Significance
Iconic Landmark
Cultural Heritage
Royal Connections
Spectacular Views
Excellent Visitor Experience
Year-Round Appeal
