Discover Edinburgh: Your Guide to Sightseeing and Activities
57 activities · Scotland
Discover Edinburgh: Your Guide to Sightseeing and Activities
Edinburgh, the captivating capital of Scotland, unfolds across a dramatic landscape of rolling hills and ancient volcanic rock. Its historic heart is divided into two distinct areas: the medieval Old Town, with its labyrinthine closes and towering tenements, and the elegant Georgian New Town, characterized by its neoclassical architecture and wide, tree-lined streets.
Wander through the atmospheric streets, where the scent of traditional Scottish fare mingles with the crisp air. From the imposing silhouette of Edinburgh Castle perched high on its rock to the vibrant energy of the Royal Mile, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences.
Edinburgh invites exploration, whether you're drawn to its deep history, its literary connections, or the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it. Discover the city's unique charm through guided tours, immersive experiences, and excursions into the stunning Scottish landscape.
01Activities to book
The best experiences in Edinburgh
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Skip the lineAll activities · Edinburgh · 57
- 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh
- 3-Day Guided Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
- 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh
- 3-Day Isle of Skye, Inverness & Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
- 5 Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness From Edinburgh
- 90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town
- Edinburgh Castle 120-Minute In-Depth Experience with Expert Guide
- Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included
- Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour - Entry Tickets Included
- Edinburgh Castle Tickets and Tour - Local Expert Guide In a Kilt
- Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included
- Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
- Edinburgh Darkside Ghost Tour of Mysteries and Murder and Legends
- Edinburgh Food Tour with 5 Authentic Tastings & Local Scotch
- Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle included
- Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders
- Edinburgh Premium Food and Drink Tour with EatWalk Tours
- Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William
- Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour
- Edinburgh: Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour
- Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour
- Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands
- Edinburgh: St Andrews & The Fishing Villages of Fife
- Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs
- Edinburgh: The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Tour
- Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Day Tour
- Hadrian's Wall and The Borders Tour from Edinburgh with Admission
- Hairy Coos and Highland Views: A Short-Day Escape from Edinburgh
- Harry Potter Tour and Edinburgh Castle Visit
- Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh
- Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh
- Highland Lochs, Glens and Castles Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Islander Harris Tweed® Mini Satchel Making Workshop
- Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Small-Group Tour
- Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise
- Loch Ness, Glencoe, the Highlands Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour
- Old Town Walking Tour: History and Tales in Edinburgh
- Original Harry Potter Locations: Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh
- Outlander Film Locations Day Trip from Edinburgh
- Outlander Locations Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh
- Private Tour of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh
- Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish Borders Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour
- Royal Edinburgh Ticket - Hop-On Hop-Off and Attraction Admissions
- Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour
- Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh
- St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh
- The Edinburgh Dungeon Entrance Ticket
- The Johnnie Walker Signature Experience in Edinburgh
- The Outlander 1 Day Experience
- The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky
- The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
- Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town
- West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission
02Complete your day
More to do in Edinburgh
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Guided tours in Edinburgh
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Culture & History in Edinburgh
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Day trips in Edinburgh
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Walking tours in Edinburgh
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Food & Drink in Edinburgh
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Ghost tours in Edinburgh
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Multi-day tours in Edinburgh
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Top pickEdinburgh: good to know
- Population
- 488,050 (2016)
- Elevation
- 47 m
- Currency
- pound sterling
- Driving
- on the left
- Power plugs
- G · 230 V
- Emergency number
- 999
- Capital city
- London
- 3°Jan
- 3°Feb
- 5°Mar
- 7°Apr
- 10°May
- 13°Jun
- 14°Jul
- 14°Aug
- 12°Sept
- 9°Oct
- 6°Nov
- 4°Dec
Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
Plan your trip
Guide · 8 min readLoch Ness and the Highlands from Edinburgh in a DayFive day trips to the Highlands from Edinburgh, four of them to Loch Ness: cruise included or optional, groups of 16 to 57 people at most, and only one with a French audio guide. Here is how to choose.- Guide · 8 min readEdinburgh Vaults, Ghosts and Castle ToursTwo tours through the vaults and haunted alleys, two guided castle tours with an entry ticket: lengths, meeting points, ages, access and reviews of four Edinburgh tours, then which to choose.
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh
What are the top things to do in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh offers a wealth of activities, from exploring the historic Edinburgh Castle and walking the Royal Mile to discovering hidden closes and enjoying food and drink tours. Day trips to the Highlands and other Scottish landmarks are also popular.
What to see in Edinburgh?
Key sights include Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile, and the National Museum of Scotland. The city's Old and New Towns provide a fascinating contrast of architecture and history.
Can I do day trips from Edinburgh?
Yes, Edinburgh is an excellent base for day trips. Popular excursions include tours to the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and historical sites like Stirling Castle and Hadrian's Wall.
What are some unique Edinburgh tours?
Experience Edinburgh's darker side with ghost tours exploring haunted vaults and graveyards, or delve into its culinary scene with food and whisky tasting tours. For fans of literature and film, tours focusing on Outlander or Harry Potter locations are available.
What to see in Edinburgh in 3 days?
A 3-day visit allows time to explore Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile, visit Holyrood Palace, and perhaps take a day trip to a nearby attraction like Stirling Castle or the coast.