THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Edinburgh (2025) - Must-See Attractions
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Things to Do in Edinburgh
Get a feel for Old Town by walking the Royal Mile, which connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. For rolling green hills, Arthur's Seat is a must. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Edinburgh.
- fromper adult£57
Ghost Toursfromper adult£20- fromper adult£35
- fromper adult£69
- from
£83per adult£75 
Half-day Toursfromper adult£75
Multi-day Toursfromper adult£166
Ghost Toursfromper adult£18
Likely To Sell Outfromper adult£93- fromper adult£47
Castles
Geologic Formations
Extinct volcano hike through rugged terrain leading to panoramic views, entwined with history and myth. Ideal for those enjoying a physical challenge and scenic landscapes.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Historic Sites
Speciality Museums
Historic yacht tour with a comprehensive audio guide, allowing for a leisurely, self-guided pace. Features include a pristine engine room, contrasting crew quarters, and an elegant tea room.
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Speciality Museums
Interactive museum with diverse exhibits spanning natural history to technology. Features engaging displays, including the notable Millennium Clock, within a modern architectural setting.
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Neighbourhoods
Historic Old Town with cobblestone streets and unique shops, from souvenirs to handicrafts. Vibrant dining and pub scene amid picturesque architecture and cultural landmarks.
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Science Museums
Interactive attraction filled with illusions and hands-on exhibits, perfect for family fun. Features a mirror maze and a vortex tunnel, providing entertainment for all ages across six floors.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic walk connecting iconic castle and palace, lined with shops, pubs, and street entertainment amidst picturesque architecture.
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Historic Sites
Distilleries
Whisky enthusiast's haven with a diverse collection for tastings, interactive sensory experiences, and informative tours through Scotland's whisky regions.
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Speciality Museums
Interactive chocolate tour through the journey of chocolate, with hands-on bar and truffle making sessions, history insights, and a diverse tasting room.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Elevated park with tranquil atmosphere, panoramic city views, and notable monuments. Features smooth paths, handrails, and steps for a rewarding ascent.
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Other Top Attractions around Edinburgh
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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What travellers are saying
- Jagir S51 contributionsGreat experience to visit Edinburgh castle with family and grandchildren and day out with lochal shopping experience.Written 16 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LINDA GNew York City, NY180 contributionsWe did this hike in February on a typical wet and cold day. The hike takes about 2 hours round trip. Definitely need to wear appropriate shoes as the path is muddy and slippery. Plan to get dirty shoes. I would rate this hike as moderate , it is pretty step in some parts and at the end to get to the top you have to scramble over some rocks. Beautiful payoff for the hard work though.Written 23 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Russ M1 contributionAsh #1 was amazing in her presentation and delivery with enthusiasm and effectiveness! The whole presentation was impressive and the use of technology and architecture to provide insight into the historical story of this interesting time in Scotland’s rich heritage. Thank you for a. Great time and an effective presentation! Russ & Denise McnairWritten 18 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BoardingPass35038Newcastle upon Tyne, UK4 contributionsTook my partner for his birthday during a visit to Edinburgh. We both loved it, very informative and fascinating to see it up close. The self-guided tour is great and a lovely tea room to take a break in the middle. Well worth the money.Written 18 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 907blakedTampa, FL1,524 contributionsGreat museum, plenty to see! The jewels and gems sections is one of my favorites, along with the exhibits about the various animals.Written 17 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TypingAlong22-UKBeckenham, UK215 contributionsThis place is jammed with people trying to sell you stuff but the architecture is seriously unbelievable. You have to see itWritten 23 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AlexRoseRNFNR22 contributionsVisited in the evening, we began on the roof where Lucy gave a fantastic short history presentation and ended with the 2nd floor and did not forget the gift shop.
Strongly recommend for visitors of all ages.Written 18 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Natasa KThessaloniki Region, Greece41 contributionsThe Royal Mile is a historic, lively street full of culture, stunning architecture, and local charm! Absolutely loved it!!Written 11 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- D and JNorth West England, UK195 contributionsA great insight into history if you like that sort of thing. There are plenty of things to look at and examine if you have the time.Written 9 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 280020 contributionsI had done the silver tour twice in the past (first time 2 years ago) and they were so amazing that whisky is now my go to drink! I recently had the opportunity to do the gold tour and of course it did not disappoint, you learn so much here and the gold tour is perfect if you’re looking to try a whisky you may not have tried before. Huge shoutout to my tour guide Laura who is so knowledgeable and really made the experience memorable, she was open to any questions and the tour was so smoothly done!Written 14 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Samson M1 contributionIt was amazing times as we got free samples every activity we did. We made our own chocolate . Everything was optional which was very thoughtful of them also was very interactive which was funWritten 17 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ispeakinsongsCirencester, UK639 contributionsThis is one of my favourite places in Edinburgh, I come here every time I visit. Such lovely views over Edinburgh and surrounding areas and lots of space to walk, have a picnics etc.Written 18 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January4 ºCColdest month11 days of rainWettest monthLess busyLeast busy month
- February4 ºC8 days of rainLess busy
- March6 ºC9 days of rainModerately busy
- April7 ºC8 days of rainVery busy
- May10 ºC8 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- June13 ºC9 days of rainVery busy
- July15 ºCHottest month10 days of rainVery busy
- August14 ºC10 days of rainModerately busy
- September13 ºC9 days of rainModerately busy
- October9 ºC11 days of rainModerately busy
- November6 ºC11 days of rainLess busy
- December4 ºC11 days of rainLess busy
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The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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