Things to do in Edinburgh

Top Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland - Edinburgh 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.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Edinburgh

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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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.

What travellers are saying

  • Corinna R
    Essex, UK14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful experience. Very informative and nostalgic. Was a privilege to be allowed to see so much of the yacht and have some insight into the private lives of the royals.
    We had a sandwich and a glass of fizz to round off the visit, both of which were top class
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stuart Kie
    Cork, Ireland5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked up to Authurs seat at 8am. Lovely clear day. Fantastic views. Well worth doing. Not for people with walking difficulties or breathing problems. Nice trails off the main one. Would fancy this if the weather wasn't good. We done it on a good day and we we still damp. Good get slippy, so if you are doing it make sure you have the right foot wear. We loved it ❤️
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carey B
    Sheffield, UK31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful castle. Please ask the guides about extra information. They are so knowledgeable and might even give you extra insights into palace life.
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nitasha
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our tour guide Zelda was amazing! I went into the tour last minute and it was so worth it. Learned a lot of cool history! 100% worth it!
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • roy grey
    Cheltenham, UK241 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This has outstanding knowledge & is very well laid out & covers all aspects of history with a balcony cafeteria & restaurant available. A very clean & tidy establishment
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • coffeeandbooks
    23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a cool place. The world of illusions and tricks. Everything from the room that makes you look tiny , to the mirror room. It is really worth the trip here
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • alibatty🦇
    Dundee, UK5,031 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well, this really must be on every visitor’s itinerary, as it’s the historic heart of the city, with many of the medieval buildings preserved for posterity. It’s crammed full of character , with lots of nooks and crannies to explore in the many tall narrow closes , and warren of wynds of “Auld Reekie”. Here you’ll find a plentiful variety of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes leading steeply up cobbled paths to the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle . We were a bit dismayed at the unsightly graffiti , and litter lying about - but that’s the downfall of any big city. Despite it being only March there were lots of tourists on the go , so got a bit crowded in passing places. ( Must be murderous at the height of the season. )
    Written 7 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pakabay
    Adelaide, Australia2,141 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yes, there are tartan, whisky and assorted souvenir shops side by side for much of the Royal Mile but they go nowhere near telling the story of this historic thoroughfare.

    The so-called Royal Mile which in face is just over a mile long, connects Edinburgh Castle at one end and the Royal Palace of Hollyrood at the other.

    Passing through the middle of historic Edinburgh, there are countless magnificent buildings along its entire length. And the further you head away from the castle, the less tacky souvenir shops there are.

    The Edinburgh Old Town is particularly hilly in places, but the Mile is an easy walk from on end to the other. Generally, it heads downhill from the castle towards the palace.

    Well worth exploring the mile itself, but also the lanes & alleys that lead off it for its entire length.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ecofriend1
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was very fun and interesting! And we got to make and eat so much very high quality chocolate. The truffle making experience is well worth it and the staff are incredibly friendly.
    Written 28 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • shackleston
    Redcar, UK814 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a visit even if you don't buy a ticket. Impressive gates and towers. Not far from city centre. You can also see the Scottish Parliament and Arthur's Seat.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Isaac C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ross and Phoebe really made the night its own wouldn’t have been so amazing without them, coolest guys I ever did see. #SkiteNite
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kaiya R
    37 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots of little things to see and read about up here, a few different monuments and also provides pretty views over the rooftops of Edinburgh!
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh


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