35 of the best things to do in Edinburgh
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There are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh, whether you’re after a fun day out packed with adventure or a relaxed stroll through historical haunts. For a start, wander down the Royal Mile (actually one mile and 107 yards long), the name given to the road that runs along the crest of the ridge linking the Castle with Holyroodhouse, a working 17th-century palace where Mary Queen of Scots once lived. Art lovers, meanwhile, should head to the National Galleries of Scotland on the Mound or the Gallery of Modern Art a few minutes away from the West End. For museums, there’s Dynamic Earth, which was built to celebrate the millennium, and the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, which features important artefacts from Scottish History. If you’re after a shopping spree and a bite to eat, try the new St James Quarter, or for great pubs and restaurants, head to Leith and the Shore. To marvel at the city’s beauty, take a stroll up Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat, from where there are excellent views out to the sea.
How many days should I spend in Edinburgh?
We recommend spending two to three days in Edinburgh to give yourself ample time to explore all the nooks and crannies this historical city has to offer.
Where are the best neighbourhoods in Edinburgh to visit?
To get a fully rounded experience of Edinburgh, try to visit at least a few different areas. Each neighbourhood in this city is like its own mini village with a unique atmosphere that ranges from bustling Leith with its bars and restaurants to the specialist, independent shops of Stockbridge.
Leith
Out to the east, the cool neighbourhood of Leith is where most of the city’s creatives call home. Once the product of a 40-minute walk, it’s now much more easily accessible thanks to the reintroduction of Edinburgh’s tram network. Take the five-minute trip out to enjoy the pretty port with its high street bursting with specialist shops, cool bars and some of the city’s best restaurants.
Portobello
Edinburgh has the distinct advantage of being just a stone’s throw from the beach. Out at Portobello you’ll find a long promenade that runs the length of the beach, perfect for a robust walk to blow out the cobwebs after a weekend of too much eating and drinking. There are usually bikes to rent, too, and many take to the water for some cold exposure therapy (even in the depths of winter), so it works well for outdoors types. If you need to refuel, you can grab pizza slices on the beach or head up and away for pastries from Twelve Triangles.
Old Town
If you’re only in town for a day or two, don’t skip the Old Town. As the name suggests, this is the original heart of the ancient capital. Squat stone buildings, winding alleyways and fascinating architecture are jam-packed into this tiny neighbourhood, which has traditional restaurants as well as many a tourist shop for trinkets and tartan aplenty.
Haymarket
Quiet with cobbled streets, Haymarket makes a nice place for a wander if you’ve done all the dodging of crowds you can take. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants down this way, notably The Palmerston, which is one of the city’s best places for seasonal sharing plates in a relaxed dining room.
Stockbridge
With its well-heeled locals and a bevvy of independent shops, Stockbridge is one of the prettiest places to spend an afternoon. Drink up the orderly and elegant Georgian architecture and make plenty of stops in bookshops and coffee shops to pleasantly while away your time.
New Town
The New Town is the city centre, but don’t let its name fool you. Still full of beautiful, classic architecture and a bustling shopping district, you’re likely to start your Edinburgh trip here. From this central point you can easily access all other areas, as well as spots like Carlton Hill for incredible views and the St James’s Quarter with its global brands and famous food hall.
The best things to do in Edinburgh
From hiking up Arthur's Seat and looking out over Edinburgh to shopping in the city centre, these are the best places to visit in Edinburgh.
The best museums, galleries and cultural experiences in Edinburgh
Visit Surgeon’s Hall Museums
For those who like a good dose of gore, Surgeon’s Hall is a fascinating display of weird and wonderful medical accoutrement from across the ages. This award-winning inventory includes everything from preserved body parts to surgical tools. The museum also runs regular tours around the Old Town, which focus on captivating tales, such as the stories of Edinburgh’s infamous grave robbers. It’s not all tales of yore, though; you’ll also find The Body Voyager gallery here, which focuses on computerised and robotic technology in medicine.
