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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Most popular experiences in Edinburgh

Tours & day trips

See all 505 activities
Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 88 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €42 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 261 activities
Edinburgh Self Guided Audio Experience

Edinburgh Self Guided Audio Experience

Activity duration is 9 hours
Price is €5 per adult
Edinburgh Self Guided Audio ExperienceOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 59 activities
Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 33 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €33 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 24 activities
From Edinburgh: 6-Day Shetland & Nothernmost Explorer

From Edinburgh: 6-Day Shetland & Nothernmost Explorer

Activity duration is 10 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €69 per adult*
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 15 activities
The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 34 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €22 per adult
The World Famous Underground Ghost TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Edinburgh

Popular places to visit

Edinburgh Castle which includes heritage elements and château or palace

Edinburgh Castle

4.5/5(1,009 reviews)

Fortress, palace and repository of the crown jewels, this landmark overlooking the city has played a crucial role in Scottish history.

Edinburgh Castle
Walter Scott Monument in the Rainy Day, Edinburgh, Scotland

Princes Street

4.5/5(628 reviews)

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Princes Street. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Princes Street
University of Edinburgh showing heritage architecture and heritage elements

University of Edinburgh

4.5/5(233 reviews)

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 showing land animals and zoo animals

Edinburgh Zoo

4.5/5(204 reviews)

See rare and endangered species and learn about the efforts to conserve them at Edinburgh’s largest wildlife attraction.

Edinburgh Zoo
Royal Mile which includes a house, heritage architecture and street scenes

Royal Mile

4.5/5(575 reviews)

Explore this area in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town to find ancient buildings, historic relics, shops, museums and range of dining options.

Royal Mile
Scenic sight in Edinburgh with the Castle in the background. Scotland.

Grassmarket

4.5/5(442 reviews)

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

Grassmarket
street view of George street at Edinburgh, scotland

George Street

4.5/5(393 reviews)

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at George Street. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

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

Murrayfield Stadium

4.5/5(181 reviews)

Catch an event at Murrayfield Stadium and enjoy other activities in Edinburgh such as golfing.Discover the lively festivals and shops in this walkable area.

Murrayfield Stadium
Edinburgh royal playhouse theater

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

4.5/5(187 reviews)

Enjoy a performance at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

Areas of Edinburgh

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

Old Town Edinburgh

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

If you're spending time in Edinburgh City Centre, check out sights like Princes Street or Royal Mile and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

Edinburgh City Centre
Edinburgh which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

New Town

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

New Town
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
Tollcross

Tollcross

Tollcross is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Royal Lyceum Theatre and Usher Hall while in the area.

Tollcross
Aerial view of historic city with cathedral and old town, Merchiston, Edinburgh, Scotland.

West End

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Princes Street to Dean Village – discover West End, a destination also famous for its shopping.

West End
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

The mighty forth bridge at sunset... the scenery is so beautiful that iPhone alone is more than enough...

South Queensferry

Ruins of St Andrews Kirk in the seaside town of Gullane; East Lothian. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/gullane/standrews/

Gullane

Dechmont Law, Livingston, at sunset.
Photo by Taras (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Livingston

Adobe

Dunfermline

Callendar House featuring heritage elements and château or palace

Falkirk

Aerial view of a reservoir's tranquil waters reflect the sky, embraced by the rugged hillsides and vibrant autumn foliage, Haddington, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Haddington

A fascinating place to spend a day or two exploring the old industrial buildings and incredible riverside walk (Clyde Walkway).

Lanark

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 holiday, 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 neighbourhoods, Edinburgh City Centre is 0.16 kilometres away from downtown, while Old Town Edinburgh is 0.64 kilometres away from the centre 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 neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Grassmarket is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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