Edinburgh is one of the world's most beautiful cities, where medieval history meets world-class festivals, and ancient castles overlook a vibrant modern capital. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a week, there's always something incredible to discover.
From the iconic Edinburgh Castle towering over the city to the wild beauty of Arthur's Seat, from the narrow closes of the Royal Mile to the elegant Georgian terraces of the New Town, Edinburgh offers experiences for every type of traveller. This guide covers the essential attractions, hidden gems, free things to do, and practical tips for making the most of your visit.
Top Edinburgh Attractions
Edinburgh Castle
Scotland's most iconic landmark with Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, and panoramic city views.
Arthur's Seat
Hike an ancient volcano for the best panoramic views of Edinburgh. Free and unforgettable.
Royal Mile
Edinburgh's historic spine connecting the Castle to Holyrood Palace. Shops, closes, and history.
Holyrood Palace
The Queen's official Scottish residence. Explore royal apartments and ruined abbey.
Edinburgh Zoo
Scotland's largest zoo with pandas, penguins, and over 1,000 animals.
National Museum of Scotland
World-class free museum covering Scottish history, science, art, and world cultures.
Free Things To Do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is brilliant for budget travellers. Many of the city's best attractions are completely free, including world-class museums, stunning viewpoints, and historic sites.
National Museum of Scotland
Scottish National Gallery
Royal Botanic Garden
Calton Hill sunset views
Walk the Royal Mile
Dean Village stroll
Portobello Beach
Scottish Parliament tour
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Grassmarket wandering
Things To Do By Interest
History Lovers
Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Mary King's Close, National Museum
Nature & Outdoors
Arthur's Seat, Royal Botanic Garden, Pentland Hills, Portobello Beach
Families with Kids
Edinburgh Zoo, Dynamic Earth, Camera Obscura, Edinburgh Dungeon
Foodies
Food tours, Whisky tastings, Leith restaurants, Farmers markets
Art & Culture
Scottish National Gallery, Modern Art galleries, Fruitmarket Gallery
Harry Potter Fans
Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street, The Elephant House cafe
Hidden Gems & Secret Spots
Beyond the famous landmarks, Edinburgh is full of secret gardens, hidden closes, and lesser-known spots that most tourists miss. Here are some local favourites:
Circus Lane
Instagram-famous cobbled mews street in Stockbridge
Dr Neil's Garden
Secret garden on Duddingston Loch
Dovecot Studios
Working tapestry studio in former bathhouse
Jupiter Artland
Outdoor sculpture park in stunning grounds
Cramond Island
Tidal island walk across ancient causeway
Dunbar's Close Garden
Hidden 17th-century garden off Royal Mile
Practical Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
Best Time to Visit
May-September: Best weather, but August is extremely busy with festivals. April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Winter is cold but magical, especially for Christmas markets and Hogmanay.
Getting Around
Edinburgh's centre is very walkable. The tram connects the airport to the city centre and Leith. Buses cover the whole city. Consider a day pass (£4.80) if using public transport. Avoid driving in the city centre.
Money-Saving Tips
Many top museums are free. Book attraction tickets online for discounts. Consider the Edinburgh Pass for multiple paid attractions. Eat lunch instead of dinner at fancy restaurants for better value set menus.
Book in Advance
Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and popular restaurants should be booked ahead, especially in summer and during festivals. Ghost tours and whisky tastings also fill up quickly.
Start Planning Your Edinburgh Trip
Explore our detailed guides to Edinburgh's attractions, neighbourhoods, restaurants, and events to plan your perfect Scottish adventure.