https://https://uk.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/edinburgh/best-things-to-do/100000007559
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh [2025]
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Edinburgh Castle
4.7
/5
2339 reviews
10
From THB 882.28
Based on 53,722 reviews
Edinburgh Old Town | 891m from downtown
Phone +441312259846
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Watch the Noonday Gun performance every day at 1:00 AM
1 PM cannon time show
Saved by 847 users1662 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Many said it's overrated, but I think it's one of the iconic place to visit, especially if you visit at the right time (when it's not as busy). Fantastic view from different spots of the castle and learn about some history. Indeed it's military heavy and some controversial military "honours" to those invasion wars. Don't expect a huge space to visit though.
The castle is over a thousand years old and offers a beautiful view overlooking the city. You can see the dungeon, the Scottish crown and scepter, and several museums. The restaurant inside is delicious, serving snacks and hot meals.
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Edinburgh Old Town
4.9
/5
128 reviews
9.0
Based on 16,361 reviews
Edinburgh Old Town | 487m from downtown
Phone +447112018604
Address: Edinburgh, UK
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Scottish Crown Jewels on Volcano
Explore Scotland's medieval history
Saved by 298 users109 positive reviews
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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.
Awesome place! Had an amazing experience—highly recommended for everyone to visit!
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Palace of Holyroodhouse
4.7
/5
312 reviews
8.6
From THB 902.81
Based on 12,218 reviews
998m from downtown
Phone +443031237306
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
View of Arthur's Seat
View Edinburgh Castle & Arthur's Seat
Saved by 307 users176 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Very interesting place to visit to learn about the history of the royal family and see some great docorations. Self_guided audio tour was nicely put together and free with the entrance. I love the backdrop of Arthur's seat and the ruin of the chapel.
excellent chance to know the palace more and who rules scotland, would be great for tourists to pay a visit
No.
4
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The Scotch Whisky Experience
4.3
/5
209 reviews
7.9
From THB 1031.78
Based on 7,646 reviews
Edinburgh Old Town | 690m from downtown
Phone +441312200441
Address: 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, United Kingdom
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Whiskey-making tour by barrel car
Explore Scottish whisky culture & history
Saved by 255 users117 positive reviews
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Informative tour to learn about Scottish Whisky, plus the tasting after that, highly recommended.
I’m a whiskey enthusiast I really loved the royal mile and whiskey experience at the whisky trail, so much of variety to try helpful and experienced staff
No.
5
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Calton Hill
4.6
/5
516 reviews
7.6
Based on 9,613 reviews
New Town | 398m from downtown
Phone +441315297061
Address: Edinburgh EH7 5AA, United Kingdom
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
No.2 of Night Attractions in Edinburgh
Highlights:
Cannonball drops daily at 1
Climb monument pillars & adventure
Saved by 372 users196 positive reviews
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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.
"Bagpipes sound from afar, I only care about your news.
The castle keeps secrets for love, and I keep memories for you."
This is the location of Jay Chou's MV "Obviously",
and it is also the birthplace of J.K. Rowling's creation of "Harry Potter".
If you dream of a medieval city in a magical world,
then you must come here in this life.
Every building is a natural movie background,
and every corner seems to hide a secret passage to another world.
In the end, when the sunset on Calton Hill confiscated time,
Edinburgh, becoming amber that never fades, will always remain in my memory.
No.
6
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Royal Mile
4.6
/5
417 reviews
7.2
Based on 26,026 reviews
Edinburgh Old Town | 350m from downtown
Address: Edinburgh EH1 1QS, United Kingdom
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
A one-mile walk through 800 years of Scottish life
Castles, cathedrals, legends, and whisky included
Saved by 273 users175 positive reviews
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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.
The Royal Mile is the main road in Edinburgh's Old Town, connecting two important places in Scottish history - Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. The crisscrossing alleys on both sides of the avenue form the basic framework of the old town. Now, both sides of the road are lined with various restaurants, bars, shops, hostels and attractions, attracting tourists from all over the world to come for sightseeing.
No.
7
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National Museum of Scotland
4.7
/5
283 reviews
7.2
Based on 22,643 reviews
Edinburgh Old Town | 710m from downtown
Phone +443001236789
Address: Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, United Kingdom
Recommended sightseeing time: 3 hours
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Edinburgh
Highlights:
Dolly the cloned sheep exhibit
Golden sandstone walls: timeless beauty
Saved by 269 users158 positive reviews
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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.
It is super interesting and colorful. It is especially suitable for children's practical learning, broadening their horizons, ideas and abilities. There are many mechanical models and real objects that can be used to gain knowledge during play.
No.
8
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Scott Monument
4.4
/5
286 reviews
6.5
Based on 2,842 reviews
New Town | 326m from downtown
Phone +441315294068
Address: E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, United Kingdom
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 hour
Highlights:
Climb 287 steps & enjoy views
Unique 197-foot Gothic arches
Saved by 183 users123 positive reviews
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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.
In the center of the Scott Memorial stands a white marble statue of Scott, wearing a robe and with his beloved dog lying beside him. The stairs to the tower are optional, getting narrower as you go up, and it is difficult for the last person to pass through.
No.
9
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National Galleries of Scotland: National
4.3
/5
160 reviews
6.3
New Town | 531m from downtown
Phone +441316246200
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, United Kingdom
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Showcase Scottish native art masterpieces
Van Gogh & Monet masterpieces
Saved by 146 users28% positive reviews
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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...
The National Gallery of Scotland houses the country's fine art collection from the early Renaissance to the late 19th century. Through the art works, you can understand the historical trajectory of Scotland, so it is one of Edinburgh's popular tourist attractions.
No.
10
St Giles' Cathedral
4.4
/5
167 reviews
6.2
Based on 6,742 reviews
Edinburgh Old Town | 450m from downtown
Phone +441312260674
Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
Highlights:
Free entry until 6 PM
Landmark with Scottish crown design
Saved by 157 users28% positive reviews
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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.
Starting from the appearance of St. Giles Cathedral, it is so solemn and sacred! Walking into the church is even more awe-inspiring. Its architectural design, sculpture art, and historical traces are all touching and worth your visit!
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