Things to do in Edinburgh

Activities, attractions and tours

Calton Hill which includes a sunset, skyline and a city
Calton Hill which includes a sunset, skyline and a city
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle which includes a park
Princes Street Gardens which includes a garden
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What to do in Edinburgh

Popular places to visit

Edinburgh Castle which includes chateau or palace and heritage elements

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.

Edinburgh Castle
Royal Mile showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

Royal Mile

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

Royal Mile
Walter Scott Monument in the Rainy Day, Edinburgh, Scotland

Princes Street

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

Princes Street
University of Edinburgh featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

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.

University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Zoo which includes zoo animals and land animals

Edinburgh Zoo

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

Edinburgh Zoo
Aerial view of Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Roseburn St, Edinburgh, VK

Murrayfield Stadium

Catch an event at Murrayfield Stadium, and enjoy other activities in Edinburgh such as golfing. Discover the acclaimed theater scene and shops in this walkable area.

Murrayfield Stadium
Scenic sight in Edinburgh with the Castle in the background. Scotland.

Grassmarket

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

Grassmarket
Edinburgh royal playhouse theater

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 entertainment choices.

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
street view of George street at Edinburgh, scotland

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.

George Street

Areas of Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh showing street scenes, outdoor eating and a city

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.

Old Town Edinburgh
Balmoral Hotel 8

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.

Edinburgh City Centre
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.

New Town
Tollcross

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.

Tollcross
Panoramic view over Leith in Edinburgh from above - travel photography

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.

Leith
Aerial view of sunset over Murrayfield International Stadium and residential neighborhood in Gorgie, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Gorgie

While visiting Gorgie, you might make a stop by sights like Tynecastle Stadium and Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball.

Gorgie
Aerial view of a coastal town where the vibrant blue of a large tent contrasts with the golden sands and azure sea, North Berwick, Scotland, United Kingdom.

North Berwick

birthplace of mary queen of scots

Linlithgow

Aerial view of a picturesque coastal town at sunset with serene water and rocky cliffs, Dunbar, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Dunbar

Great view across the Threipmuir Reservoir

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.