Edinburgh Travelers Recommend

The mountains, moorlands, and mist-shrouded lochs of the Scottish Highlands are a photographer’s dream, and there’s plenty to see and do in the region. Scotland’s small size means it’s easy to visit from Edinburgh—read on for our top tour options.

Guided Day Trips

Maximize your time with a guided day tour from Edinburgh and visit several attractions in one day. Drive north through the Cairngorms National Park to Glencoe and Loch Ness; head west to admire Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and Trossachs National Park; or enjoy Scotch whisky tastings in Pitlochry. For a more personalized experience, opt for a small-group tour with a maximum of 16 people.

Guided Multi-Day Tours

A multi-day tour means you can travel further afield and see more of the Scottish Highlands. Perhaps take a 2-day tour to Inverness and Loch Ness; explore the West Highlands and cruise out to the Isle of Skye on a 3-, 4-, or 5-day tour; or escape the beaten track on an extended tour to the remote Orkney Islands. Multi-day tours typically include accommodation, ferry transport, meals, and entrance fees.

Things to Know

• The Scottish Highlands make up Scotland’s northernmost region, and the capital, Inverness, is set about a 3.5-hour drive north of Edinburgh.

• Day tours from Edinburgh typically last between 9 and 12 hours, so prepare for a long trip.

• Be sure to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and water and snacks for the journey.

• Some tours provide hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.

Summer is a perfect time to visit Edinburgh, both to explore the city and to discover the rest of Scotland. From ancient Roman ruins to picturesque villages to whisky distilleries, you can find it all in and around Edinburgh. Here are a few ideas.

• Go for a boat ride on Loch Ness and use a sonar system to listen for Nessie, aka the Loch Ness Monster.

• Enjoy the natural beauty of Cairngorms National Park.

• Ride the West Highland Railway Line in the Scottish Highlands, better known to “Harry Potter” fans as the Hogwarts Express.

• Visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most romantic castles in the region.

• Tour the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which towers over the city and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Edinburgh Old Town.

• Follow one of four routes around the city on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.

• Walk the Old Course at St. Andrew’s and visit Scotland’s oldest university.

• Take a walking tour of medieval Edinburgh and the Royal Mile.

• Visit Roman ruins such as Hadrian’s Wall and Birdoswald Fort.

• Learn about Scotland’s whisky-making history—and taste a few wee drams—on a whisky tour.

The historic Scottish Highlands are known for their rugged coastlines, mountain ranges, sweeping landscapes, whisky distilleries—and dramatic castles. Here are a few of the region’s most famous castles, from grand palaces to ruined fortresses.

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is a fully restored, 13th-century gem situated on its own tiny island at the confluence of three lochs. It is one of Scotland’s most photographed monuments. Guided tours take visitors through the interior, and you can explore the grounds at your leisure. Visit on a guided tour to the Isle of Skye, another nearby popular destination.

Urquhart Castle

Located near the town of Inverness, the ruins of Urquhart Castle stand on the shores of Loch Ness, making it an ideal addition to an itinerary that includes the legendary monster’s lair. Snap photos of the scenic ruins and countryside, and stop into the large visitor center, which is open most days year-round. The castle can also be seen during a Loch Ness cruise; most dock nearby and allow passengers time to explore the site. 

Inveraray Castle

Fanciful Inveraray Castle was built in the 18th century and features a monumental building with handsome architectural flourishes. The castle, which appeared in a 2012 episode of (“Downton Abbey”) belongs to the Duke of Argyll. Book a full-day tour from Edinburgh to the West Highlands for an itinerary that includes Inveraray Castle, and tour the interior for a look at the sumptuous furnishings, paintings, and armaments collections.

Blair Castle

Blair is one of the most popular castle destinations in Scotland. Home to the Atholl family for more than seven centuries, the castle has more than 30 elaborately decorated rooms and extensive gardens. Take it in and see other regional highlights on a full-day guided tour from Edinburgh.

From the imposing castle perched on a rocky outcrop to the Georgian terraces of New Town, the grandeur of Edinburgh pretty much never fails to impress visitors and locals alike. The Royal Mile reveals its fascinating history through narrow closes and whiskey shops, while the green bulk of Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park just begs to be climbed. Princes Street charms and entices with its mixture of shops and cafés—and when you want a dose (or two) of culture, museums such as the Scottish National Gallery, the Real Mary King’s Close, the Museum of Childhood, and Camera Obscura aren’t far away. See below for our top picks of experiences you can’t miss in the hilly, dynamic capital of Scotland.

