Things to Do in Edinburgh
50 curated spots from Edinburgh itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Scottish National Gallery
Explore Scottish and European masterpieces in a central, free-entry gallery between the Old and New Towns.[1]
1h 30m · Free
Edinburgh Castle
Tour the historic fortress on Castle Rock, see the Crown Jewels, the Great Hall, and enjoy panoramic views over the city; allow time for the One O’Clock Gun if you’re there at midday.[1][6]
2h 30m · $25-30
National Museum of Scotland
Discover Scottish history, artifacts, and modern exhibits across grand galleries.
2h · Free
Calton Hill
Climb for panoramic photography of monuments and cityscape.
1h · Free
Arthur’s Seat Hike
Climb the 251m volcanic hill in Holyrood Park for panoramic views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth; wear sensible shoes and bring a windproof layer.[2][4][5]
2h · Free
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Spend time in the garden’s accessible paths, glasshouses, and scenic planted areas for a nature-focused break.
2h · $12-20
Royal Yacht Britannia
Former royal yacht, entered via accessible route through Ocean Terminal shopping centre with lifts; audio tour lets you go at your own pace with seating areas and level decks.
2h · $25-30 per person
St Giles’ Cathedral
Step inside this 14th‑century High Kirk to admire the Thistle Chapel’s intricate woodwork and stained glass, then sit quietly in a side aisle.
45m · Donation or Free
Dean Village & Water of Leith Walkway
Walk from Stockbridge to Dean Village along the Water of Leith; explore stone houses, riverside paths, and bridges that make for romantic, photogenic scenes.[2][5]
2h · Free
Princes Street Gardens
Relax, feed ducks, castle views; photography.
1h 30m · Free
Royal Mile Stroll & Closes
Walk from St Giles’ Cathedral down and up the Royal Mile, ducking into side alleys like Advocate’s Close for moody photos and city views.
1h 30m · Free
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Explore portraits of key Scottish figures in a stunning neo-Gothic building, with a beautiful central hall ideal for photos.
1h 30m · Free (donation appreciated)
Stockbridge Market
Street market with local cheeses, bakes, crafts (shellfish-free stalls).
1h 30m · $10-20
Arthur's Seat
Hike to summit for nature views, photography.
2h · Free
Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park
Climb the extinct volcano in Holyrood Park for wide-open views over Edinburgh and the coast; start from the Holyrood Palace side for a clear, steady route.[3][4][6]
2h 30m · Free
Arthur's Seat Hike
Moderate 260m climb; wildlife like deer; wear trainers.
2h · Free
Calton Hill Sunset
Walk up the short hill for classical monuments and wide views over the Old and New Towns as the city lights come on.
1h 30m · Free
Dynamic Earth
Interactive exhibits on Earth's history.
1h 30m · $18
Edinburgh Castle Visit
Tour the historic fortress, crown jewels, and battlements while taking panoramic photos over the city and the Firth of Forth.
2h 30m · $25-35
Holyrood Park & Salisbury Crags Walk
Take the more moderate paths along Salisbury Crags or partway up Arthur’s Seat for excellent city views without a full summit push.[4]
2h · Free
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Royal residence with Mary Queen of Scots chambers, abbey ruins.
1h 30m · $22
Real Mary King's Close
Underground tour of 17th-century hidden streets and plague history.
1h 15m · $20
Royal Mile
Walk from castle to palace, explore architecture, shops, street performers.
2h · Free
Royal Mile Stroll
Walk from the castle down the Royal Mile past closes, St Giles’ Cathedral, street performers, and independent shops; dip into a few narrow alleyways for atmospheric photos.[2][3]
1h · Free
St Giles' Cathedral
Admire the cathedral’s architecture and stained glass, then spend time in the surrounding historic area at an easy pace.
1h · Free or donation
Stockbridge Market (Sunday Only)
Browse food trucks, local produce, crafts, and street food in a compact, lively market space.[1]
1h 30m · Free to enter; $5-15 to snack
Water of Leith Walkway
Riverside trail to Dean Village; spot herons, ducks.
