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
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, the oldest building in the city, sits high on a craggy volcanic rock just near the city center. During its history, which spans almost a thousand years, the stronghold has witnessed sieges, served as a military base and provided refuge for Scottish monarchs.
Learn more
Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland

2. Royal Mile

Go for a sightseeing trip along the Royal Mile, a series of streets that forms the main artery of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the oldest part of the city. This ancient cobblestone route stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It has been used by pedestrians for hundreds of years, and houses some of the city’s most fascinating old buildings.
Learn more
sunset time, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland

3. University of Edinburgh

Explore the campuses of the University of Edinburgh and soak up the academic atmosphere in its museums and galleries. Sights such as the quad of the Georgian Old College and the Gothic towers of New College on the Mound are iconic parts of the cityscape.
Learn more
University of Edinburgh showing heritage architecture and heritage elements

4. Edinburgh Zoo

Escape to the Edinburgh Zoo for a few hours of animal-based adventures. Spread over an 82-acre (33-hectare) site, the zoo has a collection of more than 1,000 animals representing almost 200 species.
Learn more
Edinburgh Zoo which includes zoo animals and marine life

5. National Museum of Scotland

Be engrossed for hours in the National Museum of Scotland’s fascinating exhibits. This celebrated attraction packs hundreds of displays into its high-ceilinged galleries and white-marble corridors. A comprehensive look at Scottish history adds local interest, while exhibits dedicated to anthropology and technology give the museum a global perspective.
Learn more
National Museum of Scotland featuring interior views

What to do in Edinburgh

Popular places to visit

Edinburgh Castle which includes heritage elements and château or palace

Edinburgh Castle

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

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

Royal Mile

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
Walter Scott Monument in the Rainy Day, Edinburgh, Scotland

Princes Street

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
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. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Grassmarket
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 lively festivals and shops in this walkable area.

Murrayfield Stadium
University of Edinburgh showing 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 showing land animals and zoo animals

Edinburgh Zoo

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

Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh royal playhouse theater

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

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
National Museum of Scotland which includes interior views as well as a large group of people

National Museum of Scotland

Science, nature, history and culture come together in this spectacular museum, which celebrates learning about the world and all its wonders.

National Museum of Scotland

Areas of Edinburgh

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

Old Town Edinburgh

4.5/5(1,168 area reviews)

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 Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle 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

4.5/5(1,225 area reviews)

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

5/5(1 area review)

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

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

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

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

West End

4/5(668 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Dean Village to Johnnie Walker Princes Street – 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

Aerial view of the iconic Forth Bridge near Edinburgh. Scotland, UK

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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia