Things to do in Edinburgh

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic cityscape with a prominent castle and a tall church spire.
A historic street with buildings, a church tower, and a busy sidewalk.
A castle on a hill, lush greenery, and a pathway with flowers.
A historic cityscape with a prominent castle and lush green park.
A stone building with a tiled roof, a garden with neatly trimmed hedges, and a clear blue sky.

Things to do

Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free Offer

P1,606
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free Offer
The Edinburgh Dungeon Tour

The Edinburgh Dungeon Tour

P1,822
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
The Edinburgh Dungeon Tour
Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets

Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets

P3,474
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets
mountain view in edinburgh

Loch Ness & the Highlands of Scotland

P4,749
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Loch Ness & the Highlands of Scotland
Turkish Airlines Lounge by Plaza Premium Group at Edinburgh Airport

Turkish Airlines Lounge by Plaza Premium Group at Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

P3,084
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Turkish Airlines Lounge by Plaza Premium Group at Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
The Glenfinnan Viaduct

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour

P5,643
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour
Harry Potter Tour & Edinburgh Castle Visit

Harry Potter Tour & Edinburgh Castle Visit

P4,657
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Harry Potter Tour & Edinburgh Castle Visit
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What to do in Edinburgh

Stay near popular Edinburgh attractions

A historic castle on a hill with a statue in the foreground.

Edinburgh Castle

9.4/10 (12,023 reviews)
Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle houses Scotland's Crown Jewels and offers panoramic city views. Arrive early to witness the One O'Clock Gun, a tradition dating back to 1861.
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Where to stay in Edinburgh

Find the best Edinburgh areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Edinburgh
Learn more about Edinburgh
A street with historic buildings and a prominent tower in the background.

Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.

A Gothic-style clock tower with a statue at its base, illuminated by warm lights.

New Town

Travelers love New Town for its popular shops, and you can see more of Edinburgh by jumping on the metro at Princes Street Tram Stop or St Andrew Square Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Assembly Rooms and George Street.

A coastal cityscape with a river, historic buildings, and a large cruise ship docked at the port.

Leith

Known for its abundant dining options and seaside views, there's plenty to explore in Leith. Top attractions like Leith Docks 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.

A large Gothic-style cathedral with multiple spires and a prominent clock tower.
Photo by dun_deagh
Open Photo by dun_deagh

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.

A stone gazebo on a hillside overlooking a river.
Photo by dun_deagh
Open Photo by dun_deagh

Stockbridge

Historic sites, museums, and art galleries are some highlights of Stockbridge. Make a stop by Stockbridge Church or St. Stephens Centre while you're exploring.

A coastal town with a beach, a large tented area, and a rocky shoreline.

North Berwick

A castle on a hill with a lake in the foreground.

Linlithgow

A coastal town with a harbor, a football field, and a sunset over the sea.

Dunbar

A stream flowing under a stone bridge surrounded by lush ferns and trees.
Photo by kim traynor (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Arniston

A grassy field with a lake and rolling hills in the background.

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.