10 BEST Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

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Looking for the best things to do in Edinburgh? You’ve come to the experts!

Edinburgh is such a magical city. I first visited the city at Christmas time and remember being totally enchanted. I’ve been back several times since, and that impression hasn’t changed. 

From exploring castles and underground vaults to visiting Loch Ness and St. Andrews, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had in the Scottish capital city. I think it’s a shame to waste even a moment in Edinburgh, so our top 10 list covers only the very best activities here. Let’s get into it! 

What to Skip in Edinburgh? One thing we have learned after visiting Edinburgh a few times is that the free tours are not really the best option. Although at first glance they seem more affordable, by the time you tip the recommended amount of around $20 USD per person, the “free” tours are not much cheaper than some paid tours and are much less professional. On the free tours, the guides are volunteers who are oftentimes university students or expats. On paid tours, you’ll get expert guides who have been trained and have tons of knowledge. To us, paid tours are always the better option.

Best Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

1. Explore the Edinburgh Castle

• Price: £35
• Duration: 1.5 hours 
• Time: 10 am, 12:15 pm, 1:30 pm 
• Highlights: guided tour around Edinburgh Castle, three museums, two prisons, canine cemetery, Chapel of Saint Margaret, National Monument to the Fallen of Scotland 
• Inclusions: entrance fees, historian guide 
• Rating: 5 stars (check 3,500+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 

Personally, I think that Edinburgh Castle is one of the best I’ve ever visited. You certainly can’t miss the chance to visit while you’re in the city – after all, it’s visible from almost everywhere! I really wanted to dive deep into the castle’s history, so we booked this guided tour, and it proved to be an excellent choice.

Our guide, Tommy, taught us a ton about the castle’s history, going all the way back to the reign of King David I in the 12th century. We also learned about sieges, battles, and rather dark royal goings-on as we explored. We especially loved visiting the Great Hall, as well as the Chapel of St. Margaret, and the Royal Palace. Honestly, we were absolutely rapt throughout our visit – the guided tour lasted for around 1.5 hours, but we could have happily spent double that time with Tommy! 

After the guided tour ended, we were free to explore the castle and grounds. The castle is huge so there was still a lot more to see, such as the canine cemetery and the National Monument to the Fallen of Scotland. We recommend choosing the 10 am or 12:15 pm time slot, as this meant we were still in the castle when the famous 1 o’clock gun went off. We knew it was coming, and yet it still caught me by surprise!

Edinburgh Castle is hands down the most famous attraction in the Scottish capital, so you’ve got to check it out while you’re here. We loved our visit, if the architecture doesn’t blow you away, the views over the city definitely will! 

Book this tour with more than 3,000 5-star reviews here!

2. Visit Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands 

• Price: £97
• Duration: 12 hours 
• Time: 7:45 am 
• Highlights: Scottish Highland scenery, Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park, Fort Augustus, boat ride across Loch Ness
• Inclusions: return transport, Loch Ness boat cruise, professional guide
• Rating: 4.5 stars (check 5,500+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 

Do you believe in the Loch Ness monster? 

This full-day tour offers the chance to go and try to spot the mythical monster for yourself, so you’d better believe that we jumped at the chance! Better still, Loch Ness is in the Scottish Highlands, which is easily one of the most beautiful parts of the UK – if not all of Europe. 

This wasn’t a generic shared tour either. It was a small group experience that really felt like exploring the Highlands with a few friends! Our guide, Swain, was fantastic, and made us laugh throughout the day with his dad jokes.

The roads in the highlands are super narrow and windy, so we both remarked how glad we were to have a professional take care of the driving for us. Better still, even made a few surprise stops along the way, such as at a filming location for Skyfall, and the beautiful Pattack Falls. 

We loved stopping at Glencoe to admire the mountains and the rugged landscape. We had seen photos of the area previously, but trust me when I say that nothing compares to seeing this place in person! We also passed through Cairngorms National Park, and I swear, every twist and turn of the road revealed yet another postcard-like landscape. It was one of the most epic journeys we have ever made! 

Then, we continued onto Fort Augustus, where we took a boat ride across Loch Ness. Sadly, we didn’t manage to spot Nessie herself, but we still loved every moment of cruising across the loch, enjoying the views of the dramatic surrounding scenery. 

Honestly, we truly cannot say enough good things about this tour. It was an epic adventure and one of the absolute best things we could possibly have done in Edinburgh! The Scottish Highlands should be on everyone’s bucket list, so don’t miss the chance to tick it off while you’re here.

Book your tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you take off!

3. Eat your way through Edinburgh

• Price: £95
• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 12 pm 
• Highlights: passing by famous landmarks and monuments, trying iconic Scottish food and whisky, afternoon tea, small group tour
• Inclusions: food samples, local guide, whisky 
• Rating: 5 stars (check 750+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 

Scottish cuisine is famously unique, so booking this food tour is a must while you’re in the city! In fact, this food tour was my favorite thing that we did in Edinburgh.

