There are so many things to do in Edinburgh Scotland! We lived in a village near Edinburgh for over 4 years, and during our time near the city we discovered so many things to do, which I wanted to share with those planning a visit.
A first time visitor naturally wants to see some of the highlights of this gorgeous city that holds two UNESCO designations for its higgledy-piggledy medieval Old Town and its well-planned Georgian New Town. But you may also want to explore a few other areas as well.
Our recommendations include visiting the city’s iconic medieval castle, climbing an extinct volcano, visiting the world’s largest monument to a writer, seeing Scotland’s crown jewels, sipping whisky, going underground to explore some of the city’s medieval past, viewing world-class art, and paying homage to a famous little dog. If you have control over the timing of your visit, you may want to plan to attend at least one of the city’s world-famous festivals.
These 21 things to do in Edinburgh are meant to be a guide to build your trip itinerary, whether it be a short one day visit or a week-long trip.
Table of Contents:
Basic Information for Visiting Edinburgh
Here is some basic information and tips for visiting and getting around Edinburgh, Scotland.
Where is Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is in Scotland, which is the northern part of the United Kingdom. It’s in the southeast part of Scotland, around 60 miles north of the Scotland – England border, and around 50 miles east of Glasgow, which is Scotland’s largest city.
Best ways to get to Edinburgh?
There are multiple options for visiting Edinburgh. First, you can fly into the Edinburgh Airport, which has flights from destinations in Europe, the US, the UK and the Middle East. If there is no direct flight, connecting flights from London or Dublin are frequent. The airport is a short bus, taxi, or tram ride from town, so this is a very practical option. You can book the airport bus in advance here.
If you’re don’t want to fly, then there’s a fast train service from London to Edinburgh, which takes around 4.5 hours. You can also catch trains from cities throughout the UK or take the EuroTunnel to get here via France if you are coming from Europe. You can save a lot of money on fares by booking train tickets well in advance.
If traveling from within the UK, you check out fares and book tickets on Trainline and London North Eastern Railway.
If you are in the UK and would rather travel by bus, there are daily coach connections to Edinburgh from a number of cities which take longer but may save you money compared to train fares. You can check National Express for coach connections and prices.
Finally, you can also drive to Edinburgh, although be aware that most hotels, particularly those in the city center, don’t offer free parking.
If you are traveling from London, we have a guide to 10 ways you can travel from London to Edinburgh, and how each way compares in terms of cost, time, and convenience.
Best times of year to visit Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a city that you can visit year round, with plenty going on throughout the year. If you are hoping for warmer, drier weather, then the months of May to September will be your best bet, but the weather in Scotland is fickle, so the best plan is to pack layers and be prepared for at least a little rain.
If you’re interested in the Edinburgh festivals, then you may want to visit during August, when some of the biggest festivals take place. Christmas in Edinburgh and the Scottish New Year’s celebration, Hogmanay, is also a very popular time to visit. Note though that during this time the city is a lot busier than usual, and accommodation is both pricey and hard to come by so book in advance.
If you are not interested in attending the August festivals or Hogmanay, we would recommend avoiding Edinburgh at these times to save money and avoid the crowds.
Best way of getting around Edinburgh?
The center of Edinburgh is easily walkable, with the majority of attractions easily accessible by foot. Some attractions (e.g., zoo, botanic garden, Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith docks) are a bit further out, in which case we recommend either local buses, which are very well priced, or local taxi services.
There are also a few different companies offering hop-on hop-off bus services in Edinburgh that offer commentary and sightseeing. We recommend this HOHO bus service because it offers three bus lines that stop at most of the attractions mentioned in this article.
You don’t need a car to travel around Edinburgh as public transit can get you just about anywhere in and around the city, so we’d only really recommend a car if you are planning to head into the countryside or smaller villages.
Most cities and towns in Scotland are well connected by train and bus. Even many of the small villages outside of Edinburgh, including our own, is well connected by bus so we rarely drive into the city to avoid paying for parking.
Accessibility in Edinburgh?
Although most of the public transit options are wheelchair accessible and many of the attractions can accommodate wheelchairs, Edinburgh can be challenging for people with reduced mobility and those in wheelchairs because of the many hills, cobbled streets of the Old Town, and historical buildings.
If you or a travel companion has reduced mobility or is traveling in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, check out the accessibility page on the Marketing Edinburgh website. It provides information on accessible public transport, locations of accessible public toilets, disabled parking areas, etc.
For specific attractions, I’d go directly to their webpage to learn about accessibility and contact them if needed. For instance, the Edinburgh Castle can be challenging for wheelchair users as certain areas can not be visited due to the historical layout of the buildings.
How much time should I spend in Edinburgh?
This of course depends on how much you want to do and how much time you have to vacation, but I would highly recommend spending at least 3 days for sightseeing in Edinburgh. There are so many great attractions, museums, places to eat, parks, etc. to see here and most visitors who spend a rushed day or two in the city tell us they regret it. You could easily spend a week and not run out of things to do in Edinburgh.
Day trips from Edinburgh?
You can also use Edinburgh as a base to explore some of the surrounding areas and regions around Scotland. There are a number of excellent day trips you can take from Edinburgh to places such as castles, whisky distilleries, Outlander filming locations, Harry Potter filming locations, St. Andrews, Loch Ness, golf courses, the Scottish Borders, and Glasgow. You can do day trips from Edinburgh by car, bus, train, or by booking a day tour.
Check out our guide to the top day trips from Edinburgh for lots of ideas and planning advice to help you plan your day out.
How to save money on Edinburgh attractions?
The main discount pass is the Royal Edinburgh Ticket and it is great value if you plan to visit the three main royal attractions (Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Royal Yacht Britannia) in Edinburgh. It also includes a 2 day hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus pass. It will save you about 25% i you visit all three attraction and use the bus. You can check it out and buy it here.
There are no major city passes in Edinburgh; however, the great thing is that many of the main museums and parks are FREE to enter! Also you’ll likely find discount vouchers on the Edinburgh city maps and brochures you can pick up at the visitor center, and a few attractions offer combo ticket discounts if you also plan to visit partner sites.
For those sites that are not free to enter, if you don’t want to pick up the pass above, you can often save money by buying your ticket online instead of at the venue. For example, if you buy your Edinburgh Castle ticket online here, you save around £1.50 on the entry price – plus you get to skip the ticket line.
For those planning to spend more time in Scotland and enjoy historical sites, you can check out the Scottish Heritage Pass (valid April to October) and Historic Scotland Explorer Pass. Although both of these two passes only cover a few sites in Edinburgh, they each cover over 120 sites throughout Scotland, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Culloden Battlefield.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh?
If you are looking for accommodation in Edinburgh, we recommend trying to find a central location, especially if your time in the city is limited. This way you can walk to many of the main attractions. Anything within walking distance of Waverley train station is a good central location, and will allow you to easily explore the Old Town and New Town areas on foot or with short bus rides.
Edinburgh Budget Lodging Options
- Royal Mile Backpackers – Located along the Royal Mile, this centrally located hostel offers dormitory rooms in a central location.
- Castle Rock Hostel – Well-rated hostel with a castle theme, offering both dormitory and private rooms. Adults only. Located within the Grassmarket area near Victoria Street.
- Stay Central Hotel – A nice budget hotel that is perfect for those traveling as a group. Hotel offers rooms that can sleep from 2 to 9 persons, so can be a great deal if you have people to split the cost of the stay.
- Vrbo apartments – If you are looking for an apartment, check out the local Vrbo offerings.
Edinburgh Mid-Range Accommodation Options
- Motel One – A popular modern budget design hotel centrally located in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
- Travelodge Edinburgh Central – A 3-star chain hotel located just a few minute walk from the Royal Mile.
- The Grassmarket Hotel – This 3-star hotel is located within the Grassmarket area and about a 10 minute walk from the Christmas market. Hotel has a quirky and colorful modern decor.
- Holiday Inn Express – This 3-star hotel offers well-prices rooms in the Old Town and is located near the Royal Mile.
- Plum Guide – a great option offering a range of lovely apartment rental options
Edinburgh Luxury Hotels
- The Balmoral – This 5-star hotel opened in 1902 as a traditional railway hotel and has long been a landmark hotel in Edinburgh. This hotel is a mix of traditional and modern decor and has some beautiful suites. Located next to the Waverley train station and is about as central as you can get.
- Waldorf Astoria The Caledonian – This 5-star luxury hotel was originally built in 1903 as part of Edinburgh train station. Today, it is one of the top luxury properties with a modern leisure club, spa, restaurants, and bars.
- Klimpton Charlotte Square – This 5-star hotel consists of seven inter-connecting townhouses and sits in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. A beautifully decorated hotel with a mix of modern decor and vintage travel touches. Located across from Charlotte Square.
- The Witchery – This popular boutique luxury hotel & restaurant named after witches who were burned at Castlehill in the 16th and 17th centuries. The hotel has 9 different themed suites which are lavishly decorated with Gothic touches, large 4-poster oak beds, antiques, and flamboyant decorations. A 5 minute walk to Edinburgh Castle.
Where can I find more information?
For more Edinburgh trip planning tips, a good place to start your planning is the Edinburgh city tourism website. If you have already exhausted the attractions of interest mentioned in this post, check out this list of additional lesser known things to do in Edinburgh.
For more specific Edinburgh Festival information, you can find loads of information on the Festivals Edinburgh website and read our planning guide to the August Edinburgh festivals and our Hogmanay guide. We also have a guide to celebrating Burns Night in Scotland if you are visiting in January.
