Edinburgh Things to Do

  • Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
      Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
    by spidermiss
  • Views from the castle
      Views from the castle
    by slothtraveller
  • Exterior (2)
      Exterior (2)
    by gordonilla

Most Viewed Things to Do in Edinburgh

  • 1. Arthur's Seat

    If it's a nice day you might want to walk up to the top of Arthur's Seat (which I did on a previous visit two and a half years ago) to get some nice views of the city and the surrounding...   more
  • 2. Castle

    A great place to visit, especially on a warm sunny day. St Margaret's Chapel is quaint, and popular for (small) weddings. Service records are also available in the castle, great for genealogists. And...   more
  • 3. Royal Mile

    Right in the middle of the Royal Mile stands Deacon Brodies Tavern. It's not a tourist trap as it is rather a good pub, but you can expect to find a good selection of tourists here at any time of the...   more
  • 4. Calton Hill

    The City Observatory (about 75m westwards from the marker) was built in 1818. It is said that the design was based on the ancient Greek Temple of Winds in Athens. The original function of the...   more
  • 5. Scott Monument

    Works on the Scott Monument was begun in 1841 and only completed in 1845. It is 61 meters of hight with 287 steps inside to climb if you have payed the fee of 3£.   more
  • 6. Old Town

    Under the City Chambers on the Royal Mile are hidden streets where people lived and worked for centuries. When the Royal Exchange (now the City Chambers) was constructed in 1753, the top floors of the...   more
  • 7. Tours

    On this, my second visit to Edinburgh, I really looked forward to finally seeing the famous underground city. For our group of 6 adults, I booked with Mercat Tours and we weren't disappointed! The...   more
  • 8. Holyrood

    If the Queen doesn't happen to be in town and there are no demonstrations in the works, you might well be able to take a tour of this palace, which is at the lower end of the Royal Mile. This palace...   more
  • 9. Greyfriars

    Greyfiars Kirkyard is the graveyard surrounding Greyfairs Church in Central Edinburgh.It is located on the southern edge of the Old Town in the shadow of the Castle and next to Princes st.Gardens.the...   more
  • 10. Princes Street

    Maybe a unique feature of the city? The gardens extend almost the whole length of one side of the city's main street. They separate the new town from the old. The area was a loch originally and was...   more
  • 11. National Museum and Gallery of Scotland

    Set in an old Victorian era exhbition hall, I can't say enough about this museum! It has a great collection of artifacts on Scottish history from prehistoric to modern times. The museum also has large...   more
  • 12. Eating and Drinking

    Next to the entrance to the castle, this centre is an attraction well conceived and planned to please adults and children. The tour is simple but pleasant, the tasting demonstrations are quick but...   more
  • 13. Festivals

    It's "The Fringe" because to begin with it was on the fringes of the "official" International Festival. Now it seems to be bigger than the official version. Venues are all over the city, and free...   more
  • 14. Royal Yacht Britannia

    My interest in things royal continues. Strange because I am a republican! Anyway, really enjoyed my tour of the royal yacht. Very interesting to see the luxurious surroundings in which the royals...   more
  • 15. St Giles Cathedral

    St.Giles Cathedral properly termed the High Kirk Of Edinburgh,it is the principal place of worship for the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.Its distinctive crown steeple is a prominent feature of the...   more
  • 16. Military Tattoo

    Held July-Aug each year, and usually a sell out, so book tickets in advance (unlike us who got returns and couldn't sit together!) but wrap up warm and be prepared for wet weather, it is often cold...   more
  • 17. Men In Kilts

    It's easy to find men dressed with kilt.It's the tradition of scottish people so there is nothing strange in it.Just for us that we have different traditions it seems a little strange,but believe me...   more
  • 18. Botanical Gardens

    It is always nice to visit the botanic gardens, but in the case of Edinburgh, it is especially advisable. I recommend a guided tour. An expert will explain the hidden treasures of the garden and many...   more
  • 19. John Knox's House

    John Knoxx was a protestant reformator in the 16th century. This is the house where he lived. The house was built in 1490 by the goldsmith of Mary Queen of Scots. Nowadays you will find the Scottish   more
  • 20. Camera Obscura

    Camera Obscura is a wonderful little building just below the Castle. It focuses on the world of Illusion and magic, and also provides wonderful 360 degree views of Edinburgh from the roof. Also on the...   more
  • 21. Royal Museum

    Adjoining the new Museum of Scotland is a fine old Victorian building which houses the Royal Museum, with collections of Decorative Arts, Science and Industry, Archaeology and the Natural...   more
  • 22. Zoo

    Edinburgh Zoo is an 82 acre Zoological park located several miles west of the city.The land lies on the 'Cortorphine Hill' with extensive and stunning view of the city.Built in 1913 and owned by the...   more
  • 23. The People's Story Museum

    During our visit to Edinburgh I was amazed at how many museums and galleries are absolutely free to visit, without any admission charges. And I was grateful that I'd done my homework on VT and other...   more
  • 24. Scottish Parliament Building

    Also at the lower end of the Royal Mile there are several quite controversial buildings which have recently been built to house the Scottish Parliament. This is the new parliament that was created...   more
  • 25. The Writer's Museum

    The museum is housed within the 17th century, Lady Stair's House which is just off the Lawnmarket. The museum is dedicated to the lives and works ofthree of Scotland's most well known writers. They...   more
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Edinburgh Things to Do

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