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
    󰺂10
    202.41
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town891m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoEdinburgh and York in winter: ancient cities as charming as a movie scene | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Watch the Noonday Gun performance every day at 1PM
    󰋄Climb for panoramic view of Edinburgh
    󱨠Saved by 974 users󱨠1754 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    爱飞来的人爱飞来的人

    Verification was quick after purchase. I recommend making an appointment in advance to avoid waiting. The price on the official website isn't much different from Ctrip's. The key difference is that purchasing from an overseas website requires your bank card, so I personally opted to buy here for security reasons.

  • Edinburgh Old Towntop_2
    󰺂9.0
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town487m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Scottish Crown Jewels on Volcano
    󱓊Explore Scotland's medieval history
    󱨠Saved by 363 users󱨠109 positive reviews
    4.9/5
    苏河家园苏河家园

    Edinburgh Old City, England, is surrounded by medieval stone buildings and beautiful scenery. Edinburgh is not only a financial town, but also a palace of art. Walking on the street, you can see entertainers' happy performances everywhere. This is the origin of traditional Scottish dress skirts, the blend of art and life makes people linger, it is worth a visit.

  • Palace of Holyroodhousetop_3
    󰺂8.5
    217.82
    Edinburgh998m from downtown
    Highlights:
    View of Arthur's Seat
    󰀆View Edinburgh Castle & Arthur's Seat
    󱨠Saved by 336 users󱨠174 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    _TI***3h_TI***3h

    Located precisely at the end of the Royal Mile the Holyrood Place has beeb a Royal residence since the 16th century, and the original Abbey was founded in 1128 (which is still on site). It is absolutely a must-see during your time in Edinburgh, being a perfect example of a working palace. But do not compare it to the Buckingham Palace in London, since those two are completely different in all aspects but one, which is it being a monarch residence. Some rooms are filled up to the brim with historic events, and are featured in the famous paintings. One of which is the bedchambers of Mary Queen of Scots where her dear friend was killed right in front of her (there is also a spot which is claimed to be bloodstained with his blood where his body was left). Overall immersive experience guaranteed and I highly recommend visiting this palace. Don't forget to visit the Holyrood Abbey as well, as it is one of the oldest places in all Edinburgh and is very authentic in its ruins.

  • The Scotch Whisky Experience
    4
    󰺂7.8
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town690m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Whiskey-making tour by barrel car
    󱓊Explore Scottish whisky culture & history
    󱨠Saved by 300 users󱨠123 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    D Day for TravelD Day for Travel

    Very nice experience. You will get a free whisky glass after the wine tasting session. We acquired a lot of whisky knowledge and overall it is very interesting.

  • Royal Mile
    5
    󰺂7.5
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town350m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Night Attractions in Edinburgh
    Highlights:
    󱨜A one-mile walk through 800 years of Scottish life
    Castles, cathedrals, legends, and whisky included
    󱨠Saved by 305 users󱨠168 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    苏河家园苏河家园

    The Royal Mile is not only the geographical skeleton of Edinburgh, but also the epitome of Scottish history and culture. The avenue stands a number of statues of historical giants, including David Hume, a philosopher, economist and historian of the Scottish Enlightenment; 18th century English philosopher, economist and historian Adam Smith.

  • Calton Hill
    6
    󰺂7.4
    Edinburgh.New Town398m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Edinburgh
    Highlights:
    󱓊Cannonball drops daily at 1
    󰀆Climb monument pillars & adventure
    󱨠Saved by 407 users󱨠189 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    苏河家园苏河家园

    Carlton Hill is an iconic Edinburgh attraction known for its neoclassical complex, 360-degree city views and rich cultural activities. The design inspiration is based on the Parthenon in Athens. The Greek-style columns on the top of the mountain are magnificent, like the skeleton of a temple solidified by time, and they quietly guard Edinburgh. ‌

  • National Museum of Scotland
    7
    󰺂7.1
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town710m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoStunning city views from the National Museum of Scotland
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Edinburgh
    Highlights:
    󱨜Dolly the cloned sheep exhibit
    󱓊Golden sandstone walls: timeless beauty
    󱨠Saved by 307 users󱨠155 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    苏河家园苏河家园

    The National Museum of Scotland is a fusion of Victorian architecture and modern design. The exhibits in the museum cover themes such as natural history, science and technology, and world culture, including representative exhibits such as Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils, Iron Age gold ornaments, and cloned sheep Dolly specimens, covering all aspects of social life.

  • Scott Monument
    8
    󰺂6.4
    Edinburgh.New Town326m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Climb 287 steps & enjoy views
    󱨜Unique 197-foot Gothic arches
    󱨠Saved by 206 users󱨠118 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    ZengZhiGangZengZhiGang

    This black tower is so eye-catching that you can notice it from a distance because its black appearance makes it stand out like a crane among chickens. When you get closer, you will find that the workmanship of the tower is actually very delicate and intricate.

  • National Galleries of Scotland: National
    9
    󰺂6.3
    Edinburgh.New Town531m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Showcase Scottish native art masterpieces
    󱨜Van Gogh & Monet masterpieces
    󱨠Saved by 173 users󱨠27% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    M23***33M23***33

    My favorite Scottish National Gallery, I go there three times every time I come. When I walk in, the Botticelli painting "Madonna Worshiping the Child Jesus" is worth appreciating in the middle of the left side. The delicate description of this work is placed in the most central position. Next to it is the work of Leonardo da Vinci, but this one is rarely seen. It is his unfinished work, and later generations added some background. Impressionism on the fourth floor: two works of Van Gogh from different periods, Gauguin's most famous works, but my favorite are several landscapes by Cezanne, which have the flavor of watercolor and are unique. The large natural portrait of Diego by Degas is also the first time I have seen a different Degas work. I personally think Monet is the most ordinary in an exhibition hall. Most visitors only pay attention to Monet and Van Gogh...

  • St Giles' Cathedral
    10
    󰺂6.2
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town450m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Free entry until 6 PM
    󱓊Landmark with Scottish crown design
    󱨠Saved by 183 users󱨠27% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    苏河家园苏河家园

    When you travel to Edinburgh in the UK, you can't miss St. Giles' Cathedral, the heart of the city. St. Giles' Cathedral is a religious and cultural landmark in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is located in the middle of the Royal Mile and is famous for its unique Scottish crown spire. It is known as the "Mother Church" of the Scottish Presbyterian Church.

Best things to do in Edinburgh (2025)

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 Noonday Gun performance every day at 1PM,Climb for panoramic view of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Old Town

• Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town | 487m from downtown

• : Scottish Crown Jewels on Volcano,Explore Scotland's medieval history

Palace of Holyroodhouse

• Edinburgh | 998m from downtown

• : View of Arthur's Seat,View Edinburgh Castle & Arthur's Seat

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 Best Things to Do are there in Edinburgh?
These are all Best Things to Do in Edinburgh:Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town, Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Scotch Whisky Experience, Royal Mile
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Edinburgh?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Edinburgh include:Edinburgh Castle:4.7, Edinburgh Old Town:4.9, Palace of Holyroodhouse:4.7, The Scotch Whisky Experience:4.4, Royal Mile:4.6
At what locations in Edinburgh can Best Things to Do in Edinburgh be found?
The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh are mainly located in:Edinburgh Castle:Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town:Edinburgh, Palace of Holyroodhouse:Edinburgh, The Scotch Whisky Experience:Edinburgh, Royal Mile:Edinburgh
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