What to do in Edinburgh: 12 must-do activities

Visiting Edinburgh, whether to kick off or wrap up your 7-day road trip in Scotland, is diving into a city where medieval history harmoniously blends with a vibrant modern energy. The Scottish capital with a thousand faces unfolds between its steep cobbled streets, castles perched on volcanic hills, and lush gardens that provide a welcome breath of fresh air amidst the urban landscape. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just a casual wanderer in search of authenticity, discovering Edinburgh always reveals unexpected surprises.

With its iconic monuments telling centuries of Scottish history and its hidden gems known only to the locals, the city offers a range of activities for all types of travelers. From free experiences to more exclusive tours, here’s our selection of the best things to do in Edinburgh for an unforgettable getaway in this fascinating city that never fails to captivate its visitors.

At the heart of the city stands Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano rising to 251 meters in altitude that offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Edinburgh. This Arthur's Seat hike in Edinburgh is accessible to everyone and provides a surprising nature escape just minutes from the city center. The trail winds through Holyrood Park, a green oasis where nature seems to have taken over.

The ascent, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on your pace, rewards hikers with a breathtaking panorama embracing the city, the North Sea, and the surrounding hills. It gives you a great first impression of the region's landscapes or reminds you of those incredible views discovered during your road trip through the Highlands. At sunrise or sunset, the scene becomes downright magical, with golden rays illuminating the slate roofs of the Scottish capital. Legend has it that King Arthur's castle is somewhere among these heights, adding a mystical dimension to this free and invigorating experience.

stretching 1.8 kilometers, this legendary street connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood and serves as the backbone of the Old Town. Strolling along the Royal Mile is like traveling through time across the uneven cobblestones, ancient facades, and countless closes (alleys) that branch off in both directions, inviting exploration.

The atmosphere here is unique, blending amazed tourists, talented street performers, and Scots in traditional kilts. Among the tartan shops, bagpipers, and historically rich buildings, each step reveals a new architectural detail or a fascinating anecdote. Don’t hesitate to venture into the adjacent “closes,” those narrow and secret passages that unveil unexpected courtyards and transport you to medieval Edinburgh.

Don't miss the Victoria Street Market, an authentic indoor market where local products meet Scottish craftsmanship. This picturesque place, with its colorful stalls and passionate vendors, offers a shopping experience that’s much more genuine than tourist shops. You'll find artisanal cheeses, rare whiskies, handmade jewelry, and a thousand other treasures that tell the creative soul of Edinburgh, another way to discover Scotland.

Located in the heart of Princes Street Gardens, the National Gallery of Scotland houses an impressive collection of European art ranging from the Renaissance to post-impressionism, and entry is completely free. Art lovers can admire works by masters like Monet, Van Gogh, Raphael, and Rembrandt in a majestic neoclassical setting.

The gallery also offers a rich collection of Scottish art that helps to better understand the country's cultural identity, perhaps before you kick off your 7-day road trip. With its bright halls and serene atmosphere, it's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while enriching yourself culturally. Temporary exhibitions regularly complement the permanent collection, ensuring there's always something new to discover on every visit.

Less crowded than Arthur's Seat but just as spectacular, Calton Hill offers an exceptional panoramic view of Edinburgh, complete with a collection of iconic monuments scattered across its summit. This easily accessible hill from Princes Street is home to the National Monument, an unfinished replica of the Parthenon that earns it the nickname "Athens of the North," as well as the Nelson Monument and the city's observatory.

The climb is short and pleasant, perfect for a romantic sunset or a contemplative break away from the crowd. Photographers particularly love this spot for capturing the silhouette of the castle against the horizon or the city lights sparkling at dusk. It's also a prime location during Hogmanay celebrations, the Scottish New Year, when fireworks light up the sky.

Just a fifteen-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street lies Dean Village, an ancient village of millers that seems frozen in time. This picturesque neighborhood, bordered by the Water of Leith, offers a peaceful and pastoral atmosphere with its stone houses featuring colorful facades, old bridges, and blooming gardens.