Gazing out over the misty waters of Loch Ness is one of the best reasons to venture north into the Scottish Highlands. Whether you want to soak up the scenery or hunt down the famous Loch Ness monster, here are our top picks for Loch Ness cruises.

Highlights

• Admire views of the Great Glen, the Caledonian Canal, and Urquhart Castle as you cruise around Loch Ness

• Cruises typically last an hour and include audio commentary to ensure you don’t miss anything

• Most tours include hotel pickup and transfers to Clansman Harbour or Dochgarroch

• Some tours include entrance to lakeside attractions such as Urquhart Castle or the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition

• Learn more about the natural wonders of Loch Ness, the history of the lake, and the legend of the Loch Ness Monster at the Loch Ness Centre

Cruises From Inverness

The easiest way to visit Loch Ness is from neighboring Inverness. A boat cruise offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding hills, typically leaving from Clansman or Dochgarroch Harbour and often including a visit to the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle or the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.

Full-Day Tours From Edinburgh

For those short on time, it’s possible to visit Loch Ness on a full-day tour from Edinburgh. The lake is about a 3.5-hour drive north of the capital, so tours often take in other Scottish Highlands highlights along the way. Enjoy stunning views over Glencoe; spot Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis; or drive through the rugged Grampian Mountains.

Hogwarts may be a magical place, but the word of Harry Potter is rooted in some real spots in Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, many of which are open to visitors. Here are some of the top ways to experience the Harry Potter magic in Scotland.

City Sightseeing Tours

Walking through Edinburgh gives Potter fans a chance to see some filming locations, as well as places that inspired author JK Rowling to dream up the magical world in the first place. See real-life locations that stirred the entrance to Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Tom Riddle's graveyard, while also visiting some of Edinburgh's main attractions along the way.

Alnwick Castle Tours

Take a day trip from Edinburgh to visit Berwick-upon-Tweed and Alnwick Castle, which has served as a filming backdrop for both the Harry Potter and Downton Abbey series. Alnwick is easily recognizable to Potter fans as the exterior of Hogwarts, and you can visit the interior for some real history, too.

Scottish Highlands and Jacobite Steam Train Tours

Every fan of the Harry Potter films knows the scene showing the Hogwarts Express crossing that high bridge on its way to the wizarding school. The real-life bridge is the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands, and visitors can cross it themselves on the Jacobite Steam Train. Take an overnight trip to the Highlands from Edinburgh and ride the train from Fort William to Mallaig.

With three days in Edinburgh, you have plenty of time to soak up the city’s atmosphere, see its most famous sights, and head out of town into the surrounding countryside. Here are a few ways to experience the very best of the Scottish capital in 72 memorable hours.

Day 1: Explore the Contrasting Old and New Towns

Soak in the atmosphere of the medieval Old Town, filled with cobblestone streets and winding alleys, on a private or group walking tour that leads you along and around the Royal Mile. Walking tours take you to top attractions such as Princes Street and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery while your guide tells related tales of secret Edinburgh societies and inventions of the Enlightenment period. Alternatively, a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the whole city offers more flexibility: you can get off at any point of interest along the route and spend as long as you like there. 

After your tour, admire the contrasting architecture of the elegant New Town—together the two areas form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, get a taste of the local nightlife on a pub crawl through the Old Town, which includes free drinks.

Day 2: See the City’s Royal Side

Edinburgh Castle, the historic fortress perched atop an extinct volcano, dominates the city’s skyline. Save time by booking a castle tour that includes skip-the-line entry. Private and group guided castle tours provide historical insights and take you to see such sights as the Crown Jewels of Scotland, including the Stone of Destiny, which was used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs. 

Afterward head into the port of Leith for a glimpse into the lives of more recent monarchs at the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II. Explore the stately ship’s five decks, peeking into elaborately decorated rooms like the State Apartments, the State Drawing Room, and the Queen’s Bedroom. Conclude the refined experience with an elegant high tea in the Royal Deck Tea Room.

Day 3: Head for the Highlands

Scotland’s compact size means that its wild landscapes are within easy access of its capital city. A small-group day trip can take you out of the city and into some spectacular landscapes as you journey to the haunting valley of Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park, the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry, and Loch Ness, where you can embark on a cruise across the famed loch in pursuit of the Loch Ness Monster. Alternatively, you can head in the opposite direction to see the Roman-built Hadrian’s Wall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Melrose Abbey, and the mysterious architectural gem that is Rosslyn Chapel, associated with the Knights Templar and Freemasons and brought to worldwide fame by the book “The Da Vinci Code.”