If you are planning on doing some day trips from Edinburgh, we list 15 Edinburgh day trip ideas in our guide.
If your travels in Scotland are taking you beyond Edinburgh, head to the Visit Scotland tourism website for planning the rest of your travels throughout Scotland. You can also browse through my other UK travel posts and the dozens of UK posts over on Laurence’s blog.
Highlights of Edinburgh: 21 Things to do in Edinburgh Scotland
There are a lot of things to do in Edinburgh, but we have narrowed it down to 21 highlights that we think any first time visitor should know about and consider for their trip. We chose a variety that will suit a number of travelers: the majestic castle, a palace, a famous ship, gardens, whisky tasting, family-friendly attractions, hikes, and several museums.
These are listed in no particular order!
1. Edinburgh Castle
If this post was titled “top thing to do in Edinburgh”, this would likely be our choice. Edinburgh Castle is the most recognizable landmark in the city, it sits atop a volcanic peak and dominates the city skyline. The castle was the setting for a number of important historical events in Scotland and many famous people once visited or lived within its walls including Mary, Queen of Scots.
Inside the castle, you’ll get to see loads of historical Scottish artifacts, including weapons, clothing, and even the “Scottish Crown Jewels” which are known as the Honours of Scotland. The castle is also the site of the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum of Scotland (entry included with castle admission price).
Other highlights for us were the Great Hall and the 12th century St. Margaret’s Chapel which is the oldest surviving structure in the castle and in Edinburgh. From the castle terrace and towers, you can enjoy great sweeping views over the city.
A popular time to be at the castle is for the firing of the gun, which takes place on most days of the year to mark 1pm (except Sundays and holidays). This practice started in 1861 as a muzzle-loading cannon was fired each day to serve as a vital timekeeping device for ships in the harbor.
Today the gun is fired just for tradition and show. If you’re interested in seeing the gun fire, be sure to head to the Mill’s Mount battery inside the castle well before 1:00 to secure a good viewing spot.
Note the castle is one of the most popular attractions in Edinburgh and can get very busy, so try to visit in the morning if you can.
We would recommend that you book a ticket with fast track entry in advance to skip the ticket lines. Booking an advance ticket will also save you some money on the walk-up entry price, and you won’t have to wait in line for your ticket either. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the same day.
If you are visiting during a busy time of year (e.g., summer, festivals, holidays), these advance tickets will definitely save you time, but we advise buying them in advance anyway as it will save you money.
The visit is self guided, but if you would like to learn more about the castle, you can hire an audioguide at the castle or take one of the free on-site guided tours.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the attractions included on the Royal Edinburgh Ticket (buy online here), and are also free for those with a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass.
2. Walk down the Royal Mile
From Edinburgh Castle, the next logical thing to do is to stroll down the Royal Mile. This is the medieval city’s main highway, and is still a very busy place today.
Not surprisingly, it runs almost a mile from the castle at the top of the hill to Holyrood Palace at the bottom. It spans five different streets, none of which are actually called the Royal Mile.
This is a busy street and there are a lot of things to see along the way, including many of the attractions we note below as well as many restaurants, cafes, museums, and shops. You’ll likely find yourself on and off this street many times during your visit!
3. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Near Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile is the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. This attraction has two main features – first, it has several floors featuring optical illusions, light tricks, old-fashioned games, and magic displays which we had a lot of fun playing with.
Then, the “main attraction” is the Camera Obscura on the roof. A camera obscura is basically an old-fashioned projection system, which directs visible light from the outside world onto a viewing surface in a darkened room. These have been known about for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and were a particularly popular attraction in Victorian times. In fact, Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura dates from the 19th century, making it one of the oldest visitor attractions in the city.
The rooftop of the tower also includes pretty amazing views of the castle and the city of Edinburgh. We really enjoyed our visit here and it is a great place for families.
We have heard from some visitors that when it is crowded, it can be less enjoyable, so we would recommend visiting outside of the busier summer months or to visit this attraction soon after opening in the morning for the best experience.
4. Scotch Whisky Experience
Across from the Camera Obscura is The Scotch Whisky Experience, which is a very popular place to visit along the Royal Mile. You can take tours, masterclasses, training sessions or just enjoy some food and whisky at their restaurant. We took the Silver Tour which is their shortest and least expensive whisky tour experience and we both really enjoyed it. You can book tickets online here.
It begins with a fun and informative whisky barrel ride and then a self-guided tour to learn about the origin, history, and making of whisky. Then you do a guided tasting experience and learn about the different whisky regions in Scotland. Then finally you take look around a giant whisky collection, the largest collection of its type in the world!
Laurence really enjoys whisky, and he has visited this attraction more than once, always enjoying the experience. I don’t even really like the taste of whisky but still enjoyed my visit as I learned a lot, and I’d recommend the hot chocolate with whisky drink in the restaurant for non-whisky lovers!
If you’re particularly interested in whisky, then you may also consider taking a more in-depth tour where you get more samples and tasting instructions or book ahead for a masterclass or one-day training course.
Whisky lovers will find shops selling whisky all over the city, and those who really love Scottish whisky may want to check out the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. There are also several whisky walking tours available if you want to stop off and visit places around the city.
If you are interested in more whisky taking experiences outside Edinburgh and want to visit some distilleries, you can read more on Laurence’s blog of our experience taking a whisky tour from Edinburgh.
5. Mary King’s Close
Did you know that there’s a hidden part of Edinburgh underneath the city streets? Well, there is. One of the best places to find out more about, and visit this hidden part of the city, is to take the Real Mary King’s Close tour.
Covered over by construction in the 19th century, Mary King’s Close was previously one of the busiest streets in the medieval city, located just off the Royal Mile. It was named after Mary King who was a business woman who lived in the close in the 1630’s.
The 1 hour guided tour of Real Mary King’s Close aims to provide information and examples of what life would have been like in Edinburgh between the 16th and 19th centuries. The tour takes you into a warren of what were bustling streets, shops, animal pens, and homes that sit just below the current street level.
Note that photography is not allowed during the tour at the time of writing. Best to book ahead to be sure you get the time you want.
6. St. Giles Cathedral
Near Mary King’s Close and a fixture in Edinburgh’s skyline is the beautiful St. Giles Cathedral with its crown shaped steeple. If you are only going to visit one church in Edinburgh, this would be our recommendation. St. Giles, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is the principal place of worship for the Church of Scotland and the church itself dates from the 14th century.
Our favorite part of the church interior is the Thistle Chapel, built in 1911 for The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, which is the most important Order of Chivalry in Scotland. This order was established in 1687 and is presided over by the Queen. The Thistle Chapel is small, but the ceiling is absolutely beautiful, as are the sixteen stalls, one for each Knight of the Order.
Guided cathedral walking tours and rooftop tours are also given on certain days for a fee. The guided walking tours can be booked in advance but the rooftop tours can only be booked same day at least check. Note that the rooftop tours offers a nice view over the city but does not go onto the top of the tower.
Admission is free to the cathedral although a donation is requested. The church has regular worship services and also regularly hosts choir concerts and holiday events. There is a small gift shop and there is also a cafe located in the rear of the cathedral.
Photography of the interior is not permitted without a photography permit which is £2.00 and can be obtained from the Information Desk. Purchasing a permit is a worthy investment in our opinion and a great way to contribute to the upkeep of this beautiful church.
7. Holyrood Palace
At the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, you’ll find the Palace of Holyrood House, usually referred to simply as Holyrood Palace. Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. It has served as the principal residence of the monarchs of Scotland since the 16th century.
The name comes from the 12th century Augustinian Holyrood Abbey that was built here and the ruins of which can still be visited today. Mary Queen of Scots resided here, as have other notable historical figures over the centuries. Self-guided audiotours includes both historic rooms as well as those used for contemporary state visits, including the royal apartments in the north-west tower of the palace which were occupied by Mary, Queen of Scots.
The historic Royal Apartments and State Apartments of Holyrood Palace can be visited most of the year (when not being used for state functions), as well as the gardens and grounds. Note that photography is not allowed inside the palace, but you can take photos of the exterior, gardens, and abbey.
There is also a large gift shop as well as a cafe. The Café at the Palace serves food and drinks, and you can book a nice afternoon tea service here (advance booking needed). The gift shop and cafe are both located outside the palace so you can visit here without a ticket.
Visitors may also wish to visit the Queen’s Gallery in front of Holyrood Palace, which contains a rotating exhibition of art and historical artifacts from the Royal Collection. Combination tickets are available.
Entrance to Holyrood Palace is included on the Royal Edinburgh Ticket. Note that admission to the Queen’s Gallery is not included on the Royal Edinburgh Ticket unless the palace is closed.
8. National Museum of Scotland
Leaving the attractions of the Royal Mile, we’d recommend taking some time to explore the vast collection at the National Museum of Scotland. This excellent free museum contains exhibits on all sorts of things related to both Scotland and the world, from Scottish history and culture to art and fashion to science and technology.
Some highlights for me were objects related to Mary, Queen of Scots, which include jewelry, coins, letters, and furniture. Laurence likes the science and technology parts, which feature a number of interactive exhibits.
The museum’s huge collection is set across two main buildings, a more modern building dating from 1998 and a Victorian era section from the 19th century. The Victorian section features a wonderful cast iron grand gallery, which is a museum piece in itself!
The museum is constantly adding new pieces and bringing in new exhibits, so is a great place to re-visit if you haven’t been in a while. We always find new things to see here, and they often have special events taking place.
