Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is, without a doubt, one of the best cities in the world. A city steeped in history and stunning rich architectural heritage, Edinburgh is the 2nd most popular tourist destination in the UK (after London) welcoming over 2 million visitors every year.

Here are our personal recommendations for attractions, activities, restaurants and cafes while you visit. If you don’t want to sift through a full list of things, why now have a look at our map which will help you plan your itinerary a bit better.

Attractions:

Edinburgh Castle
The Palace of Holyrood House
The Royal Mile
Camera Obscura
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Scottish National Gallery
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh Zoo
Greyfriar’s Bobby
Museum of Childhood
Scottish Storytelling Centre
St Giles Cathedral
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Museum on the Mound
Scott Monument
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Craigmillar Castle
Rosslyn Chapel
Hopetoun House

Interactive attractions:

Edinburgh Dungeons
The Real Mary King’s Close
Dynamic Earth

Activities:

Walk (or run) around Holyrood Park
Watch a Rugby Match at Murrayfield Stadium

Theatre:

The Playhouse Theatre
The King’s Theatre
Festival Theatre
Usher Hall
Edinburgh International Conference Centre

Restaurants:

Fine Dining or Michelin Star

Condita
Martin Wishart
The Kitchin
The Dome
The Ivy on the Square

Local Favourites

Howies
Angels with Bagpipes
Wedgewood
The Witchery by the Castle
Tigerlily
Indaba

International Cuisine

Chaophraya
Chop Chop
Chizuru Tei
Pizzeria 1926
Locanda De Gusti
Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food
Tapa
Vittoria on the Walk
La Favorita

Fast Food

Slumdog Delivered
Taquito
Oink Scottish Hog Roast

Cafes:

Loudon’s
Seven (formerly Cafe Class)
Bijou Bistro
The Clock Cafe
Lovecrumbs
Mimi’s Bakehouse (& Mimi’s Little Bakehouse)

Walks/Nature:

Holyrood Park
The Water of Leith
Pentland Hills
Royal Botanic Gardens
Calton Hill
Forth Bridge Viewpoint