Edinburgh, Scotland is a destination that is full of rich history, charm, and culture. From the cobblestone streets and ancient castles to the sweeping views and lively pubs, Edinburgh is a city that has something for everyone.
Whether you’re wandering the medieval alleys of the Old Town, walking the Royal Mile, or enjoying a pint in a local pub, Edinburgh is one destination you’ll be glad you visited! In this Edinburgh travel guide, I’m excited to share the best things to see, do, and eat in Edinburgh. This travel guide is perfect for those visiting for the first time or those who have been before. So, let’s dive in!
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Top Things To Do
Table of Contents
Edinburgh Castle
Located on top of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and has stood watch over the city for centuries. Its history dates back to the Iron Age, but the oldest surviving structure within the castle is St. Margaret’s Chapel, which was built in the 12th century.
Over the years, the castle has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and prison. Today, it houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, which is a symbol of Scottish monarchy. Visiting the castle offers not just stunning views over Edinburgh, but also a deep dive into the country’s history.
I would recommend booking tickets ahead of time as they only have a limited number of spots each day and sell out quickly!
Walk The Royal Mile Walk
The Royal Mile Walk is the stretch of road that runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is about a mile long, hence the name.
Along the walk, you’ll pass through the Old Town, walk by lots of little shops and pubs, as well as St Giles’ Cathedral and Real Mary King’s Close. This the perfect thing to do if the weather is nice and you’re looking to see highlights in the town!
Visit Holyroodhouse Palace
On the opposite side of town from Edinburgh Castle and at the end of the Royal Mile Walk, you’ll find Holyroodhouse Palace. This palace is the official home for the current UK royal monarchs when they visit Scotland.
Walking around the palace you’ll find ornate and richly decorated rooms, art, and history. You’ll feel like royalty walking around this palace and the palace grounds. Just outside of the palace is a lovely cafe which is the perfect spot for lunch or a spot of tea.
Hike up Arthur’s Seat
If you’re up for a bit of exercise hiking up Arthur’s Seat is a must when visiting Edinburgh. Arthur’s Seat offers breathtaking views of the city of Edinburgh and was even a volcano at one point. It’s located in Holyrood Park and is one of the iconic features of Edinburgh.
The hike up is short but it can also get quite steep at different parts, so be sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes. There are a few routes you can take to get to the top either by going straight up or winding through the park. It can be a bit of a challenging hike but once you get to the top it’s definitely worth it for the views you get!
Check Out The Scott Monument
The Scott Monument is one of the many iconic landmarks in Edinburgh. This impressive Victorian Gothic monument for the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It’s located in a small park that is a lovely spot to take a stroll through.
Visit The St. Giles’ Cathedral
The St Giles’ Cathedral is located in the old town of Edinburgh and is along the Royal Mile walk. It’s also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh and you’re free to enter the cathedral when they are not holding a service. The inside is quite grand and it’s worth checking out!
Where To Eat
Thailander
We went here for Thai food on one of our nights in Edinburgh at Thailander and it was so good. It tasted authentic, and fresh, and overall is a spot I recommend if you’re in the mood for Thai!
The Sheep Heid Inn
Like in most of the UK, you won’t have an issue finding a pub for dinner. Also, if you’re not from the UK I highly recommend getting a pub dinner one night. My favorite pub dinner is a steak and ale pie with mushy peas. One pub that is known for being quite good is the Sheep Heid Inn in Edinburgh.
Coffee at Lowdown
This coffee shop is not like your typical coffee shop. Although the drinks are pretty affordable, it’s clear the baristas take their craft seriously. This coffee shop has some really delicious artisinal coffee and is a spot I recommend visiting! They also have baked goods if you want a cheeky slice of cake or another dessert with your cup of joe.
Where to Stay
The Scholar Hotel
When we visited Edinburgh we stayed at The Scholar Hotel on the university property. This hotel is run by students in the hospitality program and you can tell they try to make it a special experience for you. They have a second hotel called The Scott Hotel as well on the campus. Both hotels are dog-friendly and the room at The Scholar Hotel was quite nice. Its location is quite central to the rest of Edinburgh and was an easy walk downtown. When we went we also found the rooms to be pretty affordable and is definitely a spot I recommend!
Other Travel Tips
Currency
Edinburgh uses the Euro. The majority of places will also take credit cards.
Getting Around
Edinburgh is very walkable and the popular landmarks and activities are not too far away from each other. However, if you’re not up for walking you can take a public bus, taxi, or Uber.
How Many Days Should You Visit Edinburgh?
When we went we were there for 3 days and that was plenty. I wouldn’t go for more than 2-3 days as there is a lot to see but since the city isn’t very big you can see a lot of it pretty quickly.
What Months Are Best to Visit Edinburgh?
The best months to visit Edinburgh will be the summer months, May to August. During these months the weather is nicest and you’ll hopefully not encounter very much rain. In the spring and early fall, the weather will be a bit colder and you’re likely to experience rain, however, there will likely be fewer crowds. If you want to go to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets then November-December is a great time to go so you can experience the magic of a European Christmas Market!
Wrapping Up
Edinburgh is such a special city and one that is full of medieval charm. You’ll feel like you’re a character in a fairytale walking through the streets of Edinburgh. From the rich history to the stunning landscapes, this is truly a great city to visit. I hope this Edinburgh travel guide has been helpful in planning your trip, happy travels!
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