Our guide, Joanne, was incredible and taught us so much about Scottish cuisine. She gave us the full local experience, and we saw so much of the city as we walked around, including the Scott Monument, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur’s Seat. 

We had an absolute blast trying local delicacies with Joanne and the rest of our small group. We got to eat haggis, neeps and tatties, and there was an awesome secret dish, but we won’t spoil that surprise for you! I will say that I loved the Scotch whisky tasting, and having handmade fudge for dessert was a real treat, too. 

We also got an incredible afternoon tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream, not to mention the biggest hot chocolate ever. Every restaurant we visited was unique and authentic, and didn’t feel touristy in the slightest. So if you want to eat and drink like a true Scot, this is most definitely the tour for you. It was hands down the best thing that we did in Edinburgh, and we would recommend it to absolutely anyone.

Don’t miss out – book this top-rated tour in advance here, before it sells out!

4. Taste Scottish whisky

• Price: £35 – £79
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Time: 3 pm, 5 pm, or 8:30 pm 
• Highlights: tasting whisky from Scotland’s major production regions, learning about the history and production of whisky, beautiful venue
• Inclusions: 4-5 drams of whisky (depending on option selected), expert guide, small group size
• Rating: 5 stars (check 270+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 

What would a trip to Edinburgh be without some good old Scottish whisky? We couldn’t wait to sample some local Scotch, so we booked this whisky tasting, and we had a fantastic time! 

This tour has three tiers available. The standard option is basically whisky 101, and we think it’s ideal for those who haven’t tried a lot of whisky before. Then, there’s the intermediate tasting, which is the one that we went for, as we’ve done a few whisky tastings on our travels!

It was so much fun, and we got to try four different, complex whiskies from Scotland’s key whisky regions. We absolutely loved learning about the history of whisky, and getting a local’s insight into Scotland’s whisky-drinking culture. 

And for those who are super into their whisky, the premium option is available, too. This option includes 5 top-shelf whiskies, which means you get to try some of Scotland’s very best whiskies without having to plump for an entire bottle. Best of all, these options are run alongside each other, so it doesn’t matter if one person in your group wants to do the standard tasting and another person wants to go premium. 

This whisky tasting was easily one of the best experiences we’ve ever had in Edinburgh. It really helped us to get into the Scottish spirit – pun fully intended! Our tasting leader, James, was so knowledgeable and made everyone feel welcome, from the newbies to the pros. As far as we’re concerned, this tasting is a real must-do in Edinburgh. 

Check availability and book this whisky tasting tour here!

5. Escape the city and visit the charming town of St. Andrews

• Price: £59 
• Duration: 8.5 hours 
• Time: 9:45 am 
• Highlights: visiting Scotland’s oldest university; seeing the oldest golf course in the world; driving through Falkland, Lomond Hills, and coastal villages of East Neuk, small group tour
• Inclusions: return transport from Edinburgh, professional guide
• Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,500+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 

The charming town of St. Andrews is just 1.5 hours from Edinburgh, so it would be a real shame not to visit while you’re here! We couldn’t wait to see the university, where Will and Kate famously fell in love, as well as the world’s oldest golf course – yes, really. 

This full-day tour was truly jam-packed with Scottish icons. We crossed over the famous Forth Bridge, and made our first stop of the day in Anstruther Harbour, a small fishing village where we enjoyed a scenic walk along the waterfront. 

Then, we arrived in the town of St. Andrews itself, where we had free time to explore. We loved seeing some of the gorgeous university buildings, and I must say that the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral were truly magnificent! We also went to see the Old Course, which is the oldest golf course in the world, and definitely one of the most famous. It’s a real must while you’re here! 

In the afternoon, we drove through the gorgeous Fife countryside towards Falkland, a Scottish village that sits at the foot of the Lomond Hills. We loved exploring the old cottages, winding streets, and visiting the Falkland Palace, although we should note that this is closed during the winter. It’s worth seeing, but no worries if you’re visiting during November and February because exploring Falkland is still a lovely experience without touring the castle. 

This day trip was a truly epic experience and we loved diving deeper into Scotland’s history and culture. Scotland is such a beautiful country and we’re so glad that we got to see some more of it on this tour! 

We were also so impressed by the price. You just can’t go wrong at £59 for a full-day tour! This is the perfect day trip for budget travelers, although to us, it felt more like a VIP experience.

Reserve your spot on this full-day tour here to get FREE cancellation options!

