In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own  

If you haven’t already visited Edinburgh for a weekend break then I would strongly recommend that you add this Scottish city to your list of places to visit.  Blessed with stunning architecture and steeped in history there is so much for you to see and do here making it an excellent location for your next getaway.

It’s an excellent city to visit for a city break because everything is so accessible either by foot or public transport.  The best way to make the most of your time here is to look for hotels in Edinburgh city centre so that all the major landmarks and attractions are on your doorstep.  Here’s my list of best things to do in Edinburgh for first time visitors. Also check out this post on how to stay in Edinburgh for under £100.

Things to do in Edinburgh

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle on a beautiful clear, crisp fall day.

Everyone loves to visit a castle and you will not be in the slightest bit disappointed with Edinburgh Castle.  It sits strategically above the city which has been a huge advantage over the years.  Now, Edinburgh Castle provides visitors with incredible views across the city and shares its stories through interesting exhibits and tours.

As well as a Royal residence, Edinburgh Castle has been a prison, a fortress and a military garrison making it one of the most interesting castles to visit not only in the UK but also Europe.

The Royal Mile

You will want to dedicate a good amount of time to exploring the famous Royal Mile in Edinburgh. This street leads from Edinburgh Castle down through the centre until it meets Holyroodhouse Palace at the bottom.

Lined with restaurants, shops and many points of interest the Royal Mile not only introduces you to life in Edinburgh now, but it is also the doorway to what life would have been like in Edinburgh for local residents over the centuries.   To fully appreciate the Royal Mile and its history book a walking tour with a local historian who will have many stories to share with you about this historic city.

The Royal Mile (high street) - Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

St Giles’ Cathedral

On the Royal Mile you will find St Giles’ Cathedral which dates back to 1124.  With over 900 years of history under its belt it’s a popular historic attraction in Edinburgh.  Guided tours are available and you can even climb the tower and take the rooftop tour for a very small fee.  Regardless of your religious stance, St Giles’ places a significant part in the history and culture of the city and should not be missed.

Camera Obscura

Edinburgh isn’t just about historic attractions, and for those looking for something a little different then Camera Obscura will be perfect for your list of things to do in the city.  This attraction is filled with optical illusions and promises plenty of hands on interactive fun for all ages. When you reach the top of the building you will also be treated to more incredible views across the city including a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle so don’t forget your camera.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

If you have a particular interest in Royal history then you will enjoy a visit to Holyroodhouse Palace at the foot of the Royal Mile.  As well as being the official residence of the Queen while she is in Edinburgh you can also discover more about previous residents including Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.  Things not to be missed here are the State Apartments, Holyrood Abbey and I’d also highly recommend an afternoon tea at the palace cafe.

Palace of Holyroodhouse is residence of the Queen in Edinburgh, Scotland

Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat

Being just a short walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, time should allow for you to explore this stunning 640 acre park next to Holyrood Palace.  Sitting on a volcanic hill, Holyrood Park is home to a diverse collection of flowers and wild plants.  Arthur’s Seat sits at the top of the Holyrood Park and provides excellent views across the city for visitors to enjoy.

Edinburgh is an excellent city to visit all year round and provides a mix of historic and modern attractions to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Save this list of things to do in Edinburgh to help with planning your visit to the city.

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15 COMMENTS

  1. Edinburgh is definitely somewhere I have always wanted to go – and your pictures make me want to go even more – I just got a feeling I would LOVE it!

  2. Edinburgh is somewhere I would love to go and visit one day. It is amazing how much there is to do and see in this area, I always find cathedrals amazing to look around – the carvings and different glass windows are always incredible.

  3. A great post Zena – and funnily enough me and other half were talking about going to Edinburgh this year – so great timing! When we book that trip, I know where to refer back to! The Royal Mile sounds like a plan to start off with 🙂

  4. I love Edinburgh so much and have done all of these things before, other things I’d recommend are the Edinburgh Gin Distillery tour, the zoo and the Royal Britannia Yacht x

  5. I have still yet to visit Edinburgh, I really should make the effort to take a trip up there. So much to see, do and experience. Really such a beautiful city and that castle… absolutely stunning! Sim x

  6. It’s been a while since I have been to Edinburgh so I enjoyed reading this post! I want to take the boys to Scotland this year. Hoping we manage to squeeze a trip to the castle.

  7. We are heading to Edinburg this summer for a weekend to visit family and were thinking of doing some research on where to go, your blog has saved us the time and effort as it has everything!

  8. Edinburgh is on our travel list. We would absolutely love to visit. I t looks beautiful and I bet there was so much to see and do. xx

  9. I love Edinburgh – so many nice things to see and do and lovely places to eat out!

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