Things to do in Edinburgh

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Edinburgh

Types of activities

Where to stay

Edinburgh Travel Guide

Royal Botanic Garden showing heritage elements and a garden

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Edinburgh

Popular places to visit

Edinburgh Castle

A focal point of Scottish history that dominates Edinburgh’s skyline and which has served as a fortress, a palace and home to the crown jewels.

Royal Mile

With its historic buildings, museums, shops and restaurants, this stretch of Edinburgh's Old Town is a much-loved haunt.

Princes Street

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can enjoy retail therapy at Princes Street. Experience the entertainment choices and lively festivals in this walkable area.

University of Edinburgh

The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

Get tickets for a show at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed art scene.

Grassmarket

During your visit to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Grassmarket. Check out the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this family-friendly area.

Edinburgh Zoo

Admire an array of rare and endangered species that are conserved at the city's renowned wildlife attraction.

George Street

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at George Street. Check out the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

St. Andrew Square

You can find out about the history of Edinburgh with a trip to St. Andrew Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.

Areas of Edinburgh

Calton Hill showing skyline, a city and general coastal views

Edinburgh City Centre

While you're in Edinburgh City Centre, take in top sights like Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle, and hop on the metro to see more the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

Old Town Edinburgh

5/5(1 area review)

Wander the narrow alleys of Edinburgh's historic center to discover the hidden delights of an area that also encompasses some of the city's top attractions.

Edinburgh featuring heritage architecture and night scenes

New Town

5/5(1 area review)

Stroll around the refined Georgian quarter of Edinburgh to encounter iconic monuments, stunning art galleries and an array of stores.

Royal Yacht Britannia featuring interior views and boating

Leith

Known for its abundant dining options and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Leith. Top attractions like Edinburgh Port and Royal Yacht Britannia are major draws, and you can catch the metro at The Shore Tram Stop or Port of Leith Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Tollcross

Travelers come to Tollcross for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Usher Hall and Royal Lyceum Theatre while you're in town.

West End

Visitors to West End love its popular shops, and you can check out Dean Village and Johnnie Walker Princes Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Haymarket Tram Station.

North Berwick

Linlithgow

Dunbar

Balerno

Frequently asked questions

Is Edinburgh worth visiting?

Providing a mix of festivals and history, there's no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh. While you're here, visit Edinburgh Castle, a major attraction in the area.

How do I spend a day in Edinburgh?

Kick your day off with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo. Then, explore different areas of Edinburgh for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.

What is the top tourist attraction in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Edinburgh and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Edinburgh?

Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off many city attractions, like Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo and Grassmarket. The average stay in Edinburgh is three days. If you have the time to extend your vacation, Newbridge isn't far away.

Is Edinburgh a walkable city?

It all depends on what you plan to do and see in Edinburgh. Several top sights, such as Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Edinburgh's neighborhoods, Edinburgh City Centre is 0.16 kilometers away from downtown, while Old Town Edinburgh is 0.64 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Edinburgh with kids?

If you are after tours and attractions for all ages, here are some terrific ideas for what to do in Edinburgh with kids.

What to do in Edinburgh for adults?

Scotch Whisky Experience and Edinburgh Gin Distillery are just two of the things to do in Edinburgh. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.

Are there free things to do in Edinburgh?

One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Edinburgh is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Grassmarket is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.