2h · Free
Alien Rock Indoor Climbing
Head to this established Edinburgh climbing wall for top-rope and lead routes suited to a range of abilities; wear athletic clothes and trainers, and book a beginner or improver session in advance if you’re newer to climbing. Includes bouldering areas for extra practice.
2h · $18-25 per person
Arthur’s Seat Hike (Holyrood Park)
Follow the main, well-trodden path up this ancient volcanic hill for panoramic views over Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding countryside; allow time for photos at the summit and a gentle descent.[1][7][10]
2h · Free
Arthur’s Seat Lower Slopes & Holyrood Park Walk
Skip the full summit if you want to keep it easy; wander the paths around the base and lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat through rugged grassland that feels surprisingly wild and ‘jungle-like’ for a city.
2h 30m · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Kebab Mahal
Casual, very popular halal Indian/Pakistani spot; order tandoori chicken, lamb curry, or vegetable dishes with naan and ask clearly for halal meat (they are a longstanding halal restaurant).
1h · $15-25 per person
Urban Angel
Shellfish-free cafe with avocado toast, porridge, and fresh scones.
1h · $12-18 per person
The Dome
Grand former bank on George Street with a spectacular domed interior; reserve the Grill Room and order a seasonally changing Scottish or pan-European main and a gin-based cocktail.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
The Edinburgh Larder
Cosy café just off the Royal Mile serving locally sourced Scottish breakfasts; try the smoked salmon and eggs or their porridge with Scottish honey.
1h · $15-25 per person
The Scran & Scallie
Gastropub with modern Scottish dishes; try cullen skink soup and local seafood.
1h 15m · $40-60 per person
The Witchery by the Castle
Gothic, candlelit restaurant right by the Castle serving refined Scottish dishes; book ahead and request the Secret Garden dining room for extra romance.
2h · $40-60 per person
Dishoom Edinburgh
Bombay-style café with warm lighting and sharing plates; try the house black daal and small plates with cocktails.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
The Devil’s Advocate
Modern Scottish dishes and a serious whisky list tucked in a historic close off the Royal Mile; try the haggis or a hearty burger with a dram.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
The Milkman
Atmospheric specialty coffee bar in a restored old shopfront; pair a flat white with a pastry while you watch the Old Town wake up.
1h · $8-15 per person
Howies Victoria Street
Relaxed Scottish restaurant in a handsome building just above Grassmarket; order the cullen skink, haggis with neeps and tatties, or the daily fish.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Loudons Fountainbridge
Airy café with excellent brunch dishes, good coffee, and gluten-free options near the canal.
1h · $15-25 per person
Makars Mash Bar
Order a comforting Scottish lunch such as haggis, neeps, and tatties or a mash-based plate.
1h · $20-30 per person
Mosque Kitchen
Legendary simple canteen with fully halal curry plates—choose from chicken, lamb, or vegetable curries over rice or naan.
1h · $10-15 per person
Nile Valley Café
Sudanese/Middle Eastern café where food is halal; grab a falafel or grilled chicken wrap, hummus plates, and mint tea for a light, late breakfast.
1h · $10-18 per person
Souq Edinburgh
Atmospheric Middle Eastern restaurant with lanterns and a cozy, slightly ‘wild’ decor; serves fully halal meats—order the mixed grill, hummus, and falafel.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
The Pantry
Popular brunch café with seasonal dishes and good coffee, worth an early-ish start to avoid queues.
1h · $15-25 per person
Whiski Rooms
Classic wood-paneled restaurant and bar overlooking the New Town; order haggis, neeps, and tatties or a seasonal Scottish main, and pair it with a curated whisky flight or a glass of wine for a cozy, elegant evening.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person (food; drinks extra)
Angels with Bagpipes
Shellfish-free Scottish dishes like venison, Cullen skink (fish-based, customizable).
1h 30m · $18-25 per person
David Bann
Upscale vegetarian restaurant with creative dishes and a calm, intimate atmosphere off the Royal Mile.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Hector's
Shellfish-free wood-fired pizzas and pasta.
1h 15m · $14-22 per person