The 12 Best Things You Must Do in Fascinating Edinburgh Scotland
Updated on December 12, 2025
Confession time.
I didn’t love — or even really like — Edinburgh the first time I visited.
But I believe in second chances.
So when I returned in January 2022, deep in winter and in the middle of the Omicron wave, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the city won me over. After short stays in January 2024 and again toward the end of that year, Scotland’s capital has definitely grown on me.
I may even love it.
I’m still deciding.
Anyway…
With this newfound appreciation, I’m finally ready to share my take on the best things to do in Edinburgh — the experiences, corners, and surprises that made me warm up to this city in a big way.
So…
Here we go!
Where is Edinburgh Scotland?
Let’s start by placing Edinburgh on the map.
Edinburgh sits in the Lowlands on Scotland’s east coast, about 50 miles north of the border with England.
It’s not the largest city in the country — that honor goes to Glasgow.
But it is the capital and a common point of entry for travelers flying into Scotland.
Now that you know where it is, let’s dive into the best things to do in Edinburgh.
Tour Edinburgh Castle
One of the star attractions — and easily one of the best things to do in Edinburgh — is Edinburgh Castle.
I have a full post on the castle here, but here’s the quick version.
This iconic fortress is Scotland’s most visited site, drawing around 2.2 million people in 2019 (ah yes, the good pre-COVID days).
And it’s impossible to miss as the castle sits dramatically atop a massive hunk of volcanic rock, watching over the city like it has for centuries.
There’s been some form of fortification here since at least the 12th century, though the site was likely occupied long before that.
As you wander the grounds, you’ll find historic buildings, small museums and some real standouts.
I especially enjoyed the National War Museum and the Scottish National War Memorial.
You’ll also see Scotland’s Crown Jewels, the Royal Palace and tiny St Margaret’s Chapel — the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh.
And the views?
Absolutely incredible.
You’ll look out across the city and all the way to the Firth of Forth and the North Sea.
Now… is Edinburgh Castle slightly overrated?
Maybe.
But it’s still fascinating, still iconic, and still deserves a spot on your list.
Tip: It gets very busy. Book your ticket in advance and go first thing in the morning. The one o’clock gun is cool, but that early afternoon window is shoulder-to-shoulder crowded — so skip that time if you can!
Walk the Royal Mile and explore the hidden courtyards
Another of Edinburgh’s star attractions — and absolutely one of the best things to do in Edinburgh — is walking the Royal Mile.
This historic stretch connects Edinburgh Castle at the top with Holyrood Palace at the bottom.
And, yes, it’s roughly a mile long.
Sure you’ll find a handful of tacky souvenir shops and some overpriced eateries.
But you’ll also pass impressive historic buildings, centuries of stories, and the kind of atmosphere that makes the Royal Mile truly iconic.
And here’s the real magic — what’s behind the Royal Mile.
All along the street are narrow closes, tiny gates, and little alleyways that lead into hidden courtyards.
Many are open to the public — you’ll know quickly which ones are fair game.
Step through one and suddenly you’re in a pocket of calm, surrounded by charming historic buildings, quiet corners and glimpses of what Old Town Edinburgh once was.
So yes, the Royal Mile itself is wonderful.
But it’s the secret courtyards and tucked-away closes just off the main street that make this part of Edinburgh unforgettable.
Don’t miss them.
Be awed by St Giles Cathedral
Along the Royal Mile sits the stunning St Giles’ Cathedral.
And visiting it is absolutely one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
You may recognize the name from recent history as Queen Elizabeth II lay in state here before her final journey, drawing the world’s eyes to its storied halls.
St Giles’ is one of those understated yet powerful churches.
Think soaring gothic arches, stonework that feels timeless and stained glass windows that glow in the shifting Scottish light.
Compared with the ornate cathedrals you find in places like Italy, many churches in the UK — St Giles’ included — lean toward simpler, more restrained beauty.
Simple.
Yet striking.
Entry is free, though a donation is appreciated.
Guided tours run at certain times.
And you can also download an excellent audio guide to your smartphone for £5.50.
Be sure to slow down here.
Take your time.
Let the architecture speak.
It’s a magnificent, peaceful pause along the busy Royal Mile.
Savor the Whisky Experience
For me, one of the best things to do in Edinburgh is the Scotch Whisky Experience — a fun, flavorful introduction to Scotland’s national drink.
Located just steps from Edinburgh Castle, this place is part education, part entertainment and part “oh wow, that’s a lot of whisky.”
Now, I’ll be honest, visiting an actual distillery is the gold standard.
You get the sights, the smells, the aging warehouses … the whole shebang.
It used to be that the tour included a Disney-esque ride that takes you through the whisky-making process.
But they have since made some changes to this part of the visit since my visit in early 2022.
I’m eager for a return trip to experience the updates.
Anyway…
After the ride, you’ll learn a bit more about whisky styles before stepping into the room — a dazzling collection of bottles upon bottles of whisky, many of them rare and very old.
It’s impressive as hell.
And then comes the best part — the tasting.
Choose from the Silver, Gold, or Platinum tour — with Platinum offering the most extensive lineup.
My tasting was one of the best I’ve ever had.
Our guide was funny (truly funny), knowledgeable and filled with great stories.
I went all in with the Taste of Scotland package which is the Platinum tour plus a tasting dinner in the onsite restaurant.
They graciously accommodated my gluten-free needs.
The food was fantastic — a trio of starters, a trio of mains and a dessert.
And yes, I had a wee bit more whisky.
If you want a deeper dive into whisky and a great meal to go with it, I highly recommend the Taste of Scotland.
It’s a splurge, but absolutely worth it.
Tip: No matter which tasting level you choose, make reservations in advance — this experience fills up fast.
Meander around Grassmarket
The Grassmarket area is one of my favorite parts of Edinburgh — a lively, historic stretch tucked beneath the castle.
Back in the 14th and 15th centuries, this was the center of agricultural trading.
Later, in the 1600s through the late 1700s, it became the site of public executions.
And even into the 1970s and early 1980s, Grassmarket had a reputation for being, well, a bit rough around the edges.
How times have changed.
Today, wandering Grassmarket is absolutely one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
It’s now full of indie shops, cafés and some wonderfully atmospheric old pubs that practically beg you to step inside for a wee dram or pint.
It’s the perfect area for a leisurely wander, a bit of browsing or a relaxed bite to eat.
I only moseyed through a couple of times during my recent visits — poking into shops but never quite making it into a pub or café.
Next time!
Grassmarket is a charming, storied part of the city that’s well worth adding to your Edinburgh exploration.
Tip: Harry Potter fans — pop into the Museum Context shop. It’s packed with wizarding-world goodies, and yes… you can absolutely get your own wand.
Stroll through the New Town
While the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Grassmarket anchor the Old Town, the New Town — dating back to Georgian times in the late 18th century — offers its own charm and character worth exploring.
The most famous streets here are Princes Street and George Street.
For me they’re a bit too heavy on big-name shops.
So they’re not my favorite corners of the city.
But slip just one street back from Princes Street and you’ll find Rose Street, a much lovelier pedestrian lane lined with smaller pubs, cafés and shops.
Wandering this quieter stretch of the New Town is absolutely one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
The New Town is also home to several iconic spots, including the Sir Walter Scott Monument, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Calton Hill — the latter being high on my “next time” list for those classic Edinburgh views.
You’ll also find some standout places to stay, including the fabulous Bonham Hotel.
It’s a bit of a splurge, but worth every penny.
I loved my stay there — the peaceful yet convenient location, the welcoming bar, and the excellent restaurant make it a wonderful base for your time in Edinburgh. (I even wrote a full post about it, if you’re curious.)