The museum also has a gift shop, a cafe, a causal restaurant, and a fine dining restaurant. The James Thomson-run Tower Restaurant located on the roof of the museum. On a fine day, there’s an excellent view across the rooftops of Edinburgh to Edinburgh Castle, which you can enjoy whilst drinking a cup of tea or sipping on a cocktail. The dining options are also fabulous and we’ve had great meals there.
9. Try some traditional Scottish foods
In addition to visiting all the wonderful attractions and museums, you’ll want to try some traditional Scottish foods during your stay in Edinburgh. Haggis is the national dish of Scotland and a must try for all visitors. Haggis is traditionally made of sheep parts (heart, liver, lungs) that are mixed with onion, spices, fat, oatmeal, stock, and spices and then stuffed in a sheep’s stomach. It was a food eaten by the poor and similar foods have been eaten since ancient times.
Although honestly, most restaurants cater to modern palates and finding a truly traditional haggis is difficult (especially those encased in a sheep’s stomach); however, the more modern haggis versions are more tasty in most visitor’s views. Haggis is typically served with “neeps and tatties” which are mashed turnips and potatoes, and sometimes with a side of whisky sauce. You can even get “vegetarian haggis” at many places, although we’re not sure you can still call it haggis!
Other dishes to try in Scotland include local Scottish Salmon, black pudding (Stornoway is famous for its black pudding), cullen skink (smoked haddock, potato and onions soup), stovies (potato dish), sausage, beef, and lamb dishes. We often just ask for what is local and fresh at restaurants.
Dishes enjoyed throughout the UK, like fish and chips, large breakfasts (try a full Scottish breakfast and you won’t need to eat lunch!), meat pies, and traditional Sunday roast dinners are also popular throughout Scotland. Scottish sweets and desserts include cranachan, fried Mars Bars (about anything can be fried by the Scots it seems!), tablet, shortbread, and Dundee cake.
For drinks, there is of course whisky, but black tea is probably the most widely drank beverage. Be sure to try the popular Irn Bru (an orange carbonated soda). You can also try a number of Scottish gins (Rock Rose, Pickering’s, and Edinburgh Gin are a few brands) and beers (Tennent’s, Stewart Brewing, and Cairngorm Brewery Company are a few Scottish breweries) at many of the local bars.
If you’d like to take a tour of a gin distillery, there are a few to choose from in Edinburgh including Pickering’s, the Holyrood Distillery and 56 North.
If you enjoy food tours, you’ll find a few of them in Edinburgh such as this popular 3 hour secret walking food tour. This tours includes 6 stops for tastings and the guide helps explain the history of many traditional Scottish foods and drinks like haggis, tablet, and whisky.
Looking for something sweeter? Consider learning more about chocolate making and tasting lots of chocolate (including many Scottish made chocolates) by taking a chocolate tour at the Chocolatarium.
10. Scott Monument & Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature, and the most famous Scottish writer is Sir Walter Scott. He wrote poems, plays, and novels, and is credited with inventing the genre of historical fiction and is best known for his works such as Ivanhoe, Waverley, The Lady of the Lake, and Rob Roy. He is definitely a well-known and much-loved figure in Scotland and even Edinburgh’s main train station is named after his first novel Waverley.
As such, there are a number of monuments to him with the most significant being the huge Scott Monument (the largest monument to a writer in the world!), which sits on Princes Street, just above the Princes Street Gardens.
Get up close to the monument and you’ll see figures from Scott’s novels, as well as other famous Scottish writers, poets, and figures. This iconic monument is open to the public, and you can climb to the top for a good view of Edinburgh for a small fee. Just be aware there are many steps and a narrow spiral staircase! There’s also a small museum room on the first level of your climb, within which you can find information on the life and works of Sir Walter Scott.
We’d also recommend visiting The Writers’ Museum (just off the Royal Mile) if you’d like to learn even more about Scott and other famous Scottish writers. If you are a real Sir Walter Scott fan we’d recommend a trip out to the beautiful Scottish Borders, where Scott drew a lot of inspiration and where he built his home and is buried.
Just below the monument is the Princes Street Gardens. Once a marshland, the area was later turned into an artificial lake called the Nor Loch that was used as a defensive barrier to Edinburgh Castle and as a dumping spot for the sewage and trash of medieval Edinburgh.
Beginning in the 1760’s, the Nor Loch was drained over time and turned into gardens, with two gardens being formed – Princes Street Gardens East, and Princes Street Gardens West, separated by a man-made hill known as “The Mound”, which was formed from the excavation of the New Town.
Today the public gardens are a popular spot for visitors and tourists alike, and there are often outdoor events taking place in this area. It is a good place for getting nice views of Edinburgh Castle and for savoring a sunny Edinburgh afternoon (they do happen, I swear!).
11. Climb Arthur’s Seat
One of the best things about Edinburgh is that you can find wide open green spaces just outside the city center. Not far from Holyrood Palace, you’ll find the towering remnants of an extinct volcano, which has come to be known as Arthur’s Seat; the name is believed to have come from the legendary tales of King Arthur.
You can get good views of Arthur’s Seat from Calton Hill and Nelson’s Monument among other places. Arthur’s Seat is the highest point in Holyrood Park, and you can climb Arthur’s Seat to burn some calories from all the Scottish food and to get a wonderful view across Edinburgh and the Lothians. It is a bit of a steep walk to the top (wear hiking shoes and take water), but the views are very much worth it as on a clear day you can see for miles in every direction.
If you are looking for the shortest and easiest hike and have a car, park in the lot near Dunsapie Loch and take the much shorter hiking path to the summit. Within the park you might also want to visit the 15th century St Anthony’s Chapel, get close to the Salisbury Crags, and check out the birdlife at Duddingston Loch.
12. Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is popular with families wanting to get up close to over 1,000 animals. Some of the most popular attractions are the penguin walks and getting to see the resident giant pandas (note that you usually get a set viewing time slot as they are so popular!). Other animals we’ve enjoyed seeing here are the tigers, lions, wallabies, chimps, red panda, and monkeys.
Note that many visitors are disappointed at not seeing the pandas (or other animals) but they are often in parts of the enclosure where you can’t see them or sleeping; this is actually a very good thing that animals are not being forced to always be on view to the public.
Check out the zoo’s website for the live camera feeds to watch the current activities of the Giant Pandas, penguins, tigers, and squirrel monkeys! There are also a number of educational talks, events, and activities offered at the zoo throughout the year. There is also a food court, casual restaurant, coffee shop, picnic area, and gift shop.
For those with reduced mobility, Edinburgh Zoo has some steps and steep hills in certain areas but offers an accessibility route, the free rental of manual wheelchairs (first come, first serve), and a mobility vehicle.
The Edinburgh Zoo is a bit out of the city center. There is a dedicated parking lot for the zoo but there is a parking fee and spaces are limited. You can also easily get a bus from the city center. There are two bus stops near the zoo, and they are currently served by Lothian buses 12, 26, and 31 as well as some of the CityLink routes.
You can buy tickets in advance of your visit for the Zoo here
13. Scottish National Gallery
If you love art, you’ll want to save at least an hour or two to stroll the Scottish National Gallery, one of many excellent free museums in Edinburgh. Located on The Mound near Princes Street Gardens and the Scott Monument, Scotland’s National Art Gallery houses a large collection of paintings and other art from the Renaissance up to the start of the 20th century, with both Scottish and international artists represented.
The collection is housed in a neoclassical building designed by William Henry Playfair that dates from 1859. If you are more of a modern art lover, you might want to head to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art instead.
Laurence is drawn to the landscape paintings and I to the 18th century Italian and Impressionist paintings. In our two short visits we’ve never had enough time to see the full collection and there are always new temporary exhibits to view (great Impressionism exhibit over the summer!).
If you need a break after looking at all that art, there is a coffee shop and restaurant. There is also a gift shop if you need some retail therapy.
The museum is free to visit although donations are very much appreciated.
14. Scottish National Portrait Gallery
If you like your art of the portrait variety, then the Scottish National Portrait Gallery has you covered. Situated in the first building in the world that was purpose-built as a portrait gallery (in 1889), the gallery exclusively houses portraits of Scottish people, although not all the artists are Scottish.
Highlights include portraits of Stuart monarchs and family members, including portraits by Dutch painter Arnold Bronckorst. My favorite galleries contain the “Scots in Italy” collection. In addition to portrait paintings, the museum also includes a collection of prints, photographs, and statues.
The building itself, in a Gothic style, is quite beautiful and the entrance hall is well worth spending some time in. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a statue of Robert Burns, beautiful murals depicting notable Scots, stained glass windows, and several busts.
We did a filming project here with Sky TV and spent a lot of time looking at the Scottish Royal portrait paintings. We are not exactly portrait experts or lovers, but after spending several hours here over two days, we came to really appreciate the collection and the beautiful building.
There is also a nice cafe on the ground floor which is a great place for lunch or a coffee break. The museum is free to visit although donations are very much appreciated.
15. Check out Harry Potter sites
Harry Potter fans love Edinburgh and we’ve even written an entire post devoted to Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh. It was here that J. K. Rowling wrote in Edinburgh cafes as she worked on the Harry Potter book series.
Nicolson’s Café was a first floor restaurant on the corner of Nicolson and Drummond Street and it was here that J. K. Rowling as a newly single mother is said to have written a large part of her first Harry Potter novel. The location has since been turned into a Chinese buffet and now back into a bistro named Spoon.
