Things To Do In Edinburgh – Best Tourist Attractions In Edinburgh

If you are looking for things to do in Edinburgh, you will not be disappointed. The capital of Scotland is a vibrant and historic city that offers plenty of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to explore the medieval Old Town, visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle, enjoy the festivals and events, or sample the local cuisine and whisky, you will find something to suit your taste and budget. In this article, we will give you some tips on the best tourist attractions in Edinburgh that you should not miss. From museums and galleries to parks and gardens, from royal palaces and monuments to haunted tours and ghost stories, there are many things to do in Edinburgh that will make your trip unforgettable.

Looking for things to do in Edinburgh? Discover the best tourist attractions in Edinburgh:

1. Edinburgh Castle: A historic fortress that dominates the city skyline and houses the Scottish crown jewels.
2. National Museum of Scotland: A museum that showcases the natural, cultural and scientific history of Scotland and the world.
3. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: A tranquil garden that features a variety of plants, glasshouses, art galleries and cafes.
4. Arthur’s Seat: A volcanic hill that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
5. Royal Yacht Britannia: The former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II, now a museum and visitor attraction.
6. Palace of Holyroodhouse: The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, where you can see the state apartments and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.
7. The Royal Mile: The main street of the Old Town, lined with historic buildings, shops, pubs and attractions.
8. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions: A fun and interactive attraction that features optical illusions, puzzles, holograms and a rooftop terrace.
9. Scottish National Gallery: A gallery that displays a collection of Scottish and European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
10. Calton Hill: A hill that hosts several monuments, including the National Monument, Nelson’s Monument and the Dugald Stewart Monument.
11. St Giles’ Cathedral: The principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh.
12. Edinburgh Zoo: A zoo that houses over 1,000 animals, including giant pandas, penguins, koalas and lions.
13. Scott Monument: A Gothic tower that commemorates the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, with a museum and a viewing platform.
14. Greyfriars Kirkyard: A historic graveyard that is famous for its association with Greyfriars Bobby, a loyal dog that guarded his master’s grave for 14 years.
15. Mary King’s Close: An underground network of streets and rooms that date back to the 17th century, where you can learn about the life and legends of Edinburgh’s past.
16. Scottish Parliament Building: The seat of the Scottish Parliament, designed by the Catalan architect Enric Miralles and opened in 2004.
17. National War Museum: A museum that explores Scotland’s military history from the 17th century to the present day, located within Edinburgh Castle.
18. Princes Street Gardens: A public park that lies between Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, featuring floral displays, monuments and events.
19. The Scotch Whisky Experience: An attraction that offers tours, tastings and education on Scotland’s national drink, whisky.
20. The Real Mary King’s Close: A guided tour that takes you through the hidden streets and stories of Edinburgh’s Old Town, where you can meet characters from the past and discover their secrets.
21. Dynamic Earth: A science centre that tells the story of planet Earth through interactive exhibits, simulations and a 360-degree dome cinema.
22. Edinburgh Dungeon: A horror-themed attraction that recreates scenes from Scotland’s dark history, with live actors, special effects and rides.
23. Holyrood Park: A royal park that encompasses Arthur’s Seat, Salisbury Crags, St Anthony’s Chapel and Duddingston Loch.
24. Museum of Edinburgh: A museum that traces the history of Edinburgh from its origins to the present day, featuring artefacts, paintings and models.
25. John Knox House Museum: A museum that preserves the home of John Knox, the leader of the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century.
26. Edinburgh Gin Distillery: A distillery that produces award-winning gins, where you can take a tour, learn about the history and craft of gin making, and sample some of the products.
27. The Georgian House: A restored townhouse that showcases the elegant lifestyle of the 18th century Edinburgh elite, with period furniture, paintings and costumes.
28. Gladstone’s Land: A 17th century tenement building that reveals how people lived and worked in Edinburgh’s Old Town, with original features, furnishings and exhibits.
29. Surgeons’ Hall Museums: A group of museums that display collections of medical and surgical artefacts, including anatomy, pathology and dentistry.
30. Museum on the Mound: A museum that explores the history of money and banking in Scotland, with displays of coins, banknotes, gold bars and counterfeit money.
31. The Writers’ Museum: A museum that celebrates the lives and works of three of Scotland’s most famous writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
32. People’s Story Museum: A museum that tells the story of Edinburgh’s ordinary people from the 18th century to the present day, through their own words, objects and photographs.
33. Lauriston Castle: A 16th century tower house that was transformed into a Victorian mansion, with fine interiors, gardens and views of the Firth of Forth.
34. Royal Observatory Edinburgh: An observatory that conducts research in astronomy and astrophysics, as well as offering public tours, events and exhibitions.
35. Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World: An attraction that features a tropical rainforest with hundreds of butterflies and insects, as well as reptiles, fish and birds.
36. The Museum of Childhood: A museum that displays a collection of toys, games, dolls, books and costumes from different eras and cultures, as well as exploring the social history of childhood.
37. Our Dynamic Earth: A science centre that tells the story of planet Earth through interactive exhibits, simulations and a 360-degree dome cinema.
38. Scottish National Portrait Gallery: A gallery that displays portraits of famous Scots from the past and present, as well as exhibitions on photography, art and history.
39. Edinburgh Old Town: The historic heart of Edinburgh, where you can find the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, Mary King’s Close and many other attractions.
40. Dean Village: A picturesque village that was once a centre of milling, now a residential area with charming cottages, bridges and gardens along the Water of Leith.

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