We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Edinburgh

Free Newsletter

Interested in Edinburgh?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Edinburgh each week.

Explore the world! TripAdvisor has reviews and information on over 400,000 locations, including:
Travel Destinations
Hotels

Edinburgh Hotels Related Searches:

Things to do in Edinburgh

Attractions (164)

Tours (58)

Nightlife (76)

Shopping (72)

Hotels travellers are raving about...

All hotels in Edinburgh (140)
Edinburgh trip ideas from experts and travellers
See travellers' top tips & itineraries
See all itineraries »
Sponsored Attraction
New! Will you keep your feet on the ground in the Amazing Vortex Tunnel? Camera Obscura and World of Illusions: Spectacular views, five floors of brilliant interactive exhibits, illusions and puzzles. New: Vortex Tunnel, Mirror Maze. Fascinating, entertaining, great fun for all ages. Highly recommended.
Read more about Camera Obscura and World of Illusions »
Description provided by: Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Free Edinburgh Guide

Download your guide now!

Get the best picks for where to eat, sleep, and play.

  • Download pdf

Edinburgh weather essentials

Month
High
Low
Jun
60°F 15°C
47°F 8°C
Jul
64°F 17°C
49°F 9°C
Aug
65°F 18°C
50°F 10°C
Sep
61°F 16°C
46°F 7°C
Oct
54°F 12°C
41°F 5°C
Nov
47°F 8°C
36°F 2°C
More weather for Edinburgh
 | 
Powered by
Weather Underground
Traveller recommended attractions
Gilmerton Cove
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
Gilmerton Cove
Map | Photos
Ranked #1 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
5 of 5 stars 101 reviews
Owner description: Enter one of Scotland's most curious heritage sites. An archeological mystery that has baffled investigators for over 300... more » Owner description: Enter one of Scotland's most curious heritage sites. An archeological mystery that has baffled investigators for over 300 years. Gilmerton Cove is a series of chambers and passageways lying hidden beneath the streets on the South side of Edinburgh. Join us on a guided tour and help us unravel the mysteries of this strange mysterious labyrinth. « less
Attraction type  Historic Sites
Distance  3.7 miles from city centre
Arthur's Seat
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
Arthur's Seat
| Photos
Ranked #2 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 747 reviews
Owner description: Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it's... more » Owner description: Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. The park has several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designations due to its exceptional range of grassland habitats and its internationally important volcanic geology. Ranger service on site. « less
Attraction type  Geologic Formations; Mountains
National Museum of Scotland
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
National Museum of Scotland
Map | Photos
Ranked #3 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 949 reviews
Owner description: Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, science and technology, art and design and Scottish history, all... more » Owner description: Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, science and technology, art and design and Scottish history, all under one roof. « less
Attraction type  Museums
Distance  0.2 miles from city centre
Xtreme Karting Edinburgh
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
Xtreme Karting Edinburgh
Map | Photos
Ranked #4 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 84 reviews
Owner description: Experience the thrill of motorsport at Xtreme Karting in Edinburgh! Suitable for ages 8+ (please call for details of sessions... more » Owner description: Experience the thrill of motorsport at Xtreme Karting in Edinburgh! Suitable for ages 8+ (please call for details of sessions available) we aim to ensure a fun and thrilling motorsport experience!Xtreme Karting opened in January 2011 at Newbridge Edinburgh (just 500 yards from the Newbridge roundabout, Junction 1 on the M9) allowing easy access from across the whole of Central Scotland! Designed from the start to achieve the 5 star rating from Visit Scotland, we were delighted to achieve this "exceptional" standard in March 2011, and feedback so far from customers has been fantastic, with over 95% of feedback reports rating their overall experience as "Excellent"!The centre features a