Edinburgh is one of the most enchanting cities in the UK. With more than a thousand years of history, its beautiful medieval Old Town and elegant New Town side by side, more than 100 parks, a thriving literary scene and home to the largest arts festival in the world, it’s easy to see why Edinburgh is the second-most visited destination in Britain. When I visited Edinburgh this summer, I was overwhelmed by how many great things to do there are across the city.  The best things to do in Edinburgh range from stepping back in time in 12th century castles and ruins, exploring quaint villages, trendy neighbourhoods and sipping on Scotch – and summoning the nerve to try haggis, and discovering it’s popular for a reason!

The UK can be an expensive place to travel, but there are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh for free, including enjoying some of the greatest views of the city. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh for a day on a quick trip to the city, or for things to do in Edinburgh this weekend, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the Scottish capital!

Edinburgh, the UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Old Town & New Town of Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its unique and striking juxtaposition of the Medieval New Town and Georgian Old Town, built side by side. Cross the North Bridge from the old world and into the new, and step into a totally different era of Edinburgh in just a few minutes.

Discover Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a Scottish icon, and looms over Edinburgh from its perch on Castle Rock. Since it was built in the 12th century, Edinburgh Castle has seen more than 26 sieges in its 900+ year history, making it one of the most embattled places in Europe. It hasn’t been in use as a royal residence since the 15th century, but it’s the most popular attraction in all of Scotland, and the second-most visited attraction in the UK. Today, Edinburgh Castle contains museums and the Scottish National War Memorial, as well as offering incredible views over Edinburgh. Don’t miss the 12th century St Margaret’s Chapel, which is one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh.

Walk the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is one of the most unique features of Edinburgh. Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile is, as the name suggests, a royal processional route. It’s lined with historic buildings, dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and is home to the the 12th century St Giles Cathedral. Don’t miss the wynds and closes, narrow passageways that dart off the Royal Mile into Edinburgh’s medieval back streets. There are a few too many touristy shops, but drop into Fudge Kitchen and you’ll soon forget all about it.

Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse & Holyrood Abbey

Holyrood Palace is a magnificent 16th century palace that is still used by the British Royal family to this day. Located at the opposite end of the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, the palace is the Royal family’s primary residence in Edinburgh and is also used to host state events and occasions. 

You can tour the Palace, Gardens and Abbey, but you won’t be able to take photos inside. 

Holyroodhouse is best known for staging some of the most dramatic plots during her tumultuous career, including the murder of her private secretary, David Rizzio, in 1566 which was ordered by her jealous husband, Lord Darnley. Mary married Lord Darnley in the Abbey, which is where he was later buried after he was murdered. Mary later the Earl of Bothwell, the chief suspect in Darnley’s murder, in the palace. 

Don’t miss the beautiful ruins of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey, which is adjacent to the palace. The Abbey was built by King David I of Scotland, in 1128. It may be in ruins, but the audio guide set includes an augmented reality tool which lets you see the Abbey as it would have been in its heyday. 

The Queen’s Gallery is a seperate building, and  hosts changing art exhibitions from the Royal Collection.

Climb Arthurs Seat

Edinburgh is a city built on seven hills, and the most spectacular peak is Arthur’s Seat. Arthur’s Seat is part of an extinct volcano, and offers sweeping 360 degree views over Edinburgh. Arthur’s Seat is in the heart of the city, just minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace. Walking up Arthur’s Seat takes 30-45 minutes, and is a steep uphill walk. Hiking to the top of Arthur’s Seat is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh, and was one of the highlights of our time there!

Discover Scotch at the Scotch Whisky Experience

Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s most famous exports. Before visiting Edinburgh, I knew little about Scotch, or the five whisky producing regions of Scotland. The Scotch Whisky Experience is located on the Royal Mile, and offers a number of guided tours & tasting experiences. When we visited, we did the entry level Silver Tour which included a tour & tasting, including a trip to the famous Whisky Vaults – the most valuable Scotch collection in the world. 

