Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price
28/08/2025
Laura Meinhardt, Pexels
Edinburgh captivates visitors with its profound historical narrative, majestic gothic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, seamlessly blending urban exploration with accessible natural landscapes. The city presents an array of experiences from delving into ancient castles and world-class museums to embarking on scenic hikes and enjoying lively festivals.
For engaging with other travelers and locals, the Grassmarket area stands out as a vibrant hub for nightlife, featuring numerous bars and a lively atmosphere. The historic Old Town, including sections of the Royal Mile, also hosts many welcoming pubs and eateries. Additionally, several hostels in the Old Town, such as Castle Rock Hostel and Kick-Ass Grassmarket, actively foster social connections through organized events like game nights, traditional ceilidh dances, and comedy performances.
Top 9 Things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers a rich blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and scenic natural escapes, allowing visitors to delve into ancient stories, admire architectural wonders, and experience unique local traditions.
1. Edinburgh Castle
Perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle is an iconic fortress that has witnessed centuries of Scottish history, serving as a royal palace, military stronghold, and prison. Exploring its grounds, one can find various museums, the Royal Palace, the Crown Jewels, and St. Margaret's Chapel, the city's oldest building. The castle offers panoramic views over Edinburgh's skyline, providing a sense of its enduring significance. Plan to spend 2-3 hours exploring.
Cost: Admission typically starts around £30.00 for adults, with concessions and child rates available. Guided tours that include castle entry often begin around $61.85 - $69.00 per person, ensuring skip-the-line access.
Transport: The castle is centrally located at the top of the Royal Mile and is easily accessible on foot from much of the city centre. Many public bus routes serve the city centre, with stops along Princes Street, a short walk from the castle. A single adult bus ticket costs £2.20. Taxis are readily available throughout the city.
2. Explore the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile forms the historic backbone of Edinburgh's Old Town, stretching from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This vibrant thoroughfare is a living testament to medieval and Renaissance architecture, with narrow closes and wynds branching off, each whispering stories of centuries past. Discover St. Giles' Cathedral, the bustling Grassmarket, and countless shops, pubs, and eateries.
Cost: Walking the Royal Mile is free. Guided walking tours, offering insights into its history and legends, can be joined for approximately £14.00 for adults for a walk-only tour, or around $66.16 - $69.00 when combined with Edinburgh Castle entry.
Transport: The Royal Mile is the central artery of the Old Town, easily walkable from most central accommodations. Public buses frequently serve the area. A single adult bus ticket is £2.20.
3. Hike Arthur's Seat
Rising majestically from Holyrood Park, Arthur's Seat is a dormant volcano offering a rewarding hike and breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond. Several routes lead to the summit, varying in difficulty. The circular route through Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat takes about 1.5-2.5 hours, while an easier, shorter route from Dunsapie Loch Car Park can reach the top in 20-30 minutes. The journey provides an invigorating escape into nature within the city.
Cost: Free to access and hike.
Transport: Arthur's Seat is located within Holyrood Park. A short stroll from the Royal Mile leads to the park. Public buses, such as the 6, 35, or 36, can take you near Holyrood Park from the city centre, costing £2.20 for a single adult ticket. Taxis are also an option.
4. Visit the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland offers diverse collections spanning Scottish history, natural history, world cultures, science, and technology. It provides an engaging and informative experience, allowing visitors to delve deep into Scotland's past and explore fascinating exhibits from around the globe. The museum is a favourite among locals and is ideal for spending a rainy afternoon.
Cost: Entry to the National Museum of Scotland is free. Special exhibitions may have an admission fee.
Transport: Located in the city centre, the museum is a short walk from the Royal Mile and Princes Street. Numerous Lothian buses pass through the city centre. A single adult bus ticket costs £2.20.
5. Descend into The Real Mary King's Close
Experience Edinburgh's hidden history with a guided tour through The Real Mary King's Close, a labyrinth of underground streets, vaulted chambers, and old tenement houses that date back to the 1600s. Led by costumed guides portraying past residents, this tour brings to life stories of plague epidemics, murder, and intrigue, offering a unique glimpse into 17th-century Edinburgh life beneath the modern city.
Cost: Tickets for the compulsory guided tour start from approximately £25 for adults, with child tickets around £19. Booking online in advance is highly recommended due to limited availability.
Transport: The Real Mary King's Close is located on the Royal Mile, near St. Giles' Cathedral, making it easily accessible on foot from the city centre. Public buses serving the Royal Mile area are a convenient option, with a single adult ticket at £2.20.
6. Indulge in The Scotch Whisky Experience
Embark on a sensory journey through the world of Scotch whisky at this award-winning attraction. Learn about the history and production of Scotland's national drink, explore the diverse whisky regions, and discover unique aromas and flavours. The experience culminates in a guided tasting session and a view of a vast collection of Scotch whiskies. Various tours are available, from introductory to more in-depth tastings.
Cost: The Silver Tour, including one whisky tasting and an audio guide, starts from £24. The Golden Tour, offering five whisky tastings, starts from £38.50. Other tours and tasting experiences are available at varying prices.
Transport: Located on Castlehill, at the top of the Royal Mile, it is within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and the city centre. Public buses are available to the Royal Mile area; a single adult ticket costs £2.20.
7. Experience Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Step into a world of optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and visual tricks across five floors. The highlight is the Camera Obscura itself, which projects a live, moving image of Edinburgh onto a viewing table, offering a unique perspective of the city. From the rooftop terrace, enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Edinburgh, including the castle and the Firth of Forth. It's an engaging and fun experience for all ages.
Cost: Adult tickets are approximately £23.95 - £24.00, with child tickets (5-15 years) around £17.95 - £18.00. Booking online in advance is recommended.
Transport: Situated on Castlehill, at the top of the Royal Mile, it is easily reachable on foot from the city centre. Public bus routes serving the Royal Mile are available, with a single adult ticket priced at £2.20.
8. Join an Edinburgh Ghost Tour
Delve into Edinburgh's darker side by joining a ghost tour. The city is renowned for its haunted history, and these tours often explore the narrow closes of the Old Town, the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the city's underground vaults. Led by costumed guides, these tours share tales of murder, mystery, and paranormal activity, creating an atmosphere of unease and intrigue.
Cost: Prices for ghost tours vary by company and duration, typically starting from £18 - £22 per person for walking tours. Some tours focus on specific areas like the underground vaults.
Transport: Most ghost tours start in central locations within the Old Town, such as the Royal Mile or Mercat Cross, which are easily accessible on foot from many parts of the city centre. Public buses are a convenient way to reach these starting points, with a single adult fare of £2.20.
9. Explore the Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery houses a significant collection of fine art, featuring both Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism. Visitors can immerse themselves in masterpieces by artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Constable, and Scottish painters like Raeburn. The gallery is housed in a beautiful neo-classical building and provides a tranquil space for art lovers.
Cost: General entry to the Scottish National Gallery is free. However, some temporary special exhibitions may have an entrance fee.
Transport: The gallery is centrally located on The Mound, easily accessible on foot from Princes Street and the Royal Mile. All buses passing through the city centre or Princes Street will have stops nearby. A single adult bus ticket is £2.20.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