purposely designed customer lounge area, with large windows overlooking the whole track area, as well as a large 1st floor viewing gallery, both areas feature the latest in race timing displays, allowing spectators to watch all the action on the track in complete comfort. The professionally designed track is set within a 42,000 sq ft unit, and features the latest barrier protection systems to ensure the safety of drivers. The exciting track layout has been specially designed with hairpin bends, sweeping corners and long straights providing adrenalin packed racing for novices and seasoned experts! The track is tested to the limit by our high performance EVO 5 Karts, specially tuned to deliver blistering performance!e can offer an adrenalin packed race event, corporate meeting facilities, practice sessions, cadet parties, etc! Contact us for more details! « less
Attraction type  Race Car Tracks
Distance  8.5 miles from city centre
Holyrood Park
As featured in Edinburgh for free
Holyrood Park
Map | Photos
Ranked #5 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 152 reviews
Owner description: Holyrood Park is a unique historic landscape in the heart of the city, whose dramatic crags and hills give Edinburgh its... more » Owner description: Holyrood Park is a unique historic landscape in the heart of the city, whose dramatic crags and hills give Edinburgh its distinctive skyline. Within the park is a wealth of history and archaeology spanning thousands of years. Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. As well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. « less
Attraction type  Parks; Castles
Distance  0.9 miles from city centre
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
As featured in Edinburgh for young kids
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Map | Photos
Ranked #6 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 979 reviews
Owner description: Enjoy unique 360° panoramic views over Edinburgh from the fascinating Camera Obscura and rooftop terrace. In World of... more » Owner description: Enjoy unique 360° panoramic views over Edinburgh from the fascinating Camera Obscura and rooftop terrace. In World of Illusions, experience five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including vortex tunnel, mirror maze and shrinking room. Get involved, play, touch everything. Great fun for all ages and nationalities, whatever the weather. Scotland’s oldest purpose-built attraction, established in 1835. New for 2011: All Day Ticket. Get your hand stamped and come and go as you please all day. Money back guarantee if not fully satisfied. ‘Best family attraction in Britain’, The Telegraph 2010. 'Five Stars, outstanding, world class', VisitScotland. Bring your camera - lots of photo opportunities throughout. Allow about 2 hours. Please note the attraction is located in a listed 17th Century building over 5 floors without a lift. Open every day, late opening weekends and holidays. « less
Attraction type  Lookouts; Speciality Museums; Historic Sites; Science Museums; Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  0.3 miles from city centre
Royal Yacht Britannia
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Royal Yacht Britannia
Book Now
| Photos
Ranked #7 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 932 reviews
Owner description: 'Scotland’s best visitor attraction' (VisitScotland). Experience what life was like on board The Royal Yacht Britannia with a... more » Owner description: 'Scotland’s best visitor attraction' (VisitScotland). Experience what life was like on board The Royal Yacht Britannia with a fascinating audio tour of five decks. Discover this floating palace that served the British Royal Family for over forty years. Highlights of the tour include the elegant State Apartments, the Crew’s Quarters, the Engine Room and the stunning Royal Deck Tea Room. Complimentary audio guide in 22 languages. Open year round with free parking at Ocean Terminal. Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh city centre « less
Attraction type  Ships; Historic Sites
Royal Botanic Garden
As featured in Edinburgh for free
Royal Botanic Garden
Map | Photos
Ranked #8 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 361 reviews

The Royal Botanic Garden is about 2kms north of Princes Street. It is super and free although entry into the glasshouses is liable to be charged for. The site covers 31 hectares... more »

