17+ Enchanting Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Wondering what you need to see on a visit to Scotland's historic capital city? I've compiled my list of the top things to do, see, eat, drink, & tour in Edinburgh!

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Wondering what to do in Edinburgh, Scotland?

Edinburgh, Scotland (SPC)

​I truly fell in love with Scotland the minute I stepped off the plane.

​From its romantic history to its modern day charms and accessibility, Scotland makes for a perfect vacation destination, particularly for those unaccustomed to international travel.

View of Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh (JSB)

Need some convincing?
​Check out my 5 reasons you'll love Scotland!

Edinburgh itself is an incredibly impressive city.

From the medieval Royal Mile to the foodie scene to the Royal and Harry Potter must-see spots, the Scottish capital truly has something for everyone. And Edinburgh is an excellent home base from which to explore the rest of Scotland via train.

I sometimes feel that Edinburgh gets less attention than it deserves, as an astonishingly well-preserved city centre, in Europe. I see guides suggesting "a day or two" in Edinburgh. We spent 10 days in Edinburgh and were not bored, with a few days trips sprinkled in. Anyway - I promise you will not be bored.

​Let's walk through the top things to do in Edinburgh! Obviously, there are other awesome things that are not on this list (climbing Arthur's Seat comes to mind), but I've limited my suggestions to things we actually *did* during our visit.

17+ Enchanting Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Discover Calton Hill

​Calton Hill is a must-see on any trip to Edinburgh, and I'd argue it's a great starting point for your trip. From the top of the Hill you'll get a bird's eye view of the city you'll be exploring. And you'll be so exhausted walking up there, you'll forget about your jet lag!

Calton Hill, Edinburgh, with Arthur's Seat in the background (JSB)

Calton Hill, Edinburgh (JSB)

​Enjoy a Literary Pub Tour

Pub, Edinburgh (SPC)

One of my favorite activities during our time in Edinburgh was the evening spent taking a Literary Pub Tour. 

​Pop around from pub-to-pub learning about famous books and writers in Edinburgh, such as Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and the works of Sir Walter Scott.

Wondering what to pack for your trip to Scotland? Check out: What to Wear in Scotland: The 14+ Outfit Tips You Need to Know

Explore Edinburgh's "New Town"

New Town, Edinburgh (SPC)

While Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the heart of the tourist zone (don't worry, we'll get there!) don't forget to explore gorgeous "New Town," the more "planned," Georgian portion of Edinburgh, reminiscent of Bath down in England! New Town has it all - from high-end shopping, and chic cocktail bars to its own fair share of history, the Scott Monument and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery!

Extra Credit: Stay in New Town

Interior staircase at the former townhouse (JSB)

We *loved* our stay at The InterContinental Edinburgh, The George. While still a central location, its spot in New Town allowed us to be slightly removed from the crowds of tourists on The Royal Mile. And it's a former mansion that seemed to fill-up with men in kilts for weddings every weekend! What more could you want!

Guestroom at the InterContinental Edinburgh, The George (JSB)

Our sitting room at the InterContinental Edinburgh, The George (JSB)

Shop & Dine in ​Grassmarket

Grassmarket, Edinburgh (JSB)

One of my favorite areas in Edinburgh is Grassmarket - on the other side of The Royal Mile from New Town. Invariably described as "vibrant," Grassmarket is home to independent shops and restaurants, in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Be sure to pop over and stroll Grassmarket's mini highstreet, eat in its quaint cafes, and explore the little shops.

And while you're over here, stop by the elephant house, where J.K. Rowling worked on Harry Potter!

the elephant house, Edinburgh (JSB)

8+ Avoidable Tourist Mistakes Americans Make in Scotland

​Explore Greyfriars Kirkyard

Riddell's Grave, Greyfriars Kirkyard (JSB)

Interestingly open 24 hours/a day, Edinburgh's Greyfriars Kirkyard is a historic cemetery in Grassmarket. J.K. Rowling whiled away the time here, and you'll see the cemetery is sprinkled with names she borrowed for the Harry Potter series!

​And don't forget to visit the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a loyal little pup who spent 14 years guarding the grave of his former master, and winning the hearts of all of Edinburgh.

​Check out The Balmoral Hotel

The Balmoral Edinburgh (SPC)

While we're on the subject of Harry Potter, stop by Edinburgh's iconic Balmoral Hotel, where J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and which boasts an unparalleled whisky selection and bar!

Tour Iconic Edinburgh Castle

Entrance to Edinburgh Castle (JSB)

​No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without spending half a day exploring the gorgeous Edinburgh Castle, which has stood sentry over the city since the 12th century, and through the various wars that have ravaged Scotland, claims to be one of "the most attacked" places in the world.

