Edinburgh Travel Guide | 15 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

The United Kingdom has numerous breathtaking places that you have to visit at least once in your life. Scotland itself will amaze you with the outstanding sights that you can find all over the city. From museums to bus tours, everything will give you a unique experience.

Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1437. This amazing city played a leading role in the Age of Enlightenment. Therefore, there are plenty of outstanding buildings here that house some of the greatest personalities and ideas of all time.

From then to now, Edinburgh continues to be one of the most fascinating cities you can find. This Edinburgh travel guide will help you sort out all the must-see sites in the city so you do not miss a thing.

Without further ado, let us explore all the amazing options that Edinburgh travel guide can give you.

What are the Best Things to Do in Edinburgh?

Museums 

If you want to know the history of a city, all you have to do is visit a museum. Most of the time, museums do not only house masterpieces from their own country, but offer you exhibitions from all over the world.

edinburgh travel guide

One of the greatest museums that cannot be missed in our Edinburgh travel guide is the National Museum of Scotland. The 3-floor building will leave you breathless with its variety of exhibitions. This is a magical place for children and the free entrance is ideal for parents!

edinburgh travel guide

If you love modern art, then there is the perfect palace for you in the city. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art hosts amazing masterpieces by famous artists such as Salvador Dali. Combined with the beautiful building and the gardens outside, this could be a fascinating experience.

edinburgh travel guide

Their slogan is “Impossible doesn’t exist”. The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions will make you forget everything you knew about life until then. Visiting this strange but amazing museum is ideal for children. However, adults will also have a lot of fun. Book your tickets now and have a great time!

edinburgh travel guide

The excellent Dynamic Earth is waiting for you to discover new, interesting things about the planet. You will be amazed by the modern facilities, the amazing exhibitions and the movies on the 360 screen.

Castles and Churches

Edinburgh is a city by the sea. Therefore it couldn’t lack a castle. It has been built on Castle Rock since at least the 12th century. The emblematic Edinburgh Castle with the breathtaking gardens is a piece of quiet in the noisy city.

edinburgh travel guide

So do not miss taking a tour of its hallways and rooms, which will transfer you to the magical world of knights and kings. Plus, if you want to take a minute for yourself, the gardens of the castle are at your disposal.

From protection to spiritual resurrection, Edinburgh has some of the most impressive churches in the world. The St. Giles Cathedral located in the heart of the Old Town is a must-see impressive structure that will take your breath away.

edinburgh travel guide

Another emblematic church in the West End of Edinburgh’s New Town is the St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral. Built in the late 19th century, this church is the tallest building in the Edinburgh city area.

Walks Around the City

Edinburgh is a city well worth exploring on foot. Many of the greatest buildings and monuments are located in Old or New Towns. Both of these Towns are part of the World Heritage Site, by UNESCO.

So take your time to walk around Old Town or the New one, go shopping and enjoy the sights. However, if you are looking for something more unique, there are exceptional places to visit in the city.

edinburgh travel guide

One of these places is Arthur’s Seat. Take a deep breath and climb the ancient volcano by following the trails. The 360-degree view of the city will make you think that you are on top of the whole world.

If you are looking for a spot in the city that is full of greenery, then you should visit the Jupiter Artland. The sculpture park just outside Edinburgh is a great place to spend some quality time while enjoying a different kind of art.

Special Tours 

Many cities around the world offer some special things to their tourists. In our Edinburgh travel guide, we present not one, but two extraordinary tours you can take. The Ghost Bus Tour and the Edinburgh Dungeon. 

If you have read the York Travel Guide, then the Ghost Bus Tour may look familiar to you. Well, it’s the same thing, just in a different city. The tour lasts 1 hour and fifteen minutes, so get ready for a once in a lifetime experience.

When it comes to the Edinburgh Dungeon tour, it is a great opportunity to learn more about the city’s gruesome history. Choose the ticket that suits you and then embark on the most vivid tour you have ever experienced.

What to Eat in the City?

The local dishes may not be as famous as the culinary experiences in Florence or San Sebastian, but there are flavors you should definitely try. Throughout the city, there are numerous restaurants that you can visit to try some famous dishes from the region.

Edinburgh Travel Guide | 15 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

It may seem unusual, but one of the most popular flavors in Edinburgh is the mac and cheese toastie. Additionally, you should not leave the city without trying the Scottish national dish, haggis.

Depending on which restaurant you visit, you can try any flavor you like. There are the small and beautiful local restaurants and on the flip side, the Michelin starred restaurants. Choose wisely and try to get to know the dishes of Edinburgh.

Does Edinburgh Offer a Great Nightlife?

This Edinburgh’s travel guide couldn’t lack having some tips on the city’s nightlife in the city. Edinburgh has many clubs, pubs and bars where you can spend your night with friends and family.

It is common knowledge that Scotland is the land of whiskey. So, you cannot leave the city without trying the national drink at least once. There are many bars where you can taste the best whiskey in the world.

Edinburgh Travel Guide | 15 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

One of the benefits of Edinburgh nightlife is that it is one of the most affordable cities for a student night out. Last but definitely not least, Edinburgh is a city where you can easily go for a walk even in the early hours of the morning.

So, the city offers plenty of options and makes you feel secure in its alleys. Find the right place for you, take your friends and have the best time of your life.

When to Visit Edinburgh?

When you visit countries in northern Europe, you must consider the weather. It is common knowledge that temperatures are very low in winter. Therefore, it would be a good idea if you visit Edinburgh from May to August.

Additionally, if you love festivals and outdoor activities, August is the month for you. Most of the biggest events take place during this time of the year and the spectacle will take your breath away.

However, since most of the tourists visit the city at this time of the year, the prices may be more expensive than any other time of the year. Therefore, you can either book your tickets earlier or visit Edinburgh in a different month.

Whenever you decide to visit the city, you will not be disappointed. With our Edinburgh travel guide, the capital of Scotland will please you any time of the year and you will love it.

Edinburgh Travel Guide | Wrap up

Scotland is a unique country that has a lot to offer. Edinburgh could not be anything else than perfect. The beautiful surroundings, the amazing museums and monuments, and the hospitable people will steal your heart.

There are four things you need to do before you make the trip. First, convince your friends to go on a lifetime trip with you. Then, book your tickets and hotel. Third read one more our Edinburgh travel guide. And lastly, pack your luggage and have fun! Edinburgh is waiting for you!

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