21 best things to do in Edinburgh (including hidden gems)

Last Updated on July 10, 2026 by Ioana

I visited Edinburgh solo and absolutely loved it, so in this article I will share the best things to do in Edinburgh, including some hidden gems.

The weather was mostly sunny when I was there, which is quite rare for the United Kingdom. I toured the classic attractions like Edinburgh Castle, I explored plenty of hidden gems like a chocolate making workshop, and I had some of the best Indian food in Europe.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Edinburgh based on my trip, along with a few hidden gems that many first-time visitors overlook. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, these are the experiences I genuinely think are worth adding to your itinerary.

If you’re still planning your trip, I’d also recommend checking out my 3-day Edinburgh itinerary, my guide on where to stay in Edinburgh, my favorite restaurants in Edinburgh, and the best day trips from Edinburgh to help you make the most of your visit. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

1. Explore Edinburgh Castle

If it’s your first time in Edinburgh, this iconic landmark should be at the top of your list.

Perched dramatically on top of Castle Rock, an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline and is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks.

Inside you’ll find:

• The Scottish Crown Jewels
• The Stone of Destiny
• St. Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh)
• The National War Museum
• Spectacular viewpoints over the city

I recommend booking your ticket in advance, especially if you’re visiting during summer or the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, because time slots regularly sell out.

Even if you don’t go inside, simply seeing the castle towering above the city is one of my favorite views in Edinburgh.

2. Wander along the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

It’s much more than just one street.

As you walk downhill, you’ll pass centuries-old buildings, traditional pubs, whisky shops, street performers, churches, souvenir stores, museums, and countless narrow alleyways known as “closes.”

Yes, it gets busy, but that’s part of its charm.

Take your time instead of rushing through. Duck into side streets, peek into hidden courtyards, and stop for a coffee every now and then.

Some of my favorite discoveries happened when I wandered away from the main street.

3. Visit The Real Mary King’s Close

This ended up being one of my absolute favorite attractions in Scotland’s capital.

The Real Mary King’s Close takes you beneath the Royal Mile into preserved streets where real people lived hundreds of years ago. I found that so cool!

What makes the experience so memorable isn’t just the underground setting. It’s the storytelling.

Your guide stays in character as a former resident while walking you through the hidden streets. They shared fascinating stories about plague outbreaks and the people who once lived here.

One of my favorite moments was when another guide suddenly shouted that people upstairs were throwing chamber pots into the street.

It sounds ridiculous, but it really helped bring medieval Edinburgh to life.

The tour also highlights stories that aren’t always told in history books.

For example, I loved learning about Mary King herself. She owned her own business, had voting rights, and even took men to court when they refused to pay her. Go Mary!

It’s informative, funny, immersive, and unlike any museum I’ve visited.

4. Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and rub Bobby’s nose

Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of Edinburgh’s oldest cemeteries, but it’s also home to one of the city’s sweetest stories.

Just outside the cemetery gates you’ll find the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a loyal Skye Terrier. According to local legend, spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave after he passed away.

Today, visitors rub Bobby’s nose for good luck, which explains why it’s much shinier than the rest of the statue.

Whether the story is entirely true or has grown over time, it’s become one of Edinburgh’s most beloved traditions.

After saying hello to Bobby, take a stroll through Greyfriars Kirkyard itself. The cemetery is full of history and is said to have inspired several names found in the Harry Potter books.

It’s also considered one of the most atmospheric places in the city, especially on a misty Scottish morning.

Even if you’re not usually interested in cemeteries, I’d still recommend stopping by. It only takes a few minutes to visit, and it’s one of those small experiences that gives Edinburgh so much of its character.

5. Photograph Victoria Street

If you’ve seen photos of Edinburgh online, you’ve almost certainly seen Victoria Street.

Its colorful buildings, independent shops, cafés, and curved cobblestone street make it one of the city’s most photographed locations.

Many people also believe it inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

Whether that’s true or not, it certainly feels magical.

Try visiting early in the morning if you want photos without huge crowds.

6. Grab coffee at The Milkman

Even if you’re not a huge coffee drinker, I think it’s worth stopping at The Milkman.

Located right on Victoria Street, it’s one of Edinburgh’s most famous coffee shops.

Every time I walked by it was packed.

I never managed to grab a table because seating is very limited, but the coffee looked fantastic and the pastries were equally tempting.

If you’re lucky enough to find a seat, it’s one of the nicest places to relax while watching people wander past outside.

7. Visit Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Camera Obscura completely surprised me.

I expected a quick museum visit.

Instead, I ended up spending much longer than planned because it was genuinely fun.

The highlight is the Camera Obscura show itself.

Using nothing but mirrors and natural light, a live image of Edinburgh is projected onto a table inside a completely dark room.

It’s incredible to think this technology existed centuries before modern cameras.