Back in Edinburgh, conclude your trip with a traditional Scottish evening spent listening to folk tales recounted by an entertaining storyteller while enjoying whisky, haggis, and cranachan, a traditional dessert of oats, berries, and cream.

The Scottish capital boasts a rich history, but not all of Edinburgh’s landmarks are above ground. In fact, some of the city’s most fascinating sites are buried beneath the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Read on to discover Edinburgh’s hidden history.

Edinburgh Vaults History

For over 30 years, the Edinburgh vaults—which include the South Bridge vaults, the Blair Street Underground Vaults, and Mary King’s Close—played host to a colorful cast of characters, with the tradesmen that initially set up shop in the rooms eventually giving way to squatters and criminal activity. Notorious serial killers Burke and Hare allegedly hid the bodies of their victims in the vaults, and more recently, reports of ghost sightings and paranormal activity brought the TV show Most Haunted to the location, hot on the trail of the notorious "Man with No Face," a terrifying poltergeist who reportedly patrols the vaults.

Ways to Experience the Edinburgh Vaults

Learn what lies beneath Edinburgh’s South Bridge on a walking tour of the eerie underground vaults, or brave a night tour and discover why Edinburgh is known as one of Europe’s most haunted cities. Alternatively, book a great-value combo tour and enjoy a royal Edinburgh history tour by day and an underground vaults tour by night. If you dare, you can even combine the South Bridge vaults with a visit to the Blair Street vaults and the Cannongate Kirkyard—checking off all of Edinburgh’s most haunted sites in one day.

The Scottish capital is home to one of the world’s biggest and most renowned arts festivals, the Edinburgh Fringe. The city is a hub for Scottish cultural tradition and a magnet for innovative young creators during the August fest and year-round. From bagpipe performances to museum visits, here are the city’s top cultural activities.

Learn about Edinburgh’s literary connections.

Edinburgh has been an inspiration for many a famous writer, from Sherlock Holmes-creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to 18th-century poet Robert Burns. Join a literary tour to discover sites connected with well-known wordsmiths, such as the cafe where J.K. Rowling penned part of her first Harry Potter novel, and the Writers’ Museum, which celebrates the work of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Browse the National Galleries of Scotland.

Edinburgh is home to all three branches of the National Galleries of Scotland, which possess significant collections of national and international art. Inspect works by European greats and classic Scottish masterpieces from the likes of Sir Henry Raeburn at the National Gallery, then stare down famous faces from Scotland’s past at the National Portrait Gallery. The third branch, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, is spread out across two venues, and focuses on art of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

Catch a bagpipes performance.

The bagpipes are a national symbol in Scotland. While it's unusual to hear them outside the country, expect to encounter the woodwind instrument's distinctive droning sound in Edinburgh. Take a walking tour down the Royal Mile, where busking bagpipers are frequently stationed, or catch them on stage at traditional Scottish shows including at Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade in August for the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Sample a Scotch or two.

Whisky is as essential to Scottish identity as tartan and bagpipes, and imbibing a dram is part of experiencing the local culture. To appreciate the nuances of regional styles and variations, it’s best to sip your Scotch on a guided tasting session, where you not only get to savor them but you also learn about whisky production and Scotch-sipping etiquette.

The Scottish capital is no stranger to wet weather, but you don’t have to scuttle your plans if the skies open up. From hilltop castles to underground vaults, here are the best ways to dodge the drizzle during your stay in Edinburgh.

• Check out historic Edinburgh Castle or Holyrood Palace, taking advantage of skip-the-line tickets to get out of the rain faster.
• Take a turn around the city’s free-to-enter art institutions, including the Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and Royal Scottish Academy.
• Keep dry while sightseeing on a tour with transport included—from hop-on hop-off buses to black cabs, there are plenty of ways to check off the city’s top sights without needing an umbrella.
• Enjoy the warming taste of whisky on a full-day tour to the region’s famous distilleries, or get cozy in the city’s best bars and pubs for an intimate experience of Scottish culture.
• Admire views of a rainy Royal Mile from the warmth of a restaurant, and tuck into classic Scottish grub such as haggis or deep-fried Mars bars.
• Catch a traditional show of Scottish dance, music, and costume at the Jam House—a great option if it's too damp to enjoy the open-air military tattoo or you’ve arrived out of season.
• Join a tour of Edinburgh’s 18th-century underground vaults, or keep little ones dry and distracted at family attractions such as Camera Obscura and World of Illusions or Edinburgh Dungeon.

