Things to Visit in Edinburgh: Castle to Calton Hill
Hit every must-see spot in Edinburgh without missing the hidden gems. Covers the Royal Mile, medieval Old Town, Georgian New Town, hilltop viewpoints, and the best pubs and whisky bars.
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Old Town and Royal Mile
Tour Edinburgh Castle
Book online at least 2 days ahead to skip the ticket line. Audio guides are included in the price. Allow 2-3 hours and go early morning or late afternoon when crowds thin out.
See the Stone of Destiny and Crown Jewels
Catch the One O'Clock Gun firing (daily except Sundays)
Walk the Royal Mile end to end
The mile runs downhill from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Duck into the narrow closes (alleyways) off the main street for some of the best views and quietest spots in the city.
Visit St Giles' Cathedral
Entry is free but they request a donation. The Thistle Chapel is a tiny, ornate masterpiece that most visitors walk right past. Look for the angel playing bagpipes on the ceiling.
Explore the Real Mary King's Close
This underground tour takes you through 17th-century streets buried beneath the Royal Mile. Tours run every 15-30 minutes and last about an hour. Book online as slots fill up, especially in summer.
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse
The official Scottish residence of the monarch sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile. The audio guide covers Mary Queen of Scots' chambers and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. Closed during royal visits, so check the schedule before going.
Walk through Grassmarket
This lively square below the castle was historically an execution site. Today it has some of the best pubs in the city. Visit during the day for independent shops and at night for the bar scene.
Hilltops and Green Spaces
Climb Arthur's Seat
The extinct volcano in Holyrood Park takes 45-90 minutes to summit depending on your route and fitness. The Salisbury Crags path is the easiest approach. Wear proper shoes and bring a layer even in summer; it gets windy at the top.
Walk up Calton Hill
A much easier climb than Arthur's Seat (10 minutes from street level) with panoramic views of the city, Firth of Forth, and the castle. Go at sunset for the best light. The unfinished National Monument at the top is nicknamed Edinburgh's Disgrace.
Stroll through Princes Street Gardens
Split into east and west sections below the castle, these gardens are perfect for a lunch break. The Scott Monument in the east garden offers city views from the top if you climb its 287 spiral steps.
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden
Free entry to the 70-acre grounds, though the glasshouses charge a small fee. The Chinese Hillside and Rock Garden are highlights. A 20-minute walk north of the city center or take any bus along Inverleith Row.
Visit Dean Village
This former milling village along the Water of Leith feels like a different world, just 10 minutes walk from Princes Street. Follow the riverside path from Stockbridge for the most scenic approach. Bring a camera for the stone buildings and weir.
Museums and Culture
Spend a half-day at the National Museum of Scotland
Free entry and big enough for 3-4 hours. The rooftop terrace has one of the best views in the city. The technology and science floors are standouts, and the Grand Gallery atrium is worth seeing on its own.
Visit the Scottish National Gallery
Free entry. Houses works by Raeburn, Ramsay, and major European masters. The building sits on The Mound between Old and New Town. Usually less crowded than the National Museum.
Tour the Scotch Whisky Experience
Located at the top of the Royal Mile near the castle. The Silver Tour (about 50 minutes) covers the distilling process and includes a tasting. The Gold Tour adds a guided nosing session of regional whiskies. Book ahead in peak season.
See a show at the Festival Theatre or Usher Hall
Edinburgh has a thriving arts scene year-round, not just during the August festivals. Check listings before your trip for ballet, opera, comedy, or concerts. The Traverse Theatre is the go-to for new writing and experimental work.
Visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Two buildings (Modern One and Modern Two) set in sculpture-filled grounds about 20 minutes west of the center. Free entry. The Paolozzi sculptures and the landscaped grounds with Landform installation are highlights.
New Town and Shopping
Walk along George Street and Princes Street
George Street has upscale shops and restaurants. Princes Street runs parallel with views of the castle and Old Town. For independent and vintage shops, head to Cockburn Street and Victoria Street instead.
Browse Stockbridge neighborhood
A village-within-a-city vibe with independent shops, delis, and charity shops full of finds. The Stockbridge Market runs every Sunday (10 AM-5 PM) with local food, crafts, and produce.