Fun fact: one of the early pioneers behind this technology was a woman, which made me appreciate the experience even more.

Afterwards, you can explore several floors filled with optical illusions and interactive exhibits. And you can head onto the rooftop terrace for beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle.

8. Walk through Dean Village

Dean Village felt like a completely different world.

Just a short walk from the city center, this peaceful neighborhood sits alongside the Water of Leith. It feels more like a storybook village than part of a capital city.

I loved it so much!

There were swans gliding along the river, beautiful stone houses covered in flowers, and almost no crowds.

I even found myself sitting quietly by the water for a while just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

If you’ve spent a busy morning exploring the Royal Mile, this is the perfect place to slow down.

9. Tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse

At the opposite end of the Royal Mile sits Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch.

Inside you’ll explore lavish State Apartments, historic chambers, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.

The palace also played an important role in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, making it especially interesting if you enjoy royal history.

10. Visit the National Museum of Scotland

One of my favorite things about Scotland is that many of its national museums are completely free.

The National Museum of Scotland is enormous.

Its collections range from Scottish history and archaeology to science, fashion, technology, natural history, and even Dolly the Sheep.

Even if you only have an hour, it’s worth stepping inside.

The rooftop terrace also offers fantastic views over Edinburgh.

11. Visit Surgeons’ Hall Museums

If I had to choose between the National Museum and Surgeons’ Hall, I’d actually pick Surgeons’ Hall.

It’s definitely not for everyone.

The museum houses one of Europe’s largest collections of preserved anatomical specimens, medical instruments, skeletons, and pathology displays.

Some exhibits are genuinely fascinating.

Others are… a little unsettling.

Edinburgh became one of Europe’s leading medical schools centuries ago, so this museum tells an important part of the city’s history.

Just don’t visit immediately after lunch.

12. Make your own chocolate at The Chocolatarium

This was easily one of the most fun experiences I had in Edinburgh.

Since I don’t drink alcohol, I decided to skip the whisky tasting and booked a chocolate workshop instead.

It was one of the best decisions I made.

Over 90 minutes, we:

• learned about the history of chocolate
• tasted chocolates from different countries
• sampled incredible hot chocolate
• created our own custom chocolate bars

By the end, I was honestly in a full sugar coma.

The shop also sells dozens of unique chocolate bars if you want to take some home.

I’d recommend this experience for both adults and kids.

13. Do a Scotch whisky tasting

If you’re a whisky fan, you simply can’t visit Scotland without trying Scotch.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is located beside Edinburgh Castle. And it offers guided tastings where you’ll learn how whisky is produced, discover the different whisky-producing regions of Scotland, and sample several varieties.

Even beginners will come away with a much better appreciation for Scotland’s national drink.

14. Hike Arthur’s Seat

If you enjoy hiking, Arthur’s Seat offers some of the best panoramic views over Edinburgh.

The extinct volcano rises above Holyrood Park and has become one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints.

I didn’t do the hike myself because hiking isn’t really my thing.

But it’s consistently one of the highest-rated experiences in Edinburgh and locals recommended it several times.

15. Browse the Christmas Market (winter only)

If you’re visiting Edinburgh during the holiday season, don’t miss the Christmas markets.

The area around Princes Street Gardens transforms into a festive village filled with food stalls, mulled wine, fairground rides, artisan gifts, and Christmas lights.

Even if you’re not buying anything, the atmosphere alone makes it worth visiting.

It’s one of the most magical times of year to experience Edinburgh.

16. Escape to the Scottish Highlands for the day

If you have an extra day in your itinerary, I can’t recommend taking a trip into the Scottish Highlands enough.

This is actually what I chose to do on my third day in Edinburgh, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my entire Scotland trip.

The tour took us through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe. We saw scenci mountains and the famous Highland cows (which I was ridiculously excited to see).

We made several scenic photo stops along the way, including one in front of a tiny white cottage in the middle of nowhere.

The highlight, of course, was arriving at Loch Ness. I chose the option that included a 30-minute cruise followed by time to explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle, rather than the longer boat cruise. I liked being able to do both.

One of my favorite moments was walking all the way down the castle steps to the edge of the loch and dipping my fingers into the water. Sadly, Nessie didn’t make an appearance.

It is a long day, and there are several hours of driving because the Highlands are quite far from Edinburgh.

At times the schedule felt a little rushed, especially since everyone needed to arrive on time for the boat departure. But honestly, I still think it’s 100% worth it.

If Scotland is on your bucket list, seeing the Highlands in person is an experience you’ll remember long after your trip ends.

If you’re trying to decide which excursion to book, I put together an entire guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh.

Hidden Gems in Edinburgh

If you’ve already ticked off Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Victoria Street, there are still plenty of unique experiences that most visitors never discover.