Attraction type  Gardens
Distance  1.3 miles from city centre
Inchcolm Abbey
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
Inchcolm Abbey
Map | Photos
Ranked #9 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 44 reviews
Owner description: David I established a priory here which became an abbey in 1235. It is now the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in... more » Owner description: David I established a priory here which became an abbey in 1235. It is now the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The island is famed for its seals, wildlife and coastal defences from two World Wars.Inchcolm means ‘Columba’s Isle’, though the ‘Iona of the east’ has no known link with St Columba. The island is dominated by its dramatically located abbey complex, comprising the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The Augustinian canons settled here in the early 12th century, enjoying the island’s isolation and tranquillity. However, its location in the Firth of Forth also made it a target for English naval raids throughout the wars with England from the 14th to the mid-16th century. The brethren increasingly spent more time ashore in Fife. After the Protestant Reformation of 1560 brought monastic life to an end, the island continued to serve in the defence of the country right up to the Second World War. The island’s remains testify to this history of conflict as well as the history of the medieval church in Scotland. The abbey must be reached by boat. « less
Attraction type  Historic Sites
Distance  5.5 miles from city centre
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
As featured in Edinburgh for free
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Map | Photos
Ranked #10 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 185 reviews
Attraction type  Art Museums
Distance  0.4 miles from city centre
Edinburgh International Climbing Arena
As featured in Edinburgh for free
Edinburgh International Climbing Arena
| Photos
Ranked #11 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
5 of 5 stars 11 reviews
Attraction type  Sports Complexes
Calton Hill
As featured in Edinburgh for free
Calton Hill
Map | Photos
Ranked #12 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 350 reviews
Historic neighborhood lined with monuments dating back to the Enlightenment.
Attraction type  Lookouts; Geologic Formations
Distance  0.5 miles from city centre
Princes Street Gardens
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Princes Street Gardens
Map | Photos
Ranked #13 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 361 reviews
Impeccably landscaped park and woodland surrounding Edinburgh Castle.
Attraction type  Gardens; Parks
Distance  0.4 miles from city centre
Scottish National Gallery
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Scottish National Gallery
Map | Photos
Ranked #14 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 276 reviews

Located in the heart of the city at the intersection of Princes Street and The Mound housing the national collection of fine art.  Entry is free although there are sometimes... more »

Attraction type  Art Museums
Distance  0.3 miles from city centre
Holyroodhouse Palace
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Holyroodhouse Palace
Book Now
Map | Photos
Ranked #15 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 433 reviews
This is an official residence of the Queen and the Royal Family.
Attraction type  Historic Sites; Castles
Distance  0.2 miles from city centre
Royal Mile
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Royal Mile
| Photos
Ranked #16 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 1,018 reviews

Edinburgh's Royal Mile is one of the most famous streets in the world and a must see for all visitors to Edinburgh.  It is the historic heart of the city and is full of... more »

