24 Must do’s in Edinburgh | Scotland
Planning a trip to Edinburgh? Explore the must-see sights and activities, from Edinburgh Castle to the Royal Mile, and experience the culture, history, and charm of Scotland’s capital.
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1) Dean village
If you have some time over, you can always walk to Dean Village. Dean village is near Edinburgh and is a town that stood still in time. We didn’t do this.
2) Georgian house
The Georgian House is a townhouse from the 18th century. Unfortunately, this was closed when we were there (february).
3) Princess Street gardens
The Princess street gardens is a park next to Princess street (shopping street). It lies in the New town and is therefore located on a lower level than the old town.
Fun fact: All feces were drained to Princess street gardens in the old day. That’s why the garden is full of flowers and trees 😉
4) Princess street
Princess Street is the shopping street in Edinburgh and lies next Princess Street Gardens.
5) Calton hill
Calton Hill is one of the 3 highest points in Edinburgh, the other two are Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat. The hill used to be exclusive for the nobility but is now accessible for anyone. It gives you an amazing view over Edinburgh and is also a UNESCO heritage site.
6) National Monument of Scotland
On Calton Hill , you’ll see the National Monument of Scotland. It’s a memorial for to the soldiers and sailors who died in the Napoleonic Wars.
7) Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of Edinburgh. The castle is a historic fortress that stood throughout centuries on Castle Rock (from the 2nd century AD till now). The castle has had many means; a royal castle, royal residence, military barracks, … It is one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland as it was involved in many historical conflicts (Scottish independence for example) and has been sieged for over 26 times (making it the most besieged place in Great Britain).
Fun Fact: Every day at 13PM, a canon will go off to mark the time. This was used in the past for sailors to know what time it was. It is still done to this day but attracts a lot of people.
8) The witches well
The Witches well is just in front of Edinburgh Castle. It’s small so don’t expect much. The witches’ well is dedicated to all women burned at the stake for being witches.
9) Scottish Whiskey Experience
We did a whiskey experience in Dublin and we wanted to do one is Edinburgh as well. We took the golden ticket (30pounds) at “the Scotch Whisky experience”. You start your tour with a ride in a barrel and discover how the Scottish whiskey is made. This felt for us a bit childish (a ghost is your guide). After that ride, you’ll watch a video explaining the different kinds of whiskey you can have in Scotland due to environmental factors (seaside, north side, south side, flowers, …). After the video, you will have to choose one of those regions to taste the specific whiskey that belongs to that region. This was rather done quickly, while the whiskey tasting in Dublin let us take the time to savor our glass.
Price: €35 on location
After our glass of whisky, we went on to watch the biggest whisky collection in the world!
To end our tour we received 5 more whiskey tastings (part of the golden tour only). We liked the irish whiskey more as the scottish whiskey has more of a burned wood taste to my opinion.
10) Camera Obscura
Rainy day and a day leftover? Go to camera Obscura. It’s a tourist attraction where you can take many photos in funny situations!
11) Greyfriars kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard is a graveyard in Edinburgh from the 16th century.It’s most famous for being an important source for the Harry Potter books. It is in this graveyard that JK Rollin wandered and took some names as inspiration. Go check out the graves of McGonagall, Thomas Riddel, And Moody.
Don’t stop just there. Once there was a dog named Bobby who was so loyal to his master that he kept waiting for him on his grave. Sounds familiar? I think of Dobby!
Fun Fact: Bobby has its own grave and statue that you can visit.
12) George Heriot’s School
You can’t visit this school but from Greyfriars Kirkyard and Edinburgh Castle, you can view the school. Looks familiar? Yes! This school was the base for Hogwarts castle! The school even has houses (4) with the same color!
13) Victoria Street
Victoria Street is an important street in Edinburgh that you can’t miss! JK Rollin took this street as a base for Diagon alley: small cosy shops, with colorful facades.
14) Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the street that starts at Edinburgh Castle and ends at Holyrood Palace. The street is exactly 1 mile long. This is very extraordinary as they could measure this in the old day to the spot.
15) The Real Mary King’s Close
The Real Mary King’s Close is a part of the old city. The city thbuilt know now was build upon 6 small streets (name: close). The buildings used to have 16 levels but the new city was built upon the 10th level.
During this tour, you’ll go down in those real closes to see how the people lived then. You’ll also learn more about the plague and how it affected the city back, then. At the end you can take a photo like in an attrainion and that was to my opinion not necessary at all.
16) St Giles’ Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral, or the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is a parish church located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
Harry Potter Fact: Next to the cathedral is a monument that resembles the sink in Harry Potter and the secret chamber.
Harry Potter Fact: Right in front of the Cathedral are the handprints of JK Rollin.
Fun Fact: The church can be seen in Avengers: Infinity Wars.
17) Heart of Midlothian
The Heart of Midlothian is a heart-shaped mosaic on the Royal Mile next to St. Giles High Kirk.
18) John Knox house
John Knox House is a historic house in Edinburgh. It is said that John Know lived there (but not sure). John Knox was a Protestant reformer during the 16th century.
19) Canongate Kirk
Canongate Kirk is near Holyrood Palace but it is part of Edinburgh Castle. It’s an old parish church.
20) White horse close
The White Horse Close is a collection of old historical buildings. Go look to see how people lived in the old days.
21) Palace of Holyrood house
The Holyrood Palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland The palace has been the royal residence of many Kings and Queens of Scotland, even Queen Mary. When you tour the palace, you’ll learn morand e about the monarchy, see a lot of paintings and rooms. You’ll even see the original chamber of Queen Mary and the place where her advisor was stabbed 63 times (and where you can still see the blood stain). The Crown Jewels are not here but in Edinburgh Castle.
22) Holyrood Abbey
Holyrood Abbey is Palacebey of Holyrood palace. You can only see the ruins of the abbey. It gives a special feeling when visiting it.
23) Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the highest point in Edinburgh and is located on an extinct volcano. It’s a 1-hour hike from Holyrood Palace to the top. The hike can be hard as there was only mud and rocks when we were there. Wear comfortable shoes when hiking Arthur’s Seat!
Price: Free
24) Harry Potter Tour
We did a Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh! This was such fun! Our guide Kristel had this lovely Maarodors map of Edinburgh and showed us all the important Harry Potter places in the Ately a must-do if you’re a Harry Potter fan.
What would you love to do in Edinburgh?
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