The Elephant House was where she penned later Potter novels and is probably the best known of the Harry Potter locations. If you want to see the inside of The Elephant House, you’ll need to order food or a drink or pay a small fee for photographs.
If Harry Potter writing locations are of particular interest to you, and you are not traveling on a budget, then you might consider also staying at the popular and historical Balmoral Hotel in the J. K. Rowling suite. It was here in suite 552 that Rowling finished the last book in the Harry Potter series. In celebration of doing so, she autographed (graffitied?) a marble bust, which is still in the room today.
Other Edinburgh locations which are believed to have served as inspiration for the books include Greyfriar’s Kirkyard (an old cemetery that contains graves that may have inspired the names of some Harry Potter characters such as Thomas Riddell’s Grave), George Heriot’s School which is Hogwarts-esque, and Victoria Street which is thought to have inspired Diagon Alley.
You can put together your own self-guided tour or book a fun tour and join other Harry Potter fans on a guided tour such as this free tour (free but tips are strongly recommended) or this longer 2 hour walking tour.
Those visiting in August should also make time for the Edinburgh International Book Festival, it was one of the first venues that an unknown J. K. Rowling (listed as Joanne Rowling) gave a reading to a small group of children from her first Harry Potter book in 1997 and would return years later in 2004 to massive crowds.
If you are really interested in visiting all the Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh, I’d check out this comprehensive Harry Potter Edinburgh guide. If venturing outside of Edinburgh, you can read our guide to finding the Harry Potter film locations in Scotland.
16. Attend a Festival in Edinburgh
Speaking of festivals, if you like festivals then Edinburgh is the place for you. To be honest, even if you don’t normally like festivals, chances are that Edinburgh is still going to have a festival that you’d enjoy. Edinburgh is known as the World’s Festival City, and the city is host to 11 major festivals throughout the year, celebrating art, music, film, theater, storytelling, books, military tattoos, science, and even the arrival of the New Year.
Four of the most well-known festivals are probably Hogmanay, the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, although we have come to especially appreciate the lesser known festivals throughout the year.
The festival atmosphere ranges from being fairly low-key (e.g., Edinburgh Science Festival, Film Festival, Storytelling Festival) to a heightened festival frenzy as loads of visitors pack into the city during the month of August. At the height of the festival season, mid August, you are likely to find over 1,000 performances taking place in over 100 locations each day!
If you want to learn more about all the Edinburgh Festivals and figure out which one is right for you, check out the official Edinburgh Festival website which provides up-to-date details on all of the major festivals. If you are thinking of visiting in summer, check out our planning guide to the five August Edinburgh festivals.
There are also smaller festivals and local festival events happening throughout the year in Edinburgh (including the Edinburgh Mela and Edinburgh Food Festival) and you can find a full list here. There are also events around St. Andrew’s Day (Scotland’s patron saint) and Burns Night (celebrating poet Robert Burns).
17. The Edinburgh Dungeon
The Edinburgh Dungeon, located a 2-minute walk from Waverley train station, provides a quick 80-minute tour of Scotland’s history as visitors walk through 11 live actor-led shows and 2 short underground rides. It focuses on the darker and more gruesome aspects of Scotland’s history (e.g., plague, murder, cannibals, witches) and uses plenty of special effects and some scare tactics to give you some chills.
The Edinburgh Dungeon is often voted and ranked as one of the top city attractions in Edinburgh and seems particularly popular with families with older children (recommended age is 8 years or older). We just recently visited to take a special nighttime tour where they introduced a new show (The Witch Hunt) and it was a lot of creepy fun. Our favorites were the the Witch Hunt, The Green Lady, and the drop ride.
Note that those who are easily scared or startled may not enjoy the tour, and that there is some adult material in the shows that may not be appropriate for young children (tours are generally not recommended for children under 8). Those with any sort of disabilities or health issues should check out this helpful accessibility page.
Waiting times can be long during peak months (e.g., July and August and around the holidays) and you may want to pre-book tour times in advance online to avoid long waits during those months. For those wanting to get the best prices, I would recommend booking online in advance as you will almost always get a better rate online.
Places to book online and compare prices are the official website, as well as the Tiqets website here.
18. Pay a Visit to Greyfriars Bobby
One of Edinburgh’s most famous historical figures is a small dog, known to the world as Greyfriars Bobby. Legend has it that Bobby was a Skye Terrier who belonged to a night watchman in Edinburgh named John Gray. When John Gray passed away and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, it is said that loyal Bobby sat by his master’s grave for fourteen years, before being buried beside him.
This story has been popularized in books and by the 1961 Disney film. The veracity of the story has been challenged by several people, but it remains a popular enduring and heartwarming tale nonetheless and it is likely that the story is at least partially based on truth.
You can visit the small statue of Bobby, which is located across the road from the National Museum of Scotland, and also see the graves of Bobby and his owner in the graveyard. The statue is a popular spot for a photo, and it is definitely worth a few moments of your time to learn the feel-good story behind this little dog.
If you want to know more about Greyfriars Bobby, we’d also recommend a visit to the informative (and free) Museum of Edinburgh which has an exhibit dedicated to Greyfriars Bobby.
19. Climb Calton Hill
If the thought of Arthur’s Seat is a bit daunting, but you still want a good view of Edinburgh, there’s another excellent option for you: Calton Hill. You will probably notice this hill soon after your arrival to Edinburgh and visitors are often surprised to see a hill resembling the Acropolis of Athens.
Calton Hill sits just past the east end of Princes Street and you can take the steep but relatively short set of stairs up to the top of the hill. Atop of the hill you are greeted by a visually interesting but architecturally odd collection of buildings and monuments. Many of the buildings, such as the National Monument and Dugald Stewart Monument, look like they would have been more at home in Athens, Greece.
Calton Hill has been among other things, the site of prisons, residences, government buildings, and the city observatory. There are sometimes events taking place on the hill, including the popular Beltane Fire Festival in April. Take time to explore the various monuments and enjoy the great views of the city skyline; these are probably our favorite views of Edinburgh!
The City Observatory, the largest building on Calton Hill, was designed by William Henry Playfair in 1818. Long closed as an observatory, the space has recently reopened in November 2018 to the public as a contemporary art exhibition center. The original 1831 Transit Telescope is also on display.
You’ll also find a restaurant, gift shop, and a rooftop viewing terrace at the Observatory which offers wonderful views over Edinburgh. It is free to enter the City Observatory. If you want to eat at the Lookout Restaurant, reservations are strongly recommended.
To learn more about Calton Hill’s past and for a particularly excellent view of Edinburgh, consider visiting the small museum in the Nelson Monument and then climbing the 143 steps to the viewing platform on top (small fee) of the 105 foot (32 meter) high monument which offers wide vistas over Edinburgh. The small museum details the history of the monument, and the man for whom it was named, Admiral Horatio Nelson, who led the British navy to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars.
The Nelson Monument contains a time ball which was dropped at 1 o’clock daily (except Sundays), which coordinates with the firing of the guns at Edinburgh Castle once used to alert ships of the time. The guns are still fired at Edinburgh Castle on most days.
20. Royal Botanic Garden
If you’re looking to stretch your legs a little, get away from the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile and Princes Street, and take in a bit of botany whilst you’re at it, then you should head to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. The garden has been in its current location since 1820 (although the garden was originally planted in 1670 in Holyrood Park).
It is free to enter the garden and a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours in Edinburgh if the weather is good! With 70 acres of gardens featuring over 273,000 plants, you will definitely not run out of things to look at! Some free highlights included the Victorian Temperate Palm House, Rock Garden, Poppy Meadow, and Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden.
Entry into the gardens is free, but we’d recommend spending the small entry fee for access to the glasshouses, where you can take in some of the more exotic items in the collection, which include a Victoria amazonica (a giant waterlily) and Amorphophallus titanum (smells like rotten flesh when in bloom!).
Check out what is in bloom before you visit to best plan your time at the garden; spring and early summers are going to offer the most variety but you’ll find plants of interest here year round.
The gardens are located about a half hour walk from the city center or a short bus ride away. They are easy to access via public buses from the city center or on some routes of the hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses.
21. Royal Yacht Britannia
Consistently voted as Scotland’s Best Attraction by VisitScotland, the Royal Yacht Britannia, officially known as Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia, was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal family for over 40 years.
In service from 1954 to 1997, the yacht sailed over 1 million miles around the world on hundreds of state visits! It is now docked at the historic Port of Leith in Edinburgh, and can be toured by the public with an included self-guided audioguide.
Visits include the Queen Elizabeth II’s bedroom, the room Charles and Diana spent their honeymoon in 1981, the Bridge, the state dining room, drawing rooms, and the crew quarters and workspaces. We also saw the Royal Barge, a retired Rolls-Royce Phantom V state car, and a racing yacht owned by the royal family on display during our visit.
You can also have afternoon tea or lunch at the Royal Deck Tea Room onboard the ship. There are also food and shopping opportunities (as well as a cinema) at the Ocean Terminal shopping mall, which is located directly in front of the Britannia.
This is a popular attraction and can be busy, especially in summer and around holidays. So keep this in mind when visiting. You can purchase tickets in advance or at the attraction. Admission to Royal Yacht Britannia is included on the Royal Edinburgh Ticket.
The yacht is docked about 15 minutes from the city center, and you can get here by car (free parking), local public bus, hop-on hop-off bus, or taxi.
We would recommend taking some time to walk around Leith before heading back to the city center; head towards Shore Street which is a short 15-minute walk away. There are plenty of shops and dining opportunities in Leith and it is quite scenic on a sunny day. There is also the Trinity House Maritime Museum (check opening hours in advance).
