In short
The essential things to do in Edinburgh are Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and its closes, Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill, the free National Museum of Scotland and Victoria Street. To see the city like a local, add Dean Village and the Water of Leith, brunch in Stockbridge, dinner on the Shore in Leith and an afternoon at Portobello beach.
There’s no shortage of lists of things to do in Edinburgh. Most of them are written by people who spent a weekend here. This one is written by someone who lives here, and it’s the list I’d give a friend: the unmissable classics, the places locals actually go, and an honest word on what’s worth your time.
I’ve grouped them so you can plan your days. If you only have a short trip, start with the first section.
The unmissable classics
1. Edinburgh Castle
The Castle sits on an extinct volcano at the top of the Old Town, and it’s been a royal fortress for over 900 years. Inside, you’ll find the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, St Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh) and the best views of the city. Book online in advance, because tickets regularly sell out, and go at opening time. If you’re inside at 1pm, you’ll hear the One O’Clock Gun, fired every day except Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
2. The Royal Mile and its closes
The Royal Mile runs downhill from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The street is lined with tartan and souvenir shops, so the trick is to keep ducking into the closes, the narrow alleys on either side. Advocate’s Close, with its view of the Scott Monument, and Dunbar’s Close Garden, on the Canongate, are two of my favourites. Read my Old Town guide.
3. Arthur’s Seat
An extinct volcano, 251 metres high, in the middle of the city. The climb from Holyrood takes most people 45 minutes to an hour, and the view from the top is unforgettable. Read my Arthur’s Seat guide.
4. Calton Hill
The easiest viewpoint in the city, ten minutes from Waverley station, with the classic view of the Old Town and the Castle. Go at sunrise or sunset. Read my Calton Hill guide.
5. The National Museum of Scotland
Free, enormous and genuinely brilliant, from Dolly the sheep to the Lewis Chessmen. Don’t miss the soaring Victorian Grand Gallery, or the roof terrace with its view of the Castle.
6. Victoria Street and the Grassmarket
The colourful, curving Victoria Street leads down to the Grassmarket, an old market square lined with pubs. Go early to avoid the crowds.
7. The Palace of Holyroodhouse
The King’s official residence in Scotland sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile. Inside are the state apartments and the rooms of Mary, Queen of Scots, and outside are the romantic ruins of Holyrood Abbey. Check opening dates, as it closes during royal visits.
History and hidden stories
8. The Real Mary King’s Close
A guided tour of the 17th-century streets and houses buried beneath the City Chambers on the Royal Mile. Fascinating, a little eerie, and dry on a wet day. Book ahead.
9. St Giles’ Cathedral
The High Kirk of Edinburgh, halfway down the Royal Mile, with its crown-shaped spire and the intricately carved Thistle Chapel. Free to enter, although donations are welcome.
10. Greyfriars Kirkyard
One of the most atmospheric graveyards in Britain, home to the story of Greyfriars Bobby and a favourite of Harry Potter fans. Read my Greyfriars guide.
11. The Scottish Parliament
The bold, modern parliament building at the foot of the Royal Mile is free to visit, and when Parliament is sitting you can watch debates from the public gallery.
12. A ghost tour of the Old Town
Edinburgh has centuries of dark history, and several companies run evening ghost tours through the closes and underground vaults. Touristy? Yes. Fun? Also yes.
13. The Scott Monument
The giant Gothic spire on Princes Street is a monument to the writer Sir Walter Scott. Climb all 287 steps for a view over the gardens and the Old Town. It’s paid, and the top is very narrow, so it’s not for anyone nervous of heights.
Art, culture and museums
14. The Scottish National Gallery
A compact collection of European and Scottish art on the Mound, free to enter and easily seen in an hour.
15. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery
On Queen Street, with one of the most beautiful interiors in the city. Free.
16. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Two galleries on Belford Road, a short walk from Dean Village. Free.
17. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Five floors of optical illusions near the Castle, topped by a Victorian camera obscura. Brilliant with children.
18. Live folk music
Edinburgh’s pubs have a strong tradition of traditional music sessions. Sandy Bell’s on Forrest Road is the best known, with music most nights.
Edinburgh like a local
19. Dean Village and the Water of Leith
The old milling village tucked below the West End, and the riverside path that runs through it. Read my Dean Village guide.
20. Brunch in Stockbridge
Stockbridge is where Edinburgh goes for weekend brunch. On Sundays, the market on Saunders Street runs from 10am to 4pm.
21. Circus Lane
The curving cobbled mews with a church spire at the end, just off Stockbridge. Read my Circus Lane guide.
22. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Seventy acres of gardens in Inverleith, free to enter, with one of the best views of the city skyline. The restored Palm Houses reopened in October 2026 with ticketed entry.
23. Leith and the Shore
Edinburgh’s port has some of the best restaurants in Scotland, and the Shore is beautiful at sunset. Read my Leith guide.
24. The Royal Yacht Britannia
The late Queen’s former royal yacht is moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith. Even if you’re not a royal fan, it’s a fascinating time capsule.
25. Portobello beach
Edinburgh’s seaside, a bus ride east of the centre, with a two-mile promenade and year-round sea swimmers. Read my Portobello guide.
26. A New Town walk
Walk George Street from St Andrew Square to Charlotte Square, then downhill through Moray Place to Stockbridge. Read my New Town guide.
27. A whisky in a proper pub
Edinburgh’s old pubs are some of the best in Britain. Try a dram in the Bow Bar on Victoria Street, or ask the bar staff anywhere for a recommendation.
Further out
28. Edinburgh Zoo
In Corstorphine, west of the centre, with a big hillside site and plenty for children.
29. Cramond and Cramond Island
A village at the mouth of the River Almond. At low tide you can walk a causeway to Cramond Island, but check the tide times first: the causeway floods quickly.
30. A day trip
In under an hour by train you can be at the Forth Bridges, North Berwick or Stirling. Read my day trips from Edinburgh.
What I’d skip
- Eating on the Royal Mile itself. Walk one street away and the food gets better.
- Queuing for the Christmas rides on a Saturday night. Go on a weekday instead.
- Driving into the centre. You don’t need a car, and parking is expensive.
Plan your trip
- New to the city? Follow my three-day itinerary.
- On a budget? Read my free things to do.
- Wet weather? Read my rainy day guide.
- Wondering when to come? Read Edinburgh month by month.
Good to know
Questions people ask
What is the number one thing to do in Edinburgh?
For most first-time visitors it's Edinburgh Castle. Book tickets online in advance, go at opening time, and then walk down the Royal Mile exploring the closes.
What can you do in Edinburgh for free?
Climb Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill, visit the National Museum of Scotland and the National Galleries, walk the Water of Leith through Dean Village, explore the Royal Botanic Garden and spend an afternoon on Portobello beach.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
Three days is ideal for a first visit. Two days covers the essentials, and a fourth day gives you time for a trip to the Forth Bridges, North Berwick or Stirling.
What is there to do in Edinburgh at night?
Catch live folk music in an Old Town pub, take a ghost tour of the closes, watch the city lights from Calton Hill, or have dinner on the Shore in Leith.
Is Edinburgh good for families?
Yes. The National Museum of Scotland, Camera Obscura, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh Zoo and Portobello beach are all great with children, and Arthur's Seat is a fun climb for older kids.
