Before traveling to a new city, you’ll want to know the best things to do to ensure you don’t miss anything, right? Well, you’re in luck because this post contains the 19 best things to do in Edinburgh in this ultimate Edinburgh bucket list. Included in this bucket list are filled with things that are not to miss in Edinburgh and the most famous things to do.
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Now, let’s get into why you should put visiting Edinburgh on the top of your bucket list.
Edinburgh is one of those cities you’ll think came straight out of a movie. We visited Edinburgh for 3 days, and it was spectacular. This medieval city is beautiful, and the architecture and character of the old buildings are mesmerizing.
Edinburgh has a rich history. Not to mention, since most of the city sits on top of hills, you will get breathtaking views from the top.
Edinburgh is split into two sides, Old Town and New Town. The old town has more charming historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and popular tourist attractions. Then you can cross over to New Town (although) still a bit old but is more modernized with commercialized shopping stores, cafes, and chain restaurants, and a train station.
Slow Travel
I had the pleasure of living in the United Kingdom for 5 years (thanks to the Air Force). This allowed me to experience slow travel around the UK and take many incredible UK city breaks.
Let me tell you, the United Kingdom itself is a captivating island that’s all about preserving its history and culture. From rolling hills to medieval buildings, castles, and royalty, there’s nothing quite like being in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Anywho, let’s get into this Edinburgh bucket list of things to see and do and what makes it the perfect place to visit.
Edinburgh Bucket List: 20 Best things to do in Edinburgh
1. Explore Edinburgh Castle
The first thing you must knock off your bucket list is visiting Edinburgh Castle. Also known as Castle Rock, this landmark will be hard to miss since it sits high above the city on a hill. Old Town is literally surrounded around the castle.
You should try to visit first thing in the morning to avoid large crowds.
While there, walk around the castle grounds, see the Scottish crown jewels, and bask in the stunning architecture.
Additionally, explore the Great Hall, see the cool-looking military armor and weapons, and then stroll through the underground prisons.
Oh and don’t forget to bring your camera because you’ll get breathtaking city views from the castle.
Click here to see ticket options.
2. Walk around Grassmarket Square
This famous square is vibrant, lively, and full of gorgeous gothic architecture.
Let me give you a bit of history real quick. Grassmarket Square is one of the oldest parts of the city. It used to be the main marketplace area for horses and cattle in the 14th century, thus the name.
Take a leisurely walk around the square, enjoy the atmosphere, and watch some street performers.
If you want to enjoy the nightlife, Grassmarket is the place to be. Have some delicious cocktails and have a good ole time listening to live music.
3. Edinburgh Bucket List – Climb up the Scott Monument
The Scott Monument is yet another must-see stop in Edinburgh. It’s an iconic monument that’s contributed to an author named Sir Walter Scott and was constructed in 1842, years following his death.
The monument is now open to visitors again post-COVID. Yay.
Here you can climb the 287 steps up a narrow spiral staircase if you want to go to the top. Climbing those steps will be worth it, because you’ll get amazing views from the third-floor viewpoint.
Plus, you can take a tour they offer if you want to learn some history about Sir Walter Scott.
4. Stroll through Princes Street Gardens
I don’t know about you, but I love seeing beautiful gardens and parks. That’s why I included taking a stroll through Princess Street Gardens on this Edinburgh bucket list.
The gardens are in a perfect location between Old Town and New Town. In fact, the garden came about in 1760 after the draining of the polluted Nor Loche.
This walkthrough of the gardens is easy, and the sidewalks are leveled and flat.
Don’t forget to seek out the immaculate Ross Fountain. “It’s captivating”!
5. Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour
Next up, if you are an avid fan of Harry Potter and want to know more about all the places that were inspirations for the Harry Potter books, then take a Harry Potter walking tour. I know this is a huge Edinburgh bucket list item for true Harry Potter fans.
If this is you, you’ll love going on this Magical Harry Potter walking tour. During this tour, the experienced guide will take you to all the places where “JK Rowlings” got her inspiration for the books.
Additionally, you’ll get to see the Grave of Tom Riddle at Greyfriars Kirkyard. Then, you’ll visit some shops and restaurants where famous writing takes place.
Not to mention, they will make it fun for you too! The tour guide will test your knowledge on how much you know about Harry Potter through interactive quizzes and trivia questions. How fun is this?
For more info and tickets for the Harry Potter walking tour, visit this website.
6. Edinburgh Bucket List – Eat traditional Scottish food
Trying traditional Scottish food is the next thing to check off your Edinburgh bucket list. You can’t come to Scotland and not eat some classic dishes, right?