These hidden gems let you see a different side of the city. They are perfect if you’re looking for something a little more memorable than the typical sightseeing checklist.

17. Make your own Harris Tweed Bag

If you enjoy bringing home meaningful souvenirs instead of mass-produced magnets, this workshop is one of the most unique experiences in Edinburgh.

Located in the Canongate area of the Royal Mile, you’ll create your own Harris Tweed mini satchel under the guidance of local craftspeople.

You’ll choose the colors, fabrics, straps, and hardware. Then you’ll assemble your bag yourself, learning about the history of Harris Tweed along the way.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a handmade souvenir that’s actually useful and completely unique to your trip.

I love experiences like this because they allow you to take home a memory instead of just buying one.

18. Distill your own bottle of Scottish gin

Scotland may be famous for whisky, but its gin scene has exploded in recent years.

During this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how gin is made before creating your own custom blend using a miniature copper still.

You’ll experiment with different botanicals, discover how flavors develop during distillation, and bottle your own personalized gin to take home.

Even if you don’t normally drink gin, it’s a fascinating way to learn about Scottish distilling traditions.

It’s also one of those experiences that makes for a fantastic gift or souvenir.

19. Take a traditional Scottish baking class

One of my favorite ways to experience a destination is through its food.

Instead of simply ordering Scottish desserts at a café, why not learn how to make them yourself?

In this small-group baking class, you’ll prepare several traditional Scottish recipes from scratch while learning about the stories behind them.

Depending on the class, you might bake buttery shortbread, classic scones, or other traditional Scottish treats. Then you’ll sit down to enjoy everything fresh from the oven.

If you enjoy cooking when you travel, this is a wonderful way to bring a little piece of Scotland home with you.

20. Visit the Edinburgh Dungeon

If you enjoy history with a theatrical twist, The Edinburgh Dungeon is much more entertaining than a traditional museum.

Live actors, detailed sets, special effects, and interactive storytelling bring Edinburgh’s darker history to life.

You’ll come face to face with notorious criminals, plague doctors, witches, and executioners. All while learning about some of the city’s grimmest moments.

Parts of the experience are genuinely funny, while others are surprisingly creepy.

It’s definitely designed more as entertainment than a history lesson. It’s a fun option for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for something different after spending time in museums.

21. Explore Scotland’s secret nuclear bunker

This is probably the most unexpected experience on the list.

Just outside Edinburgh, you’ll find a secret Cold War nuclear bunker that remained hidden from the public for decades.

It was originally built to protect government officials in the event of nuclear war. The bunker still contains command rooms, communications equipment, dormitories, offices, and living quarters exactly as they were during the Cold War.

Walking through the underground corridors feels like stepping into a time capsule.

If you enjoy unusual history or abandoned places, this is one of the most fascinating day trips from Edinburgh that very few international visitors know about.

FAQs about Edinburgh

What are the best things to do in Edinburgh for first-time visitors?

If it’s your first time in Edinburgh, I wouldn’t miss:

• Edinburgh Castle
• The Royal Mile
• Victoria Street
• The Real Mary King’s Close
• Dean Village
• Camera Obscura
• Whisky tasting

If you have an extra day, I also highly recommend taking a day trip to the Scottish Highlands.

Is 3 days enough in Edinburgh?

Yes! I think 3 days is the perfect amount of time for a first visit.

You’ll have enough time to explore the city’s main attractions, enjoy some amazing restaurants, and even squeeze in a day trip to places like Loch Ness or Glencoe.

Is Edinburgh a walkable city?

Absolutely. One of the things I loved most about Edinburgh is how walkable it is. Most of the main attractions in the Old Town and New Town are within walking distance of one another.

Just be prepared for a few steep hills and plenty of cobblestone streets, so comfortable shoes are a must.

What is the number one attraction in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Castle is undoubtedly the city’s most famous attraction. Sitting on top of Castle Rock, it offers incredible views over the city.

And it is home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and centuries of fascinating history.

What are some hidden gems in Edinburgh?

Beyond the famous landmarks, I’d recommend:

• Making your own Harris Tweed bag
• Taking a Scottish baking class
• Distilling your own gin
• Visiting the secret Cold War nuclear bunker
• Spending a day exploring the Scottish Highlands

Is Edinburgh worth visiting?

Without question. Before visiting, I expected a beautiful historic city, but Edinburgh exceeded every expectation I had.

Between the medieval streets, incredible food, fascinating museums, friendly locals, and easy access to the Highlands, it’s become one of my favorite city breaks in Europe.

What should I book in advance for Edinburgh?

I recommend booking Edinburgh Castle, The Real Mary King’s Close, Camera Obscura, whisky tastings, and any Highlands day trips as early as possible. Especially if you’re visiting during summer or the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

These are some of the city’s most popular attractions and often sell out days (or even weeks) in advance.