Things to do & places to visit in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh’s neighborhoods developed as the city did. Originally its heart lay in the alleys and cobbled streets of the Old Town, below the castle. Then, in the late-18th century, the residential focus shifted north to a huge planned Georgian New Town. That’s now become the city’s business center, while visitor attractions and nightlife have become fairly evenly shared between these two central districts. Around them, a ring of residential districts now house most of those living in central Edinburgh. Though less good for sightseeing, these neighborhoods are just as busy and typified by thriving restaurant scenes and large parks.

Edinburgh #2 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.51 based on 289.4k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Wednesday, May 01, 2024, 6:25.

Edinburgh Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

56°F - 42°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Cold and breezy

Feels like

25%

Chance of rain

80.0 millimeters

Amount

15.7 mph

Wind speed

81%

Humidity

16.3

Daylight length

5:01 AM

Sunrise

9:17 PM

Sunset

41%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (25)

Upcoming events in Edinburgh 6

Date	Event	Location	Price	Category
Tue May 07 2024 at 10:00 pm to Wed May 08 2024 at 02:00 am (GMT+00:00)	Midnight Bass // Drum & Bass Every Tuesday	Edinburgh		Entertainment
Sat May 25 2024 at 08:00 am to Sun May 26 2024 at 05:00 pm (GMT+01:00)	Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2024	Edinburgh	Starts at GBP 10	Sports
Tue May 28 2024 at 10:00 pm to Wed May 29 2024 at 02:00 am (GMT+00:00)	Midnight Bass // Drum & Bass Every Tuesday	Edinburgh		Entertainment
Tue Jun 18 2024 at 10:00 pm to Wed Jun 19 2024 at 02:00 am (GMT+00:00)	Midnight Bass // Drum & Bass Every Tuesday	Edinburgh		Parties
Thu Jun 20 2024 at 09:00 am to 11:00 am (GMT+01:00)	Bluey’s Big Play Live in Edinburgh	Edinburgh		Trips & Adventures
Tue Jul 02 2024 at 10:00 pm to Wed Jul 03 2024 at 02:00 am (GMT+00:00)	Midnight Bass // Drum & Bass Every Tuesday	Edinburgh		Entertainment

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (6.692 reviews)
- Superlatives
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Cultural Events

The Royal Edinburgh Military tattoo is an annual series of Military tattoos performed at the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and International military bands and display teams. This is held during the month of August each year which coincides with the Fringe Festival and International Festival. This really is a must when visiting Edinburgh and really provides for the experience of a lifetime. Dress warmly for the outdoors as the seating in the esplanade is uncovered. See more..
5.0 Edinburgh Gin Distillery (2.888 reviews)
- A very enjoyable and unique experience
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Advance booking is essential as we are unable to offer walk in tours. Located in the beating heart of Scotland's capital, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery is a destination quite unlike any other. It's here that we produce small batches of gin, inspired by the majesty, marvel and mischief of Edinburgh and its inhabitants. The Edinburgh Gin Visitor Centre is a space in the capital where you can indulge both the mind and the palate in all things gin. From taking a tour or a guided tasting, to trying your hand at making your own, our goal is the educate, excite and libate; all in equal measure. See more..
5.0 The Chocolatarium (2.053 reviews)
- SO MUCH Chocolate!!!!!
Wednesday: 10:45 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

90 minutes of chocolate heaven. Find out how chocolate is made, make your own dream chocolate bar to take home and enjoy a session in the Tasting Room with over 40 kinds of chocolate! Same wonderful tour. Comfortable social distancing. Children under 6 are not permitted. See more..
5.0 Pickering's Gin Distillery (1.847 reviews)
- A great experience!!!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Pickering's Gin is distilled by hand at the Summerhall Distillery, Edinburgh's first exclusive gin distillery to open in 150 years. We are delighted to host guided tours and tastings on site in our premises at the Summerhall. Visit our website to book a tour and to check availability. All tours last approximately 90 minutes. 3 options in our distillery : Distillery Tour, the classic tour - Peacocktail Tour for history lovers and a brand new Cheese and Cocktail Gourmet Masterclass experience for the curious and gastronomy lovers. See more..
5.0 Johnnie Walker Princes Street (974 reviews)
- Whisky meets theatre
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Distilleries

