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Edinburgh, Scotland
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Scroll down for a list of most popular attractions and select them, if you want to include them in the itinerary preparation!
Latest trip plans for Edinburgh, Scotland
Browse itineraries created by other travelers
Most popular attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland
1. Edinburgh Castle
Visit guide, tips & moreDominant hilltop fortress with centuries of Scottish history and panoramic city views. Explore the Crown Jewels, royal rooms, battlements, and live cannon firing.
2. Royal Mile
Visit guide, tips & moreHistoric heart of Edinburgh with medieval streets and grand civic buildings. Walk between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, browse quirky shops and lively street performers.
3. Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace)
Visit guide, tips & moreHolyrood Palace
Royal residence with centuries of Scottish history and dramatic setting at the foot of Arthur's Seat. Explore state apartments, the ruined Holyrood Abbey, and compact royal gardens.
Book a FREE walking tour in Edinburgh, Scotland
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
4. Arthur's Seat (Holyrood Park)
Visit guide, tips & moreHolyrood Park
Panoramic views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth make the climb worthwhile. Expect a brisk hike up volcanic slopes, rugged crags and sweeping city vistas.
5. National Museum of Scotland
Visit guide, tips & moreExplore Scotland's story from dinosaurs to design in one impressive Victorian building. Wander interactive science galleries, ancient artifacts, and panoramic city views.
6. Scott Monument
Visit guide, tips & moreA dramatic Victorian Gothic tower honoring Sir Walter Scott. Climb narrow spiral stairs for close-up carvings and panoramic views of Princes Street Gardens and the Old Town.
7. Calton Hill
Visit guide, tips & moreStunning panoramic views over Edinburgh's skyline and the Firth of Forth. Walk among neoclassical monuments and grassy terraces for photos, picnics and sunsets.
8. Princes Street Gardens
Visit guide, tips & moreGreen oasis beneath Edinburgh Castle, perfect for a relaxed stroll. Enjoy castle views, floral displays and lively seasonal events.
9. Royal Yacht Britannia
Visit guide, tips & moreStep aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia to see how the royal family lived at sea. Walk state rooms, crew quarters and the sun deck with audio commentary and sea views.
10. St Giles' Cathedral
Visit guide, tips & moreCenturies of carved stone and the dazzling Thistle Chapel on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Explore medieval architecture, ornate chapels, and stirring services.
11. Pentland Hills Regional Park Hike
Visit guide, tips & moreSweeping moorland and panoramic city views make Pentland Hills perfect for a quick escape from Edinburgh. Hike ridges to summits such as Scald Law for wide vistas, wildlife and heather-lined paths.
Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland
Popular activities and local experiences recommended by travelers
Additional popular things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland
Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Cranachan
Cranachan began as a rustic harvest pudding of toasted oats, whipped cream, honey and raspberries, and a splash of Scotch whisky later made it an indulgent signature of Scottish desserts.
Shortbread
Shortbread traces back to medieval Scotland where rich, buttery biscuit dough was baked into crumbly slices, and it became a ceremonial treat at weddings and Hogmanay.
Dundee cake
Dundee cake was popularized by Keiller's of Dundee in the 19th century, its crown of whole almonds hiding a light, citrus-scented fruit cake that traditionally excludes candied peel.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Haggis
Haggis combines minced sheep heart, liver and lungs with oats and spices inside a casing, and its bold, peppery taste has made it the iconic centerpiece of Burns Night celebrations.
Scotch broth
Scotch broth is a hearty, ancient staple of barley, root vegetables and lamb, simmered until thick and comforting, perfect for warming households through long Scottish winters.
Black pudding
Black pudding is a blood sausage made with pork blood and oats or barley, prized in Scotland for its firm texture that crisps to a savory, iron-rich bite when fried.
Traditional Beverages
Scotch whisky
Scotch whisky must be distilled and matured in Scotland for at least three years in oak casks, and those casks, plus regional peat and water, give it the wide range of smoky, fruity and malty flavours.
Irn-Bru
Irn-Bru is a neon-orange, slightly metallic and fiercely beloved soft drink from Scotland, its unique flavour and cheeky 'made from girders' marketing earned it near-legendary status as the nation's other national drink.
Ale
Scottish ale covers styles from light session beers to robust 'wee heavy' malts, and its long brewing tradition favours rich, malty profiles that showcase caramel and roasted notes.
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Day trips
Stirling
Historic castle and Wallace Monument with Stirling Old Town.
Google MapsSt Andrews
Home of golf, medieval university and coastal ruins.
Google MapsNorth Berwick
Seaside town with beaches, seabird colony and Bass Rock views.
Google MapsLoch Lomond (Balloch)
Scenic loch with hiking, boat trips and Highland views.
Google MapsComments (6)
Buy a day bus pass and use Lothian Buses, tap contactless to avoid queues. Much cheaper than cabs and buses run late into the evening.
Old city charm everywhere, the pubs and live music made the trip. Expect showers, a waterproof jacket saved me. 3 nights was enough.
Avoid restaurants right on the Royal Mile, walk a few streets to Grassmarket or head to Leith for better seafood and fairer prices.
Cobblestones are lovely but my knees hated them, and central cafes jack up prices near tourist spots. Early mornings are nicest.
Great for a long weekend, museums are compact and walkable. Add a day trip to the coast if you like quieter scenery.
Getting there
Train stations
LNER (East Coast Main Line), ScotRail, Caledonian Sleeper
ScotRail regional services, commuter connections
From Edinburgh Airport take the tram or Airlink 100 bus to Waverley; about 30 minutes.
Click to get eSim for Edinburgh, Scotland
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