Few know the splendour of this constituent country of the U.K. and it’s capital city Edinburgh with its wonderful landscapes and dark stone. Although the buildings’ architecture come across cold and gloomy, the people are as warm and cheerful as a summer’s day.
Read below why Edinburgh should be a must see when you visit the U.K. and how you can make the most out of your visit.
- Overview
- Travel to and Around Edinburgh
- Where to Stay in Edinburgh?
- Best Things to do in Edinburgh
- 1. Walk the Royal Mile and Discover Hidden Closes
- 2. Visit Edinburgh Castle (and Actually Explore It)
- 3. Stop by St Giles’ Cathedral
- 4. Try a Whisky Experience (Even if You’re Not a Whisky Person)
- 5. Climb (or Just Admire) the Scott Monument
- 6. Explore the National Museum of Scotland (Perfect for Rainy Days)
- 7. Hike Up Calton Hill for the Best Views
- 8. Wander Through Old Calton Cemetery (If You’re Into That)
- 9. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse & The Queen's Gallery
- 10. Discover the Scottish Parliament
- 11. Other Things to Do
- Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
- Edinburgh FAQ (Quick Answers Before You Go)
- Food and Drinks Highlights
- Final Thoughts
Overview
Edinburgh is one of those cities that slowly grows on you. At first, it feels a little moody. Dark stone buildings. Narrow alleys. A skyline that looks almost frozen in time. But spend a day here and something shifts. The atmosphere becomes warm. Lively. Surprisingly inviting.
We spent a few days exploring the Scottish capital and quickly realised that there’s far more to it than just ticking off landmarks. Whether you’re planning a short city break or building a wider UK itinerary, this guide covers the best things to do in Edinburgh, along with practical tips based on our own experience.
If you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or even solo, Edinburgh manages to cater for all. And yes, even when it rains.
Travel to and Around Edinburgh
Travel to Edinburgh
Reaching Edinburgh is very easy. You can reach this magnificent city by all means of transportation.
As we live in the U.K. we’ve always taken the train from either Manchester or London. You should be aware, these routes are fairly expensive. From London, the train takes around 4.5 hours, although prices can be steep if you don’t book early.
The main central station is Edinburgh Waverley however, depending on your plans and tickets, check the closest station to your accommodation.
Alternatively, flying into Edinburgh Airport can sometimes work out cheaper, especially if you’re already travelling within Europe.
If you are anyway visiting London, flying from London can be equally a good and cheaper option compared to the train or coach.
To find the best rates for land transportation we recommend using the Trip.com website as the U.K. has a fragmented privatised public transport system which can be hard to understand where to buy tickets from for tourists.
Travelling Around Edinburgh
Honestly, we barely used public transport. The city is compact enough to explore on foot. That said, if you want a more relaxed pace, a hop-on hop-off bus is a decent option.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh?
What you book would very much depend on your budget. Edinburgh is not a cheap city but a visit is definitely worth it. In terms of accommodation, we would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Agoda to get the best rates.
On this occasion we decided to stay in a budget but very central hotel – Travelodge Edinburgh Central Waterloo Place.
Not all hotels in Edinburgh offer breakfast so be sure to double check what’s on offer before you submit your 16 digits. Like we say in our article on how to plan a holiday, do account for the overall cost as you have to factor in breakfast.
Best Things to do in Edinburgh
Most of the city’s attractions are within walking distance and you shouldn’t really need public transport if you are an avid city-breaker tourist.
Alternatively, you can choose a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour which will take you to all the main attraction in the city for an inclusive price.
You will also find Edinburgh to be very picturesque and perhaps even more worth exploring by foot so you don’t miss out on anything.
Wherever you are in the city, everyday at 1pm you will hear the “One o’clock Gun” except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
This is because ships in the Firth of Forth once set their maritime clocks by the One o’clock Gun. The firing of the gun dates back to 1861, when businessman John Hewat brought the idea to Edinburgh from Paris.
1. Walk the Royal Mile and Discover Hidden Closes
This is where it all started. The Royal Mile – the backbone of the Old Town that leads from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament – has seen centuries of Edinburgh life.
An easy walking distance from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, the area is a must-see for every Edinburgh visitor.
Nestled in between the shops, restaurants, bars and pubs are closes, alleys and passageway leading to hidden, tranquil gardens, gorgeous views over the city and pubs and eateries just waiting to be discovered.
Filled with remnants and artefacts of the past mixed with the contemporary, this is Old Edinburgh, blending charmingly with the 21st century.