Attraction type  Historic Walking Areas; Scenic/ Historic Walking Areas; Landmarks/ Points of Interest
The Filmhouse
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
| Photos
Ranked #17 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 41 reviews
A small, three-screened theater playing Scotland's most innovative independent films.
Attraction type  Cinemas
National War Museum of Scotland
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Map | Photos
Ranked #18 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 79 reviews
Owner description: Within the historic setting of Edinburgh Castle, accounts of battles lost and won are told through military artefacts and... more » Owner description: Within the historic setting of Edinburgh Castle, accounts of battles lost and won are told through military artefacts and personal collections. Find out about the life of Scots at war, from the First World War trenches to the Home Front, and learn how conflicts, both at home and abroad, have shaped Scotland's image and reputation over the centuries. « less
Attraction type  History Museums
Distance  0.5 miles from city centre
Edinburgh Castle
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
Book Now
Map | Photos
Ranked #19 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 1,819 reviews
Owner description: A mighty fortress, the defender of the nation, and a world-famous visitor attraction – Edinburgh Castle has dominated the... more » Owner description: A mighty fortress, the defender of the nation, and a world-famous visitor attraction – Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline for centuries. And the high volcanic rock on which it stands has been occupied for thousands of years. Today it is home to Scotland’s crown jewels, three military museums, the Scottish National War Memorial, the Prisons of War exhibition, and much more.The castle offers a fabulous day out – an experience not to be missed. « less
Attraction type  Castles
Distance  0.5 miles from city centre
Surgeons' Hall
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
Surgeons' Hall
Map | Photos
Ranked #20 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 88 reviews
Owner description: Edinburgh has long hosted one of the world’s most distinguished medical schools (where alumni include Sherlock Holmes’... more » Owner description: Edinburgh has long hosted one of the world’s most distinguished medical schools (where alumni include Sherlock Holmes’ creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). The intriguing and rather macabre exhibits in museums devoted to pathology and the history of surgery are simultaneously repellent yet compelling. The original curator, Dr. Robert Knox, bought cadavers for dissection by students from the notorious body-snatchers and serial killers Burke and Hare. With sections on dentistry and a large collection of diseased tissue and abnormalities the collections are not for the squeamish, and definitely not for children. « less
Attraction type  Speciality Museums
Distance  0.3 miles from city centre
St. Giles Cathedral
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
St. Giles Cathedral
| Photos
Ranked #21 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 301 reviews
This is the main church of The Church of Scotland.
Attraction type  Religious Sites; Landmarks/ Points of Interest
St. Mary's Cathedral
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Map | Photos
Ranked #22 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 17 reviews
Attraction type  Religious Sites; Architectural Buildings
Distance  1.1 miles from city centre
Craigmillar Castle
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Craigmillar Castle
Map | Photos
Ranked #23 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 42 reviews
Attraction type  Castles
Distance  2.5 miles from city centre
The Scotch Whisky Experience
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Book Now
Map | Photos
Ranked #24 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4 of 5 stars 298 reviews
Owner description: Take a barrel ride as you actually become part of the whisky making process. Experience for yourself our regional whiskies... more » Owner description: Take a barrel ride as you actually become part of the whisky making process. Experience for yourself our regional whiskies and whether you like fruity, sweet or smoky flavours our experts will help you select your perfect dram.Enter the vault containing the world’s largest collection of Scotch Whiskies and enjoy a special tutored nosing and tasting. Explore Scotland’s whisky history from the very beginnings through to the global success of today. « less
Attraction type  Factory Tours; Speciality Museums; Tourist/ Visitor Centres
Distance  0.4 miles from city centre
Georgian House
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Georgian House
Map | Photos
Ranked #25 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 41 reviews
Fully restored period house.
Attraction type  Historic Sites
Distance  0.8 miles from city centre
Scott Monument
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Scott Monument
Map | Photos
Ranked #26 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4 of 5 stars 142 reviews
A 200-foot spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish poet.
Attraction type  Monuments/ Statues
Distance  0.3 miles from city centre
Old Town
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Old Town
Map | Photos
Ranked #27 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 36 reviews
Owner description: Edinburgh's oldest neighborhood, dating back to medieval times: these small streets are lined with wool shops, pubs and... more » Owner description: Edinburgh's oldest neighborhood, dating back to medieval times: these small streets are lined with wool shops, pubs and historical monuments. « less
Attraction type  Historic Walking Areas; Neighbourhoods
Distance  0.3 miles from city centre
Museum on the Mound
As featured in 3 days in Edinburgh
Museum on the Mound
Map | Photos
Ranked #28 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 54 reviews

The Museum on the Mound's is a small museum associated with the Bank of Scotland traces the history of banking and money in Scotland with interesting side trips into crime... more »

Attraction type  Museums
Distance  0.2 miles from city centre
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One
Map | Photos
Ranked #29 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 40 reviews
Owner description: Much acclaim has greeted the 2011 re-opening of this now emphatically 21st-century gallery housed in a striking 19th-century... more » Owner description: Much acclaim has greeted the 2011 re-opening of this now emphatically 21st-century gallery housed in a striking 19th-century Gothic building. You will find portraits of generations of famous Scots (from Royals to poets and film stars), but the Gallery now also encompasses depictions of specific places and events – making it a portrait of the nation, not just its most famous sons and daughters. The dazzlingly-restored Victorian murals, plus a new emphasis on photography, have revitalized the place, and hugely extended its appeal. « less
Attraction type  Art Museums; Art Galleries
Distance  1.3 miles from city centre
Gladstone's Land
As featured in Edinburgh off the beaten path
Gladstone's Land
Map | Photos
Ranked #30 of 164 Attractions in Edinburgh
4 of 5 stars 58 reviews
Owner description: Beautiful chamber known for its authentic interiors and painted ceilings. Offers a look into the past through a quality... more » Owner description: Beautiful chamber known for its authentic interiors and painted ceilings. Offers a look into the past through a quality museum experience. « less
Attraction type  Historic Sites
Distance  0.2 miles from city centre
Edinburgh
What's Nearby:
Click map pins for more information.
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »