Who is ready to read about things to do in Scotland?! Specifically, things to do in Edinburgh!
About Edinburgh
Edinburgh—where history pops out of every cobblestone and the vibe is a seamless mashup of medieval charm and modern flair. If you’ve been dreaming of castles, captivating festivals, and haggis that you’ll Google after daring to try it, you’re in the right place. We’re packing our travel bags (virtually) and heading to Scotland’s iconic capital for a bucket-list adventure.
We’re all interested in visiting the city for the history and culture, right?
Not the men, right?
Maybe a slight interest in Kilts, but only from a cultural perspective, right?
Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool.
We are all here for the right reasons.
Erhm. Where was I? Right! Edinburgh!
Are you ready for a fun fact because we are all about learning here? Of course you are! What a stupid question on my part!
Edinburgh was the first city in the entire world to have its own fire service. That’s right, they were prepared to “stop, drop, and extinguish” before it was cool, back in 1824 to be exact. It was set up following several fires, with the largest fire lasting 5 days killing 13 people and making hundreds homeless. Shout out to Edinburgh for that modern thinking to start addressing that issue!
Here’s everything you need to know about exploring the historic, the indulgent, and yes, the downright magical sides of Edinburgh. Let’s do this!
Where Is Edinburgh, and How Do You Get There?
Edinburgh—the crown jewel of Scotland—sits prettily in the southeastern chunk of the country, about an hour’s train ride from Glasgow. It’s easily accessible by plane, train, bus, or, if you’re feeling ambitious, maybe a road trip (bonus points for stopping at a cozy pub along the way).
How to Get There
- By Air:
Land at Edinburgh Airport (EDI), just six miles from the city center. Hop on the Airlink 100 bus or the Edinburgh trams for a direct ride into town—roughly 30 minutes and as smooth as a Caramel Macchiato.
- By Train:
Edinburgh Waverley Station is your destination if you love scenic rides. You can connect easily from major cities like London (around 4-and-a-half hours).
- By Car:
Got a car? Parking in the city center is a bit of a nightmare, so be warned unless parallel parking gets your adrenaline pumping. For me, it gives me a whole lot of anxiety because I’m anxious about other people not being patient with me. JUST GIVE ME A MINUTE AND I WILL FIGURE THIS OUT, CHARLOTTE.
Yes, I did Google top ten names in Scotland for women, just so I could be accurate about yelling at whatever person would probably stress me out while parallel parking. I’m all about the research here.
Top 10 Historic Sites in Edinburgh
Want to soak up centuries of history? Say no more, fam. I’ve handpicked the must-see sites that’ll have your camera roll crying under all the weight of photos.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Just chilling up there on Castle Rock, this iconic attraction is the show-stopping diva of the city skyline. Oh you want to know a little bit about the Castle? Well, I am happy to help here!
Edinburgh Castle has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the 12th century. It has been home to Scottish kings, queens, and military forces, making it one of the most important fortresses in Scotland!
One fun fact about Edinburgh Castle is that it has a resident ghost named the “Pink Lady.” She is said to be the spirit of a woman who died in the castle while searching for her lover, who was killed during a battle. I know there’s a saying that romance is dead, and this may be proof!
Visitors and staff have reported seeing a pink mist or apparition of a woman wearing pink walking around the castle. Some even claim to have felt her presence or heard her whispering. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it adds an extra layer of intrigue and mystery to this iconic landmark! 🕵️♀️👻 I didn’t see her during my visit, but she was probably also getting ready for Taylor Swift’s show that weekend 👸
Now, let’s head off to see the Crown Jewels or the Stone of Destiny and snap Insta-worthy shots from the battlements.
- Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM – 5 PM
- Tickets: Starting at £18
- Website: Visit website here
- Duration: at least 2 hours to see the main attractions, but we spent half a day here very easily
2. Royal Mile
This one-mile stretch isn’t just a road—it’s a vibe. Stroll between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse while exploring quirky shops, hidden alleyways, and street performers who deserve five stars.
- Hours: N/A
- Tickets: N/A
- Website: Visit Website here
- Duration: You can easily spend all day here just exploring the shops and the different pubs. We did!
3. Holyrood Palace
Yes, Queen Liz spent time here. Admire the 16th-century architecture, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and gardens fit for literal royalty.
- Hours: Open most days, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
- Tickets: £17.50 for adults.
- Website: Visit Website here
- Duration: 2-3 hours
4. Arthur’s Seat
Think of this as nature meets stunning city views. Hike to the top of this extinct volcano and feel like a legit explorer (plus, your Fitbit will love you).
I will be honest with you, I saw it from faraway and did not climb to the top. Why? Because KDancks wasn’t there to bully me into an unexpected hike.
- Hours: The park is open 24/7, but I recommend visiting during daylight hours for safety reasons. In the summer months (April – September), Arthur’s Seat can get quite busy with everyone enjoying the sunshine, so it’s best to plan your visit early in the morning or towards sunset for a more peaceful experience.
- Cost: Entry to Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat is free! However, there are paid parking options available if you choose to drive and there are guided tours if you want to join a small group on the hike and make new friends!
- Website: Visit Website here
- Duration: The average time spent at Arthur’s Seat varies depending on your fitness level and how much time you want to spend taking in the views. On average, most people spend 1-2 hours exploring the park and summiting Arthur’s Seat. But you can stay longer to enjoy a picnic or explore the surrounding area.
- Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water with you as there are no facilities.
Or be like me, and see it from a distance before heading into a pub. That’s the real pro-tip.
5. National Museum of Scotland
Learn about everything from dinosaurs to fashion—and it’s FREE. Seriously, don’t skip it.
- Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM.
- Tickets: Free
- Website: Visit Website here
- Duration: 2-3 hours
6. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Trick your eyes and your mind with this funky tower of optical illusions. I did not check this out as I enjoy experiences that do not leave my head spinning, but you do you, boo boo.
- Hours: hours vary, but open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- Tickets: £16.95 for adults.
- Website: Visit Website here
- Duration: about 2 hours
7. Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh
Whether you’re here for the spooky ghost stories or just to meet the statue of Greyfriars Bobby (the goodest boy of Scotland), this cemetery is worth a wander.
- Hours: 24 hours
- Tickets: there are several tours you can do that cover the paranormal, the history of the graveyard and the history of the city!
- Website: Visit Website here
- Duration: varies by tour
8. Scotch Whisky Experience
Want to swill your whisky like a Scottish pro? Slide into this tasty experience for a guided tasting and maybe a buzz.
- Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 6:20 PM
- Tickets: starting at £24 for adults.
- Website: Visit Website here
- Duration: varies by tour
9. Dean Village
This quaint riverside village feels like strolling through a fairy tale. Perfect spot for photos that’ll make your mates jealous.
- Hours: 24 hours – this is a village, it’s open, just go
- Tickets: Free, but you can book a tour that will take you here
- Website: Visit Website here
- Duration: you can spend all day here, or book a tour that will take you here
10. St Giles’ Cathedral
Known for its stunning gothic design and a dreamy Thistle Chapel—that’s one fancy ceiling!
- Hours: Monday through Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM
- Tickets: Suggested donation is £6 (don’t be cheap, leave a donation), but audio tours do cost £5.50
- Website: Visit Website here
- Duration: about 2 hours, depending on if you’ve booked a tour. The guided walking tour is free, lasts about 45 minutes and should be booked in advance. The audio tour last 25 minutes.
Reminder, this is an active worship space, and as we have talked about in previous posts, BE RESPECTFUL. THIS SHOULDN’T BE THAT HARD.
Bonus: The Chocolatarium: The Whiskey and Chocolate Experience
Sorry, do you not like chocolate? Oh I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize the person reading this hated joy. If you do love chocolate and whiskey, I recommend this tour.
It was interesting to learn how to pair certain whiskeys with different chocolates and everything was delicious. I have a tree nut allergy and this wasn’t an issue for them to accommodate.
