TOP 15 Unique activities in Edinburgh

What is it?
It's one of the most famous landmarks and tourist activities in Edinburgh.

Why should you go?
Edinburgh Castle should be one of the first places to go in Edinburgh for any visitor. Built on top of a hill in Edinburgh's city center, this ancient landmark serves as one of many opportunities to explore the fascinating history of the city. Key points of interest include the Stone of Destiny, the Great Hall, the Royal Palace, the Honours of Scotland, and Mons Meg. Aside from the historical value of this landmark and the artifacts on display, the view from the castle's ramparts is one of the best in the city.

Specialization
History & Architecture

Perfect for
History buffs, families, and children

What is it?
This museum displays exhibits from such diverse fields as art, science, natural history, archaeology, geology, and technology.

Why should you go?
The National Museum of Scotland is one of the most famous Edinburgh activities, thanks to the sheer diversity of its exhibits. Here, you can learn about many aspects of life, including natural history, science, and art. The museum consists of several galleries dedicated to different topics like the natural world, the history of Scotland, science and technology, world cultures, and art. Family Galleries are another highlight of this museum: they provide a fun and educational experience to children using various exhibits.

Specialization
Natural History, Science, & Art

Perfect for
Families & children

What is it?
The highest point in Edinburgh that offers spectacular views of the city.

Why you should go?
Arthur's Seat is one of the top activities in Edinburgh that provides a breathtaking panorama of the city streets below. Formerly an active volcano, this landmark sits in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh's city center. Visitors can hike up the hill via multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty, which makes it an attractive destination for everyone. We recommend visiting this place if you want to enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Edinburgh. Luckily, there is no entry fee for either Holyrood Park or Arthur's Seat, which is a nice bonus.

Specialization
Sightseeing & Hiking

Perfect for
Hikers & sightseers

What is it?
One of the most popular tourist activities in Edinburgh for all visitors and the zoo in the Corstorphine area of the city.

Why should you go?
This tourist attraction is a great choice for a fun day of exploring the animal kingdom. Here, you can observe and admire lions, penguins, pandas, tigers, snakes, frogs, and other denizens of the animal kingdom. Among the highlights of this zoo are Penguins Rock, home to the largest outdoor penguin pool in Europe and Dinosaurs! at Edinburgh Zoo and Wee Beasties exhibitions. Edinburgh Zoo also offers opportunities to feed different animals, try keeper experiences, and attend a large variety of workshops and lectures.

Specialization
Nature & Entertainment

Perfect for
Animal lovers, families, and children

What is it?
One of the best and most beautiful free activities Edinburgh has to offer.

Why should you go?
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the city’s most popular tourist places, thanks to it being a haven from chaotic city life and the incredible beauty of its multiple gardens. Some of the most attractive areas of this garden include the Chinese Hillside, the Rock Garden, the Woodland Garden, the Biodiversity Garden, and the Arboretum. Moreover, entry to various gardens is free, but you need to pay for entry to the glass houses. In short, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a must-see destination for any visitor to the city.

Specialization
Sightseeing

Perfect for
Families, couples, and children

What is it?
One of the most prominent art galleries in Edinburgh that hosts an impressive collection of art.

Why should you go?
The Scottish National Gallery is home to the most extensive collection of European paintings and sculptures in Scotland and a sizable collection of art by Scottish artists. The collection of this gallery includes works by such prominent European masters as Van Gogh, Raphael, Matisse, Rembrandt, van Dyck, and many others. Works by famous Scottish artists like Allan Ramsay, Phoebe Anna Traquair, William McTaggart, and Arthur Melville are also on display at the gallery. Entry to the Scottish National Gallery is free.

Specialization
Art

Perfect for
Art lovers

What is it?
This imposing landmark is the principal church of Edinburgh and a popular tourist activities.

Why should you go?
The St. Giles Cathedral saw many changes and notable historical events throughout its existence, including the Scottish Reformation and the Covenanters' Rebellion. The cathedral you can see today is the building constructed during the 14th century; it subsequently underwent several renovations and extensions. The highlights of this landmark include a memorial to the people lost in WWI, the impressive 161-foot tall tower, and the Thistle Chapel. This cathedral is still active and regularly hosts services and music concerts.

Specialization
History & Architecture, Religion & Philosophy

Perfect for
History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and churchgoers

What is it?
It's a spectacular visitor activities in Edinburgh's city center that is one of the best family attractions in the city.