Walk the Water of Leith

The Water of Leith is the main river flowing through central Edinburgh, flowing from the Pentland Hills to the Port of Leith, and then out to the sea via the Firth of Forth. There’s a walking trail along the river (which sometimes trickles to just a stream!), which would take 7 hours to walk in total. I walked along the Water of Leith between Dean Village and Stockbridge, which was a pleasant 15 minute walk. 

Visit Dean Village

The charming Dean Village is one of the most beautiful spots in Edinburgh. This small residential village is tucked away along the Water of Leith, just 10 minutes from Princes St. The village is built around former water mills from the 18th century, and is like stepping back in time. There isn’t much to do here once you’ve done a lap and soaked up the atmosphere, so walk into Stockbridge for some lunch and shopping afterwards.

Shop & Snack in Stockbridge 

Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s most elegant neighbourhoods. Close to the New Town, Stockbridge has pretty cobblestone streets, stately Georgian architecture and lots of charming independent shops, grocers, bars and pubs. Stop into the gorgeous artisan cheesemongers, I.J. Mellis to stock up for a picnic, or drop into the Scran & Scallie for a proper pub lunch.

Check out the Leith Walk

The waterfront suburb of Leith has undergone a massive revival in the last ten years. In the 80s & 90s it was considered a dangerous part of Edinburgh, and was the setting for Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting. Today, it’s a vibrant and popular neighbourhood, filled with independent shops, cafes and bars. Check out the best of Leith on the Leith Walk, which is the neighbourhood’s buzzing main promenade. Don’t miss Argonaut Books! If you’re hungry, walk to the Leith Shore and tuck in at Mimi’s Bakehouse – the original outpost, there are now 7 around the city.

Try Haggis

Scotland’s national dish is famously unappealing, but its bark is worse than its bite. Haggis is a savoury pudding of sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, cooked with onion, spices, suet and oatmeal. Traditionally this was cooked in the animal’s stomach lining, but today an artificial casing is often used. It sounds scary, but is actually quite tasty – and a great example of letting nothing go to waste! Haggis is traditionally served with neeps and tatties (turnips & potatoes), and you can find it all over Edinburgh. My first taste of haggis was a Rollo in New Town – their haggis bon bons with whisky marmalade were delicious! We also tried it as part of a Scottish breakfast at Mimi’s Bakehouse. Wash it down with a dram (Scotch) if you’re feeling nervous.

Discover Edinburgh’s “Diagon Alley”

Curving between the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, Victoria St/Bow St is the most beautiful street in Edinburgh. This historic street changes its name halfway down, and has a medieval market town atmosphere with colourful shopfronts, a cobbled street and brightly coloured bunting criss-crossing the street. It’s been likened to the inspiration for Diagon Alley, and with The Elephant House, the cafe where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone, just a stone’s throw away, it’s easy to see why!

Try an Irn-Bru

Scotland’s other national drink comes in a can, is bright orange, and is a chemical cocktail of caffeine, quinine, sugar, 32 flavouring agents and 2 controversial artificial colours. Irn-bru is widely available, and there’s a Tesco in the Old Town just off the Royal Mile if you’re having trouble. Good luck putting your finger on the flavour, it was familiar but I couldn’t guess what it was!

Stroll through the New Town

Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town is renowned for its wide, elegant streets and lovely Georgian architecture. In stark contrast to the medieval Old Town. The New Town was built between 1767 and 1850, during the Age of Enlightenment. The Old Town was overcrowded and falling into disrepair, so the New Town was constructed to prevent an exodus of Edinburgh’s wealthy residents to London. The project was a success, and today it’s one of the loveliest parts of Edinburgh. Edinburgh’s New Town is home to the National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the city’s best shopping. Go for a drink at the old worldly Tiles Bar on St Andrew Square, which is lined with bars and restaurants.

Catch Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world. Every August, the city of half a million swells as up to 3 million people from around the world arrive for the famous theatre festival. I was a bit too early for Edinburgh Fringe Festival when we visited, but if you can plan your flights & accommodation (and tickets!) early enough, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.