Edinburgh, Scotland’s captivating capital, is brimming with history, beauty, and culture. Here’s a straightforward guide to the top 12 best things to do in Edinburgh (places and experiences) that make this city truly special. Most of these places offer great photography opportunities.
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1. Edinburgh Castle
Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on a volcanic hill, for a journey through Scotland’s past and stunning city views.
Things to do and see at Edinburgh Castle:
Pass by and admire the power of The Portcullis Gate constructed 450 years ago.
Climb Lang Stairs. They provide a direct route with 70 steps to the castle’s summit. They were the original entrance and an alternative route was created in the 1600s for moving heavy guns.
St. Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest building in the castle, built around 1130. It has plain exteriors but ornate original arches and stained glass windows inside.
Mons Meg is a six-tonne siege gun that could fire a 150kg gunstone up to 3.2km. It was given to King James II in 1457.
See the Dog Cemetery, a burial place for officer’s pet dogs and regimental mascots.
See the Honours of Scotland – Scotland’s oldest Crown jewels – and learn about the Stone of Destiny, now on display at Perth Museum from 30th March 2024.
Visit the Great Hall, completed in 1511, with its original hammerbeam roof and weapon collections.
Explore the Prisons of War Exhibition in the vaults below the Great Hall, showcasing the imprisonment of pirates and prisoners of war.
Learn about the One o’clock Gun, fired daily except on specific days, signalling the time to ships in the Firth of Forth.
Enjoy some breathtaking views while enjoying some tea and pastries from the castle cafe.
Pro Tip: Arrive early or later in the day to beat the biggest crowds.
If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh Castle, I recommend booking your tickets online in advance. You can then explore the castle at your own pace, or book a guided walking tour here.
If your preferred date or time is fully booked, it’s also worth checking guided tours, as some tours include castle entry. If tickets are sold out for your preferred date or time, it’s also worth checking guided tours and the Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, as some options include entry to the castle.
For the best stays in Edinburgh’s Old Town, check out my curated list of the 14 Best Hotels in Old Town Edinburgh, each highly-rated by travelers for comfort, charm, and unbeatable location. Plus, if you’re looking for incredible castle views, check out my list of the best Edinburgh options: Best Edinburgh Hotels with Castle View.
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2. The Royal Mile: Step Back in Time
Take a stroll along the historic Royal Mile, where medieval buildings, shops, and bagpipers bring history to life.
As you walk along the historic Royal Mile, you’ll pass some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks.
St Giles’ Cathedral is one of the most recognisable, with its distinctive crown spire rising above the Old Town.
You can also go underground at The Real Mary King’s Close (tour), where you can explore preserved streets and hear stories about what life was like in Edinburgh centuries ago.
For something a little more unusual at Camera Obscura, is packed with optical illusions and interactive exhibits, while The Scotch Whisky Experience offers an introduction to Scotland’s national drink, including tours and tastings.
The Royal Mile is one of the best places to start exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town, with plenty to see along the way.
Want to try haggis while you’re in Edinburgh? The The Tolbooth Tavern on the Royal Mile is a good place to start. You can order a tasting platter featuring haggis alongside other traditional dishes, including wild mushrooms and fish and chips.
If you’re looking for another option, Makars Gourmet Mash Bar erves traditional Scottish dishes, including haggis, neeps and tatties. For a true taste of tradition, try Makar’s haggis, neeps, and tatties. They also offer a mini portion if you’re trying haggis for the first time and aren’t quite ready for a full serving!
3. Arthur’s Seat: Nature in the City
Escape to Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, for a refreshing hike and panoramic views of Edinburgh.
4. National Museum of Scotland
Explore the National Museum to discover Scotland’s diverse history through engaging exhibits and artifacts (don’t forget to go to the rooftop terrace to enjoy some breathtaking views).
5. Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place every August, with an incredible programme of music, marching, dance and military tradition performed against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh in August, it’s a spectacular event to experience – but tickets can sell out well in advance, so it’s worth booking early.
