United Kingdom

Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Royal Mile runs downhill from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with closes and underground vaults on either side and Arthur's Seat rising behind. The Georgian New Town is a few minutes' walk north, and the Highlands, Loch Ness and Stirling are covered by full-day coach tours.

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Highlands and Loch Ness day trip
  • Old Town ghost and vaults tour
  • Scotch whisky tasting

Experiences in Edinburgh

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.

Top-rated experiences in Edinburgh

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Highlights

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Highlands and Loch Ness day trip
  • Old Town ghost and vaults tour
  • Scotch whisky tasting
  • Arthur's Seat hike
  • Royal Yacht Britannia

Best time to visit

May, June and September offer long days and fewer crowds. In August the Fringe and other festivals take over the city and hotel prices soar, and New Year's Hogmanay also books up early.

Getting around

The centre is walkable but hilly, with buses and a tram line for longer hops. The tram runs from the airport to the city centre in about 35 minutes, and Lothian's Airlink bus is a quicker alternative.

Local tips

  • Book Edinburgh Castle online for a timed slot, especially in summer, and go at opening time.
  • Highland day tours start early, often around 8 am, and run about 12 hours with long coach stretches.
  • Arthur's Seat is a short but steep climb with loose paths, and weather changes quickly, so take a layer.

Day trips from Edinburgh

  • Loch Ness and the Highlands
  • Stirling Castle
  • St Andrews
  • Glencoe
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Edinburgh?

The most booked experiences in Edinburgh are Edinburgh Castle, Highlands and Loch Ness day trip, Old Town ghost and vaults tour and Scotch whisky tasting.

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

May, June and September offer long days and fewer crowds. In August the Fringe and other festivals take over the city and hotel prices soar, and New Year's Hogmanay also books up early.

How do I get around Edinburgh?

The centre is walkable but hilly, with buses and a tram line for longer hops. The tram runs from the airport to the city centre in about 35 minutes, and Lothian's Airlink bus is a quicker alternative.

Do I need to book tours in Edinburgh in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Edinburgh?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Dublin350 km awayLondon534 km awayAmsterdam660 km awayParis873 km away