Address: Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW
Website: museum.rcsed.ac.uk
John Bracegirdle / Alamy Stock PhotoGo to the Museum of Scotland
Here Scotland's story, from geology to sociology, is told in a fresh and lively style within the confines of a grand old building with a central ironwork gallery. Aside from the obvious draw of the exhibits, the Museum of Scotland also holds somewhat of a hidden gem from its position in the middle of the romantic Old Town. Climb to the seventh floor, and you’ll find its rooftop terrace, where you can take in views of the city from every direction, making for a great photo opportunity.
Address: 45 Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
Website: nms.ac.uk
Keith HunterDiscover amazing artists at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
The work of many major names in 20th-century painting, from German Expressionism to American Pop Art, plus an impressive collection of Scottish Colourists, are housed here. Plus, you can spend time on the dramatic lawn at the front of Modern One, designed by landscape architect Charles Jencks.
Address: Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR
Website: nationalgalleries.org
Ian Dagnall / Alamy Stock PhotoVisit the National Galleries of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
European paintings from the Renaissance to post-impressionism, plus important Scottish artists, have a home in the National Galleries of Scotland, a classical gallery that's a work of art in its own right. At the National Portrait Gallery, the men and women who helped shape Scotland, from Bonnie Prince Charlie to Sean Connery, were painted by modernists such as Oskar Kokoschka and old masters such as Van Dyck.
Address: National Galleries of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL; Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JD
Website: nationalgalleries.org
Ruth ClarkSee contemporary art at the Fruitmarket Gallery
Originally a fruit and vegetable market built in the 1930s, the Fruitmarket Gallery has been one of the city’s most impressive spots for contemporary art since the 1970s when it was transformed into a warehouse-like gallery space. Exhibitions have included works by American-French sculpturist Louise Bourgeois and Canadian sound installation artist Janet Cardiff, but you’ll also find pieces by up-and-coming artists. Skip exiting through the gift shop in favour of leaving by route of the café, which serves up cake, coffee and dishes with the freshest of ingredients. In 2021, the Gallery reopened after a period of redevelopment, adding to its space a cavernous warehouse which has since hosted music, theatre and club nights.
Address: The Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DF
Website: fruitmarket.co.uk
Go on a historic cinema trip at The Cameo
The Cameo Cinema stands as a timeless gem and a testament to the city's rich cinematic history. With its charming facade and vintage interiors, it’s a welcome change for modern-day moviegoers who seek an aura of nostalgia. As one of the oldest and most iconic cinemas in Scotland, the Cameo has been an integral part of Edinburgh's cultural landscape for over a century. Its carefully curated selection of films caters to diverse tastes, from contemporary blockbusters to thought-provoking indie gems and stellar lineups for Halloween and Christmas.
Address: 38 Home Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LZ
Website: picturehouses.com
Mihaela BodlovicGet arty in an old animal hospital
A vibrant and bustling multi-arts complex, Summerhall is home to everything from art exhibitions and unmissable gigs to a microbrewery and a radio station. With its diverse programme of events and activities, this hub is popular amongst the city’s creatives, but the Royal Dick pub - one of Edinburgh’s best pubs - is also a welcoming space to grab a coffee or pint in a chilled-out setting.
Address: 1, Summerhall, Newington, Edinburgh EH9 1PL
Website: summerhall.co.uk
Liz HasellThe best gardens in Edinburgh
Explore a secret garden full of creatures at the Johnston Terrace Garden
Find herons, butterflies and frogs in the meadows flowering in the world's smallest inner-city wildlife reserve. Victorian town planner Sir Patrick Geddes, whose motto was 'By leaves we live', started The Johnston Terrace Garden behind Edinburgh Castle in the early 1900s. Usually, the gated secret garden – now run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust – is locked shut; but there are occasional open days as well as other events which warrant a visit.