Every August the Royal Mile is filled with entertainers and comedians as the Edinburgh International Festival – the largest arts festival in the world – and Edinburgh Festival Fringe fill the city with the most exciting and diverse talent from across the planet.
2. Visit Edinburgh Castle (and Actually Explore It)
Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline, and yes, it’s worth visiting.
Inside, don’t rush. The Royal Palace, Great Hall and Crown Jewels are all worth your time. The prison vaults were probably the most memorable part for us. Slightly eerie, but fascinating.
The castle hosts a few areas of interest which I’ll cover below:
2.1. Explore The Royal Palace
Kings and queens lived amidst the comfort and splendour of the Royal Palace. Crown Square took shape over time, with King James IV completing the quadrangle in the early 1500s. Some key moments in Scotland’s history took place within the palace walls.
The Honours of Scotland and their accompanying exhibition are located on the first floor of the Royal Palace on the East side of Crown Square.
Similarly to the Crown Jewels exhibition in the Tower of London, this is where the Scottish Crown Jewels are kept. Mary Queen of Scots was the first to be crowned using the new crown and sceptre together, in 1543.
2.2. The Great Hall
A wonder of medieval Scotland, the Great Hall was completed in 1511 for King James IV. Its wooden roof is one of the most superb in Britain.
Giant beams rest on stones carved with heads and symbols such as the thistle – a badge of Scotland.
2.3. Learn about Scotland’s Military Campaigns at the National War Museum
The large collection boasts many artefacts used by the Scottish forces over the centuries. Paintings on display include Robert Gibb’s famous The Thin Red Line. There is also a research library.
National Museums Scotland now runs the museum, which opened in 1933. Its home is a former storehouse for ordnance that was built in the 1700s and later used as a military hospital.
2.4. Understand how Prisoners were Treated at the Prisons of War
Pirates and prisoners of war were once held in the vaults below Crown Square. In the 1700s and 1800s hundreds of prisoners of war were held in these dark, cramped spaces.
Today, a recreation of the vaults as they would have looked around 1800 offers a glimpse into the grim way of life.
The first prisoners were French privateers caught in 1758, soon after the Seven Years’ War began. The exhibitions are cold and somewhat gruesome but it does leave you thinking what it must’ve been to be a prisoner of war.
3. Stop by St Giles’ Cathedral
Right along the Royal Mile, this cathedral is easy to miss if you’re rushing. St Giles’ Cathedral has been in its current position down from Edinburgh Castle since the early 12th century, and today is the home of the Thistle Chapel – used by the Knights of the Thistle, Scotland’s chivalry order.
We popped in during a quiet moment and ended up staying longer than expected. There’s something calming about the space, especially if you catch a choir rehearsal.
4. Try a Whisky Experience (Even if You’re Not a Whisky Person)
Now this one is a must when visiting Scotland. As you are pretty much in whiskey country, why not learn a bit more about this fantastic drink.
When we went there we enjoyed a ‘barrel ride’ through the whisky production process followed with an immersive 180° presentation of Scotland’s dramatic countryside featuring the five whisky producing regions.
The art of whiskey blending is revealed in the 1870s blender’s sample room, and a viewing of the spectacular vault containing the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky. You will also enjoy a guided whisky tasting walking you through how to appreciate this drink.
This is where we learned that in fact there isn’t a particular social etiquette when drinking whiskey. If you drink it with Coke, then do this, if you like it neat, that’s also great. It’s how you enjoy drinking it.
5. Climb (or Just Admire) the Scott Monument
The monument was erected during Victorian times as a memorial in honour of the writer Sir Walter Scott; there are 287 steps to the top. We didn’t climb to the top but apparently the views from there are amazing.
6. Explore the National Museum of Scotland (Perfect for Rainy Days)
If you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh when it rains, this should be top of your list. If you want to learn more about Scotland and it’s lands and people we suggest you stop by this museum. It hosts an impressive set of exhibitions covering Scotland’s natural and human history.
We would advise you to prepare at least half a day for this visit as there are several floors and wings to cover. Best suited for a rainy day of which there are many in Scotland. Admission is free of charge which is another perk to visit.
7. Hike Up Calton Hill for the Best Views
This was probably one of our favourite spots in the city.
It’s an easy walk up and rewards you with panoramic views. The Dugald Stewart Monument is the classic photo spot, but honestly, the whole area is worth exploring.
Great for sunset. Even better with a coffee in hand.
