About Edinburgh
Edinburgh stacks a medieval Old Town, elegant New Town and a fortress skyline into one of Europe's most walkable capitals — especially electric during Festival season.
Best time
May–June and September; August for Festivals if you accept crowds
Weather
Cool maritime — changeable; pack layers year-round
Airport
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Getting around
Walk the Royal Mile and New Town; buses for Leith and day trips
Experiences
Things to do in Edinburgh
1
Edinburgh Castle
2
Royal Mile
3
Arthur's Seat hike
4
Holyrood Palace
5
Calton Hill viewpoint
6
National Museum of Scotland
7
Dean Village
8
Whisky tasting or ghost tour
Budget travel
Free things to do in Edinburgh
Arthur's Seat hike
Calton Hill viewpoint
Calton Hill at sunrise
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Edinburgh Castle
- Visit Royal Mile
- Visit Arthur's Seat hike
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Holyrood Palace
- Visit Calton Hill viewpoint
- Visit National Museum of Scotland
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Dean Village
- Visit Whisky tasting or ghost tour
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$
The Scran & Scallie
Scottish gastropub · Tom Kitchin's local favourite
- $$$
Timberyard
Scottish · Farm-fire cooking locals love
- $
Mary's Milk Bar
Ice cream · Grassmarket gelato institution
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
The Balmoral
Princes Street · Clock-tower landmark at Waverley
- $$$$
Gleneagles Townhouse
St Andrew Square · New-wave luxury in a bank building
- $$$
The Witchery by the Castle
Royal Mile · Gothic suites beside the castle
Shopping
- Princes Street
- Victoria Street
- Stockbridge
Nightlife
- Grassmarket
- Cowgate
- Leith Walk
Museums & culture
- National Museum of Scotland
- Scottish National Gallery
- Camera Obscura
Local foods to try
- Haggis
- Scotch whisky
- Shortbread
- Full Scottish breakfast
Hidden gems
- Dean Village
- Duddingston Loch
- Calton Hill at sunrise
Travel tips
- Book Festival and Hogmanay lodging months ahead
- Wear grip-friendly shoes — Old Town stones are steep and slick
- Climb Arthur's Seat early for clearer views
In pictures
Edinburgh gallery
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Keep exploring