Why should you go?
Practically around the corner from Edinburgh Castle lies another popular tourist destination – Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. This place offers many fun and exciting visual experiences like the Camera Obscura Show, Magic Gallery, Light Fantastic, Bewilderworld, and Eye Spy Edinburgh. With five floors of fun activities, you can easily spend an afternoon or an evening at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. You can also admire the view of the city center from the rooftop terrace.

Specialization
Entertainment

Perfect for
Families, couples, and children

What is it?
This small hill in the city center is a perfect place for a walk with a good view of the city.

Why should you go?
Calton Hill is a popular place to visit, thanks to its location and vistas. From the top of the hill, you can see Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh's Old Town, and other parts of the city. Among places of interest on Calton Hill are the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, and the Collective Gallery. This art gallery resides within the former City Observatory and the City Dome. You can easily reach it from the Edinburgh Waverley railway station.

Specialization
Sightseeing & Hiking

Perfect for
Sightseers and hikers

What is it?
A succession of streets between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh's Old Town.

Why should you go?
This location in the Old Town of Edinburgh was the site of the royal processions throughout the years, hence its name. This thoroughfare has plenty of historic landmarks, attractions, and shops to make it worth a visit. Among the landmarks and attractions you can visit here are Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, The Writer's Museum, Gladstone's Land, and the People's Story Museum. You can easily explore the Royal Mile while exploring the city center.

Specialization
Architecture, History, & Shopping

Perfect for
Everyone, especially, first-time visitors

What is it?
This visitor attraction is an exciting opportunity to discover the influence of the forces of nature on our daily life.

Why should you go?
This visitor attraction and science center at the heart of Edinburgh lets you learn more about the world around you in an exciting and fun way. Dynamic Earth is the perfect way for small kids to explore the fascinating world of natural phenomena. You can dive into the depths of the sea in Discover the Deep gallery, marvel at the starry sky in the Planetarium, or examine one of the many temporary exhibitions – the choice is yours. Dynamic Earth is one of the main Edinburgh attractions for visitors with children, and with a good reason.

Specialization
Science & Entertainment

Perfect for
Families and children

What is it?
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, located at the bottom of the Royal Mile.

Why should you go?
The Palace of Holyroodhouse may be less famous than Edinburgh Castle, but it doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. This imposing building has been the official royal residence since the 16th century, and it's still the site for many official ceremonies and entertainment events. Points of interest on the palace grounds include the Holyrood Abbey, the State Apartments, Palace Gardens, the Throne Room, and the Great Gallery. Holyrood Palace regularly hosts guided tours, lectures, talks, and other activities.

Specialization
History & Architecture

Perfect for
History buffs

What is it?
This impressive landmark is a monument dedicated to the legendary Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott.

Why should you go?
The Scott Monument is an imposing monument on Princes Street in Edinburgh's Old Town. This monument honors Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish writer, and this landmark is the second-tallest monument to a writer worldwide. You can learn more about the renowned Scottish author, admire beautiful stained glass windows, or climb the imposing 287 steps to the top of the monument. It's a challenge, but the reward is a breathtaking view of the city streets below.

Specialization
Architecture & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Sightseers and art lovers

What is it?
A former royal yacht of British monarchs, now on display at Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh.

Why should you go?
The HMY Britannia was a royal vessel from 1954 to 1997, and it visited many ports in many countries during its tenure. Now it is a popular visitor attraction and event venue in Edinburgh. This impressive vessel features many luxurious rooms, like the Royal Deck Tea Room, multiple State Apartments, and the Sun Lounge, the favorite room of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Nowadays, the HMY Britannia regularly hosts various events like tea parties, guided tours, and treasure hunts.

Specialization
Naval History

Perfect for
Naval history buffs

What is it?
This street in Edinburgh's Old Town served as a source of inspiration behind the famous Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter book and film series.

Why should you go?
Victoria Street is a popular location within the Old Town district of Edinburgh, thanks to its charming aesthetic and unusual, curved buildings. Built as a part of a project to improve the Old Town, Victoria Street has been home to a wide variety of shops and businesses. The most famous of these shops was Robert Cresser's brush shop which survived almost unchanged until its closure in 2004.

Victoria Street also gained popularity as the inspiration for the quirky and charming Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter books. Take a self-guided audio tour of Edinburgh landmarks that inspired Harry Potter if you wish to immerse yourself further in the magic.

Specialization
Architecture, History, & Entertainment

Perfect for
History buffs and Harry Potter fans