Try one of the local favorites, like traditional Yorkshire pudding. It includes meat like sausage or roast, peas, and mashed potatoes all piled on top of a bread puff/bowl. Then pour the savory brown gravy over it and indulge.
Now, if you are a true foodie and love eating exotic food from around the world, try eating the national Scottish signature dish, Haggis. This is a combination of sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), onions, oatmeal, and spices, then wrapped in an animal’s stomach or an artificial casing. Yum-my!
You can try the Haggis as a starter, such as Haggis Fritters. Or as a main dish, complete with Neeps (Turnips) and Tatties (mashed potatoes).
7. Stroll down Victoria Street
Victoria Street has become famous in Edinburgh due to the many Harry Potter influences. Tons of Potterhead fans come to this street because it reminds them of “Diagon Alley”.
Here you’ll see quaint shops, pubs, and restaurants lined on this gorgeous, colorful, cobble-stoned street.
Pop in one of the shops for Harry Potter gifts, have a bite or take photos around the Harry Potter inspirational locations.
However, if you’re not really a fan of Harry Potter, that’s okay. It’s still a gorgeous street to walk down with other things to see.
A quick tip: The street is a little hilly and steep, so ensure you are ready for the slight climb.
8. Edinburgh Bucket List – Climb up Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another must-visit in Edinburgh.
On the hill are several monuments and observatories, such as the Nelson Monument, National Monument, and City Observatories.
Besides seeing all the monuments here, the views are the best thing about Calton Hill.
You can get magnificent views of both Old and New Towns. However, the best views are of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags.
So take a break, lay on the lawn, and enjoy the stillness from up above.
9. Visit the Palace of HolyroodHouse
Let’s go to the late Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh, shall we? The Palace of Holyrood is an extraordinary palace located at the bottom of the hill at the end of the Royal Mile.
Here, you will see how gorgeous the ancient Gothic-style architecture is, and the huge white pillars inside are insane and so regal.
Inside, you’ll see the famous Mary Queen of Scott’s bed chambers and beautiful paintings in the Great Gallery.
Be sure to walk around the stunning Abbey Ruins. Then conclude your tour with an impressive scenic walk through the beautiful gardens.
A tour to the Palace of Holyrood is definitely an Edinburgh bucket list item you must check off.
Click here to see ticket options for the Palace of HolyroodHouse.
10. Walk through Greyfriars Kirkyard
Considered the “most haunted graveyard in the world”, Greyfriars Kirkyard is a popular tourist attraction for those who dare to visit.
While there, don’t forget to look for Edinburgh’s most famous dog landmark, the Greyfriars Bobby statue.
Plus, if you want to hear the bizarre stories behind this eerie cemetery, I recommend taking a walking tour.
They’ll talk about the history of this iconic cemetery and tell you the stories of ghosts and souls that still lurk on the premises.
11. Edinburgh Bucket List – Hike Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is one of the most known hills in the Country. What makes it so remarkable is that it’s an ancient volcanic rock standing 251 meters high. Arthur’s seat is located pretty close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and across from Holyroodhouse Park.
Since it’s so close to the palace, I recommend hiking Arthur’s Street and visiting the Palace on the same day.
It should take about 45 minutes to climb up the hill of Arthur’s Seat. It’s an uphill climb, so ensure you have the proper shoes and are at a moderate fitness level.
If you aren’t good with directions and want to know more about the history of Arthur’s Seat, I recommend getting an experienced guide to show you the way.
For tour guide options to hike Arthur’s Seat, click here.
12. Edinburgh Bucket List – Walkthrough Dean’s Village
For an off-the-beaten-path activity, take a stroll through Dean’s Village. It’s an adorable and quaint neighborhood about 20 minutes from Old Town.
This charming neighborhood has a shimmering river running through it. The cobbled stone streets complete the look of this enchanting area.
Take a walk, look around, and enjoy the beauty of it all. But remember that it’s a neighborhood where people live, so respect their property.
13. Take a Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting
Scotland is known for its whisky, so you must try a dram (shot) while there. One of the best ways to learn and sample whiskey is by taking a guided tour.
On this tour, you’ll see they have one of the largest collections of Scotch whisky, with nearly 3,500 bottles.
Plus, during the tour, get introduced to how the whisky is made with the secret blending of aromas.
Then, learn about the different regions around Scotland where they make Scotch whisky.
Last but not least, swirl and taste up to four whiskies while chilling in the McIntyre Gallery.
For more info and tickets for the Scotch Whisky Experience, visit this website.
14. Visit the Scottish Parliament Building
Next up is the Scottish Parliament Building, which is across the street from Holyroodhouse Palace along the Royal Mile.