Address: The Johnston Terrace Wildlife Garden, 7/8 Castle Wynd South, Edinburgh EH1 2JT
Website: scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk
Getty ImagesGet green-fingered at the Royal Botanic Garden
Set in 72 acres just outside the city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh started life as a 17th-century physic garden. This urban jungle now has thousands of plant varieties, an enormous, slightly otherworldly lily pond and a serene Chinese garden on a hillside. But the biggest draw is its Victorian glasshouses: made up of 10 huge structures, each with a different climate, they teem with ancient palm trees, giant lily pads, orchids and more. Keep an eye out for any special events running at the gardens, too.
Address: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR
Website: rbge.org.uk
Getty ImagesDiscover a hidden gem in Dunbar's Close Garden
If you’re looking for somewhere for a quiet moment of reflection or a picnic in peace, the relatively unknown Dunbar’s Close Garden is the ideal ammunition to have up your sleeve. As you head down the Royal Mile from the castle, you’ll see the entrance on your left. You’d be forgiven for walking right past it, as it looks like the gate to a private garden, but it is, in fact, a beautifully manicured space that’s free for all to use and open every day. The planted displays morph into each other throughout the seasons, but there’s always something delightful to see. At one time, all of Edinburgh’s Old Town gardens would have looked like this, but the majority have been lost in time - making Dunbar a particularly special example.
Address: 137 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BW
Getty ImagesThe best music and comedy venues and experiences in Edinburgh
Book tickets to The Edinburgh Festival
The Fringe might be Edinburgh’s most famous festival, but it’s just one of many celebrations throughout the year. This conglomerate draws crowds from all kinds of backgrounds and interests who attend everything from children’s festivals and storytelling to book fairs and art festivals. Since 1947, the International Festival has been an annual forum for the finest music and drama from around the world. Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which grew up around it, ranges from student Am Dram to accomplished world premieres. The book, art, and jazz festivals are sophisticated yet unpretentious, and the TV festival is more of a media trade fair.
Website: edinburghfestivalcity.com
Have a laugh at the Monkey Barrel
The Fringe isn’t the only time of year to catch the world’s best comedians in Edinburgh – Monkey Barrel boasts a year-round programme of popular regular nights featuring local comics as well as extra-special guest stars on tour. Since opening in 2017, this alternative comedy venue has played host to everyone from Cat Cohen and Richard Gadd to John Kearns and Josie Long.
Address: 9-12 Blair Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QR
Website: monkeybarrelcomedy.com
Maciej KawkaCatch a band or DJ at Sneaky Pete’s
Glasgow may officially be a UNESCO City of Music, but Edinburgh has plenty to offer by way of music, thanks to its terrific grassroots venues. One of the city’s best – and most intimate – is Sneaky Pete’s, located in the Cowgate area, minutes from the Grassmarket. Here, you might just catch a musician on the cusp of something huge (Lewis Capaldi played here in his early days), as well as the best local acts around and world-renowned DJs.
Address: 73 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JW}
Website: sneakypetes.co.uk
The best food and drink spots in Edinburgh
Visit one of the city’s best breweries
Like elsewhere in the UK, over the past decade, Edinburgh has seen a huge rise in the number of breweries and distilleries popping up all over the place. One crowd favourite is Cold Town House by Cold Town Beer which boasts a rooftop with views of the Castle and is in a handy location for a quick beer before or after sightseeing. If you’re happy to travel out past the fringes of the city, Jump Ship Brewing is the first and only non-alcoholic brewery in the county.
Stop in at some of Edinburgh’s best Bakeries and coffee shops
Edinburgh is bursting at the seams with places to get a good croissant and a coffee, which proves useful when frequent rainy days push you off the streets and in search of a cosy corner. For those who can stomach a queue, Lannan Bakery is one of the best in the city, with Darcie Maher at the helm who meticulously and miraculously sculpts things from flour and better that seem like they shouldn’t be possible. Here care has been well rewarded via an award for the Best Pastry Opening of 2024 from La Liste. Other good shouts include 101 Bakery (specifically try the crownies), Twelve Triangles and Hobz Bakery. For expert-level caffeine, try Fortitude Coffee, The Milkman or Lowdown.