6. See the historic Royal Mile on a walking tour

• Price: £26 – £47 
• Duration: 2 hours 
• Time: 1 pm 
• Highlights: exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town, seeing historic highlights like St. Giles’ Cathedral and Parliament House, visiting St. Margaret’s Chapel, enjoying views over Edinburgh from Castle Hill 
• Inclusions: professional storyteller guide, audio headset, skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle (if selected) 
• Rating: 5 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is essentially the backbone of the city’s Old Town. It stretches from the Castle to Holyroodhouse, and you really can’t say you’ve seen Edinburgh unless you’ve explored this area! So of course, we had to book this small group walking tour and dive deep into the Royal Mile’s history. 

The tour was a super entertaining walk through Scottish history. Our guide, Roger, taught us a ton about the city’s Roman roots and royal conflicts, and helped us to explore hidden closes and narrow wynds that we probably would have totally missed without him! 

The Royal Mile is chock full of famous sights, including St. Giles Cathedral, where we learned about the notorious reformer Jenny Geddes, who incited a 17th-century rebellion. We also got to see Parliament Square and the iconic John Knox House, which is one of the city’s oldest buildings, and is believed to have been owned by a Protestant reformer. It was so interesting to learn about Scotland’s religious history, which has been pretty stormy, to say the least. 

You can opt to include skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle, too. We didn’t, as we had already done this, but we liked the option to combine the Castle and the Royal Mile – after all, why not kill two birds with one stone? Either way, the tour will finish on Castle Hill, where you get epic views over the city. 

This tour is a must for history fans, and we loved the opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s most famous mile in depth. We saw so many iconic old buildings and loved soaking in the bustling atmosphere in the heart of the city. It’s ideal for any first-timer in the city!

Book this tour with HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews here!

7. Explore beyond Edinburgh on a bike tour

• Price: £65 – £85
• Duration: 5 hours 
• Time: 9 am 
• Highlights: the Meadows, Holyrood, Royal Park, Arthur’s Seat, Innocent Railway Tunnel, Portobello Beach, Leith, New Town
• Inclusions: manual or e-bike, hotel pickup, professional guide, helmet, gloves and rainjacket, bottled water
• Rating: 5 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 

As active and adventurous travelers, we love cycling tours! They’re such a fun way to sightsee in the open air, and we were particularly keen to book this one because the route goes way beyond Edinburgh city. 

We began by exploring some inner city highlights, such as the Meadows, a peaceful public park with lots of tree-lined paths that are ideal for cycling along! We also explored Holyrood Park and saw the famous Arthur’s Seat, then headed out of the city towards Portobello Beach. Yup, who knew there were beaches in Edinburgh?

The coastline at Portobello was certainly very pretty, but I actually think I enjoyed seeing the Port of Leith even more! It was so scenic and quaint, and I loved cycling past all of the thrift shops and quirky cafes. I would definitely come back and spend more time here in the future, but the cycling tour offered the perfect taster.

We absolutely loved this tour and are so glad that we did it, as we loved seeing some of the beautiful scenery that surrounds Edinburgh. When we booked the tour, we opted for regular bikes, but you can also choose to upgrade to an electric bike if you prefer. It certainly makes cycling a lot easier, so it’s ideal if you’re not used to long bike rides. 

Reserve this tour here to access flexible cancellation and payment options!

8. Learn how to make chocolate

• Price: £25 
• Duration: 1.5 hours 
• Time: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm 
• Highlights: tasting a wide range of unique Scottish chocolates, making your own chocolate bar, all-weather activity 
• Inclusions: ingredients and equipment, chocolatier instructor, your own souvenir chocolate bar
• Rating: 5 stars (check 3,400+ reviews)
• Free cancellation: yes 

If I ever pass up the chance to make my own chocolate, then you’ll know that there’s something seriously wrong with me! And honestly, this chocolate-making experience was one of the best we’ve ever done.

It made for a great date for us as a couple, but I also think that groups of friends and families would also love it. In fact, it’s hard to think of anybody who wouldn’t! 

We got a warm welcome from our instructor, Jamie, who gave us a brief rundown on the history of chocolate in Scotland. Then, he taught us some chocolate-making tips and we got hands-on with making our own souvenir bars. They would make a great gift, although ours were long gone by the time we left the city – oops! 

After making our own bars, we then got to do a chocolate tasting and try a ton of Scottish and international chocolates. I couldn’t believe that there was haggis chocolate on offer, and tasting gin chocolate was also a lot of fun. We couldn’t believe how many we were able to try. I have a huge sweet tooth but even I couldn’t eat any more chocolate by the time we left. 

This is such a wholesome thing to do in Edinburgh, and it’s also a short and sweet activity that’s easy to fit in. I would highly recommend it for a day when rain is forecast, because there’s nothing like being cozy and eating chocolate indoors when it’s cold and wet outside! 

Check availability and book this sweet tour here, before spots fill up!