There you have it, our top 21 things to do in Edinburgh. The above should give you a great list of places to consider if you are going to be in the city for one day or one week. Even if you are on a tight budget, a large number of our recommended things to do in Edinburgh are free (e.g., most of the city’s museums, Calton Hill, and the Royal Botanic Garden) or low cost (e.g., a plate of haggis, many festival events, or a view from Nelson Monument).
As you plan your trip, just remember that part of the allure of the city is just wandering around and soaking up the historical and lively charm so be sure to leave a bit of free time in your schedule. We discover new things to do each time we visit which is often!
If you have visited before or are looking for some more offbeat suggestions, check our post with 25 additional lesser known things to do in Edinburgh!
Have you visited Edinburgh Scotland? Do you have other attractions you’d add to our list of top things to do in Edinburgh? Which of the above spots are on your list of places to visit when you come to Edinburgh?
As always, we love reading your comments and we’re happy to answer any questions about any of these things to do in Edinburgh (we’ve done them all!) or any other questions related to visiting Edinburgh.
**Disclosure: Many of the above places are free to visit or we paid our own entry fees during numerous visits over the past year. For some attractions, we received complimentary entry through partnerships with Marketing Edinburgh, VisitScotland, and/or Visit Great Britain in order to review attractions and services as travel writers; however, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. We also received complimentary accommodation and meals during a 3-day visit in partnership with Marketing Edinburgh. You can read more in our Ethics Code about how we accept work.**
Amy DeVargas Post author
Trying to plan an itinerary for Edinburgh sights as really only are going to have about a day and a half. Flight arrives May 12 at 10:30 am. What do you suggest if are musts are: Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House, Royal Yacht, walk down the Mile and Victoria Street. Elephant House tea, May Kings Close night tour, Outlander Close sights, Canongate Kirk, and would love to see Craigmillar Castle.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Amy,
So if you just have 1.5 days total in Edinburgh, you will probably need to prioritize which of the sites you listed are most important as I don’t think you’ll have time to visit all of those places. You’ll want probably 2-3 hours each to tour the castles, palace, and yacht (although you can of course do quicker visits but you may feel rushed).
Out of those I’d probably recommend trying to visit Edinburgh Castle (I’d recommend going at or near opening time), do the Royal Mile walk and visit sites along the route (stopping to see Canongate Kirk along walk – Museum of Edinburgh and St. Giles also worth seeing if you have time), visit Holyrood House (be sure to check opening dates and times as not open every day), and Mary King’s Close that evening on your full day. Mary King’s Close is usually open late but be sure to check tour times for the date of your visit. Then on the half day, you can walk down Victoria Street, see Elephant House from the outside, and then go out to visit the Royal Yacht (you’ll need to get a bus or cab as its out in Leith).
The Elephant House is closed (after a fire) and has not reopened so you won’t be able to visit the interior. Craigmillar Castle is a bit outside the center so I think you will have to choose between this and the yacht given your limited time in the city (but since already visiting Edinburgh Castle I’d probably skip this on this visit). The best Outlander sites are well outside the city so not worth seeing if you just have 1.5 days in total. But if of course depends on your own interests and priorities!
If you are visiting Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House, and the Royal Yacht, you should consider the Royal Edinburgh Ticket as it includes those three attractions plus a hop-on hop-off bus ticket.
Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any further questions.
Best,
Jessica
Bea Post author
Hey guys! You’ve really hit the nail on the head with this blog post!
You’ve made me so much more eager to go back to Edinburgh!!
These photos are stunning and love how you’ve covered all the grounds and included some other bits and bobs too, I’m definitely going to have to refer back to this next time I visit Edinburgh!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Bea,
Thanks, glad you enjoyed our post on things to do in Edinburgh. We lived there for several years and have been lucky to do so much in and around Edinburgh and keep going back to visit. If you have any questions as you plan your next visit to Scotland, just ask!
Best,
Jessica
Tim Neeble Post author
i really enjoyed this post! I haven’t managed to travel to Edinburgh yet but it’s definitely in my bucket list. I’m really glad I discovered your blog – hoping to get there soon!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Tim,
Thanks, and just let us know if you have any questions when you plan your trip to Edinburgh!
Best,
Jessica
scott pilkington Post author
Hi. Nice blog ad great content. I too have started a blog about my travels and I finally got to Edinburgh just before lockdown. It is a wonderful city.
Many thanks x
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Scott,
Glad you got a chance to visit Edinburgh earlier this year and enjoyed your trip. Glad our tips were helpful to you!
Best,
Jessica
Elger Roth Post author
I’ve always wanted to visit Edinburgh but have no idea why because I knew absolutely nothing about it until reading this post. I think I was right in wanting to visit though because it sounds like an awesome city!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Elger,
Yes, Edinburgh is a great city to visit! It is the capital of Scotland and the city offers a lot to see and do. You will definitely not run out of things to do in Edinburgh if you decide to visit and it is an attractive and compact city.
Just let us know if you have any questions if you do decide to visit Edinburgh in the future.
Best,
Jessica
william Post author
I also enjoyed many of these amazing things and I have a joyful time with my buddies.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi William, Glad you enjoyed your time in Edinburgh! Jessica
nachine Post author
I also enjoyed these amazing things in my these tours and I have a joyful time with my mates.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Nachine, Glad you are enjoying your time in Edinburgh with your friends. There are lots of fun and interesting things to do in Edinburgh and wishing you a wonderful rest of your trip! Best, Jessica
Keanu Post author
Thanks for sharing so much great facts and helpful travel tips about Edinburgh. I must say that your shared information is very useful for me as well as other readers.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Keanu, You’re very welcome, and just let us know if you have any questions if you are planning a trip to Edinburgh. Best, Jessica
g van riet Post author
Hi, thanks for all the usefull tips. the way you write about the things to do are inspriring. We are planning to visit edinburgh this year end.
what do you recommend to do on december 31th? is there somethinh traditonal to do? are restaurants and pubs open? thanks! godelieve
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi there, Yes, I would check the opening dates and hours for any places you plan to visit as some will be closed as it is New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh and most people in Scotland celebrate New Year’s Eve and Hogmanay. So if interested in that, I would read our Hogmanay guide.
The Edinburgh Christmas market and events will also be happening, so that is something to check out if you are interested in holiday stuff. You can see more about visiting Edinburgh during Christmas and other winter activities in Edinburgh here.
There will be lots of celebrations going in and just note that this will be a very busy time in Edinburgh and prices for lodging will be higher. So be sure to book your lodging and major transport in advance (trains, flights).
Best,
Jessica
Dina Post author
Amazing article … I’ d rather say it is an amazing comprehensive guide. I ‘ m an ESL teacher in Portugal and I’m planning a trip to Edinburgh with high school students. Thank you so much for the ideas througout your excellent writing.
Obrigada!
Dina
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Dina,
Thanks for taking the time to let us know that you found our article about things to do in Edinburgh helpful 🙂 It sounds like you are planning a fun trip for your students and I am sure there are lots of places your students will enjoy in the city! Just let us know if you have any questions.
Best,
Jessica
NIBU ABRAHAM Post author
Dear Jessica & Laurence.
I’m Nibu- residing in Qatar. I’m planning on visiting Edinburgh in Mar/First week of Apr of 2020 for 9 days with my family. I was researching on posts/blogs about travellers who have visited Edinburgh and happened to read your travel blog. I was able to get a lot of information on places to visit around in Edinburgh.
I’ve 2 kids – 4 yr old daughter and my 2 yr old son and my wife. I was planning on renting a car from airport as I would want to explore other areas of Edinburgh. Could you please provide suggestions and what options do I have? Is it feasible to rent and drive around to other places in Edinburgh. We would surely do the local tour of places but would also want to drive in the countryside. Since my kids are small, we wouldn’t prefer to do much walking around with them.
Also how would be the weather during that time of the year?
Please advise.
Thanks
NIBU ABRAHAM
Doha, Qatar.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Nibu,
Glad that you have found our article helpful in planning your family’s trip to Edinburgh next year. We live nearby so we know the city very well.
As noted, you don’t need a car to get around Edinburgh. It is much easier to get around using the local public transit (buses and trams) and you can walk to and from most of the city attractions which are clustered in the city center around Waverley and the Royal Mile. Many attractions are only a 10 to 15 minute walk from one another. There is also a hop-on hop-off city sightseeing bus that you can take that connects the majority of the most popular tourist places and you can reach the majority if the places listed in this article by using those buses. There are also of course taxis and Uber.
The city center of Edinburgh is not a great place to drive or find parking, so we recommend only renting a car for the time you plan to actually drive outside of the city. So perhaps you want to go out of the city for 3 days, then I would just rent the car for that length of time rather than pay to park it for your whole visit.
In Edinburgh, you can rent from the airport or from an agency located within the city and there are a lot of rental car agency options. Enterprise is usually our go-to company for car hire. Each rental car agency has its own rental policies. But generally, to rent a car in Scotland, you need to be a certain age (often 23 years of age, but it depends on agency and car type), have held a valid driving license for at least a year (some require up to 3 years), and the driver’s license must be in English or use the Latin alphabet (or you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country before your trip).
Also note that most of the popular places around Edinburgh that you may want to day trip, can also be reached by bus, train, and/or taking a guided day tour. So you may or may not need a car, depending on where you want to go. You can see a list of some of the best day trips from Edinburgh here.
