The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is an incredible city full of history, culture, and charm. There’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Edinburgh. From iconic landmarks and historic castles to beautiful botanic gardens, this guide will help you discover the very best experiences Edinburgh has to offer.

Edinburgh was one of our first trips with our 2-year-old toddler after we came out of the COVID-19 lockdown. Although most of the things we did in Edinburgh aren’t specifically aimed at kids, they are all family-friendly!

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The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Of course, a trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without visiting Edinburgh Castle! It will be on every blog post you read about the best things to do in Edinburgh.

So it isn’t quite the fairytale castle I was hoping for. It’s more like a small village on top of a hill. However, my husband is a real castle lover and he’s put it in his top 5 Castles!

The castle is full of history and is actually pretty interesting. In my opinion, it is worth visiting, even if you only go for the amazing views over the city!

Adult tickets cost £21.50, children are £13 and under 7s go free. As this is one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh, you should book tickets in advance. Visit the Edinburgh Castle website to book.

Is Edinburgh Castle Good for Kids?

Yes, our toddler had a great time exploring Edinburgh Castle and was very pleased with the toy helmet we bought him as a souvenir! Some parts of the castle do have a lot of steps, so consider bringing a baby carrier if you might need one!

There are also activity worksheets available for older kids.

OUTSIDE EDINBURGH CASTLE & THE VIEW OF THE CITY FROM INSIDE THE WALLS

Walk The Royal Mile

Starting at Edinburgh Castle, running through the centre of Edinburgh, and finishing at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Royal Mile (or Edinburgh High Street) is another must-see.

It’s a lovely scenic walk with a lot of atmosphere. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants along the mile as well as some stunning architecture.

It can get quite busy. If you prefer a more relaxed walk, try going early in the morning!

ARCHITECTURE ON THE ROYAL MILE

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace, the one place I didn’t go to, that I wished I had. Unfortunately, there just wasn’t enough time to go in, but I did get a quick look at the outside. It just looked beautiful!

I am 100% planning on returning to Edinburgh, so this will be top of my to-do list next time!

Tickets are cheaper if booked in advance. Adult tickets are £21, children are £10.50 and under 5s visit for free. Book Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets here.

OUTSIDE THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE IN EDINBURGH

Climb Calton Hill

Climbing Carltion Hill is a fun and free thing to do in Edinburgh. It was a much easier climb than I expected it to be, making it perfect for families with young children. It is a little steep, but it only takes about 5-10 minutes to get from the bottom to the top.

It is absolutely worth the effort for the stunning views over the city.

READ MORE: VIEWS IN EDINBURGH YOU’LL WANT TO SEE

THE VIEW FROM THE TOP OF CARLTOP HILL & A VIEW OF ARTHUR’S SEAT

Visit The Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh are stunning, especially in the summer.

Home to over 70 acres of plants, there is plenty to explore here. Even if you’re not a plant lover, there is still plenty to enjoy at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Personally, I loved the glass house and the adorable cottage surrounded by wildflowers (pictured below).

We visited on a beautiful, sunny day. I’m not sure it would be so enjoyable in the rain, so try and plan it well!

To make these gardens even better, it is a completely free thing to do in Edinburgh!

ENJOYING THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS IN EDINBURGH

Take a Walking Tour

There are plenty of options for walking tours in Edinburgh. Being Harry Potter fans, we chose to do a Harry Potter tour and really enjoyed it!

There are also general Edinburgh old and new town tours, as well as ghost tours. They’re a great way to explore the city and learn some interesting facts along the way.

We did our tour with City Explorers, who have daily tours available. The tours are free, although you are expected to tip your guide. This seems completely fair, and I assume if you paid for a tour, you’d still be expected to tip the guide!

READ MORE: HARRY POTTER EDINBURGH LOCATIONS TO VISIT

Marval at the National Museum of Scotland

I have never seen such a beautiful museum as the National Museum of Scotland! It is also free, it’s a great thing to do in Edinburgh, even if you only have time for a quick visit.

It’s a perfect option for a rainy afternoon, especially if you are visiting with children as there are lots of hands-on things for them to enjoy.

INSIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND IN EDINBURGH

Enjoy Another Museum

While the National Museum of Scotland is probably the most well-known, there are so many other museums to visit in Edinburgh.

Some other popular options include: The Scottish Storytelling Centre, The Museum of Childhood and The Museum on the Mound. These are all also free to visit!

Wander Through Princes Street Gardens

Separating the old and new towns of Edinburgh. Princes Street Gardens is a beautiful place for a stroll or a picnic. It also has great views of the castle, so be sure to walk past The Ross Fountain.

Shop in the New Town

The Old Town of Edinburgh is historic and full of culture. The New Town is known for its shops and restaurants. From high street brands to luxury retailers and independent stores, Edinburgh has something for everyone.

Multrees Walk is where you’ll find most of the luxury boutiques, and St James Quarter is Edinburgh’s shopping centre, where you’ll find plenty of popular high street brands.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

There are so many options for places to stay in Edinburgh. We stayed in the old town, and this was a great area for first-time visitors as you’ll be right in the centre of all the main attractions.

If you prefer something a little quieter but still central, the New Town will be a good option for you.

Some great hotel options include:

• Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre – Budget
• The Scotsman Hotel – Mid-Range
• Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG – Mid Range
• The Balmoral Hotel – Luxury
• Hilton Edinburgh Carlton – Great for Families

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

You’ll also be spoiled for choice of places to eat and drink in Edinburgh. I’m not a huge foodie but we did go to some really amazing places in Edinburgh that I will share with you below:

• Brunch at Em’s Kitchen – visiting a pink cafe is always at the top of my to-do list and this one didn’t disappoint!
• Tea and cake at Mimi’s Bakehouse – this is another Instagram-worthy cafe with delicious cakes. It was worth letting my toddler skip his nap to visit here!
• Dinner at @Pizza – update: unfortunately, this place has now closed.
• Cocktails at Tigerlily – they also serve great food. We got a drink and enjoyed it while our son ate dinner from the kids’ menu.

In general, George Street and the surrounding area are a great place to start if you’re hungry!

Thank you so much for reading my guide about the best things to do in Edinburgh. I hope you have an amazing time in Scotland.

Happy Travelling,