Edinburgh will leave you breathless with amazing natural beauty & rich cultural heritage. Trust me, there are exciting things to do in Edinburgh and It is no surprise that an increasing number of tourists are eager to visit Edinburgh!
It is surrounded by green hills, the blue sea, and red cliffs, which make it one of the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom. Without a doubt, this city will leave you utterly mesmerized.
15 Amazing Things to Do In Edinburgh In 2023
Explore Edinburgh Castle
Searching for places to visit or things to do in Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Castle is not among the options? Totally impossible! Edinburgh Castle, a mighty fortress, is situated on Castle Rock and has ruled over the Edinburgh skyline for many years.
Edinburgh Castle is not just any castle; it overlooks the city atop an extinct volcano and offers amazing views of the city.
The entrance fee is £19.50, you can book the tickets online on their official website here.
Discover the National Museum of Scotland
Do you want to immerse yourself in the variety of the natural world, art, fashion, design, diverse world cultures, and the rich history of Scotland, all in one place? Then, the National Museum of Scotland will be the answer.
The National Museum of Scotland is one of the best places to visit in Edinburgh Castle.
The museum is an essential destination for individuals with an interest in Scottish history and culture, providing an extensive collection of artefacts that encompass both Scottish and international history.
What I enjoyed the most was the variety of activities and exhibits this place offers for children of all ages. The exciting activities to do include: imagine gallery, rooftop garden, animal world gallery, and adventure planet gallery.
Take a walk up Arthur’s Seat
Well, after getting valuable information about the culture, it’s time to enjoy the spectacular views of Edinburgh. Arthur’s Seat, the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh, is an ancient volcano that last erupted over 340 million years ago, even before dinosaurs existed!
This amazing seat stands at 251 meters above sea level and is situated to the east of the city centre, almost 1 mile (1.6 km) to the east of Edinburgh Castle.
If you love hiking, I suggest you enjoy a moderate hike to the top of the hill, which offers a challenging but rewarding climb. And if anyone asks you what fun thing you find in climbing, just tell them it’s something that can only be experienced and not explained!
Visit Princes Street
Are you looking for a place in Edinburgh that provides you with great shopping opportunities, nice cafes and restaurants, hotels, and several landmarks and attractions? So, don’t hesitate and put Princes Street on your bucket list.
Trust me, Princes Street is one of the exciting things to do in Edinburgh, and I’m sure you cannot say no to walking down to this lovely street.
Princes Street is Edinburgh’s main shopping street, filled with high street shops, a variety of cafes and restaurants, and several landmarks and attractions, such as Waverley Station, Scott Monument, Scottish National Gallery, and various statues and memorials.
Climb Calton Hill
Calton Hill is in central Edinburgh, situated beyond the east end of Princes Street. It is known for its stunning views of the city, including Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament Building, and the Firth of Forth.
The historical significance of this place amazed me a lot. Calton Hill is home to several monuments and buildings and has played an important role in Scottish history and culture.
Great news for hiking lovers, hiking Calton Hill was easy for me and only took around 10 minutes at the most. Thinking of the joy I experienced here, this place deserves to be ranked among the top exciting things to do in Edinburgh.
Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art
I truly love this gallery for its stunning collection of modern and contemporary art, historical significance, and beautiful architecture. The gallery is housed in two separate neo-classical buildings, and displays masterpieces of Scottish and international 20th century and contemporary art.
This is a place where you will be offered stunning views of the Edinburgh landscape and all the landmarks dotted around. You can explore this outstanding gallery for free but don’t forget that tickets must be booked in advance.
Explore Edinburgh Old Town
Are you the kind of person who enjoys exploring the rich historical heritage of every city? So, Edinburgh Old Town is for you. It is the oldest part of Scotland’s capital city, and remains the heart of Edinburgh.
The Old Town is home to several of Edinburgh’s best museums, where you can learn about a wide range of captivating subjects to suit all interests. Having a stroll in the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh and will leave you breathless.
Many buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town have been preserved from the medieval period, and the oldest surviving building is St. Margaret’s Chapel, which dates back to the 12th century.
Stroll Victoria Street
Are there any Harry Potter lovers here? If yes, you will be amazed to know that Victoria Street is rumored to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley, the fictional alley with stores selling wizardly supplies in the Harry Potter books.
If not, don’t worry at all, because it has something that will leave you in awe. Victoria Street is one of the most popular streets in Edinburgh and a part of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
I was truly mesmerized by this charming street with colorful shop fronts, nice cafes, and old buildings.
Explore Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a series of streets that make up the main road of the Old Town in the city of Edinburgh.
The Royal Mile boasts numerous historic buildings worth visiting, including Gladstone’s Land, The Writers’ Museum, and John Knox house.
By exploring narrow alleyways in Royal Mile you will get a real taste of the past. Furthermore, this place is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, making it a thrilling destination for you.
Discover Ross Fountain
The Ross Fountain is a cast-iron structure located in West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.
I think the fountain’s location in the beautiful setting of Princes Street Gardens makes it a must-see attraction.
Its intricate details, including mermaids, walrus, lion heads, and four female figures representing science, arts, poetry, and industry, make it a captivating sight for you.
The Ross Fountain is a cultural gem in Edinburgh. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this place.
Enjoy Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
This place is a popular tourist attraction located in the royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions offers you over 100 interactive exhibits demonstrating aspects of light, optical illusions, and color. It also provides you with learning opportunities about photography and optical illusions.
The rooftop terrace at this place gave me an unforgettable experience with its breathtaking 360-degree views of Edinburgh. I deeply enjoyed a breath of fresh air while admiring the spectacular city views.
Visit Edinburgh’s Gardens
Do you know what is the most amazing thing to do in Edinburgh for me? Definitely, the Gardens. Edinburgh is home to several beautiful gardens, which are popular tourist attractions.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is considered a national treasure of Scotland with a living collection of plants that has surpassed 350 years.
In this place you can discover its fascinating history, which dates back 350 years, learn about its plantings, and walk around this awe-inspiring landscape.
Princes Street Gardens is one of Edinburgh’s most significant urban parks, located in the heart of the city. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Take Ghost Tour
Edinburgh is known for its rich history and haunted sites, making it a popular destination for ghost tours.
Whether you’re looking for a scary thrill or simply interested in learning about Edinburgh’s haunted history, ghost tours have something to offer you.
Taking a ghost tour was an unbelievable experience for me and gave me a different perspective of the city.
I discovered the chambers beneath Edinburgh Street at the Edinburgh Vaults and heard true tales of murder and witchcraft on a spooky ghost tour of Old Town.
You can visit this website to book your ticket.
Enjoy the Scottish Whisky Experience
The Scottish Whisky Experience is one of the popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh’s Old Town. This place provides a wide range of exciting activities for you to enjoy.
It offers you a 90-minute tour of the whisky factory, and you can learn about the history of whisky. In this place, you can make your own whiskies to take home.
The Meadows
The Meadows is a large public park in Edinburgh and consists of open grassland intersected by tree-lined paths and features a children’s playground.
This park is a popular place for various outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. The Meadows is known for its green open spaces and is a favourite location for jogging, picnics, and outdoor events.
Interesting to know that The Meadows also hosts the Meadows Festival, an annual event featuring music, food, and entertainment that will definitely grab your attention.
Conclusion
Edinburgh is a city that offers you exciting things to do and a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Hope you enjoyed reading about amazing things to do in Edinburgh. If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh anytime soon, let me know which place appears the most appealing to you.
Now that you know everything there is to know about amazing things to do in Edinburgh, here is another resource to help you along the way when planning your trip to Edinburgh.