Walking along the river that runs through Dean Village gives you a total escape feeling, as if you’ve left the city and found yourself in a Scottish countryside hamlet. The old watermills witness the area's industrial past, now transformed into a peaceful haven for Edinburgers seeking tranquility. It’s a perfect free activity for those looking to discover a lesser-known and authentic side of the capital during their exploration of Scotland.

Princes Street, the main shopping street of Edinburgh, offers much more than just a shopping experience. This elegant avenue separates the medieval old town from the Georgian new town and provides spectacular views of the castle perched on its volcanic rock. The Princes Street Gardens that line it are a beautiful green lung where you can wander among flower beds, fountains, and monuments.

In the evening, this is the area that really comes to life and reveals the friendly spirit of Edinburgh. Typical pubs like “The Albanach” or “The Dome,” with their warm dark wood interiors and crackling fireplaces, welcome you to enjoy a pint of Scottish beer or a single malt whisky. The atmosphere is authentic, often accompanied by traditional live music that resonates through the centuries-old walls. It’s in these places that you'll truly understand the legendary Scottish hospitality, filled with lively conversations and shared laughter with the locals.

It's impossible to visit Scotland without passing through Edinburgh, and it's impossible to visit Edinburgh without climbing the hill to its iconic fortress that has majestically dominated the city for over a thousand years. This spectacular fortress has served as a royal residence, a military stronghold, and a prison, and its stones tell the most dramatic pages of Scottish history.

Inside, you'll discover the "Honours of Scotland", the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles, along with the famous "Stone of Destiny" on which Scottish monarchs were crowned. The military museum traces the history of Scottish regiments, while the ramparts offer stunning views of the entire city and beyond. Even though the interior requires a paid ticket for entry, nothing stops you from admiring the castle's imposing architecture from the many free viewpoints nearby, including Princes Street Gardens.

For a truly unique and slightly eerie experience, dive into the depths of the city with a guided tour of “The Real Mary King's Close.” These preserved medieval alleys beneath the buildings of the Royal Mile tell the fascinating and sometimes dark story of Edinburgh's inhabitants in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Your guide will take you through homes, shops, and public spaces frozen in time, evoking daily life as well as tragedies like the bubonic plague that decimated a large part of the population. Ghost stories and urban legends add a chilling dimension to this immersive tour, allowing you to grasp the living conditions of the time, the fears, and the popular beliefs. It's a must-do activity to understand the literal and figurative foundations on which modern Edinburgh was built.

At the end of the Royal Mile, at the foot of Arthur's Seat, stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland. This majestic palace, which served as the home to many Scottish sovereigns including the famous Mary Stuart, opens its doors to visitors eager to dive into the tumultuous royal history of the country.

The tour takes you through the richly decorated State Apartments, with their precious tapestries, ornate ceilings, and period furniture that evoke the grandeur of the Scottish court. One of the highlights is undoubtedly the room where David Rizzio, secretary and confidant of Mary Stuart, was dramatically murdered in 1566. The available audio guides passionately recount the intrigues, plots, and romances that unfolded within these historically charged walls.

The palace gardens and its ruins are also worth a visit, stretching over several acres at the foot of the mountain. Impeccably maintained, they offer a striking contrast between the formal architecture of the palace and the wild nature of Arthur's Seat looming in the background. If you visit Edinburgh during the summer, you might even get to attend one of the royal garden parties held in these exceptional gardens.

After wandering the steep streets of the Scottish capital, nothing beats a gourmet break in one of the city's traditional tea rooms. Scottish afternoon tea is a unique experience that celebrates the art of enjoying life and conviviality.

For a more theatrical and original experience, the Department of Magic offers a “Magical Afternoon Tea” set in a potion tavern that will delight fans of fantasy worlds. If you're after classic elegance, the “Signet Library” or “Prestonfield House” provide sumptuous settings with their high ceilings, Victorian decor, and fragrant gardens. For a more straightforward experience, stop by “Thomas J. Walls” and pick whatever catches your eye—you won’t be disappointed! No matter your preference, enjoying warm scones with clotted cream and jam, accompanied by delicate sandwiches and exquisite pastries, is an integral part of the Scottish experience, making it a must during your 7-day road trip in Scotland.