Eat at the city’s most celebrated restaurants
The city may be small in size but the number of incredible restaurants in Edinburgh may well surprise you. Fine dining options include Stuart Ralston’s Lyla, which serves a fish-focused tasting menu of the highest order, and the eponymous Martin Wishart, where classic French haute cuisine is combined with fresh Scottish produce. Since opening in 2012, Timberyard has gained a reputation as the go-to for those looking for a sustainable and seasons-led menu. It’s housed in a former warehouse and run by a family who prioritise local suppliers, with many of the ingredients on the menu foraged from just outside the city. The Little Chartroom, an intimate bistro on Bonnington Road, is run by a husband-and-wife duo and has caused waves on the Edinburgh foodie scene due to its bold and innovative offerings. New restaurants making waves include Avery, Ardfern, Montrose, Cardinal and Skua.
Visit a food market
As well as being home to some of the best restaurants in the UK, Edinburgh has some seriously tasty food markets. On Sunday mornings, head to Stockbridge, just west of the New Town, for the weekly street food and farmers’ market. Casa Roble’s paella stand is a reliable favourite, and the queue for Harajuku Japanese Kitchen’s udon noodles is worth it – but don’t forget to take home a bag of Scotch & Co’s Scotch eggs for their gooey soft centres. The Leith Market on Dock Place, meanwhile, is open every Saturday with a regularly rotating line-up of stalls and guest traders. During the summer months, locals gather on the Stockbridge playing fields for live music, drinks and street food from Scottish vendors at Neighbourhood Market.
Try the city's best ice cream
Step into the nostalgic world of Mary's Milk Bar, a retro gelato parlour ranked number one in Scotland. Here you can explore Mary’s boundless imagination of flavours, from an exotic fusion of cumin and mango ripple to an indulgent scoop of gorgonzola and fig. The magic lies in the use of fresh ingredients, handcrafted into delectable ice cream each morning, ensuring a taste that is nothing short of heavenly. The menu changes regularly, so a second visit is advised. Even in the winter, you can indulge, thanks to the shop’s signature hot chocolate floats. Relish your delightful sweet treat while seated on the Vennel Steps, right next to Mary's, where you can savour the most underrated view of Edinburgh Castle. Alternative top shouts include Joelato, Moo Pie Gelato and Alandas.
Getty ImagesSample a different Scottish spirit
Sure, you’ve heard of Scottish whisky but did you know Scotland is actually one of the biggest gin producers in the world? Dutch jenever, a precursor to gin, flooded into the port of Leith in the 1700s and recently, after a late-20th-century hiatus, the capital has re-established itself on the scene with its many small-batch distilleries. Go for a tour or tasting at the new Holyrood Distillery on St Leonards Lane, visit the Summerhall Distillery in the old veterinary hospital where they make Pickering’s Gin or later in the year, the arches on East Market Street will open during winter 2024 and promise an all new visitor experience from Edinburgh Gin.
Learn how to drink whisky properly
Head to The Vaults in Leith, where you can taste what Scotland does best with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Or try mixing your drinks with the Scotch Whisky Experience, where you can enjoy a whisky sour or a Hebridean Sunset cocktail – whisky shaken with Grand Marnier, Cointreau, lemon, orange and grenadine – which glows as crimson as late-night midsummer sunset in the far north.
Getty ImagesThe best walks and viewpoints in Edinburgh
Hike up Arthur's Seat
The climb to the top of this ancient, extinct volcano from its base in Hollyrood Park takes only 45 minutes. From the summit, there are city-wide views: spot the clock tower of Edinburgh’s grandest hotel – The Balmoral – plus the Nelson Monument and the imposing bulk of Edinburgh Castle.
Address: Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh EH8 8AZ
Website: visitscotland.com
DDP/Camera PressGet blow-you-away views at the Scott Monument
Find out why author Bill Bryson called the monument to Walter Scott “a Gothic rocket ship” and climb up inside the spire of the Scott Monument to send your Instagram followers a sky-high 360-degree panoramic view of Edinburgh. Not for claustrophobics, the spiral staircase has 267 steps and narrows as you climb, but there are viewing platforms along the way for a breath of fresh air. The Scott Monument is closed in high winds.
