Activities and Places to Visit in Edinburgh
(all the following suggestions are in the city centre or within a short bus ride)
Arthur's Seat - Enjoy the views from the summit of Edinburgh's very own volcano - in the heart of the city.
Bike hire and personalised cycling tours - A memorable way to see more of the city or the countryside beyond, whether it's on a road, hybrid or e-bike.
Calton Hill - Centrally located, and famous for its historic monuments and inspiring views.
Camera Obscura - The oldest visitor attraction in town, and still one of the most popular for all ages.
Craigmillar Castle - One of the most perfectly preserved castles in Scotland and a frequent star of the silver screen.
Dynamic Earth - A 4D, time-travelling 5* visitor attraction telling the history of the planet's development.
Edinburgh Castle - Royal palace, battle site, treasury, prison, museum, weaponry and memorial - and one of Scotland's most popular attractions.
Edinburgh Gin Distillery - Their goal is to 'educate, excite and liberate' with all things gin.
Edinburgh's New Town - The neat and ordered grid to the north of the centre boasts spectacular buildings and streets of designer shops.
Edinburgh's Old Town - Dripping in atmosphere and history, with cobbled street, narrow alleys and hidden courtyards.
Edinburgh Zoo - From the panda house to the penguin parade, a great day out for all.
Ghost Tour - A wide range of history walks and ghost tours, above ground or under, by day or by night.
Greyfriars Bobby and Kirkyard - World-famous for the little dog, multiple ghosts, and its influence on Harry Potter.
Harry Potter Walking Tour - Discover the real-life sites that influenced the Potter phenomenon.
National Museum of Scotland - A wide range of world-class exhibitions, events and collections to explore.
Palace of Holyroodhouse - The Queen's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history.
Photography Tours and Workshops - From beginner to advanced amateur, hone your photography skills while discovering the famous landmarks and also the hidden gems of Edinburgh.
Royal Yacht Britannia - The Queen's former floating palace, and a 5* visitor attraction.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art - The country's leading collection of modern and contemporary art.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery - The story of Scotland displayed through its most famous faces.
The Real Mary King's Close - Explore an atmospheric warren of streets beneath the city centre
The Royal Botanic Gardens - One of the world's leading botanic gardens
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - A world-famous spectacle of military music and marching against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle
The Scotch Whisky Experience - Based at the top of the Royal Mile, learn all about the joys - and tastes - of Scotch whisky.
The Scottish Parliament - Visit the seat of the country's government, in a showcase of modern architecture