Looking to travel to the magnificent capital of Scotland? In Edinburgh, there are a lot of fun things to do. There is nowhere else quite like it, with magnificent architecture, countless winding alleyways, and a majestic castle perched on a dormant volcano.
1. From Calton Hill, observe the sunset.
One of the best perspective spots in the city is here. As the sun starts to drop, climb the hill to view the capital illuminated by a vivid glow of purples and pinks. The Old City Observatory’s magnificent remains on the hill gave the city its nickname, “The Athens of the North.”
It was created by William Henry Playfair in 1818 and was modeled after a Greek temple. Royal Thomas Henderson made his 1834 discovery of how to measure the distance between stars here. Bring a hot beverage with you so you can stay warm while taking in the view of the city’s rooftops.
2. Discover Leith
Recently, this waterfront community has flourished as city dwellers seeking a slower pace of life have flocked to buy property before others catch on. Spend an afternoon taking a stroll around the Waters of Leith, and then reward yourself with a beer at Teuchters Landing, a legendary dockside tavern selling some of the best beers in the city.
Spend cozy days in the shore’s cafes and pubs, or reserve a table at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants where Martin Wishart crafts a superb European menu using local Scottish products and French cooking techniques.
3. Get mind-blowing vistas
Learn why author Bill Bryson referred to the Walter Scott monument as “a Gothic rocket ship” and ascend the tower to give your Instagram followers a breathtaking 360-degree perspective of Edinburgh.
The spiral staircase has 267 steps and becomes increasingly cramped as you climb it; nevertheless, there are viewing platforms along the route for a breath of fresh air. High winds cause the Scott Monument to be closed.
4. Check out Edinburgh Castle
Visit Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the skyline of the city. The oldest remaining portion of the castle is St Margaret’s Chapel. It was built in the 12th century.
5. Go to the National Museum of Scotland
In a daring new structure in the picturesque Old Town, Scotland’s story is recounted in a fresh and colorful manner, spanning geology and sociology.
6. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art has incredible artists
Here you can find the work of numerous famous 20th-century painters, including Scottish Colourists and German Expressionists, as well as American Pop Art. The nutritious café in the basement is a well-liked lunch spot.
7. Visit the Scottish National Portrait and the National Galleries of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland is a traditional gallery that is a piece of art in and of itself, housing European artworks from the Renaissance to post-impressionism as well as significant Scottish artists.
The National Portrait Gallery features paintings by modernists like Oskar Kokoschka and ancient masters like Van Dyck of the men and women who helped build Scotland, from Bonnie Prince Charlie to Sean Connery. James Watt’s statue formerly stood in Westminster Abbey. A monument honoring a British hero has evolved into a Scottish hero memorial.
8. Arthur’s Seat hike
It only takes 45 minutes to ascend this ancient, dormant volcano from its Hollyrood Park starting point. Views of the entire city are available from the peak; look for the Nelson Monument, the imposing size of Edinburgh Castle, and the clock tower of Edinburgh’s most opulent hotel, The Balmoral.
9. Discover your green thumb at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was once a 17th-century physic garden and is now situated on 72 acres just outside the city center. Thousands of different plant species, a massive, almost strange lily pond, and a tranquil Chinese garden on a hillside have now been added to this urban jungle.
The Victorian glasshouses, comprised of 10 enormous buildings, each with a unique temperature, and are home to various plants, including large lily pads, orchids, and other exotic plants, are the main attraction. Additionally, keep an eye out for any ongoing special garden activities.
10. Stroll around Portobello Beach
Three miles east of the city center is Portobello, a former beach community also referred to as Porty by locals. It has Georgian crescents, a promenade, and a close-knit artistic community. It also has a lot of unique stores and coffee cafes.
Don’t forget to try a Twelve Triangles doughnut, wander along the shoreline and take in the view of North Berwick Law, and stop for a drink at The Espy—it’s a landmark in Edinburgh.
11. Try a different type of Scottish booze
You may be familiar with Scottish whisky, but did you know that Scotland is also a major gin producer? In the 1700s, Dutch jenever, a forerunner of gin, poured into the port of Leith. More recently, following a pause in the late 20th century, the capital has re-emerged on the scene with its several small-batch distilleries.
Visit the Summerhall Distillery, where Pickering’s Gin is made, in the former veterinary hospital, go on a tour or partake in a taste there, or schedule a tour at the Edinburgh Gin distillery, which has locations in both the West End and Leith.
12. Investigate eerie vaults
Take a creepy tour of Edinburgh at night by candlelight and prepare to be terrified. The 18th-century bodysnatchers Burke & Hare, who dug up the dead for the School of Anatomy in the city’s gloomy tunnels that are rumored to be haunted by an evil spirit, are retraced in the Underground City of The Dead tour.
13. Purchase a custom kilt
This is superior to shortbread as a memento of Scotland. The traditional Scottish skirt-for-men has been modernized by Edinburgh designer Howie Nicholsby into something stylish and masculine. For his 21st Century Kilts designs, he incorporates plaids and tartans together with leather, pinstripes, camouflage print, and gold.
Lenny Kravitz has one, as does Mario Testino. However, Walter Slater on Victoria Street is unbeatable if you prefer authentic tweed and tartan over leather. A wide variety of fitted things are offered in its two locations for both men and women.
14. Discover a hidden garden filled with animals
Discover herons, butterflies, and frogs in the world’s smallest inner-city wildlife reserve’s floral meadows. In the early 1900s, Sir Patrick Geddes, a Victorian town planner whose credo was “By leaves we live,” established The Johnston Terrace Garden behind Edinburgh Castle. Everybody is welcome to visit the guarded secret garden, which is now managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, during the Edinburgh Arts Festival.