- Hours: You will need to book a tour, but they have a variety of timeslots available and some non-whiskey tours available (who are you and get off this blog)
- Tickets: £44
- Website: Visit Website here
- Duration: about 1.5 hours
Famous Festivals in Edinburgh
Brace yourself because Edinburgh knows how to throw a PARTY.
Hogmanay
- When: New Year’s Eve
- About: Scotland’s answer to NYE, involving fireworks, street parties, and a lively ceilidh.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
- When: August
- About: The OG of arts festivals, Fringe is home to thousands of performances, from theater to comedy.
Edinburgh International Festival
- When: August
- About: Fancy? Yes. Full of jaw-dropping opera, music, and dance performances.
Check tickets and dates here.
Where to Eat in Edinburgh (Because Food is Life)
From hearty haggis to Michelin-starred bites that’ll leave your taste buds blessed, Edinburgh’s food scene slays.
- Budget: Grab a sausage roll and hot chocolate from The Edinburgh Larder – Blackfriars Street —under £10, and you’re golden.
- Mid-range: Head to The Scran and Scallie for elevated pub food.
- Fine Dining: Treat yourself at The Kitchin. Expect plates so pretty you’ll hesitate (briefly) before devouring them. Reservations? You NEED them.
Bonus Scottish Dining: Angels with Bagpipes
We really wanted to try proper Scottish food, so we headed over to Angels with Bagpipes.
The Aperol Spritzes? Amazing
The food? Absolutely Fabulous
Where to Shop in Edinburgh
Shopping here is a whole mood.
Princes Street
Prince Street is the place for all your high-street faves if you love a good Zara moment.
Grassmarket
Grassmarket has indie boutiques perfect for quirky souvenirs (hello, handmade tartans).
Top 5 Day Trips from Edinburgh
Unfortunately, we did not make it out of the city, so now I’m just dragging you through my bucket list of things I’d like to do the next time I’m in Edinburgh (and there will be a next time). Oh did you ask why I didn’t have time to see more? Me not cramming more into my schedule is just so unusual, so let me answer your question.
I was in Edinburgh to see the queen, Miss Taylor Swift.
I had a blast. Loved every second. I’m still finding rhinestones from that show all over my apartment.
And if you have any ‘she’s not a real artist,’ or ‘people who like her are so basic’ bullshit, well guess what.
- Her lyrics slap
- Every show was sold out
- I had a great time
- I am basic and I will NOT apologize for being excited about the things that bring me joy. I love Taylor swift, I love sparkles, I love fall & pumpkins, and I love diet coke.
Go be a grumpy killjoy somewhere else.
Moving on to my outside Edinburgh bucket list:
1. St Andrews
Known as the home of golf and a damn charming seaside town. Easy to reach by train or car, about 1.5 hours away from the city.
2. Rosslyn Chapel
Cue The Da Vinci Code! This ornate chapel is less than 30 minutes from the city and just as mysterious as its Hollywood moment.
3. Stirling Castle
About 40 minutes away by train, this castle played a major role in Scottish history. Also, the views are next-level.
4. Loch Lomond & Trossachs
Dreamy landscapes, cute villages, and boat rides. Need I say more? Drive or book a tour for a full-day getaway.
5. Scottish Borders
Rich rolling hills and a chance to see stunning ruins like Melrose Abbey – just under an hour’s drive.
Ready to Explore?
Whether it’s hiking Arthur’s Seat, sipping whisky, or hunting for the perfect tartan scarf, Edinburgh delivers an experience as unforgettable as it is unique. Want more travel tips and insider scoops? Subscribe now for all the travel tea! 🛫
FAQs About Visiting Edinburgh
Is 2 days enough to see Edinburgh?
In my humble and EXPERT opinion (don’t question me), two days is definitely not enough to see everything Edinburgh has to offer, but it can give you a taste of the city and its main attractions.
I recommend at least 3-4 days in Edinburgh to fully experience the city. However, if you have limited time, you can still make the most out of a two-day trip by planning ahead and prioritizing your must-see sights.
So, it depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. If you just want a quick glimpse of the city, then two days might be enough. But if you want to truly explore all that Edinburgh has to offer, more time would be ideal.