Visit the Georgian House on Charlotte Square
A restored 18th-century townhouse showing how Edinburgh's wealthy lived in the 1790s. Run by the National Trust for Scotland. Takes about 45 minutes and gives real context to the New Town architecture around you.
Explore Leith and the waterfront
Edinburgh's port district has transformed into a food and drink hub. Some of the city's best restaurants are here, often at lower prices than the center. The Royal Yacht Britannia is moored at Ocean Terminal and worth 2 hours.
Food, Drink, and Nightlife
Try haggis, neeps, and tatties
Scotland's national dish is served everywhere from pubs to fine dining. If you are hesitant, try haggis bon bons (deep-fried balls) as a starter. Many restaurants also serve a vegetarian haggis that is genuinely good.
Visit a traditional pub on the Royal Mile or Grassmarket
Pubs on the Royal Mile cater to tourists and charge accordingly. For a more local experience, try pubs in Stockbridge, Leith, or off Grassmarket. Most serve food until 8-9 PM.
Do a whisky tasting
Beyond the Scotch Whisky Experience, many pubs and bars offer guided tastings. Ask for a flight of single malts from different regions (Highland, Islay, Speyside, Lowland) to find your preference. Expect to pay around 15-25 GBP for a guided flight.
Try a full Scottish breakfast
Similar to an English breakfast but includes square sausage (Lorne sausage), tattie scones, and black pudding. Most cafes and B&Bs serve it until 11 AM-noon. Portions are large enough to skip lunch.
Get fish and chips from a local chippy
Edinburgh chip shops traditionally serve deep-fried everything, including Mars bars. Order a fish supper (comes with chips) and salt and vinegar. Locals eat them walking, straight from the paper.
Day Trips and Extras
Take a day trip to the Scottish Highlands
Organized tours from Edinburgh run year-round, typically 10-12 hours covering Glencoe, Loch Ness, or the Trossachs. Book at least a week ahead in summer. Self-driving gives more flexibility but the single-track roads in the Highlands need confidence.
Visit the Forth Bridge and South Queensferry
The iconic red railway bridge (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is 30 minutes from the city center by bus or train. Walk along the waterfront in South Queensferry for the best photo angles. Boat tours run under the bridge from Hawes Pier.
Explore Rosslyn Chapel
Made famous by a Dan Brown novel but genuinely stunning medieval architecture. 30 minutes south of Edinburgh by bus. The carved interior is covered in hundreds of stone figures, Green Men, and symbols. Allow 1-2 hours including the grounds.
Walk along Portobello Beach
Edinburgh's seaside suburb is a 25-minute bus ride from the center. The 2-mile promenade has cafes, an arcade, and views across the Firth of Forth. Water is cold year-round but locals swim regularly. Best on sunny days, obviously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
3 days covers the main sights: castle, Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat, and a museum day. With 4-5 days, you can add day trips to the Highlands or Rosslyn Chapel and explore neighborhoods like Leith and Stockbridge at a relaxed pace.
Is Edinburgh walkable or do you need public transport?
The city center (Old Town, New Town, Princes Street) is compact and walkable. Wear comfortable shoes because hills and cobblestones are everywhere. Buses are useful for reaching Leith, Portobello Beach, or the Botanic Garden. Trams connect the airport to the city center in 35 minutes.
What is the best time of year to visit Edinburgh?
August is peak season because of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (the world's largest arts festival) but accommodation prices triple and you need to book months ahead. May-June offers longer daylight (sunset after 10 PM), fewer crowds, and moderate prices. December has Christmas markets but short, cold days.
Is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival worth planning a trip around?
Yes, if you enjoy live performance. Over 3,000 shows run daily across the city for three weeks in August, from stand-up comedy to theater to street performance. Many shows are free or under 15 GBP. The downside: the city is packed, prices spike, and you need accommodation booked 3-6 months in advance.
How much does a trip to Edinburgh cost per day?
Budget travelers can manage 60-80 GBP per day with hostel accommodation, free museum visits, and pub meals. Mid-range travelers should budget 120-180 GBP per day for a 3-star hotel, restaurant meals, and paid attractions. Many of Edinburgh's best experiences (museums, walking, parks) are free.