Top 50 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Edinburgh Castletop_1
    4.7/5
    󰺂10
    23.01
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town891m from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Watch the 1 PM cannon firing at Castle Square
    󱨜Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the capital of Scotland
    󱨠Saved by 1116 users󱨠1814 positive reviews
  • Edinburgh Old Towntop_2
    4.9/5
    󰺂9.0
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town487m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Enjoy artistic vibes with street performances
    󱨜Explore the historic Royal Mile
    󱨠Saved by 419 users󱨠111 positive reviews
  • Palace of Holyroodhousetop_3
    4.7/5
    󰺂8.5
    25.32
    Edinburgh998m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Remembering the legendary life of Queen Mary
    View the rare collection at the Royal Gallery
    󱨠Saved by 366 users󱨠175 positive reviews
  • The Scotch Whisky Experience
    4
    4.3/5
    󰺂7.6
    28.78
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town690m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Sample 270 Scottish whiskies
    Explore whiskey culture on an electric barrel car tour
    󱨠Saved by 327 users󱨠122 positive reviews
  • Royal Mile
    5
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.3
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town350m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Edinburgh
    Highlights:
    󱨜A one-mile walk through 800 years of Scottish life
    Castles, cathedrals, legends, and whisky included
    󱨠Saved by 332 users󱨠167 positive reviews
  • Calton Hill
    6
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.2
    Edinburgh.New Town398m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Night Attractions in Edinburgh
    Highlights:
    Enjoy a leisurely picnic on the mountaintop lawn
    󱨜Take panoramic photos at sunrise and sunset
    󱨠Saved by 443 users󱨠184 positive reviews
  • National Museum of Scotland
    7
    4.7/5
    󰺂6.6
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town710m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoStunning city views from the National Museum of Scotland
    Highlights:
    󱨜Dolly the cloned sheep exhibit
    Explore a tapestry of history through interactive exhibits
    󱨠Saved by 352 users󱨠151 positive reviews
  • St Giles' Cathedral
    8
    4.4/5
    󰺂6.4
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town450m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Explore artistic treasures on a guided church tour
    󱨜The design of the tower's top is modeled on the Crown of Scotland.
    󱨠Saved by 214 users
  • Edinburgh Bus Tours
    9
    5.0/5
    󰺂6.2
    Edinburgh.New Town364m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Edinburgh bus tour of ancient streets
    Explore Edinburgh culture with multilingual guided tours
  • The Edinburgh Dungeon
    10
    4.2/5
    󰺂6.1
    17.25
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town288m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Witch trial historical reenactment performance
    󱨜Explore the dungeon and immerse yourself in its historic atmosphere

Best things to do in Edinburgh (2026)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Edinburgh? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Edinburgh offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Edinburgh

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Edinburgh experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Edinburgh Castle

• Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town | 891m from downtown

• : Watch the 1 PM cannon firing at Castle Square,Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the capital of Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town

• Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town | 487m from downtown

• : Enjoy artistic vibes with street performances,Explore the historic Royal Mile

Palace of Holyroodhouse

• Edinburgh | 998m from downtown

• : Remembering the legendary life of Queen Mary,View the rare collection at the Royal Gallery

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Edinburgh

If you want to explore attractions just outside Edinburgh, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Edinburgh, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Edinburgh special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Edinburgh

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Edinburgh

Ready to explore the best of Edinburgh? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
The best things to do in Edinburgh include: Edinburgh Castle | Edinburgh Old Town | Palace of Holyroodhouse | The Scotch Whisky Experience | Royal Mile. These activities offer a mix of cultural experiences, sightseeing, and entertainment suitable for all types of travelers.
How much do the top attractions in Edinburgh cost?
Edinburgh Castle:From €23.01 | Edinburgh Old Town:Free | Palace of Holyroodhouse:From €25.32 | The Scotch Whisky Experience:From €28.78 | Royal Mile:Free
What amenities or facilities can I expect at top attractions in Edinburgh?
Most attractions in Edinburgh provide facilities such as visitor centers, guided tours, parking, rest areas, dining options, and accessibility features to ensure a comfortable experience.
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