Hope that helps and let us know if you have further questions about planning your visit to Edinburgh!
Jessica
Wempy Post author
Dear Jessica & Laurence,
We love reading your article about Edinburgh which we find as one of the most comprehensive guides with easy-to-follow information.
We are from Indonesia and visited London just recently to experience different cultures and many other awesome things.
We have a daughter who just start her first year in the Royal Collage of Music London.
Hence, we plan to travel again in end of May 2020 to visit her and to enjoy other parts of UK, especially Edinburgh.
Our initial draft plan is as follows:
1 night in London
1-2 nights in Glasgow
4-5 nights in Edinburgh
then back to 1 night in London
travelling is by train or bus
if the time is right, our daughter will come along or else just 2 of us.
We have not finished reading your articles yet but in general, any early suggestions on our plan above?
also, any suggestions on interesting things to do in Glasgow for transit?
thank you again for your kind time and attention.
we are looking forward to hearing from you.
best regards
Wempy
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Wempy,
Glad you are finding our travel blogs helpful in planning your next trip to the UK. It sounds like you’ll have 9 to 10 days total in the UK and I think your plan sounds pretty good.
I’d probably do:
-1 night London
-take train from London to Edinburgh – you’ll want to book your tickets in advance before your trip next year
-4 nights Edinburgh
-2 nights Glasgow
-train from Glasgow to London
-1 night London
-Fly home to Indonesia
Yes, we have a full guide to things to do in Glasgow and it includes information about transit and getting around Glasgow.
To get from Edinburgh to Glasgow (and vice versa), the easiest way is to probably take the CityLink buses. They go between Edinburgh and Glasgow several times a day.
Since you will have several days in Edinburgh, you will probably want to do at least one day trip. Some you can do by bus or train, and others are much easier by joining a guided bus tour. You can see a guide to day trip from Edinburgh and day trips from Glasgow.
Hope this helps and just let us know if you have more questions about your trip to Scotland as you continue your planning!
Best,
Jessica
Wempy Post author
Dear Jessica,
thank you for your kind reply.
Your suggestions sound great; we sure would follow them and check out the links.
If anything comes up, we hope you don’t mind us bugging you again :p
thanks again…
Cheers,
Wempy
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Wempy, You’re welcome and you are welcome to follow-up with more questions as you plan your trip. Best, Jessica
panjenetravel Post author
The photos you shared are just inspiring, i have never been to Edinburgh Castle but i am considering a visit next summer.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi there, Glad you are enjoying our photos from Edinburgh! Yes, the castle is a great attraction and one we’d definitely recommend seeing. Hope you are able to visit next summer, and just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip! Best, Jessica
Vidya Post author
I think this is the best travel blog ever!
I will be in Edinburgh in the 1st week of October for 6 days. I intend to purchase the Royal Edinburgh Ticket and take full advantage of it. Let me know what you think of my skeletal itinerary below:
1st day – hop on a bus and take in all that Edinburgh has to offer.
2nd day – hop on one of the 3 tour buses and visit the Royal Britannia, have tea. Get back to the City Centre and have a look around.
3rd day – hop on one of the buses to Edinburgh Castle. Either walk down the Royal Mile or the bus to Holyrood Palace.
4th and 5th day – have not decided on what yet. Would like to picnic on the Meadows. Or stick to the City Centre for a nosey around. Any suggestions?
1. Where do I purchase a bus ticket for a tour of Edinburgh on the 1st day?
2. What is the weather going to be like in early October? Would I need a light jacket or a coat?
Thank you!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Vidya,
Thanks for the kind words and glad you are finding our travel blog helpful in planning your upcoming trip to Edinburgh in October.
1. You will receive the sightseeing bus ticket (and tickets for the other royal attractions) whenever you pick up your Royal Edinburgh Tickets. You can purchase it online and then you just bring the voucher to the kiosk as described in the article above. The kiosk is just next to one of the places where the buses stop. There are three bus lines and they are each color coded and you should be given a bus schedule when you pick up your tickets.
2. The weather in Scotland is always unpredictable, but I would expect possible rain and some cool weather. I would definitely bring a rain jacket or umbrella and some warm layers. You’ll also want a light coat or warm jacket and sensible shoes for walking around the city.
I think your tentative itinerary for Edinburgh looks great and very doable. For the city centre, there are lots to see while wandering around the Old Town and New Town. I would definitely recommend a visit to the National Museum of Scotland as it is a great museum and entry is by donation. The Museum of Edinburgh is also a good museum to learn about local history. Calton Hill offers nice views over the city. Arthur’s Seat is a good place if you are looking for a short hike and more views – recommend only in nicer weather. There are also plenty of places to stop and try whisky along the Royal Mile or you can easily take a whisky tour in the city.
For one day, perhaps Day 4 or 5, I’d recommend consider a day trip outside of Edinburgh. There are lots of great towns and attractions within a couple hours of Edinburgh and you don’t need a car to visit most of them as you can take a train, bus, or book a day tour that leaves from the city centre. You can see our guide to Edinburgh day tours for lots of ideas.
Hope that helps!
Jessica
Nick Wheatley Post author
Just wanted to say thanks for the info – we visited Edinburgh this weekend and found your post helpful in planning our visit!
Cheers,
Nick
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Nick, That is great to hear, glad you found our post helpful and hope you had a wonderful trip to Edinburgh! Best, Jessica
Neena Joshi Post author
Jessica,
Your website is lovely – I’m glad I’ve stumbled across it! So informative. Am visiting with the family along with an 18 and 20 year old, and planning this is daunting! Our first time in England- something I’ve been waiting to do forever!!
We arrive into Edinburgh on an afternoon in July and leave the next night (sleeper to London). My husband is hell bent on renting a car and doing a day trip from Edinburgh and I think, if we DO leave Edinburgh, we could do a tour. I’m happy staying in Edinburgh too.
My top picks are to go from Edinburgh to Stirling, stopping along the way – possibly going to Loch Lomond. The choices seem endless.
Maybe Cairngorms park? What would you recommend for a one day driving trip?
Thanks so much!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Neena,
Wow, yes, if you are visiting Edinburgh for the first time, I’d recommend at least 2 full days to explore the attractions within Edinburgh itself. If you have more time, then a day trip may be a good idea and there are lots of possibilities.
You don’t need a car to do most day trips as you can reach many places via either public transit (bus or train) or via a guided small group bus tour. But there are a few places that are really only easy to visit by car. But if you are only planning to leave Edinburgh for a single day trip, I would recommend considering to do a day trip by either a tour or public transit. Doing a tour or getting a train is easy to do from central Edinburgh.
There are lots of worthwhile day trips from Edinburgh and we have a full article on day trips from Edinburgh. I would take a look at that and see what appeals the most. We give the options for how you can visit each place (via car/public transit/tour). Take a look and let me know if you have any further questions.
Best,
Jessica
Dave T. Post author
Want to thank you for your fantastic Edinburgh travel guidance. We just returned from a relatively brief (5 day) trip and it was really great. (we benefited from gorgeous weather which we heard was uncharacteristic – – all the waiters and waitresses we met had sunburned faces and arms from laying out in the apparently not-always-present sunshine). Counting 2 days in London, we logged over 60 miles walking to various attractions too numerous to mention. Included a nice day trip to St. Andrews with a Rabbies tour. Really good restaurants, and the places we visited (Castle, Gardens, Royal Britannia and so much more) were memorable and fun. A very walkable, friendly and interesting city. Happily we decided to hike up Arthur’s Seat on the morning of our departure, which tied a nice bow on our trip (and gave us a good excuse to overeat when we returned to earth). So just wanted to say thanks – – your advice was enjoyable and very helpful.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Dave, So happy to hear that you had such a wonderful trip to Edinburgh (and London)! Glad that our articles and advice was helpful in enjoying your time in the UK and thanks for leaving us a nice comment. Sounds like you got to see and do a lot, and even got to see St. Andrews and a bit of Fife with Rabbie’s 😉
Yes, we’ve had such wonderful weather this past 1.5 weeks. May started off cold and rainy (we had hail almost daily for a bit) but we’ve had mostly sunshine lately. Fingers crossed it stays around.
Hope your travels bring you back to Scotland again in the future!
Best,
Jessica
Teri Hawkins Post author
My daughter and I are planning a trip to London in September. We only have a week. I have visited both London and Edinburgh before. My daughter has not. She wants to experience riding the train so I told her we need to take a train to Edinburgh. Our plan is to travel to Edinburgh the same day we arrive in London. Spend the next day in Edinburgh and go back to London the the following day. Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace are on our list so far. Would you recommend the Royal Edinburgh Ticket for the one day we are there? Do you have any other suggestions for just being in Edinburgh for one day? Thanks!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Teri,
If the main reason for going to Edinburgh is the train journey, I’d recommend taking a train trip to a city much closer to London. You’ll be spending about 4.5 hours to get to Edinburgh and 4.5 hours back with not much time to really explore. Lots of possibilities of course like Bath or Bristol or Oxford or Brighton. If you wanting to go further, consider York in northern England which offers plenty to do for a day. Visiting a closer city would definitely not eat so much into your sightseeing time.
But if still decide to visit Edinburgh, I would not recommend the Royal Edinburgh Ticket for just one day in Edinburgh. You would want 2 full days to get full advantage of the ticket as you won’t have time to visit the Royal Yacht and may not have time to use HOHO bus much if you just have the one day.
I would recommend pre-purchasing your Edinburgh Castle tickets as you’ll save money, we buy our tickets online here as they normally offer the lowest prices online.