9. See Scotland’s most impressive fortress – the Stirling Castle 

• Price: £48
• Duration: 9.5 hours 
• Time: 8:45 am 
• Highlights: the Kelpies, option to take a cruise across Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park, Stirling Castle, South Queensferry
• Inclusions: transport, professional guide, live commentary 
• Rating: 4.5 stars (check 850+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 

Stirling Castle is arguably the most stunning building in Scotland. I’m sure it won’t surprise you to learn that this gorgeous castle is said to be the inspiration for Hogwarts! So of course, we had to go and see this medieval architectural wonder for ourselves on this full-day tour. 

And as impressive as the castle was, we got to see so much more! The first stop of the day was the Kelpies, two towering horse sculptures that make for a truly incredible photo opportunity. Then, we drove through the Trossachs National Park, which is often referred to as “the highlands in miniature”, and looking out of the window, we could totally see why. 

We then stopped in Balloch, where we had the option to take a cruise on Loch Lomond, or wander along the shore. We went for the cruise, but there’s no denying how stunning Loch Lomond is whether you enjoy it from the land or the lake. I also loved learning about the history of the legendary outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor, in the area!

We had some free time to grab lunch by ourselves in a tiny, picture-perfect village in Trossachs. Then, it was time to marvel at the true highlight of the day: Stirling Castle. This epic castle is perched dramatically on a cliff face, and the views from the battlements stretch as far as the eye can see. As we explored, our charismatic guide, Karis, taught us about the antics of many historical figures here, including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots. 

We enjoyed this tour so much that we almost didn’t want to head back to Edinburgh! However, the blow was sweetened by a stop in South Queensferry to enjoy sweeping views of the Forth Bridges. It was the perfect end to a magical day, and we highly recommend this tour for anyone keen to experience Scotland’s unique history and beauty. 

Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book it in advance here!

10. Explore Edinburgh’s underground vaults

• Price: £24 
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes 
• Time: 11 am – 6 pm 
• Highlights: hearing grizzly ghost stories, exploring the Blair Street underground vaults, exploring the closes of the Royal Mile, small group tour
• Inclusions: professional storyteller guides, access to the underground vaults, audio headset
• Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,350+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes

Last but certainly not least, this super spooky ghost tour of Edinburgh is one of the most entertaining things we’ve ever done in the city! We always enjoy ghost tours and have done more than our fair share of them on our travels, but this one really took the biscuit, as the Scottish would say! 

The stories on this tour were among the darkest and most gruesome we’ve heard: think murder, torture, and body snatching. Our guide, Marie, was nothing short of fantastic, and we really admired her talent for acting and storytelling. She definitely had our spines tingling as we descended into the Blair Street Underground Vaults, which are a very unique, must-see Edinburgh attraction. 

These hidden chambers were once used for storage by local merchants, but they were quickly abandoned because they were too damp. Once they were abandoned, Edinburgh’s crooks and criminals wasted no time in moving in, and some say that their souls still inhabit these creepy vaults. It was pretty scary down there, but a very cool experience nonetheless! 

After the vaults, Marie took us to the Royal Mile where we explored some of the lesser-known closes and wynds, and heard yet more grim tales from Edinburgh’s past. This tour definitely made us see this charming city in a whole new light. It was incredibly entertaining, and whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer in the supernatural, I can almost guarantee that it will give you some serious chills. 

Don’t miss this unique tour – check the dates and reserve your spot here!

Where to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland

Now that you’ve planned your perfect itinerary for Edinburgh, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! Whether you want castle views, charming historic rooms, or a modern stay, there are a lot of options.

That’s why we’ve narrowed down our top three options for those looking for a luxury stay, a mid-range hotel, or a budget option!

Luxury – $$$

The Balmoral Hotel is located in Old Town Edinburgh, and while some rooms have castle views, it almost looks like a castle itself! This historic hotel is outfitted in marble, luxury finishes, and ornate details. You can enjoy the spa or fine dining restaurant on site, or you’re steps away from Edinburgh’s top sights.

Rooms are priced starting at £300 and can be booked on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Hotel Indigo is another historic hotel, centrally located in Old Edinburgh and conveniently near the top city sights. Some rooms have views of the castle, but all rooms are furnished in modern and comfortable design. You can choose between a queen room or upgrade up to a king suite. 

Rooms start around £150 and can be booked on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket is a comfortable stay without breaking the budget! Located in the Haymarket area, you are close to the University of Edinburgh and other top sights, and also close to the train to reach the city center. Rooms are all private and cozy, and you have access to shared areas in the hotel. Prices start around £60 per night.

Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

For more options, check out all the hotels in Edinburgh here!

Thanks for reading!

Edinburgh is full of unique charm, and I’m sure after checking off some of the items on this list you’ll see it too! Between the castles, amazing food, and scenic day trips, we couldn’t get enough of Edinburgh and are already looking forward to going back.

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