Here you can learn about the history of the Scottish Parliament and its democracy.
Plus, see the art exhibition encompassing paintings, sculptures, textiles, and photography from Scotland’s artists.
The Scottish Parliament was first established in 1997. Then Enric Miralles built the new Parliament building, and the Queen opened it in 2004.
You can take a FREE guided tour and learn the history behind the Parliament.
For more info and to book a guided tour, click here.
15. Edinburgh Bucket List – Eat and drink at a pub
I think it’s safe to say that it won’t be hard to find a traditional pub in Edinburgh. They are all throughout the city.
You’ll see plenty of pubs while walking along the Royal Mile, Rose Street, or Grassmarket square.
We ate at a few pubs during our three days in Edinburgh, but the one that really stood out was Castle Arms outside of Edinburgh Castle.
We really wanted to dine at this cute beer garden on Rose Street, but it was packed to capacity.
So before you travel, keep that in mind; you may want to make a reservation if there’s a specific pub you really want to visit.
It may not be like that all the time. It was a big football game happening on a Saturday while we were there. Everyone was out watching the game in the pubs. Plus it didn’t hurt that it was a beautiful, sunny day.
16. Visit the National Museums of Scotland
As one of the most popular attractions in the UK, the National Museums of Scotland is not one to miss.
Include this on your Edinburgh bucket list, especially if you like history, artifacts, and galleries.
The National Museum of Scotland includes the National War Museum, the National Museum of Rural Life, and the National Museum of Flight.
You can take a free guided tour to see the highlights of the Scotland Galleries.
The Museum is open daily, 10:00 – 1700, and is free to enter. For more info, click here.
17. Talk a walk along the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is an iconic street in Old Town that’s packed with travelers and locals. It goes from Edinburgh Castle all the way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This street is the most famous walk here, hence why it’s on this Edinburgh bucket list.
You’ll have a fun day walking down the cobbled-stone streets. Along with enjoying hearing the guys playing the bagpipes.
Plus, there are tons of stores to shop in for great souvenirs like kilts, lovely cashmere scarves and blankets, figurines, and clothing made of tartan cloth.
There are plenty of cool things to do walking down the Royal Mile. This road is where most popular tourist attractions are, such as The Writer’s Museum, Obscura Illusions, and St. Giles Cathedral.
Lastly, if you are feeling peckish (hungry), stop at one of the many restaurants, such as Witchery by the Castle or Angels with Bagpipes.
18. Get freaked out on Ghost Tour
Want the thrill of getting shaken in your boots? Are you into ghosts, witches, horror stories and witchcraft? Then Edinburgh is the perfect place to take a ghost tour.
Edinburgh is known not only for whisky and Harry Potter but for its dark side too.
Take a guided walking tour of the underground vaults that were built as chambers for people to live in in 1788, and hear the stories about the murders and burials of people down there.
You’ll also walk through Edinburgh’s most haunted areas and hidden spooky alleys. Then, hear the backstory about Burke and Hare, the serial killers of Edinburgh.
For more info and tickets for the Ghost walking tour, visit this website.
19. Explore the Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery is a museum of the arts.
Are you an art enthusiast? Well, you’re in luck because, at the Scottish National Gallery, you’ll see the most well-known art from around the world.
From iconic international paintings by Raphael, Vermeer, and Titian to Scottish artworks from Sir James Guthrie, John Duncan, and Arthur Melville.
The Scottish National Gallery is also part of the Royal Scottish Academy building. This academy is home to students of artists and architects. Even the architecture of the outside of the building is stunning.
Additionally, the Academy and the Gallery were founded in 1826 and designed by William Henry Playfair.
Plus, the great news is that it’s free to enter. You can visit the gallery daily from 10:00 – 1700.
**BONUS**
20. Have fun at the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Take a break from the historic touring on this Edinburgh itinerary and have a unique and fun experience at Camera Obscura World of Optical Illusions. Here you can experience over 100 exhibits at Camera Obscura, and the optical illusions are fun.
Besides all the fun, tease your brain by trying to figure out some tricky illusions.
It’s challenging yet intriguing.
Our favorite is walking through the Mirror Maze and Vortex tunnel, it is entertaining.
It doesn’t matter if you have kids, teens, or young adults. The entire family will have a good time at Camera Obscura.
You should purchase the tickets in advance. You will have to pick a day and time slot for when you want to visit.
To see ticket options click here.
That’s all I have for you guys today. How did you like the ultimate Edinburgh bucket list? I hope it is helpful to you. I would love to hear about your travels to Edinburgh. Let me know in the comments below.
