Things to do in Musselburgh

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Sharon Dutton
Photo by Sharon Dutton
Photo by Sharon Dutton
Photo by Sharon Dutton

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Most popular experiences in Musselburgh

Tours & day trips

See all 439 activities
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 90 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €107 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 157 activities
Edinburgh: Scottish Tasting Platter at The Tolbooth Tavern

Edinburgh: Scottish Tasting Platter at The Tolbooth Tavern

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €31 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 69 activities
Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 22 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €33 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 19 activities
Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 22 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €33 per adult
Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with WhiskyOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 18 activities
Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh

Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €86 per adult
Highland Cow Hike in EdinburghOpens in new tab

What to do in Musselburgh

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
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
Princes Street

Princes Street

4.5/5(628 reviews)

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Princes Street. Experience the lively festivals 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
Grassmarket

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 romantic area.

Grassmarket
Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

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 acclaimed art galleries and lively festivals.

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
George Street

George Street

4.5/5(393 reviews)

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

George Street
Dean Village

Dean Village

You can learn about the history of Edinburgh with a stop at Dean Village. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.

Dean Village

Areas of Musselburgh

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Photo by M J Richardson (CC BY-SA)

Newcraighall

Newcraighall might not have many top sights, but Portobello Beach and Musselburgh Racecourse are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Newcraighall
Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Photo by ‎RahulAchar

Prestonpans

Photo by Sharon Dutton

Carberry

Frequently asked questions

Is Musselburgh worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Musselburgh is explore Edinburgh Castle. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's golfing and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Musselburgh?
Start your adventures with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo. Then, check out different areas of Musselburgh for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Musselburgh?
You can't leave without exploring Edinburgh Castle, ranked the top tourist attraction in Musselburgh.
Is three days enough to stay in Musselburgh?
You can easily tick off popular sights like Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket and Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre with a three-day escape to Musselburgh. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so linger longer and venture to Edinburgh.
Is Musselburgh a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to see and do in Musselburgh. Several key sights, such as Portobello Beach and Joppa Shore, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Musselburgh's best neighbourhoods, Portobello is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Brunstane is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Musselburgh with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all of your group, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Musselburgh with kids.

What to do in Musselburgh for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Musselburgh, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Scotch Whisky Experience or Glenkinchie Distillery.
Are there free things to do in Musselburgh?
From enjoying parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Musselburgh. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Grassmarket is a must for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.