Edinburgh has a well-deserved reputation as the most haunted city in Europe, and joining a ghost tour is one of the most popular activities to discover its dark and mysterious side. These themed guided walks will take you through eerie cemeteries, underground vaults, and dark alleys where crimes, executions, and tragic events took place.

The Ghost Bus Tour offers a particularly fun experience aboard a vintage double-decker bus with a creepy atmosphere, combining thrills and British humor. Your comedian guide will share spooky stories about haunted locations while you explore the city. Other options include more intimate walking tours of the underground vaults of Greyfriars Kirkyard or the South Bridge vaults, where the confined atmosphere and darkness heighten the sensations. These tours are especially popular in October when Edinburgh celebrates Halloween with particular enthusiasm.

Founded in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh spans 28 acres of lush greenery in the Stockbridge area. It's a beautiful place to appreciate the wonders of nature and explore botanical collections from around the globe, with a special focus on plants from the Southern Hemisphere and endangered species.

Access to the outdoor gardens is free, allowing you to wander among giant rhododendrons, century-old trees, and impeccably maintained lawns. Only the Victorian glasshouses, which house tropical plants and fascinating themed collections, require a small entry fee. The Chinese garden, with its traditional pavilion and carefully arranged plantings following feng shui principles, offers a moment of absolute serenity. On a lovely day, having a picnic (which will surely remind you of breaks during your road trip) on the lawns while enjoying the city view is a truly simple joy accessible to everyone.

If your trip to Edinburgh is happening in August, you'll have the extraordinary chance to experience the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world. For almost a whole month, the Scottish capital literally transforms into a giant stage where nearly 4000 performances take place in over 300 different venues throughout the city.

What makes the Fringe so unique is its open access policy. Any artist with a show and a venue can participate, without selection or jury. This democratic approach creates an unmatched creative buzz where you can discover both emerging talents and established stars testing out new acts. Comedy, theater, dance, music, circus, cabaret, children's shows... all artistic genres are represented.

The Royal Mile becomes the beating heart of the festival, filled with street performers, comedians handing out flyers, jugglers, fire breathers, and musicians creating an unforgettable carnival atmosphere. Ticket prices remain affordable, with most shows costing between £10 and £15, and even free options available as part of the Free Fringe.

The Fringe experience isn't just about the shows themselves; the whole city participates in this unrestrained celebration of creativity. Pubs overflow with artists sharing their stories, terraces resonate with passionate debates about the best shows, and every street corner holds a surprise. If you're planning your visit during this magical time, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance, as the city fills up weeks before the festival starts.

As the grand finale of a road trip in Scotland, visiting Edinburgh is embarking on a journey where every street corner holds a surprise, where the thousand-year history engages with a overflowing contemporary creativity. From the peaks of Arthur's Seat to the mysterious depths of Mary King's Close, from fragrant tea rooms to haunted towers that send shivers down your spine, the Scottish capital knows how to captivate all types of travelers.

What makes this city truly special is its unique ability to offer rich and varied experiences without necessarily breaking the bank. Between free activities that unveil the city's natural and cultural treasures and paid experiences that immerse you in its exceptional heritage, everyone can create their own itinerary based on their interests and curiosity.

Things to do in Edinburgh go beyond classic tourist attractions. The city is also experienced in its warm pubs where conversations and traditional music resonate, in its secret alleys that hide unsuspected courtyards, and in its artisan markets where local creators showcase their talent. It's this authenticity, this unique atmosphere blending architectural nobility with Scottish friendliness, that transforms a simple visit into a true immersion.

Are you dreaming of discovering Edinburgh in an authentic and organized way, fully enjoying every moment without worrying about logistics? Scotland Nomads offers carefully crafted trips that allow you to explore the activities mentioned in this article while discovering the lesser-known gems of Scotland that only passionate local guides can reveal.

Our approach prioritizes immersive experiences and authentic encounters, allowing you to experience Scotland like a true Scot, not just a simple tourist. From legendary castles to the wild landscapes of the Highlands, to the well-kept secrets of the capital, each day is designed to create unforgettable memories.

Ready to embark on a Scottish adventure? Check out our trip to Scotland and let yourself be guided through the wonders of Edinburgh and beyond. Scotland is waiting for you to unveil its stories, landscapes, and generous soul.