I’d recommend starting at Edinburgh Castle (you’ll have your fast-track entry ticket already) and visit there first and then make your way down the Royal Mile on foot towards Holyrood Palace. Along the way, there are lot of museums (like the Writers’ Museum and Museum of Edinburgh), attractions (like The Whisky Experience and Scottish Parliament), shops, restaurants, pubs etc. that may be of interest. Have lunch along the way. Then visit Holyrood Palace. That should take the full morning and afternoon.
In the evening, perhaps head out to dinner and then some sort of show or tour. There are lots of theater shows and musicals in Edinburgh so you can check for theater performances before you visit. If your daughter is 18+ and likes comedy, you might also consider getting tickets for The Stand. If you are looking for something really Scottish themed, you might consider the Spirit of Scotland show. Or consider doing a tour, there are lot of evening walking tours in Edinburgh, many focus on the darker side of Edinburgh’s history.
Best,
Jessica
Sana Post author
Thank you for all the great information. We are visiting Edinburgh in June and will be traveling with 3 kids- 5 yr, 3yr & 1 yr old. Would love some recommendations for kid friendly attractions- we plan on on getting the Royal Edinburgh Ticket. Also most tours to the Highlands are for kids 5 and over. We are a group of 10 (kids included)- would you recommend a private tour (any recommendations)
Thanks
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Sana,
Yes, for young child and family-friendly attractions, I’d consider Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo, World of Illusions, National Museum of Scotland (has a hands-on section), walk up Calton Hill, Dynamic Earth, and Royal Botanic Gardens. The city gardens and parks are also good places if they just need to run around and play.
With kids of that young age, I’d be sure to plan a lot of breaks for them as the attractions and museums can be pretty exhausting as most require a bit of walking.
For the tours, yes, I don’t think any of the tour companies can legally carry children under age 5. If there are 10 of you, I’d definitely recommend a private tour as it would likely be similar (or even less expensive) than booking to join a group tour. The company we recommend most is Rabbie’s and they can arrange private tours if they have availability. They will take young children, but you may need to bring or hire a child seat for the youngest ones so they are legally secure in the vans, so I would be sure to ask about this.
Hope that helps,
Jessica
Garry Resinski Post author
Hi,
Can you recommend any historical and cultural tours to take if one is there only for a limited time, say 2 or 3 days? That is, something that will take us to the “Must See” sights.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Garry,
I would recommend getting the Royal Edinburgh Ticket which covers three of the main attractions in Edinburgh plus includes a 2 day sightseeing bus ticket so you can easily get to each of them. The Old Town sites are all within walking distance of each other.
Most guided tours in the city are only 2 to 3 hours and just cover the highlights of the Royal Mile or New Town but usually don’t included guided time inside any of the attractions or museums. The longer all day tours are typically provided for cruise passengers and start in Leith. You would probably need to book a private and customizable tour if you are wanting an all day tour or multi-day tour that includes guided visits.
Here are a couple of tours to give you an idea:
– Private Half Day Walking Tour
– 3 hours private walking tour
– New Town Tour
Hope that helps!
Best,
Jessica
Diana Post author
I had the opportunity to travel to Edinburgh for an event that took place at the Principal Hotel Edinburgh on George Street and I was fascinated by the city and the hotel itself. I only stayed for two days, but they were unforgettable. Taking advantage of its proximity, they took me to visit Edinburgh Castle, which is amazingly wonderful. We also visited the old city and a restaurnt but there much more I could not do.
But luckily I plan to return for this 2019 and spend 4 days there. Regards!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Diana, Yes, the Principal Hotel (formerly the George Hotel) is a great hotel built of old Georgian townhouse houses. I am glad you had a chance to see some of the Old Town and see Edinburgh Castle on your first trip. But you’ll get to really explore and see all the highlights when you return in 2019! Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your next trip to Edinburgh. Best, Jessica
Lyn Ward Post author
Any suggestions for Scottish Highlands tour by car over 3 or 4 days please.
Love you guide and tips very useful.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lyn,
First, so happy you are enjoying our Scotland articles.
For a Scottish Highlands itinerary, take a look at this 5 day Scottish Highlands itinerary to get started. Since you have less time, you could get rid of Day 2 and/or spend only 1 night on Skye. Let us know if you have any questions.
If you decide you’d rather take a tour to the Highlands with a guide (good if you have limited time), we recommend taking a look at the Rabbie’s tours.
Hope that helps and wishing you a great trip to Scotland!
Best,
Jessica
vika Post author
thanks for these great tips for Edinburgh
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Vika, You are very welcome and wishing you a great trip to Scotland! Best, Jessica
pat greenhalgh Post author
I am planning to stay in a holiday cottage on outskirts of Edinburgh for our golden wedding my husband and I stayed in Edinburgh on our honeymoon so we are looking forward to it the only problem is I am now disabled and use a small mobility scooter for getting around which are good places for us to visit and can i take scooter on park and ride bus would love some advice please .
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Pat, First, congratulations on you golden wedding anniversary, 50 years wow!
Now, in general the public transport in Edinburgh (and elsewhere in the UK) is accessible and can accommodate scooters and wheelchairs. So all the regular Lothian buses are accessible. The Park & Ride buses are operated by different companies depending on which one you are referring to so I’d check the website of the specific one or give them a call, but I think they are also all accessible. The city’s hop-on, hop-off buses, main taxi companies (do double check when booking), airport bus, and tram are also accessible.
Here is a good guide to information about accessible information for public transport, airport, toilets, etc. http://edinburgh.org/discover/edinburgh-city-guides/accessible/
In terms of attractions, I would suggest making a list of the places you would like to see and then check on their websites for disabled access. Most attractions in Edinburgh are fully or partially accessible and many can loan wheelchairs to visitors if needed (for example if your scooter is too wide to fit into the elevator). For example, the Whisky Experience, Royal Yacht Britannia, National Museum of Scotland, Holyrood Palace (except a few rooms), a large part of Edinburgh Castle, city sightseeing buses, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and Surgeons’ Hall Museums are fully or mostly accessible. However, some places because of the historical nature of the buildings have stairs or staircases that might be suitable, for instance Lauriston Castle has some steps and there is a step to get into the Edinburgh Museum and only the first floor is accessible as the upper floors are reached only by stairs. The great thing about Edinburgh attractions is all this information is generally really easy to find on their websites.
Hope this helps, and wishing you a wonderful anniversary trip to Edinburgh!
Best,
Jessica
Lyn Post author
This is Lyn again. How is it for Americans driving in Scotland as I have heard it is difficult?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lyn, I think first you should decide if it makes sense for you to even rent a car as if you are mostly visiting cities (e.g., Edinburgh, Glasgow) you don’t really need a car as local bus services are very good (and inexpensive) and cities are well-connected by buses and trains. Even though we live near Edinburgh, we often take the bus into the city to avoid paying for parking. However, if you are planning to spend time in rural Scotland than a car definitely makes sense for that portion of your trip. The biggest difference of course for Americans is driving on the left side of the road and sitting in the right side of the car so many driving rules are reversed – Scottish roads can also be narrow and one-way in the rural areas. Also it is normally more expensive to rent an automatic car so if you can drive a standard, I would rent one of them as they are generally less expensive but you can rent automatic cars. If you do decide that driving makes sense for part of your trip, I would start with reviewing this guide to driving in Scotland and it should provide all the info you need 😉 Hope this helps! Jessica
Lyn Post author
I enjoyed reading your experiences in Edinburgh. We are planning on visiting the first week of April in 2018.
Is that a good time to visit? Are there any ‘non tourist’ dinner shows- dinner with bagpipes in particular?
Also, is staying outside the city less expensive than staying inside the city?
-Lyn
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lyn, First, I am happy to hear that you are planning a trip to Edinburgh – and glad our Scotland blog posts have been helpful! April can be good or bad in terms of weather, but is normally good as tourist numbers are not too high and the city is not too crowded but it is also not dead. May is probably the month I would recommend based on my personal experiences as it has been some of the best weather the past 2 years so if you can go a bit later, you might get better weather although really no month is a guarantee when it comes to Scotland! Always be prepared for cool weather and rain.
I don’t know of any dinner shows and I would imagine that they would probably be pretty tourist oriented. Closer to the time, you might consider looking for ceilidhs (a traditional Irish/Scottish social entertainment) or student recitals happening in April – particularly at the local universities as these will be less tourist oriented. Pubs also regularly have entertainment and you can look for advertisements for more traditional music. If you are also going to Glasgow, I would check there as well as it is less tourist oriented than Edinburgh and often has musical events. They have fun A Play, A Pie & A Pint lunchtime events which are popular for locals and visitors.
In general it is less expensive to stay outside the city and most towns around Edinburgh have good connections via bus so that is certainly an option but of course be sure there is a good bus connection before booking. In April you’re likely to be able to find decent prices in the city – the Old Town is the most expensive and most touristed area of the city so you’ll likely find better prices if you look beyond the Old Town and New Town areas.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out if you have more questions about Edinburgh or Scotland in general!
Happy travels,
Jessica
Regan Post author
Hello. This a great and detailed list. I visited Edinburgh back in mid-2013. Really i only had 1 and a bit days there but found it to be a lovely place. I visited Edinburgh Castle, walked the Royal Mile, went on a Mercat underground tour, visited the Dynamic Earth exhibition which i would recommend, and generally just walked around a whole lot. Absolutely worth a visit. Also if you’re a Harry Potter fan then it’s a no brainer. Back in 2013 i wasn’t aware of Edinburgh’s place in Harry Potter-lore so i saw none of those sights unfortunately.
