So, you’re in Edinburgh? Excellent choice! But what to do and where to go in Edinburgh? What if I accidentally miss something amazing and return home only to be met with the dreaded, “Oh, you didn’t visit *that* place?!”
No worries, my friend, I’ve got you covered.
Edinburgh is a city of history, mystery, and magnificent views.
Whether you want to climb a volcano🌋 (yes, really), explore an underground ghost town👻, or just get lost in the magic of its winding cobbled streets, this guide will help you make the most of your visit. So grab a cuppa (or a dram of whisky) and let’s dive in!
🏰 Edinburgh Castle – The Big Boss of Landmarks
Sitting dramatically on Castle Rock like a medieval bouncer, Edinburgh Castle is the city’s most iconic landmark. Here, you’ll find Scotland’s Crown Jewels, the legendary Stone of Destiny (exactly as epic as it sounds), and some magnificent panoramic views.
Don’t miss: The One O’Clock Gun, which booms across the city every day at 1:00 p.m. (except Sundays and holidays). If you hear it and jump, congratulations! You’re officially an Edinburgh tourist.
Pro Tip:
🔗 Book your tickets in advance. Trust me, you don’t want to spend half your trip in a queue.
🏛️ 🏴 The National Museum of Scotland – A Treasure Trove of Fun (and Free!)
Looking for a place with dinosaurs, ancient artifacts, a Formula 1 car,
and a rooftop terrace with stunning views? Welcome to the National Museum of Scotland! This place is so good that even locals keep coming back.
Why you’ll love it: It’s FREE, packed with history, science, and culture, and has an excellent café for when your brain needs a break.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 🔗www.nms.ac.uk
🎩👀 Camera Obscura & World of Illusions – Where Your Eyes Betray You
Camera Obscura is your dream destination if you enjoy questioning reality and having a blast. Five floors of mind-bending illusions, holograms, and interactive exhibits await you, promising a fun-filled experience.
Plus, a Victorian-era Camera Obscura gives a 360-degree view of Edinburgh in real-time. Trippy!
My blog post, “Is the Camera Obscura worth visiting?” explains more about my experience visiting the Camera Obscura.
👻🕯️The Real Mary King's Close – A Journey into Edinburgh's Underground Past
Beneath the Royal Mile lies a hidden world of 17th-century streets, untouched by time (and daylight).
The Real Mary King’s Close offers an eerie and fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s past, complete with tales of the plague, ghosts, and some very questionable medieval sanitation habits.
Interested in learning more? Check out my blog post “Step Into the Past: Is Mary King’s Close Worth a Visit?”
👀Why it’s fantastic: It’s like time travel, with fewer risks of altering history.
🏰 The Royal Mile – The Beating Heart of the City
Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is packed with history, charm, and bagpipes (lots of bagpipes). Explore its narrow closes (hidden alleyways), pop into quirky shops, and soak in the atmosphere of old Edinburgh.
Watch out for: The street performers—they range from amazing to “wait… what did I just witness?”
🥾⛰️ Arthur's Seat – Climb a Volcano!
Yes, Edinburgh has a dormant volcano, and yes, you can climb it!
Arthur’s Seat offers breathtaking views and a great excuse to pretend you’re an adventurer conquering a mountain.
Perfect for: Hikers, photographers, and anyone needing to burn off a deep-fried Mars bar.
Before embarking on your journey, consider watching the iconic movie Trainspotting, as some of its memorable scenes were shot at the top of this mountain. This unique experience will add an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
🏰 Old Town vs. New Town – A Tale of Two Cities
Edinburgh’s Old Town is medieval magic, all winding alleys and historic sites, while New Town is all about Georgian elegance and fancy shopping. Why choose when you can explore both?
Must-see spots: Grassmarket, St. Giles’ Cathedral, and Princes Street Gardens.
🌇📸 Calton Hill – The Best Sunset Spot
Want an epic Instagram-worthy view of Edinburgh? Climb Calton Hill.
It’s home to the National Monument (which looks suspiciously like the Parthenon) and offers some of the best sunset views in town.
👑🏰 Palace of Holyroodhouse – Where Royalty Resides
The Queen’s official residence in Scotland, this grand palace is packed with history—especially when it comes to Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived a rather eventful (and tragic) life here.
🚢👑 The Royal Yacht Britannia – Sail Like a Royal
Ever wondered how the British royals travelled in style? The Royal Yacht Britannia is your chance to find out.
Docked in Leith, this floating palace is fascinating (and surprisingly cosy).
Edinburgh – a city that blends history, adventure, and an undeniable touch of magic. Whether you’re scaling a volcano, exploring underground streets, or simply soaking in the charm of its historic buildings, every corner has something to offer.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your best walking shoes, prepare for unpredictable weather (seriously, always carry a raincoat), and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Scotland’s magnificent capital!
🛫 Ready to explore Edinburgh? Book your tours, grab a map, and let the adventure begin!