Two days in Edinburgh allow you time to thoroughly soak up the city’s atmosphere and most famous sights—such as Edinburgh Castle and the Old and New Towns—while also delving deeper into its fascinating and turbulent history. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in the Scottish capital.

Day 1: Explore the Old Town and Castle

**Morning:**Get your bearings while checking off some of Edinburgh’s major sights around the medieval Old Town with a private or group walking tour. A private half-day tour by car lets you see even more in a shorter time, or, for more flexibility, you can create your own itinerary with a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

**Afternoon:**Perched atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline and is home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Take a closer look at the city’s most important landmark by exploring the castle on a private or group tour, or independently with advance-purchased skip-the-line tickets. 

**Night:**Delve deeper into the history of the Old Town on an evening tour that introduces you to colorful stories about Edinburgh’s dark past. Some tours take visitors into the eerie Blair Street Underground Vaults then to a pub for a dram of whisky; others go farther through the underground vaults and into Greyfriars Kirkyard. Afterward, you can lighten the mood by embarking on a pub crawl.

Day 2: Combine Innovation and Tradition

**Morning:**Avoid the long lines at one of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions by booking skip-the-line entrance to the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. Enjoy hands-on exhibits and marvel at the original, Victorian-made virtual reality, which was created 150 years ago.

**Afternoon:**Now that you have thoroughly explored the Old Town, experience the contrasting architecture of the elegant New Town—together, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking tours take you to top attractions such as Princes Street and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery while your guide tells related tales of secret Edinburgh societies and inventions of the Enlightenment period.

**Night:**Conclude your visit to the capital with a traditional Scottish evening. Joining a storytelling supper gives you a rich taste of the country’s heritage and culture as you listen to folk tales recounted by a skilled and entertaining storyteller while enjoying whisky, haggis, and traditional cranachan dessert.

Forget driving drama and painful parking—Edinburgh’s wealth of immersive tours and affordable transportation make it far easier to explore without a car than with one. From double-decker sightseeing to city walks, here’s how best to navigate the Scottish capital.

Public Transport

Buses, trams, and taxis will likely be your main modes of public transportation while in Edinburgh. Bus tickets must be purchased onboard, so exact change is a must. Tram tickets can be purchased at stops using exact change or a card. For larger groups, a black cab may be more cost efficient—these can be prebooked or hailed on the street.

Walking and Biking Tours

The green spaces and historic streets of Edinburgh, once named the UK’s most walkable city, are easily traversed on foot. Walking tours are a great way to check off the centrally located sights that interest you—whether that’s major landmarks, spooky spots, or whisky bars—while bike tours widen your reach, allowing fast and hassle-free access to the city’s more rural surroundings.

Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

Hop-on hop-off tours allow you to familiarize yourself with Edinburgh’s unique layout without the hassle of hurry. Whether you want to ride the entire double-decker route for a holistic overview or alight at the next stop for a closer glimpse of top attractions, the city is yours for the finding.

Edinburgh’s top attractions are popular for good reason. When the year-round crowds of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile get too much, take a trip off the beaten path to some of these laid-back locations.

Royal Botanic Gardens

A haven of tranquility, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of Europe’s oldest botanic gardens. Established in 1670, the garden covers an area of more than 70 acres (28 hectares) and features elegant Victorian glasshouses, a giant water lily pond, and a rock garden.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Just west of Dean Village, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is just far enough from the city center to feel more secluded than Edinburgh’s other galleries. The galley showcases its collection of modern and contemporary art in two neoclassical buildings and across landscaped grounds. It’s also the starting point for a tranquil walk along the Water of Leith. 

Dunbar’s Close Garden

The perfect antidote to the crowds of the Royal Mile, Dunbar’s Close Garden is tucked away at the end of the Old Town close to the Scottish Parliament Building. Laid out in the style of the 17th century, the garden has winding pathways; herbs, flowers, and shrub gardens; and several benches where you can sit in and enjoy the calm.

Gilmerton Cove

Located beneath the streets in the south of Edinburgh, Gilmerton Cove features a series of mysterious sandstone chambers and passageways. Their purpose has puzzled Edinburghers for more than 200 years—come up with your own theories by taking a tour.

Scotland’s capital city can be just as expensive as its international counterparts, but with some advance planning it’s possible to experience the best of the city without breaking the bank. From combo tours to free-to-enter attractions, here are our top tips for optimizing your budget in Edinburgh.

Save on Transport with a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

No need to count your pennies to see if you can board the public bus—hop-on hop-off tours offer unlimited use of the service over 24 hours. Routes typically encompass main attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood, and the Royal Mile, so you can save time and money as you effortlessly zip around the city’s steep streets.