Whilst here you might want to explore also:
7.1. Dugald Stewart Monument
Built in 1831, this hilltop monument to Dugald Stewart was modelled after Athens’ Tower of the Winds. This is a famous one and you have probably seen a lot of photos of Edinburgh featuring this monument. The views from here are stunning and you can even see Edinburgh Castle.
7.2. Observatory House
Overlooking the city centre, with extraordinary 360 views on all sides, it provides a quiet haven within walking distance of the bright lights, but nestled high above them amongst the crags and wildlife of Calton Hill.
The House has a rich history, with the oldest tower section dating back to 1776 and the first attempt to build an astronomical observatory for Edinburgh.
Recently it’s been transformed with a sophisticated and contemporary renovation mixing warm, natural materials and colours with a suite of new feature art works specially commissioned from local artists.
7.3. Nelson Monument
Towering monument to commemorate Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar, designed by architect Robert Burn. It’s a great photo opportunity on a good sunny day.
7.4. National Monument of Scotland
This is a historical hilltop memorial to soldiers and sailors from Scotland who perished in the Napoleonic Wars. A very imposing and solemn monument, definitely worth a visit.
8. Wander Through Old Calton Cemetery (If You’re Into That)
If you ever feel a bit gothic in your emotions then perhaps visiting this cemetery will be an interesting stop for you. If you enjoy history or photography, this is one of those quirky things to do in Edinburgh that offers a different perspective of the city.
Although you can’t compare it to the Pyramids of Giza, this necropolis was the burial place for Edinburgh’s wealthy. This can be seen in the elaborate and quite extravagant tombstones and crypts.
If this is something you like, then you might also be interested in this Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour.
9. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse & The Queen’s Gallery
Explore the Palace’s close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
There are tours which walk you through the palace and cover this historical jewel of the Scots. In the Queen’s Gallery, you can see art and antiquities from the Royal collection and some special exhibitions in this Victorian building.
10. Discover the Scottish Parliament
Across the road you can also the see the Scottish Parliament. As you may know, Scotland is a constituent country of the United Kingdom with its own devolved powers. This means some policies such as healthcare, agriculture and education are taken care of by the Scottish Parliament and not the Westminster one.
You can also explore the Parliament House with guided tours. The inside décor is very wooden-like to reflect the forests of Scotland. If you are pressed for time we would suggest you skip the visit.
11. Other Things to Do
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh is very much a year-round destination, but your experience will vary depending on when you visit.
- Summer (June–August): Lively atmosphere, especially during the Fringe Festival. Expect crowds and higher prices.
- Spring & Autumn: A great balance. Fewer tourists and still decent weather.
- Winter: Quieter, more atmospheric. Ideal if you enjoy festive markets and cosy pubs.
Edinburgh FAQ (Quick Answers Before You Go)
And just in case I missed anything (or you have more questions for your visit), let’s cover a few more commonly asked questions about Edinburgh
Food and Drinks Highlights
When it comes to food, Scottish cuisine is quite distinct and has some interesting elements worth noting.
If you’ve ever had Cream Tea, then you’d know that scones are actually Scottish. These Scottish biscuits are served with clotted cream and jam in a sandwich form.
They are very decadent and delicious. There is a debate in the U.K. whether jam goes first or the cream. Let us know in the comments what you think so we can settle this once and forever.
You might have heard of the famous haggis. Although many countries have a similar style sausage, haggis is sheep’s innards minced with onion and other spices encased in sheep’s stomach. Be warned, it can be an acquired taste.
Whiskey is another drink of choice. Although, not limited to Scotland only, only whiskey brewed in Scotland can be called Scotch.
You will also find that single malt whiskeys tend be named “Glen-something” (e.g. Glenfiddich). Glen in Gaelic (the native language) is valley.
Enjoy a Good Pub Meal at The Malt Shovel
The Malt Shovel is a good pub not far from the main train station. It hosts inside seating in its wonderful decorated interieur or outdoors if you want to watch travellers go by whilst you sip on your beer.
We opted for the fish and chips, a British classic staple which was absolutely amazing. Nice golden and crispy batter served on a bed of chips. Served with an ale of your choice.
Final Thoughts
Edinburgh is an amazing destination for anyone looking to explore further the U.K. or just even as a standalone city break destination.
Edinburgh is great for solo travellers, families and couples as it offers something for everyone.
The city is a great place to visit as it really stands out from other cities in the U.K. and with its convenient travel options there is no reason you shouldn’t make the trip.
If you’re ready to start booking, these links cover the essentials — from hotels and tours to insurance and eSIMs.
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