Tip: Don’t miss Charlotte Square — a beautiful, elegant spot that showcases the New Town at its Georgian best.
Be charmed by Dean Village
One of the absolute best things to do in Edinburgh is to wander through Dean Village — a tiny, picturesque pocket of the city that feels worlds away from the bustle of the Royal Mile.
Now, “village” is a bit misleading.
Dean Village is really a small cluster of historic residential buildings, not a place with cafés, shops or pubs.
But what it does have is charm in spades.
The Water of Leith flows right through it, the architecture is wonderfully old and storybook-pretty, and the whole area feels peaceful and timeless.
It’s charming to the nth degree!
So pack your camera (or your smartphone… or both, if you’re like me) and give yourself time to simply wander, pause and soak it all in.
Tip: Move slowly here. Dean Village is small, but its beauty is in the details — the stonework, the river views, the quiet corners. Savor it.
Hike up Arthur’s Seat and explore Holyrood Park
Hiking up Arthur’s Seat is easily one of my favorite things to do in Edinburgh.
And one of the best things to do in Edinburgh overall — especially if you’re craving a bit of outdoor time in the city.
Arthur’s Seat sits inside Holyrood Park, a gorgeous stretch of green space right at the edge of Old Town.
I have a full post dedicated to this hike, but here are the highlights — it’s not a long climb, but it is uphill, and the final stretch is rocky and can be slippery if it’s been raining.
Wind is always a possibility (this is Scotland, after all), and if you go in winter… bundle up.
But the payoff?
Worth it.
The views from the summit are superb — sweeping panoramas across Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and the rolling hills beyond.
I lucked out with a clear, cold January day and loved every minute.
Even if you decide not to hike all the way up Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park itself is well worth exploring.
There are several gentler trails, pretty lochs, and plenty of places to wander without committing to a full summit hike.
Tip: Choose your day wisely. Skip Arthur’s Seat if it’s raining or foggy — you’ll lose the views. Wear proper footwear, bring layers, and always respect the conditions. This is an urban hike, yes… but it’s still a hill with real weather.
Peruse the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is a fantastic place to escape bad weather.
And honestly, even on a sunny day, it’s well worth a visit.
First of all, it’s free, which is always a win.
Secondly, the building itself is gorgeous with bright, airy galleries and beautifully designed spaces.
Inside you’ll find an eclectic mix of exhibits — natural history, art, design, world cultures, science, fashion, inventions — you name it.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a home run.
There are tons of interactive displays and hands-on exhibits that are perfect for curious wee ones.
Personally, I tend to gravitate toward museums that focus more strictly on Scottish history, and this one includes items from all over the world.
But I still found it fascinating and incredibly well done.
And I absolutely recommend it, especially for museum lovers or anyone needing a cozy indoor break from the elements.
Tip: Don’t miss the Science & Technology galleries. They were my favorite part of the museum — fun, clever, and packed with cool discoveries.
Explore the National Gallery of Scotland
Edinburgh is home to four National Galleries — the National, the Portrait Gallery, and Modern One and Modern Two.
The one I’ve spent the time in is the National Gallery of Scotland, right along Princes Street near The Mound.
I visited this gallery on both my third and fourth (and most recent) trips to the city, and I’ve become a genuine fan.
The collection is world-class, and like many museums in Scotland, it’s completely free.
There’s also a lovely restaurant and a small café if you need a break from wandering the galleries.
Inside you’ll find art spanning from the early Renaissance through the mid-20th century with masterpieces by major European artists — Dutch masters, Italian and Spanish greats and a strong showing from the Impressionists.
But one of the real standouts is the newly reimagined Scottish galleries which highlight some of Scotland’s most influential painters from the 1800s to the early 1900s.
Here you can admire the atmospheric landscapes of William McTaggart (a personal favorite of mine), along with works by Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys.
The mix of bold color, emotional brushwork, and uniquely Scottish perspectives makes this section a true gem.