Capitalize on a Combo Deal

Get more out of your booking by combining a city tour with a must-see attraction. Rather than splurging for multiattraction access, combo packages allow you to get your bearings with a guide then explore a top attraction independently, making them a great choice for travelers with a particular interest or an easy way to check off the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Bonus: Skip-the-line access is typically included.

Book a Super Saver

Super Savers combine two of Edinburgh’s most popular tours at a discounted price, saving you both time and money with a preplanned itinerary and easy transition between experiences. For instance, you could dedicate an afternoon to discovering Edinburgh’s rich royal history, then embark on an underground tour for a very different perspective.

Combine Dining with Discovery

Placate belly rumbles and bank account grumbles on a meal-inclusive tour, ticking off sights such as Arthur’s Seat, the Scott Monument, and Greyfriars Bobby as you tuck into lunch or dinner on a bus tour, or immerse yourself in Scottish culture with a dining experience that combines classic cuisine with cultural insights.

Make the Most of Multiattraction Passes

For travelers who want to pack in as many sights as possible, access packages, such as the Edinburgh City Pass, are a great way to save money and explore at your own pace over one or more days. Free entry to several city attractions is included, as well as round-trip transfer to the airport via tram.

Take Advantage of Free Attractions

Scotland’s national museums are universally free, making both the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland a great choice for budget-conscious visitors. Other free-to-visit attractions include St. Giles Cathedral, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre, though for the most authentic Edinburgh experience, it’s worth hiking up to the summit of Arthur’s Seat for sweeping views of the Scottish capital and beyond.

Though often overshadowed by artsy Glasgow, Edinburgh plays a starring role in Scotland’s cultural landscape. Art-keen visitors to the Scottish capital will find an array of art-centric attractions, including the national galleries. Here are some of the best spots for art lovers looking to explore Edinburgh’s art scene.

Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery showcases classical European art, from Tintoretto and Titian to J.M.W. Turner and Paul Cézanne. Homegrown Scottish talent is also well represented with works from the likes of Allan Ramsay, Sir Henry Raeburn, and William MacTaggart on show.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Art lovers come face-to-face with famous figures from Scotland’s past, from Mary Queen of Scots to James Bond -actor Sir Sean Connery, at this Venetian Gothic-style gallery on Queen Street.

Scottish Gallery of Modern Art

Set across two separate buildings—Modern Art One and Modern Art Two (Dean Gallery)—the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art is a must for contemporary art fans. Pretty much every major art movement from the 20th century is covered in its collection, which includes pieces from the likes of Henri Matisse, Roy Lichtenstein, and Tracey Emin.

National Museum of Scotland

Though much of the modern portion of the National Museum is given over to historical and geological exhibits, the Victorian galleries house displays on art, design, and fashion, and include everything from colorful Bernat Klein textiles to a rare glass sculpture designed by Pablo Picasso.

The Queen’s Gallery

Get a peek at some of the British Royal family’s art collection, showcased at this gallery in the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Works from the Royal Collection are shown as part of changing exhibits that move between here and the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

Scotland’s capital has a rich history and a host of impressive museums to match. From the Renaissance masterpieces of the National Gallery to the Royal Yacht Britannia, here’s our take on Edinburgh’s must-see museums.

Scottish National Gallery

This national gallery houses Scotland’s collection of art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Among its treasures are paintings by Velazquez, Raphael, and Cézanne, as well as Scottish greats such as Raeburn and Ramsay.

How to Visit: Travel one of Edinburgh’s hop-on hop-off bus routes, which stop at Market Street close by.

Museum of Childhood

On Edinburgh’s High Street, the world’s only museum dedicated to the history of childhood brims with toys and playthings beloved through the generations. Highlights include an 18th-century wooden doll, 1970s Chopper bikes, Steiff teddies, comics, costumes, and more.

How to Visit: Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour and alight at the John Knox House—the museum is nearby.

National Museum of Scotland

Uncover Scotland’s history and culture at this huge modern museum. It’s home to a 20,000-artifact collection that captures Scotland’s rich heritage, from prehistoric and medieval times to today.

How to Visit: Join a Royal Mile walking tour that includes the museum, or stop off on a hop-on hop-off loop.

Writers’ Museum

Within a beautiful mansion off Lawnmarket, this museum tells the life stories of three great Scottish authors—Robbie Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott—through documents and personal objects, including Burns’ writing desk.