View from Edinburgh Castle (JSB)

View of Edinburgh Castle (JSB)

Extra Credit: eat at The Witchery at the Castle

After your visit to Edinburgh Castle, grab lunch at The Witchery at the Castle, a tasteful, yet whimsical, extravagantly expensive take on the dark side of Edinburgh, and haute cuisine.

Explore ​The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile, Edinburgh (SPC)

You knew we'd get there in the end! Let's discuss the highlights of Edinburgh's Royal Mile (that we haven't already covered!)

​The center of Edinburgh's tourist orbit, the Royal Mile is famous for a reason! An incredibly well-preserved collection of stone buildings, the Royal Mile sometimes get a bad rep for its collection of stores selling "tat" (cheap souvenirs), which are, undoubtedly, ubiquitous.

But looking beyond the purveyors of tartan, you're in the center of one of the best preserved cities in the world. You won't find the heart of "normal" Scottish life on the Royal Mile, but you will find some darned interesting tourist sites!

St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh

St Giles Cathedral, Scotland's version of Canterbury Cathedral, is the head of the Church of Scotland, and the world-wide Presbyterian church. With its gorgeously-topped tower, it's the second focal point of the Edinburgh skyline, behind the Castle. 

St Giles Cathedral (JSB)

You can't miss it as you stroll the Royal Mile. Be sure to pop in and have a look around! Did I mention it has a great gift shop?

Pubs!

The Royal Mile is home to (not surprisingly), some awesome pubs! Favorites of ours included: The Royal McGregor, Deacon Brodie's Tavern (named for the inspiration for Jekyll & Hyde), and The Ensign Ewart, est. 1680 (of Waterloo fame).

Scotch Whisky Experience

Incredible Scotch collection at The Scotch Whisky Experience (JSB)

​I'm not a huge Scotch drinker, but for a fun amusement park-style ride and a good intro to Scottish whisky, stop by the Scotch Whisky Experience and get a buzz on mid-afternoon!

The Palace of Holyrood House

Holyrood Abbey ruins (SPC)

At the opposite end of The Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle is The Palace of Holyrood House, The King's official residence in Scotland, along with the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, which, to me, evokes the romance of Scotland more than any building we saw during our visit. Run by the Royal Collection Trust, it's also a lovely place to grab a fancy tea, if you're feeling posh after your tour.

Interested in visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse? Check out the full post, to learn more about your visit and the history of the gorgeous palace.

Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh (JSB)

​Find your favorite wynd

Edinburgh's historic, stone streets are connected by other, smaller streets, known as closes or wynds, which are so tiny, you could easily miss them! There are even lists of wynds, so you can find your favorite.

Charming ​Dean Village

If you've been strolling through Pinterest, researching your trip to Edinburgh, you've almost certainly seen pictures of stunning Dean Village, a former milling village that has been slowly annexed into essentially Downtown Edinburgh! Almost alarmingly not crowded with tourists, Dean Village makes for a great break from the hustle and bustle.

Dean Village, Edinburgh (SPC)

'Set sail" on the ​Royal Yacht Britannia

All aboard The Royal Yacht Britainnia! (JSB)

Being Queen certainly has its perks, and a yacht used to be one of them. The Royal Yacht Britannia allows visitors a glimpse into the private quarters of the Royal Family, on the yacht on which they relaxed and entertained an impressive list of celebrities and world leaders until her decommissioning in 1997.

Not in the most scenic area of Edinburgh (it's attached to a shopping mall), it's an absolute must for any Royal enthusiast. It'll make a few scenes in the early seasons of The Crown really come to life!

Extra Credit: Day Trips from Edinburgh

St Andrews, Scotland, one of the most popular day trips from Edinburgh (SPC)

I can't do a post on Scotland without mentioning how easy it is to take day trips from Edinburgh. You *can* walk to Edinburgh Waverley, where you'll catch the trains - so I'm going to count it as on foot.

Incredibly easy day trips from Edinburgh include:

• Stirling, home to Stirling Castle and the William Wallace Monument
• St Andrews, birthplace of golf and the relationship of The Prince & Princess of Wales
• Craigmillar Castle, technically still in Edinburgh, Craigmillar is an amazing castle ruin accessible on the Edinburgh city bus!

Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh (JSB)

Thanks for stopping by!

Edinburgh Castle (JSB)

I so appreciate you stopping by my little blog to help inspire your trip to Edinburgh. While you're here, I hope you'll take some time to discover the many other free resources I've created over the years to help Americans planning trips "across the pond." No paywalls, no gimmicks - just free advice from a friendly lawyer mom who wants you to have a wonderful time in Scotland.

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