Website: edinburghmuseums.org.uk
Address: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH 2 2EJ
Jonathan Cohen / Alamy Stock PhotoWatch the sunset from Calton Hill
This is one of the city’s best vantage points. Head to the top of the hill as the sun begins to set to see the capital bathed in a vibrant light of purples and pinks. The picturesque Old City Observatory on the hill earned the city its title as 'The Athens of the North'. It was designed by William Henry Playfair in 1818, inspired by a Greek temple – and it was here that astronomer Royal Thomas Henderson discovered how to measure the distance between stars in 1834. Bring a flask of something hot to keep warm and gaze across the city’s rooftops. And while you’re up there, either grab a bite to eat at The Lookout or pop into the contemporary art gallery Collective which has a fantastic programme of exhibitions, walks, and events.
Address: Old City Observatory, 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh
Website: ewh.org.uk
Karol Kozlowski / Alamy Stock PhotoThe best sightseeing attractions in Edinburgh
In the city’s south side, The Royal Observatory sits high atop Blackford Hill. Dating back to 1786, the observatory is now one of the UK’s top centres for astronomical research. Book a session online to spend the evening learning about the night skies and galaxies above – the observatory has regular open evenings – check out gostargazing.com to check out the weather conditions and light pollution before you visit.
Address: Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ
Website: visit.roe.ac.uk
iStockVisit Edinburgh Castle
Visit the imposing Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city's skyline. St Margaret's Chapel is the oldest surviving part of the castle and dates back to the 12th century. Summer festivities bring with it gigs that fill the castle esplanade from famed stars such as Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, and Paolo Nutini. During August’s Fringe Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo play twice daily to a sold-out crowd on the castle grounds.
Address: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
Website: edinburghcastle.scot
Getty ImagesSoak up the sights of Dean Village
Tucked away behind the city centre is a beautiful old village-like stretch of Edinburgh. It can get busy with people looking to get the shot, but the earlier you come, the quieter it is, typically. It’s an area which used to house most of the baking industry, so the buildings are a mix of mills and accommodation for the workers, with the most iconic one being Well Court with its turrets which jut out and over the river Leith. For the best view, try to get a spot on Bell’s Brae Bridge and then get down from there onto the waterside for a wander.
Address: Damside, Edinburgh EH4 3BB
Website: visitscotland.com
Getty ImagesStop in at St Giles' Cathedral
It’s hard to miss St Giles’ Cathedral with its golden-topped spires glinting (either in the sunshine or against the grey sky) across the city’s skyline. There’s been a church here for centuries, and with many a restoration along the way, it’s a fascinating example of religious architecture throughout the ages, complete with intricate stained windows and towering stone pillars. There are twice-daily free tours which help you to dig beneath the surface and uncover stories from the past - just make sure you book before you arrive, as they can get booked up.
Address: High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Website: stgilescathedral.org.uk
The best shops in Edinburgh
Go guilt-free shopping
The city is packed with cute stores, with plenty of second-hand shops to choose from that range from antique emporiums to vintage clothes collections. Among the independent sellers of Stockbridge, Treen is a vegan fashion retailer with an ethos of living ethically and sustainably. Visit for a curated collection of clothing, homeware, skincare products and shoes on one of Edinburgh’s prettiest streets.
Address: 2-4 Stephen Place, Edinburgh EH3 5AJ
Website: shoptreen.com
Sarah CookeBrowse the independent book shops
The city is home to literary stars, including Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith, not to mention a prestigious international literary festival, so it is little wonder that Edinburgh has a range of incredible independent bookshops. Opened in 2019, Toppings is the largest independent bookstore to open in Scotland in decades: with multiple library ladders, hand-crafted shelves and more than 70,000 books to leaf through, don’t turn up in a rush. Housed in a former fishing-tackle shop, The Portobello Bookshop is well worth a browse too; as is Golden Hare Books in Stockbridge and Lighthouse, Edinburgh’s radical bookshop – both firm favourites of local bookworms. Rare Birds is a bookstore that spotlights female authors in a colourful corner of Stockbridge, regularly hosting panels, poetry evenings and workshops for women and non-binary people.
