Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modern-day attractions. Whether you’re visiting for a day, traveling with family, or exploring as a young adult, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From free attractions to bustling city center experiences, Edinburgh offers a wide array of activities for all types of travelers. Let’s dive into the top 20 things to do in Edinburgh, focusing on things to do in for young adults, places to visit for free, what to do in Edinburgh for a day, things to do in the city center, and what to do in Edinburgh with kids. As a bonus, I will include an Edinburgh attractions map, to help layout some of the top sights.
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1. Edinburgh Castle
Perched on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It’s perfect for those wondering what to do in Edinburgh for a day, offering stunning views, rich history, and guided tours that appeal to both adults and children. We booked a tour through Viator and did so in advance. Tickets were sold out when we when we went, so be sure to book early for this one!
2. Take a Ghost Tour
A ghost tour in Edinburgh takes you through the city’s dark and eerie history, exploring haunted sites and ancient underground vaults. You’ll hear chilling tales of Edinburgh’s past, from infamous witch trials to restless spirits still said to roam the streets. Perfect for thrill-seekers, this spine-tingling experience offers a unique way to uncover the city’s mysterious side. This is a fun and spooky thing to do for young adults and families with kids in Edinburgh.
3. Stroll Down the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is at the heart of the city’s historic district, connecting Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace. This bustling street is packed with shops, pubs, and historic sites, and is a must on your list of things to do in Edinburgh city center. We stayed at Ibis Royal Centre and thought this was the perfect place to explore the Royal Mile. As seen on the Edinburgh attractions map, it is located in the middle of the Royal Mile and although the front entrance isn’t directly on the Royal Mile, it is right around the corner. And as a bonus, there’s a great coffee shop and breakfast joint right next door.
Ibis Hotel
4. National Museum of Scotland
One of the best places to visit in Edinburgh for free, the National Museum of Scotland offers a fascinating range of exhibits from science and history to art and culture. It’s perfect for what to do in Edinburgh with kids, as it has interactive exhibits and engaging activities. This is also located right next to Greyfriars Kirkyard, both of which are seen on the Edinburgh attractions map.
5. Take a Free Guided Walking Tour
On the Royal Mile, you can also find a Free Walking Tour. I highly suggest taking advantage of this free 2-hour guided tour. If you like the tour, you can always tip the guide at the end (which is suggested). There are guides for different languages, as well. If you do the free walking tour in Edinburgh, my suggestion is to do it towards the beginning of your stay as they will highlight other attractions and tours you may want to catch.
6. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
For young adults looking for quirky fun, Camera Obscura offers interactive exhibits filled with optical illusions. It’s a unique experience that fits perfectly on a list of things to do in Edinburgh for young adults and families with kids.
7. Calton Hill
A short walk from Princes Street, Calton Hill provides another excellent viewpoint of the city. With iconic monuments such as the National Monument and Nelson’s Monument, it’s one of the must-see places to visit in Edinburgh for free. We didn’t make it to Calton Hill, due to time, but it will be on my agenda next trip. The picture below is of Calton Hill, but the views from Calton Hill seem unbeatable.
8. The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, this palace is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Tours of the palace are an excellent choice if you’re searching for what to do in Edinburgh for a day. If you look at the Edinburgh attractions map, you will find Holyrood Palace at the end of the Royal Mile.
9. Eat at The Witchery
The Witchery in Edinburgh is a famous, atmospheric restaurant located at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, known for its rich history and luxurious Gothic decor. The menu features Scottish cuisine with a fine dining twist, offering dishes like wild game, seafood, and locally sourced produce. The Witchery is especially popular for special occasions and romantic dinners, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists alike. With its enchanting ambiance and exquisite food, dining at The Witchery is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Edinburgh. Be sure to book a reservation early. The Witchery is a popular place to dine in Edinburgh.
10. Take a Stroll Down Victoria Street
Strolling down Victoria Street in Edinburgh is like stepping into a postcard, with its vibrant, colorful buildings, charming boutiques, and unique cafes. The street’s historic atmosphere, curved layout, and cobblestone paths make it one of the most picturesque spots in the city. It’s also rumored to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series, making it a must-visit for fans and anyone looking to explore one of Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks.
11. Dean Village
Just a short walk from the city center, Dean Village is a picturesque, peaceful area with charming cottages and scenic walks along the Water of Leith. It’s perfect for those looking for quiet things to do in Edinburgh city center away from the crowds.
12. Greyfriars Kirkyard
One of the most famous graveyards in the world, Greyfriars Kirkyard is a historical spot filled with fascinating stories. It’s also the resting place of Greyfriars Bobby, a dog known for his loyalty. It’s an intriguing option for what to do in Edinburgh for a day if you’re exploring on foot. Hunt for some of the famous names in Greyfriars Kirkyard, including Tom Riddle, who many think was an inspiration for the name in J.K. Rawlings Harry Potter books. If you are in Edinburgh with kids, this could be a fun stop if they are Harry Potter fans.
We also ate at Greyfriars Bobby pub where we enjoyed classic dishes like Cullen Skink and Haggis.
13. Edinburgh Zoo
If you’re traveling with children, a visit to Edinburgh Zoo is a great idea. It’s home to a variety of animals, including pandas and penguins, and is a top recommendation for what to do in Edinburgh with kids. Edinburgh Zoo is located a little outside of the city center and will not be shown on the Edinburgh attractions map above.
14. Scott Monument
Climb the Scott Monument for a close-up view of the Gothic spire and panoramic views of the city. Located on Princes Street, it’s one of the most iconic things to do in Edinburgh city center.
15. Edinburgh Fringe Festival
If you’re visiting in August, the Fringe Festival offers endless entertainment options. This yearly festival isa huge deal for Edinburgh. We were in Edinburgh late September to October, so we didn’t participate in Fringe, but we did see them taking down the stadium that they build every year for this event.
16. Royal Botanic Garden
For a peaceful day out, visit the Royal Botanic Garden, where you can explore beautifully curated gardens. This is another fantastic choice for those searching for places to visit in Edinburgh for free.
17. Real Mary King’s Close
For a dive into Edinburgh’s darker history, take a tour of Mary King’s Close, an underground network of streets where people lived in the 17th century. This eerie tour in Edinburgh is a popular choice for both young adults and families with kids. We didn’t have time for this tour, but it is really high on my list for our next visit.
18. The Scotch Whisky Experience
A must for whisky enthusiasts, the Scotch Whisky Experience offers tastings and interactive exhibits that teach you about Scotland’s most famous drink. It’s an excellent option for things to do in Edinburgh city center for young adults.
19. The Royal Yacht Britannia
Located just outside the city center, the Royal Yacht Britannia is a former royal yacht that is now a museum. Tour the ship to see how the royal family lived during their voyages. It’s a unique experience if you’re looking for what to do in Edinburgh for a day.
20. A Day Trip to the Highlands
Families looking to explore outside the city of Edinburgh, a tour through the Highland’s could be the experience you’re looking for. This was one of the highlights on my trip to Edinburgh. There are plenty of tours to book, but we chose the Loch Lomond day tour. We booked through Viator and some of our stops included Loch Lomond, The Kelpies, and Stirling Castle.
We went with the middle tour here. The one to Loch Lamond, Stirling and the Kelpies.
Conclusion
Whether you’re exploring the places to visit in Edinburgh for free, looking for the best things to do in Edinburgh for young adults, or seeking family-friendly attractions, this city has something to offer everyone. From historic castles and royal palaces to scenic hikes and bustling city streets, Edinburgh is a destination that caters to all ages and interests. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Edinburgh for a day or planning a longer stay, be sure to add these top 20 activities to your itinerary.