I live in Australia, been here a long, long time but from the UK originally, quite close to Scotland actually and intend to move back there (that is if i can muster up the guts to move far away on my own). It’d be great to end up living in Edinburgh. Although thanks to your site i know now not to go back over in August. Imagine trying to find somewhere to stay with all those festivals on 🙂
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Regan, Sounds like you did a lot in your short visit to Edinburgh! Those are all some great things to do – we only just visited Dynamic Earth a couple of months ago actually! You’ll have to visit some of the other attractions and see all the Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh when you return! Yes, if you are planning a visit to Edinburgh, I would recommend avoiding July & August if you are not interested in the festivals, as while it is a fun & culturally vibrant time to visit it is busy and more expensive. Best, Jessica
April Yap Post author
Such a helpful information and I’m looking forward to visit in scotland! SOON 🙂
travelcats Post author
Thanks April and just let us know if you have any questions about planning your trip to Edinburgh or Scotland more generally! Best, Jessica
Kara // Heels In My Backpack Post author
I’ve never been to Edinburgh but I’m planning on visiting at some point next year – I’ll definitely be visiting some of these! Thanks for the tips!!
Sand In My Suitcase Post author
The spring and summer must have been a lovely time to live in Edinburgh :-). We’ve heard lots of good things about the city, but haven’t visited Scotland yet. Some day! Your photo of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the water lily plants that look like large flat trays caught our attention. The first time we saw these was in the Singapore Botanic Gardens – called Victoria longwood water lilies.
travelcats Post author
Yes, late Spring and summer is a great time to be in Edinburgh – you still get rain but you get more sun and warmer temperatures. There is also much more going on if you are a visitor to the city in the summer. Yes, sounds like it is the same plant or one very similar – Victoria amazonica was what we were told these were called. They are amazing plants! ~ Jessica
Sheila Dunbar Post author
Hello , visit Edinburgh often as daughter now lives there , Stockbridge , Dean village and Morning side are my favorite places , lots of lovely second hand shops , cafe and restaurants , and a walk in the medows is a must !
travelcats Post author
Hi Sheila, Yes, walking around the various neighborhoods is another great thing to do in Edinbugh! Dean Village is definitely a place that is a hit with tourists with its historic architecture and riverside charm! Stockbridge is a great neighborhood for coffee shops, shopping, and strolling (there is a great cheese shop there we like!). We haven’t found Morningside to be as interesting to wander around but I am sure it has its appeal as well! ~ Jessica
Anna Post author
Great post – a lot of useful tips on “what, how and where”! Edinburgh is one of the top places in my travel bucket list: would love to explore Scotland one day! The pictures look amazing and the architecture is so fairy tale…
travelcats Post author
Hi Anna, Glad you found this article useful and hope it inspires you to book a trip to Scotland. Thanks for taking the time to comment! ~ Jessica
David Post author
Scotland is somewhere I’ve yet to reach but I want to go and even moreso after reading this. Edinburgh looks really charming and full of cultural experiences, which I enjoy. I think being there for the Military Tattoo or Fringe Festival would be good fun.
travelcats Post author
Hi David, I think you’d definitely enjoy Edinburgh in August as you could very easily plan to see Festival Fringe shows for a few days (they run from late morning to night all over the city) and attend the Military Tattoo one evening. The only issue with visiting during those events is that the city is at its most crowded so be sure to book accommodation and flight/train tickets in advance to get the best prices. ~ Jessica
Laura Post author
I’ve been to Edinburgh twice now and loved it both times. We still have lots of places we’ve not been compared to you!! Thanks for sharing #theweeklypostcard
travelcats Post author
Hi Laura, Thanks for commenting! One advantage of living nearby is we can visit quite a lot but hopefully this article gave you some reasons to return again to Edinburgh! ~ Jessica
Ruth Post author
My jaw kind of dropped while reading your post’s introduction. The city seems to have a little of everything. I have to admit I have never been attracted to England or Scotland. But, that doesn’t mean they a not great. Have to make a point to visit one day. I am interested in trying the food. We have a big Scottish festival here every year and my husband had the opportunity to try the haggis.
travelcats Post author
Hi Ruth, Similar to you perhaps, I didn’t rush to visit the UK, thinking it was not as exciting as other places in the world coming from the U.S. However, since living here I have discovered that there is much to do here and London really is a fantastic city and so is Edinburgh (and many others). The whole of the British Isles is filled with history, castles, old country homes, historic sites, cute rural villages, great museums, and some dramatic landscapes among many other things 🙂 I’ve just scratched the surface but look forward to trying to see as much as I can over the next several years! ~ Jessica
Allison Post author
I have always wanted to go to Scotland. I’m putting these places on my bucket list. St Giles Cathedral is absolutely beautiful!
travelcats Post author
Hi Allison, Scotland is a beautiful country! We do often have gray skies and some rain, but it keeps most of the country lush and green so I guess it is worth it! Edinburgh is a great place if you love historical cities and St. Giles Cathedral is quite beautiful both outside and inside. Be sure to go into the Thistle Chapel – small but amazing. There are also many other churches and cathedrals in Edinburgh and the area that are very nice. We actually live near Rosslyn Chapel (of Da Vince Code fame) which is about a 25 minute drive or 45 minute bus ride from Edinburgh. ~ Jessica
Paul and Carole Post author
A really useful article for visiting Edinburgh. We are planning a return visit next August for the festival, we have pinned this for future reference. Many thanks!
travelcats Post author
Hi Paul & Carole, Glad you found our things to do in Edinburgh post helpful and hope it provides some good tips for your next trip to Edinburgh! Let us know if you need any festival information as we spent quite a bit of time in Edinburgh during the August festivals this year. ~ Jessica
Lolo Post author
What a lovely guide! I giggled at the World of Illusions picture! Hope to make it back to Scotland as an adult soon!
travelcats Post author
Hi Lolo, Yes, it was fun to play around in the World of Illusions:-) There is a mirror maze and lots of little optical illusion sort of things. There were very few people in the museum when we went through so we had a good time. I hope you get a chance to visit Scotland again soon! ~ Jessica
Ahila Post author
A comprehensive list of things to do in Edinburgh. Did enjoying doing some of the things you mention here, like walking the royal mile etc., during my weekend trip to Edinburgh last year.
travelcats Post author
Hi Ahila, Glad you got to at least do a few of these things on your weekend trip to Edinburgh. Hopefully you have a chance to return and do a few more things in Edinburgh on your next trip 🙂 ~ Jessica
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe Post author
Although I don’t have confirmed plans, I know Edinburgh is an area we will be seeing a lot of in the future. I now have the perfect itinerary in the top 21 things to put on my list when I make plans. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post with #TheWeeklyPostcard
travelcats Post author
Hi Lyn, I hope you get to visit Edinburgh soon – just let me know if you have any questions once you have plans! This should definitely help you get your Edinburgh itinerary started! ~ Jessica
Maria Post author
I’ve been to Edinburgh a couple of times before, but never really connected it with anything Harry Potter – that’s something I would look out for on my next visit 😛
travelcats Post author
Hi Maria, Yes, I think most people think of London and the movie sites in England but a lot of the actual books were written in Edinburgh! Really though if you are into Harry Potter movies – there are so many Harry Potter fan sites throughout England – Oxford and surrounds is a great place for instance if you haven’t been! ~ Jessica
Gingi Post author
OMG, this is on my bucket list so hard!! I have always wanted to visit Scotland, that is where my ancestors lived! <3 <3
travelcats Post author
I hope you get a chance to visit. I think big trips like this are just things you have to start planning and figure out the how and when! There are tour companies that can also help you find where your ancestors lived and plan an itinerary around that, especially if they were members of a large clan in Scotland. Best, Jessica
Seana Turner Post author
I’ve always had a vague interest in Scotland, as this is at least part of my ethnicity. After reading this, I’m sort of realizing that I really want to go. I’d definitely prefer a warmer time. Maybe I can convince my daughter to study abroad here and then I could use visiting her as an excuse:)
travelcats Post author
Hi Seana, I hope you get a chance to visit Edinburgh. It is a beautiful city and a fairly easy city to navigate regarding transportation as if you are staying in the city center, most attractions are walkable, the bus system is good, and the airport is also just outside the city. Do let me know if you end up planning a trip there! It is hard to predict warm weather (or dry weather) in Scotland but late spring to summer are you best bets! On a warm sunny day, the city is AMAZING, but it is great in cloudy drizzle as well! ~ Jessica
Marina @ Life Coach Wannabe Post author
I’ve visited Edinburgh 5-6 years ago – now you just reminded me how beautiful it is!
travelcats Post author
Hi Marina, Yes, Edinburgh is a beautiful city – our favorite city in Scotland! Did you have any favorite places you visited during your trip? Maybe you’ll get a chance to return some day! ~ Jessica
Sam Post author
Wow you’ve got some great pictures, I especially liked the aerial Calton Hill. And the Botanic Gardens I think is probably under-visited, it’s very tranquil, good choice. Thanks for inspiring folk. I run a tour in Edinburgh.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Sam, Thanks for taking the time to comment, especially as someone who lives in Edinburgh. Yes, we love photographing Calton Hill, always a great place to view the city from. The Botanic Gardens, because of being a bit outside the city center, definitely get fewer visitor than they deserve. A beautiful garden and lovely place to visit, especially on a sunny day. Best, Jessica