Looking for unique experiences in and around Edinburgh? Whether it’s a ghost walk through Greyfriars Kirkyard, a cruise on Loch Ness, or a family-friendly adventure, I’ve put together a collection of some Edinburgh tours and experiences, organised into categories to make it easier to find something that suits you. From history and Harry Potter to whisky tastings and spooky stories, everything’s organised into simple categories to help you find exactly what you’re after.
Take a look at the tours here.
6. Scottish National Gallery: Artistic Treasures
Admire masterpieces at the Scottish National Gallery, a treat for art enthusiasts.
7. Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens is a lovely place to take a break while exploring Edinburgh, sitting between the Old Town and New Town.
Take a stroll through the gardens, admire the floral displays and enjoy views of some of Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks, including the Scott Monument and Ross Fountain. If you’re up for a climb, you can also climb the Scott Monument for panoramic views across the city.
If you want to discover more of Edinburgh’s most photogenic spots, take a look at my Edinburgh Photowalk Guide. With a map of top locations and tips for capturing the perfect shots with just your phone, you’ll be able to easily find and photograph the city’s hidden gems! See the Edinburgh Photowalk Guide here!
8. Dean Village: Charming Hideaway
Dean Village is one of Edinburgh’s most photogenic neighbourhoods, with historic buildings overlooking the Water of Leith. It’s just a short walk from the city centre, making it an easy place to add to your Edinburgh itinerary.
9. Calton Hill: Skyline Views
Visit Calton Hill is one of the best places in Edinburgh for views across the city. From the top, you can see landmarks including the National Monument and Nelson’s Monument, with views stretching towards Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Castle and beyond.
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10. Grassmarket and Victoria Street: Vibrant Vibes
Explore the Grassmarket, one of Edinburgh’s most historic and lively areas, with plenty of pubs, restaurants and independent shops.
From here, walk up Victoria Street, one of the city’s most colourful streets, known for its curved shape, independent shops and cafés.
Victoria Street is often described as one of Edinburgh’s real-life inspirations for Diagon Alley, with its colourful curved buildings and shops making it a popular stop for Harry Potter fans.
You’ll also find Museum Context at 40 Victoria Street, a three-storey shop selling official Harry Potter merchandise.
11. Greyfriars Bobby and Greyfriars Kirkyard
Visit the famous statue of Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh’s much-loved dog, before exploring Greyfriars Kirkyard, one of the city’s oldest and most atmospheric cemeteries.
The kirkyard is also known for its fascinating history, unusual gravestones and connections to Edinburgh’s folklore.
Read: Edinburgh’s Famous Dogs: The Loyal, the Lost, and the One Buried With Her Owner
Greyfriars Kirkyard is also famous among Harry Potter fans because several gravestones are said to have inspired names in the books. One of the most talked-about is the grave of Thomas Riddell, which is often linked to Lord Voldemort’s birth name, Tom Marvolo Riddle.
The kirkyard is generally open to visitors, although opening times can vary.
12. Johnnie Walker Whisky Tour: Cheers to Scotland
Johnnie Walker Princes Street is home to Johnnie Walker’s flagship whisky experience in Edinburgh. You can learn more about the whisky-making process and enjoy a tasting experience while you’re there.
Enjoy your adventure through Edinburgh’s top spots, each offering a unique piece of the city’s charm and history.
Visiting Edinburgh with kids? I’ve also put together a complete guide with 20+ family-friendly activities to make your trip fun for all ages!
Looking for a hotel in Edinburgh? I recommend comparing prices across different providers before booking, as prices can vary depending on your dates. You can use Skyscanner to compare options and filter by price and your preferences.
Many of these attractions, along with hidden gems and local favourites, are also included in my Ultimate Edinburgh Travel Guide, which has everything you need to help plan your trip.
If you’re planning a visit to Edinburgh soon, my Ultimate Edinburgh Explorer Bundle will help you make the most of your trip.
Packed with travel tips, itineraries and insider recommendations, it’s designed to help you explore Edinburgh like a local and make planning your trip easier.
- The Best Edinburgh Tours for First-Time Visitors (2026 Local Guide)
- Inside the Spellbound Suite: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Review
- Top 12 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
- Aparthotel Edinburgh: 12 Best Old & New Town Stays
- Best Edinburgh Hotels with Castle View
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