We were there for a long weekend (4 days), and there was still so much to do and see!
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
It’s like you weren’t even listening when I answered the last question. Why do you do this to me.
As I said (PER MY LAST EMAIL, SUSAN) I recommend at least 3-4 days in Edinburgh to fully experience the city.
However, if you are short on time, 2-3 days can also give you a good taste of the city’s main attractions. I guess, this would be fine. I guess.
Ideally, the more time you have, the better as there is so much to see and do in Edinburgh. If possible, try to plan for a week-long trip to fully immerse yourself in the culture, history, and beauty of this amazing city!
What is the number one attraction in Edinburgh?
Can I tell you I think this is a dumb question? How do you expect me, a woman of culture, class and intellect, to pick just one attraction?!
Fine. I don’t want to do it, but I will pick one. The number one attraction for many tourists is Edinburgh Castle. This iconic fortress sits atop an extinct volcano and holds centuries of history within its walls.
From royal events to military sieges, Edinburgh Castle has seen it all and now serves as a popular tourist destination with stunning views of the city. They even host concerts there in the summer!
Other top attractions in Edinburgh include The Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the National Museum of Scotland. Ultimately, the best attraction will depend on your personal interests and preferences. So make sure to do some research beforehand and plan your itinerary accordingly!
What is the weather in Edinburgh?
Layer up. Summers are mild (around 65°F), and winters are chilly (40°F). We were there in mid-June and were always in jeans and some sort of light sweater with a jacket ready as the evenings were brisk.
What is the currency in Edinburgh, Scotland?
The mighty pound (£).
What language is spoken in Edinburgh?
English, though you might hear some Scots words like “wee” (small).
Do you tip in Scotland?
10% is standard for dining out if service isn’t included.
When is the best time to visit?
August for festival vibes or December for magical Christmas markets. We loved it in June as there was plenty to do, even without the festivals or Christmas markets.
How do you get around Edinburgh?
Walk. Seriously, the city is super walkable.
What part of Edinburgh is the best place to stay?
The best place to stay in Edinburgh will depend on your preferences and budget. However, most tourists prefer to stay near the city center, either Old Town or New Town.
These areas are close to many major attractions, restaurants, and shops. Other popular areas include Stockbridge, Leith, and Morningside.
Ultimately, it’s recommended to choose accommodation within walking distance of the main sights for convenience during your stay. So basically don’t get a hotel that requires public transportation as you’ll have more freedom to move about the city.
We stayed in the DoubleTree by Hilton in Edinburgh City Centre. We had great views of the castle and it located very centrally, so it was easy to walk to all of our tours we had booked.
What is the best street to go out in Edinburgh?
One of the best streets to go out in Edinburgh is Rose Street. It’s a bustling pedestrian street lined with pubs, bars, and restaurants, perfect for a night out on the town. The street has a lively atmosphere and offers something for everyone, from traditional Scottish pubs to trendy cocktail bars.
Other popular options include George Street for its upscale bars and clubs, Grassmarket for its variety of pubs and live music venues, and Cowgate for its underground club scene.
Ultimately, the best street will depend on your personal preferences and what type of night out you’re looking for. So make sure to do some research beforehand and explore different areas to find your favorite spot!
Is visiting Edinburgh expensive?
Like most popular cities, Edinburgh can be expensive depending on your spending habits. If you’re a bougie girl (like myself), it’s easy to run up a tab! However, compared to other major tourist destinations in Europe, it is relatively affordable.
Accommodation and food costs are generally lower than cities like London or Paris. There are also plenty of free attractions and activities in Edinburgh, such as hiking Arthur’s Seat or walking around the city center.
To save money while visiting Edinburgh, you can also opt for budget-friendly options like staying in hostels or self-catering apartments, and eating at local pubs rather than upscale restaurants (I do love a good pub, so you know this is my favorite money saving tip)
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It’s also a good idea to plan and budget ahead before your trip to avoid overspending. So don’t let cost discourage you from visiting!
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