Things to do in Edinburgh

Why go to Edinburgh

• Edinburgh Castle

  Perched on volcanic rock above the city, this iconic fortress houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and commands jaw-dropping panoramic views.

• Arthur's Seat

  Hike to the summit of this ancient volcano right inside the city for sweeping 360-degree views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.

• Royal Mile & Old Town

  Wander the cobbled spine of medieval Edinburgh packed with closes, street performers, and centuries of turbulent history.

• National Museum of Scotland

  A world-class, completely free museum telling the full story of Scotland from dinosaurs to Dolly the sheep.

• Scotch Whisky Experience

  An immersive barrel-ride tour through whisky history capped with a guided tasting of Scotland's liquid gold.

Good to know in Edinburgh

• Transit: A Lothian Buses day ticket costs about $5 and gives unlimited city-wide bus travel, skip taxis and use the app for real-time arrivals.
• Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; 10% is generous in restaurants and rounding up the bill is common in pubs.
• Tap water: Edinburgh's tap water is excellent quality and completely safe to drink, carry a reusable bottle and save several dollars a day.
• Free-entry days: All Scottish national museums and galleries (National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery, Portrait Gallery) are permanently free, every day, no booking needed.

Trip essentials