Explore the flavours of Scotland, set across eight floors, in the heart of Edinburgh's West End. Join us on a discovery of adventure and friendship as we stride into a bold future of whisky enjoyment. Book your tour and reserve your table in our 1820 rooftop bar or Explorers' Bothy whisky bar on our website. Our opening hours vary by department so please check the information on our website before you visit us. See more..
5.0 Stewart Brewing Experience (489 reviews)
- Digital Beer Tasting
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries

Nestled in an industrial estate to the south of Edinburgh, our current site has been where we call home since 2013. Why not pop along to the brewery and see it for yourself? Visit our bar and pizza kitchen! To enjoy made-to-order Pizza and brewery-fresh beer. Book to brew your own in our Craft Beer Kitchen. Or take a tour to see the behind for youself. See more..
5.0 BobCat Alpacas (406 reviews)
- Fantastic, Interactive, and Educational Experience
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Farms

Alpaca farm with some visitor options (see website for details). Advance booking is essential via our website booking calendar. Weekends are particularly popular and are booked well in advance. We are only accepting visitors by appointment. See more..
5.0 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (6.692 reviews)
- Superlatives
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Cultural Events

The Royal Edinburgh Military tattoo is an annual series of Military tattoos performed at the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and International military bands and display teams. This is held during the month of August each year which coincides with the Fringe Festival and International Festival. This really is a must when visiting Edinburgh and really provides for the experience of a lifetime. Dress warmly for the outdoors as the seating in the esplanade is uncovered. See more..
5.0 Edinburgh Gin Distillery (2.888 reviews)
- A very enjoyable and unique experience
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Advance booking is essential as we are unable to offer walk in tours. Located in the beating heart of Scotland's capital, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery is a destination quite unlike any other. It's here that we produce small batches of gin, inspired by the majesty, marvel and mischief of Edinburgh and its inhabitants. The Edinburgh Gin Visitor Centre is a space in the capital where you can indulge both the mind and the palate in all things gin. From taking a tour or a guided tasting, to trying your hand at making your own, our goal is the educate, excite and libate; all in equal measure. See more..
4.5 Edinburgh Castle (52.4k reviews)
- Wonderful
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Castles

Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction. This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland. See more..
4.5 Royal Mile (25.7k reviews)
- Historical
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Stretch of road connecting Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, the Queen's residence in Scotland. See more..
4.5 Royal Yacht Britannia (23.0k reviews)
- Fantastic look at what Scotland used to build !
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Ships

Step aboard The Queen's former floating palace and experience this iconic 5 star attraction for yourself. Rated Scotland's Best Attraction for 12 years running and in TripAdvisor's UK Top 10 for the last 5 years, Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world. Sailing a million miles on a thousand official visits, during 40 years in service, the Royal Yacht played host to glittering state banquets and official receptions, but was also home to the Royal Family and crew of 220 Royal Yachtsmen. Explore Britannia's highly accessible 5 decks with highlights including the elegant Royal Apartments, Crew's Quarters, Engine Room and stunning Royal Deck Tea Room. Highly accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. Open year round .Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh city centre (local buses every 10 minutes - 11, 22, 34 and 35 to Ocean Terminal). See more..
4.5 National Museum of Scotland (22.0k reviews)
- Huge and worth a visit
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums

Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, science and technology, art, design and fashion, and Scottish history, all under one roof. See more..
4.5 Arthur's Seat (21.5k reviews)
- Mesmorising Views of Edinburgh
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Geologic Formations

Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. The park has several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designations due to its exceptional range of grassland habitats and its internationally important volcanic geology. Ranger service on site. See more..
4.5 The Real Mary King's Close (19.0k reviews)
- Excellent guided tour
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret: a warren of hidden ‘closes’ where real people lived, worked and died. For centuries they have lain forgotten and abandoned…until now. Visit Edinburgh's most famous Close, which makes Edinburgh's Hidden History unmissable. See more..
4.5 Edinburgh Old Town (16.3k reviews)
- Edinburgh
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Edinburgh's oldest neighborhood, dating back to medieval times: these small streets are lined with wool shops, pubs and historical monuments. See more..
4.5 Camera Obscura and World of Illusions (15.6k reviews)
- Mesmerising
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums • Observation Decks & Towers

Winner of VisitScotland's Best Visitor Attraction Experience 2022/23! Interact with over 100 illusions as well as a breath of fresh air on our magnificent Rooftop Terrace, which offers the most spectacular 360 degree views of Edinburgh. At Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, experience five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including vortex tunnel, mirror maze and shrinking room. Fully safe and have all the necessary health and safety guidelines in place to make your visit the most enjoyable ever! Get involved, play, touch everything. Great fun for all ages and nationalities, whatever the weather. 'Best family attraction in Britain’, The Telegraph. 'Five Stars, outstanding, world class', VisitScotland. Scotland’s oldest purpose-built attraction, established in 1835. Free Wi-Fi. Allow about 2 hours. Please note the attraction is located in a listed 17th Century building over 5 floors without a lift. Open every day, open late on holidays. See more..
4.5 Palace of Holyroodhouse (11.8k reviews)
- Finally visited somewhere on my doorstep!
Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen. Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The Queen when carrying out official engagements in Scotland. See more..
4.5 Calton Hill (9.432 reviews)
- Incomparable views
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Geologic Formations

Historic neighborhood lined with monuments dating back to the Enlightenment. See more..
4.5 Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (7.768 reviews)
- Plantastic
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

The Botanics offers visitors peace and tranquility amongst its stunning 72 acres in Edinburgh city centre. Founded in 1670, the Garden is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the world. See more..
4.5 Princes Street Gardens (7.395 reviews)
- Stroll through the Park
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Gardens

Edinburgh is a really beautiful city and Princes Street Gardens adds to it with its beautiful view of the castle and paths going from Princes Street to Castle Terrace. While on a tour of the underground vaults, our guide told us how in times gone by all the human waste from the richer parts of the city were dumped in the lough that used to be where the gardens are now, so that explains why they are so fertile! Don't let that put you off though. It is a lovely place for a wander and maybe a picnic weather permitting. See more..
4.5 The Scotch Whisky Experience (7.034 reviews)
- Very informative
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

Take a barrel ride as you actually become part of the whisky making process. Experience for yourself our regional whiskies and whether you like fruity, sweet or smoky flavours our experts will help you select your perfect dram.Enter the vault containing the world's largest collection of Scotch Whiskies and enjoy a special tutored nosing and tasting. Explore Scotland's whisky history from the very beginnings through to the global success of today. See more..
4.5 St Giles' Cathedral (6.539 reviews)
- Don’t Skip This One!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

St Giles’ Cathedral is one of Scotland’s most important churches and home of the Scottish Reformation, making it a source of turbulent religious history. Established nearly 1,000 years ago in the 12th century, its current building was constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries, giving it its beautiful Gothic style. Be sure to admire the cathedral’s famous steeple, which is topped off with a crown, and check out the Thistle Chapel inside, which features some impressively intricate carvings. Pop by on days when the cathedral holds live concerts, which feature a range of great choirs and orchestras. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Scottish National Gallery (5.529 reviews)
- Free To Visit
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Museums

Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery is home to one of the best collections of fine art in the world. This includes masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Constable, Turner, Monet, Van Gogh and Gauguin. The most comprehensive part of the collection covers the history of Scottish painting with major names such as Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie and McTaggart. It is a popular but peaceful attraction in the city centre offering free admission to the permanent collection and additional ticketed exhibitions. This art gallery (or art museum) is part of the National Galleries of Scotland, which also includes the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. It is made up of both the National Gallery building and the Royal Scottish Academy building. Both of these buildings, designed by William Henry Playfair, stand in the heart of Edinburgh. See more..
4.5 Dynamic Earth (2.824 reviews)
- Fantastic place - just concerns about COVID and the enclosed planetarium
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums • Children's Museums

A visit to Dynamic Earth is like nothing else on Earth. It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on a 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be embarking on the interactive adventure of a lifetime - the lifetime of our planet! As if this wasn't enough, Dynamic Earth is also home to one of Scotland's only fully digital, state-of-the-art 360° Planetariums, with a wide variety of live presenter-led shows and films showing throughout the year. See more..
4.5 Scottish National Portrait Gallery (2.721 reviews)
- Supreme Sandstone : Supreme Selfies
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Museums

Come face to face with the people who shaped Scotland’s past, present and future at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. One of Edinburgh’s most remarkable buildings, the Gallery opened to the public in 1889 as the world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery. Displays at the Gallery explore different aspects of the story of Scotland and her people, told through a wealth of imagery including portraits of famous historical figures such as Mary Sommeville, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns, through to more recent pioneers in science, sport and the arts including Emeli Sandé, Billy Connolly and Tilda Swinton. Round off your trip with a visit to Café Portrait for a delicious lunch or coffee. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is part of the National Galleries of Scotland, which also includes the Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Admission is free. Currently showing Counted | Scotland's Census 2022 See more..
4.5 Holyrood Park (2.714 reviews)
- There is so much to see and do here.
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Holyrood Park is a unique historic landscape in the heart of the city, whose dramatic crags and hills give Edinburgh its distinctive skyline. Within the park is a wealth of history and archaeology spanning thousands of years. Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. As well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. See more..
4.5 Surgeons' Hall Museums (1.786 reviews)
- Really interesting place to visit
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums • History Museums

Surgeons' Hall Museums is an award winning Museum that is home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in the United Kingdom. Surgeons’ Hall Museums reopened in 2015 after a major £4.4 million Heritage Lottery Funded redevelopment project. As one of the oldest Museums in Scotland, the collections grew from 1699 after 'natural and artificial curiosities' were publically sought. In the 1800s, the Museums expanded to include the remarkable collections of Sir Charles Bell and John Barclay, with the Playfair Building opening in 1832 to house these. Whilst the Museums were initially established as a medical teaching resource, all are now welcome to visit. The Museums are currently home to an extensive collection of pathology, anatomy and medical ephemera. See more..
4.5 Dean Village (1.647 reviews)
- A storybook village, steps away from the city center!
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites

Walkable from Prince St Gardens, I spent about an hour walking around the river, there are a few highlights to see! Great place to take photos, grab a coffee or snack before you head over. There are no shops except for a coffee bike. It’s all residential and very quiet, make sure to keep your voice down to respect the residents!!! Enjoy the peaceful zen away from the city rush. See more..
4.5 Georgian House (1.221 reviews)
- Well worth a visit.
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Enjoy a visit to the past and experience what life was like for the Lamonts family in 18th and 19th century New Town. The Georgian era produced some of Scotland’s most distinctive architecture. In the late 1700s, this grand townhouse was at the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town development. The house was designed by acclaimed architect Robert Adam and was a true statement of luxury in an era of enlightenment, for those who could afford it. The house has been magnificently restored to show a typical Edinburgh New Town house of the late 18th and early 19th century. The fine collections of period furniture, porcelain, silver and glass reflect the Lamonts’ lifestyle and the social and economic context of the time. The kitchen and servants’ room give a glimpse of the arduous ‘below stairs’ life of the servants, who made the Lamonts’ elegant lifestyle possible. See more..