How to Visit: See the 17th-century mansion on a Royal Mile walking tour and return later, or get here via a hop-on hop-off bus that stops at Lawnmarket.

John Knox House Museum

History buffs will love this museum, reputedly home to the Scottish Reformation leader just before his death in 1572. Highlights include the wood-paneled upper room and ‘luckenbooths’—once rented as shops—dating from the mid-15th century.

How to Visit: Hop-on hop-off buses halt right outside, and some walking tours discuss the house and take in its exterior.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Used by the British royals for more than 40 years, this historical yacht welcomes the public. Explore its visitor center before boarding for an audio tour of its State Apartments and other areas once occupied by figures such as Princess Diana and Winston Churchill.

How to Visit: Ride a hop-on hop-off bus to Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal, or book an admission ticket and visit independently.

With its atmospheric medieval streets, elegant Georgian townhouses, and hilltop castle, Edinburgh is one of Europe’s prettiest cities. It’s also blessed with a fascinating history, rich arts and literary scene, and great nightlife. With only one day in town, you’ll want to experience as much as possible, so here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Edinburgh.

Morning: See the Sights

The cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and winding alleys of Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town make it a pleasure to explore on foot. To catch all of the area’s top sights and learn about its literary—and often dark—history, join a private or group walking tour that leads you along and around the Royal Mile. Alternatively, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is ideal for travelers who want more flexibility: you can get off at any point of interest along the route—including Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland—and spend as long as you like there.

Afternoon: Explore Edinburgh Castle

Some walking tours and bus tours include entrance to Edinburgh Castle, the historic fortress perched atop an extinct volcano that dominates the city’s skyline. Even if your morning tour does not include entrance, the castle deserves a focused visit; book a tour that includes skip-the-line entry to ensure you don’t waste time lining up for tickets. Private and group guided tours provide historical and cultural insights into the castle and its grounds and take you to see such sights as the Crown Jewels of Scotland, including the Stone of Destiny, which was used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs.

Night: Enjoy the Nightlife

Edinburgh is a city of cozy traditional pubs filled with talkative characters, good drinks and comforting food, and, often, live music and storytelling. Get a taste of the local nightlife on a pub crawl through the Old Town, which includes free drinks at several different spots, or by booking an evening excursion that includes a traditional dinner accompanied by Scottish songs, bagpipes, and poetry. Another option is a whisky-focused evening excursion, which includes sampling single malts while immersing yourself in the deep-rooted Scottish tradition of storytelling for a more rounded experience of Scottish culture.

Home to many of Scotland’s biggest attractions, Edinburgh attracts huge numbers of visitors for such a small city. In peak season—June to September—the cobbled streets become stuffed with people. From getting advance tickets to visiting hidden attractions, here are our hacks for beating the crowds in the Scottish capital. 

Choose your timing wisely.

Timing is key to avoiding the tourist rush. Plan to get to big-name attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, and Scottish National Gallery, when they open. Then spend the busy midday period in more peaceful—and spacious—parts of the city, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens or Calton Hill, or indoors at private whisky tasting sessions. As many visitors head indoors for dinner or drinks at night, evening is a less crowded time to explore the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town. 

Take an underground tour.

When the streets begin to fill, descend into the subterranean vaults and passageways below them. Venture into the dark and empty chambers that once served as homes, taverns, and storage spaces for Edinburgh residents. 

Plan ahead.

If there are popular attractions you want to visit, check ahead to book tickets in advance if possible. Prebooking can save you money and help you sidestep lines. Skip-the-line access is available at popular attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Dungeons. 

Explore on foot.

Edinburgh’s streets are winding and narrow, making for quite a few vehicular traffic bottlenecks. Many classic sights, such as the castle, Princes Street Gardens, and Greyfriars Kirkyard, are within easy walking distance of each other—and it’s often quicker to arrive on foot than by car. 

Visit under-the-radar attractions.

To get away from the tourist throngs, head for lesser-known haunts such as the quaint Dean Village neighborhood or the John Knox House, a historic residence on the Royal Mile.

From the cobbled streets and hidden courtyards of the Old Town to the windswept summit of Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh is a city made for lovers. If you’re visiting with your sweetheart, here are a few ways to get romantic.

Tour Edinburgh Castle

Delve into the romance and drama of Scotland’s history on a private tour of Edinburgh Castle. Here, you can view treasures with evocative names such as the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland, the nation’s crown jewels. 

Sample Some Scotch

Raise a toast to your trip during a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience. Learn about the history and production process of whisky; see the world’s largest Scotch collection; sample a wee dram; and take home a souvenir to remember your trip by.

