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Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Things to Do in Edinburgh

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

Most booked tours and tickets in Edinburgh

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

4.611,007 reviews1h 15m
Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

4.79,553 reviews1h
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

4.87,392 reviews12h 30m
Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

4.86,944 reviews1h 30m
Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands

4.96,937 reviews12h 30m
Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

4.96,596 reviews12h
Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

4.76,315 reviews12h
Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour - Entry Tickets Included

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour - Entry Tickets Included

4.95,901 reviews1h 30m

Tickets and tours by attraction

The best options for each of Edinburgh's top sights, compared.

Top sights in Edinburgh

  1. 1Edinburgh Castle
  2. 2Royal Mile
  3. 3Arthur's Seat
  4. 4Holyrood Palace
  5. 5Scottish National Museum
  6. 6Calton Hill
  • Walk Through Layers of History: Explore the Royal Mile, a living timeline from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Descend into the preserved 17th-century street of Mary King's Close, visit the Gothic Scott Monument, and stand in the Parliament Hall where the Scottish Enlightenment thrived.
  • Experience World-Class Festivals: Immerse yourself in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, each August. The city also hosts the International Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade, and the Hogmanay street party, one of the world's best New Year's celebrations.
  • Discover Dramatic Natural Landscapes: Hike up Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park, for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and coast. Stroll through the lush Royal Botanic Garden or climb Calton Hill for its iconic Athenian acropolis monuments and sunset vistas.

Tickets and passes in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour Tickets Included

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour Tickets Included

4.92,320 reviews1h 30m
The Johnnie Walker Signature Experience in Edinburgh

The Johnnie Walker Signature Experience in Edinburgh

5.01,638 reviews1h 30m

Food and drink experiences in Edinburgh

The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

5.04,892 reviews1h 30m
The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky

The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky

4.71,717 reviews50m
Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting

Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting

4.91,481 reviews1h 30m
Edinburgh Food Tour with 5 Authentic Tastings & Local Scotch

Edinburgh Food Tour with 5 Authentic Tastings & Local Scotch

4.91,410 reviews3h

Day trips and outdoor activities from Edinburgh

1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

4.84,501 reviews12h
Loch Ness, Glencoe, the Highlands Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glencoe, the Highlands Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh

4.62,660 reviews12h
Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

4.92,374 reviews2h
3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

4.91,362 reviews72h

Hidden gems in Edinburgh

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

The Vennel Steps & Viewpoint

A steep staircase off the Grassmarket leading up to Heriot Place, offering one of the most photographed (and free) framed views of Edinburgh Castle.

Dr. Neil's Garden

A secret, tranquil garden created by two doctors on the shores of Duddingston Loch, next to the historic Duddingston Kirk.

The Spanish Civil War Memorial

A small, poignant memorial in the Old Town's Merchant Street, dedicated to the Scottish volunteers who fought against Franco in the 1930s.

The Pineapple

An eccentric 18th-century summerhouse shaped like a giant stone pineapple, located in the village of Airthrey, a short bus/train ride from the city.

The Jazz Bar

An intimate, underground venue on Chambers Street that hosts live jazz music 365 nights a year, with two sessions nightly.

Day trips from Edinburgh

Stirling

50 min by train

The historic gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Stirling is packed with monumental history. Its spectacular castle rivals Edinburgh's and was the seat of Scottish kings like Robert the Bruce. The city is the site of William Wallace's famous victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

North Berwick & East Lothian Coast

30 min by train

Escape to a charming seaside town known for its beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, and dramatic island wildlife. It's a breath of fresh air from the city, offering coastal walks, fresh seafood, and boat trips to see thousands of puffins on the Isle of May.

The Kingdom of Fife (St Andrews & Falkland)

1 hour 15 min by train/bus to St Andrews

Explore the historic region of Fife. Visit the university town of St Andrews, the home of golf and Scotland's oldest university, then head inland to the picturesque royal burgh of Falkland, with its stunning Renaissance palace and quaint streets.

Plan your Edinburgh trip

Things to do in Edinburgh: FAQ

What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?+

Top sights include Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace. Away from the crowds, try The Vennel Steps & Viewpoint and Dr. Neil's Garden.

What are the most popular tours in Edinburgh?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour (4.6 stars, 11,007 reviews); Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town (4.7 stars, 9,553 reviews); Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour (4.8 stars, 7,392 reviews).

How much do tours in Edinburgh cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €15 and €633 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.