8 Excellent Things To Do In Edinburgh, Scotland

​8 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh

Scotland has been voted the world’s most beautiful country several times by travel publications like Rough Guides and The Scottish Highlands are globally regarded as a site of breath-taking natural beauty.

However, for many Scots and visitors alike, the capital, Edinburgh, is the jewel in the crown. The city is peppered with green spaces, has an ancient castle resting on an extinct volcano, a beautiful neoclassical New Town that’s sophisticated and suave and an Old Town that oozes history from every close and corner. 

Here are eight excellent things to do in Edinburgh.

​Historic Edinburgh Castle

If you want to learn all about Scottish history and enjoy one of the best views of the city skyline, take time to visit Edinburgh Castle – it’s one of Europe’s oldest fortified complexes and has been a military garrison, prison and royal residence over the course of its colourful history.

Spine-tingling Mary King’s Close

Officially called The Real Mary King’s Close, this unique attraction allows you to wander through a complex of spooky ancient streets and buildings hidden underneath current-day Edinburgh – not for the faint-hearted!

Inspirational Writer’s Museum

Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature and at the Writer’s Museum at Lady Stair’s Close at the top of the Royal Mile you can see Robert Burns’ writing desk, see Robert Louis Stevenson’s riding boots and a ring presented to him by a Samoan chief, and the printing press that produced Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley Novels.

Spellbinding Witchery

If you’re yearning for haute cuisine in an atmospheric location, dine at The Witchery. Regarded as Scotland’s most famous restaurant, this is a romantic oak-panelled bolthole which also features a secret garden and a limited number of ornate suites stuffed with four-poster beds, dramatic drapes and glam velvet furnishings.

Scenic Arthur’s Seat 

Up for a hike? Head to Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat – this is a volcanic peak 251 metres above sea level and it will reward you with sublime views of Edinburgh and beyond from the top.

Futuristic Scottish Parliament

Scotland has had a devolved parliament since 1999 and a brand new Scottish Parliament building since 2004. Also located in the Holyrood area, its unusual exterior and interior architecture make it a fascinating place to visit.

Laid-back Leith

Leith is situated in north Edinburgh and it’s a proud port town which was a separate entity until 1920. It still retains a proud working-class attitude but it’s also been regenerated in recent years and now hosts some of Edinburgh’s coolest bars and restaurants, as well as its creative sector. If you’re an Irvine Welsh fan, the streets of Leith also inspired Trainspotting.

Rollicking road trips

If you’re a driver, Edinburgh is also a brilliant base for superb Scottish road trips to cities like Glasgow, Dundee and locations in nearby Fife like St Andrews, the birthplace of golf and home of the university which the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended. Rent a vehicle with Enjoy Car Hire and hit the road from Edinburgh for some excellent adventures.

That’s our list! Hope it helped you.
Let us know what your favourite Edinburgh attractions are in the comments section below.

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