Live Like the Royals

Step into the lifestyle of the Royal Family for a few hours with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, Her Majesty the Queen’s former yacht.  Explore the stately ship’s elaborately decorated rooms, including the State Apartments and  the Queen’s Bedroom, then enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea for two in the Royal Deck Tea Room

Uncover the City’s Dark Side

Keep your partner close as you embark on a ghost tour. Edinburgh is filled with tales of murder, hauntings, witch trials, and pagan rituals. Your guide fills you in on all the ghastly details as you explore the dark and eerie streets of the Old Town.

Tour Outlander Locations

Relive the dramatic adventures of Claire and Jamie on a tour of Outlander filming locations. Travel from Edinburgh to places featured in the popular TV series, which include the villages of Culross and Falkland, and Castle Leoch, which stood in for Doune Castle. 

It’s one thing to drink a glass of Scotch, but it’s another thing entirely to sip that wee dram on a whisky tasting tour of Scotland. Here are the best ways to experience Scotch whisky—literally the “water of life”—on an excursion from Edinburgh.

Full-Day Tours

On a full-day whisky tasting tour from Edinburgh you’ll have enough time to experience two Scottish whisky distilleries. You’ll get introduced to the beauty of the Scottish countryside while traveling to the distilleries, then sip samples of barrel-aged Scotch and learn about the distilling process (you may even get the chance to sample Scotch directly out of the cask). Day trips typically include a stop at a local pub for lunch, as well as some time visiting cathedrals, waterfalls, or national parks.

Multi-Day Tours

To really experience Scotland’s whisky regions, consider a multi-day whisky tasting tour of Speyside or the island of Islay. Along the way you’ll visit six to eight distilleries and taste several types of Scotch. These longer tours enable you to immerse yourself in the history and heritage of Scotland’s most famous drink (the first written record of Scotch whisky dates to the late 1400s) and to experience some of the area’s top sights before eventually heading back to Edinburgh.

Things to Know

• A glass of Scotch whisky is known as a dram.

• Scotland’s five main whisky regions are the Highlands, the Lowlands, Speyside, Campbeltown, and the island of Islay. The outer islands—including Skye and Orkney—are considered a subregion of the greater Highlands region.

• Scotch whisky is either single malt, single grain, or a combination of blends. All Scotch must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years. 

• The standards for production and labeling of Scotch are highly regulated.

• Day trips typically last a little over eight hours.

For a truly memorable Edinburgh experience, join thousands of revelers in celebrating the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Dubbed “the greatest show on Earth,” its evenings are packed with pomp and circumstance. Here’s how to see the show.

What is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has nothing to do with body art. Rather, it is an explosive, choreographed, music-filled performance held annually in August on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. This evening event consumes historic Edinburgh with military performers from around the globe and a powerful display of horns, drums, bagpipes, marching, and military brass—the highlight of which are the thousands of revelers joining in “Auld Lang Syne.”

Highlights

• See Edinburgh Castle illuminated in lights.

• Join thousands of people from around the globe on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.

• Hear the roar of a military flyover.

• Lose yourself in the chorus of pipes and be wowed by motorcycle display teams.

• See powerful acts of musical vigor from international troops.

Other Things to Do in Edinburgh

Since the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances are about 90 minutes each evening, you’ll have the entire day to explore the city and surrounding countryside. Tour the majestic Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile, take a day trip out to the Highlands, or walk inside Edinburgh Castle. Then spend the next morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage–listed capital city with a convenient, hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Once known for foods such as deep-fried chocolate bars, Scotland now has plenty of eateries that serve high-quality Scottish fare made from the nation’s excellent fresh meat, fish, and produce. Following are some recommended culinary favorites.

Must-Try Dishes

• Considered the quintessential Scottish dish, haggis combines ground beef with oats, spices, and salt to make a savory comfort food.

• Other sausages such as black pudding (blood sausage) get rave reviews, along with the Scottish salmon and other seafood.

• Look for fish supper (fish and chips) for a casual meal at any time of day.

• Top off a meal with sweet treats such as shortbread and Scottish tablet, a delectable crystallized fudge.

Must-Do Experiences

• Scotland produces some of the best whisky in the world, thanks in part to the purity of its water.

• Day trips from Edinburgh offer a closer look at the traditional methods used at whisky distilleries such as Famous Grouse, Glengoyne, or Deanston, followed by tastings of their spirits.

• Choose to combine a whisky tasting with sightseeing on a full-day tour to destinations such as Loch Ness, the Rosslyn Chapel, or the Scottish Borders.