If you love art — even casually — the National Gallery absolutely deserves a spot on your Edinburgh itinerary.
Tip: Don’t rush. The galleries are more expansive than they seem, and the views over Princes Street Gardens are a bonus treat between masterpieces.
Get a your creepy on at Greyfriars Kirkyard
I wasn’t able to go inside the kirk (the church), but I did wander through Greyfriars Kirkyard.
And if you love graveyards and old cemeteries, this one absolutely belongs on your list.
It’s easily one of the best things to do in Edinburgh, especially if you enjoy a little mystery and mood with your sightseeing.
Greyfriars is thick with stories, myths, and legends.
It’s also said that JK Rowling found inspiration for some of her Harry Potter character names right here on the gravestones — something many fans come searching for.
I visited on a cold, gray January day and honestly loved every minute.
There’s something about cemeteries that speaks volumes about a culture, and this one is no exception.
During my wander, I met an elderly gentleman who seemed to be a sort of unofficial guardian of the kirkyard.
We chatted for a while, and he shared stories, pointed out some of those “Harry Potter” graves, and generally added a layer of charm and history to the visit.
And then there’s the famous tale of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who sparked one of Edinburgh’s most enduring legends.
I won’t spoil it here.
Instead, I’ll link to a fantastic episode of the Stories of Scotland podcast that dives into the truth (and myth) behind the story.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is haunting, historic and unexpectedly beautiful.
A slow wander here is a must.
Tip: Take your time. Read the gravestones. Notice the symbols and the stories carved into stone. This cemetery rewards curiosity.
Give in to your chocolate cravings at The Chocolatarium
If you’re looking to add something deliciously unexpected to your Edinburgh itinerary, make room for The Chocolatarium — a hands-on, taste-forward chocolate experience tucked just off the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.
This isn’t your average museum or tasting room.
It’s a 90-minute, fully guided deep dive into the world of chocolate, blending storytelling, sensory fun and a bit of creativity.
And yes — you’ll make your very own chocolate bar to take away.
The experience starts by pulling back the curtain on how chocolate is made, from rainforest cacao to glossy finished bar.
That origin story matters here because The Chocolatarium was born from a founder who lived and traveled in South America, met cacao farmers, tasted cacao straight from the pod, and returned to Scotland inspired to share the magic she experienced.
Her family ties to cacao growers in Ecuador bring a personal connection to every step of the process — something you can feel as you taste, learn, and play your way through the tour.
And the tasting?
Expect both classics and wonderfully quirky Scottish twists.
Think whisky-infused truffles, Scots Pine, haggis-inspired flavors, and even fun creations like maple bacon pancake.
They craft their own truffles on site too, with best-sellers including a Scottish Whisky Collection, Salted Caramel, and the Cranachan truffle — a nod to the beloved Scottish dessert.
The tour finishes in the chocolate-making kitchen where you’ll design your own bar.
Afterwards, you can browse the shop for gifts for you loved ones back home — or maybe more chocolate for you!
With nut-free premises, dairy-free options, and accommodations for a wide range of dietary needs, The Chocolatarium is an easy addition for nearly any traveler.
It’s definitely becoming one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
Tip: If you’re visiting in high season or on a Saturday, booking ahead is strongly recommended — word is out, and these tours fill fast.
Are these the best things to do in Edinburgh?
Well, these are certainly my favorite things to do in Edinburgh — the places and experiences that won me over and keep pulling me back.
But like any great city, Edinburgh always has more to explore.
There are still a couple of spots on my own “next time” list.
Holyrood Palace is one.
I’ve heard it’s fantastic, but it was closed on my January 2022 visit.
The other is Calton Hill, which I simply ran out of time for.
Both are high priorities for my return trip.
If you’ve visited Edinburgh, I’m sure you have your own must-dos, hidden gems or favorite corners of the city.
I’d love to hear them.
Drop your suggestions in the comments below!
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