Get yourself a bespoke kilt
As Scottish souvenirs go, this beats shortbread. Edinburgh designer Howie Nicholsby has managed to turn the traditional Scottish skirt-for-men into something millennial and manly. As well as plaids and tartans, he uses leather, pinstripes, camouflage print and gold for his 21st Century Kilts designs. Mario Testino has got one, and so has Lenny Kravitz (in black leather, of course). If you’re less leather, more traditional tweed and tartan, however, you can’t beat Walker Slater on Victoria Street or Stewart Christie. The two stores each sell an extensive range of tailored items for both men and women.
Address: 21st Century Kilts, 48 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Website: 21stcenturykilts.com
Getty ImagesThe best tours, activities and days out in Edinburgh
Treat yourself to a Harry Potter tour
If you have kids in tow (or even if you don’t…) a Harry Potter tour is a fun way to discover the intricacies of Edinburgh, where your attention will be drawn to the smaller details of the streets, alleyways and buildings that make up this magical city. Here you’ll discover filming spots from the motion pictures, places J. K. Rowling penned her manuscripts and the spooky nooks and crannies with special ties to the series. The group tours are free, but you can also book onto private ones if you’d prefer, which can be tailored more to your interests. As you might expect, guides are theatrical and appropriately dressed in robes. Please note, unless it’s a private tour it’s advised that this is for children of ages seven plus.
Address: Tours meet at The Greyfriars Bobby Fountain, Edinburgh EH1 2QE
Website: pottertrail.com
Getty ImagesGet out and explore Leith
This waterside neighbourhood has come into its own recently, with city slickers looking for a slower pace of life flocking to nab property before others catch on. Take the tram from the centre and spend an afternoon shopping in Custom Lane and in the boutique stores along the shorefront or wandering along the Water of Leith. Reward your efforts with a pint at Teuchters Landing, the renowned pub at the docks serving some of the city’s best pints. Spend cosy afternoons in cafés and bars along the shore, or book into one of a couple of Michelin-starred spots for dinner – Martin Wishart uses fresh Scottish ingredients and French techniques to create a stellar European menu.
Getty ImagesGo on a day trip
While there’s plenty to do in the city itself, it would be a shame not to explore some of the charismatic towns and villages just outside Edinburgh. Half an hour’s train ride from Waverley Station, North Berwick has recently garnered a foodie reputation. There are independent coffee shops littering the cobbled streets, while the seaside Lobster Shack sells lobster, crab, sea bass and line-caught mackerel straight from the harbour. Venturing further north, a trip to St Andrews makes for a busy day exploring the medieval ruins, university grounds, old pubs and windswept beach. OM
AlamyTake a walk on Portobello Beach
Portobello – or Porty, as it’s known to locals – lies three miles east of the city centre. Home to Georgian crescents, a promenade and a tight-knit community of creatives, it’s filled with interesting shops and cafés. Visit the bakery of Bross Bagels, Edinburgh’s famous Montreal mouthfuls, sample a Twelve Triangles doughnut, stroll on the beach with its views of the conical peak of North Berwick Law, or stop for a tipple in The Espy – it’s an Edinburgh institution. If the sun is shining, do as the locals do and order a delicious Civerinos pizza and frozen margaritas for an elevated beach picnic.
Address: Portobello Beach, Edinburgh EH15 2DX
Gerald Haenel/Laif/Camera PressVenture into haunted vaults
Scare the bejeezus out of yourself on a spooky candlelit tour of Edinburgh at night. The Underground City of The Dead tour follows in the footsteps of 18th-century bodysnatchers Burke & Hare, digging up the dead for the School of Anatomy, down beneath the city in dark vaults said to be haunted by a malevolent presence.
Address: 26b Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE
Website: cityofthedeadtours.com