Things to do in Edinburgh

All about Edinburgh

When to visit

Edinburgh truly comes to life in the summer, when the city hosts a number of festivals, including the world’s largest performing arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This is peak season, though, so summer visitors should be prepared to contend with large crowds and higher-than-normal hotel rates. Spring is a good alternative if you’re not planning to attend the festival; the city is particularly beautiful when the flowers in parks and gardens are in full bloom.

Getting around

Most of Edinburgh’s main attractions can easily be reached on foot—in fact, wandering around the history-filled streets is the best way to get a feel for city. If you need to travel longer distances, to see attractions like the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith, hop on one of the city’s convenient buses: you can buy tickets on the bus, but you’ll need exact change. The city’s tram network is of little use to visitors.

Traveler tips

The Secret Herb Garden, which is nestled in farmland on the edge of the Pentland Hills, on the outskirts of the city, is an ideal place to escape Edinburgh’s crowds. Spend a few relaxing hours wandering the grounds, shop for potted herbs, have a coffee or lunch in the vine-filled café and bistro, and pick up a bottle of gin from the on-site distillery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Edinburgh famous for?

Edinburgh is often said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s famous for its historic attractions, which include its castle and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old and New Towns, and its literary heritage. Edinburgh is also famously a festival city, home to the world’s largest art festival.

What should I not miss in Edinburgh?

As well as visiting Edinburgh Castle and wandering around the Old Town and New Town, you should make time for the excellent National Museum of Scotland, whose collection includes everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to works by Scottish artists and designers, and a cloned sheep. Best of all, it’s free to enter.

What is the most visited place in Edinburgh?

With up to 2.2 million visitors a year, the National Museum of Scotland is Edinburgh’s most visited attraction. Edinburgh Castle attracts a similar number of visitors each year, making it the city’s most-visited paid attraction. The Scottish National Gallery and St. Giles Cathedral are the next most visited attractions.

How can I spend 3 days in Edinburgh?

With three days in Edinburgh you’ll have enough time to thoroughly explore both the Old and New Towns, as well as the city’s most famous attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Yacht Britannia. You’ll also have time for a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel or North Berwick.

Is Edinburgh a safe city?

Yes, Edinburgh is generally a safe city. You are unlikely to have any problems wandering around the city during the day. Even at night you’re unlikely to have any problems as long as you stick to the main streets and well-lit areas—it’s best not to walk across the Meadows on your own at night.

Is Edinburgh expensive?

No. Edinburgh is not particularly cheap (and living costs for residents can be high) but neither is it expensive to visit compared to other major European cities—and it’s certainly more budget-friendly than London. Prices for hotels and eating out are quite high, but are balanced by the number of free attractions you can visit.

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