• See more on a multi-day tour to regions like Speyside or the Isle of Islay, where you can visit several whisky distilleries and small towns, all set in a spectacular landscape.

Elegant Edinburgh is known as Scotland’s dining capital, which means delicious bites—from ultrahearty breakfasts to perfectly fresh seafood—are always close at hand. Venture on a tasting tour to try local delicacies (and don’t forget to stop by one of the city’s whisky bars for a wee dram afterwards). Here’s what to seek out.

Haggis

Though it is Scotland’s national dish, haggis may also be the country’s most misunderstood fare. Made with sheep offal, as well as oats, onion, and spices—and historically cooked inside a sheep’s stomach, though nowadays most casings are synthetic—haggis sounds far more intimidating than it is. In reality, this savory pudding is akin to a nutmeg-perfumed, crumbly sausage and is served at many of Edinburgh’s traditional restaurants.

Neeps and Tatties

Neeps and tatties—or turnips and potatoes—are a traditional accompaniment to haggis, though they’re also frequently paired with sausages, venison steaks, and game birds. They can be mashed together or cooked separately; either way, they’re usually mixed with impressive quantities of butter and cream. 

Tablet

Fancy a postdinner treat? Nibble on a square of Scottish tablet. A cousin to fudge and similar in flavor to butterscotch, tablet is made by boiling sugar, condensed milk, and butter together before leaving it to set. If your sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied, deep-fried Mars Bars, available at most casual “chippies” (fish-and-chip shops), are another Edinburgh must-try.

Scotch Pie

In Scotland, savory pies are all the rage—and the classic Scotch Pie makes ideal comfort-food eating on cold and blustery days. A tender, double-crust pie filled with spiced lamb or mutton, Scotch pies can be found at Edinburgh’s butchers and pie shops.

Full Scottish Breakfast

Whether you’ve worked up an appetite from a busy sightseeing schedule or overindulged in  local whisky the previous night, a full Scottish breakfast is a restorative way to begin your day. You can expect a plate laden with eggs, toast, black pudding, bacon, sausages, baked beans, a tattie scone (potato scone), and a grilled tomato (plus other optional add-ons)—with tea on the side, naturally.

Langoustines

From shellfish to salmon, Scotland is known for its exceptional seafood—and langoustines are the jewel of Scottish waters. Also known as Norway lobsters, langoustines are somewhere between a shrimp and a lobster in size, and their ultrasweet flavor makes them an irresistible staple at local seafood restaurants.

From high-street staples and Scottish souvenirs to independent boutiques and lively markets, the Scottish capital has everything a shopper could need. Whether you want to try on a kilt, browse designer labels, or sample local delicacies in a laid-back suburb, here are our top picks for Edinburgh’s best shopping spots.

Princes Street and George Street

The city’s two major shopping streets run parallel in the New Town, overlooked by Edinburgh Castle to the south. Princes Street is home to several major high-street stores, including Primark, New Look, and Jenners, and hosts seasonal markets throughout the year, whereas George Street is better-known for its upscale options, including Jack Wills, Karen Millen, and Joules.

Royal Mile

No shopping trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a wander down the Old Town’s most famous thoroughfare. Lined by souvenir stores selling everything from whisky and cigars to kilts and Celtic crafts, the five streets that make up the Royal Mile are best explored on foot—join a walking tour to find your way around top shops and sights with ease.

Multrees Walk

As the home of luxury shopping in Edinburgh, this pedestrian precinct is a must-visit for dedicated followers of fashion, boasting high-end global brands such as Louis Vuitton and Burberry, as well as Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols department store. Come here to indulge in a little retail therapy away from the Princes Street crowds or unwind with a spot of fine dining in one of the precinct’s upmarket eateries.

Grassmarket and Victoria Street

The colorful facades and cozy boutiques that fringe Grassmarket and Victoria Street are thought to have inspired Diagon Alley in J.K. Rowling’s famous wizarding novels. Though several Harry Potter shops have sprung up in recognition of this, the area still retains its alternative atmosphere, with independent cafés, curiosity shops, and vintage stores providing plenty of unconventional retail experiences.

Stockbridge

This leafy suburb north of the city center is something of a yuppie playground, boasting gourmet delis, cute cafés, and plenty of thriving thrift stores. It can be easy to forget you’re in Scotland’s capital as you stroll quaint streets in search of high-quality cuisine or brilliant bargains, especially during the weekly Sunday food market, though the area is easily accessed by bike, bus, or even on foot from central Edinburgh.