Top Oz Tours offers a great range of Edinburgh tours and experiences. You can browse the options here.
When Edinburgh-born Alexander Graham Bell first phoned a friend in the 18th century, the whole world took the call.
The Scottish capital has been speaking to visitors ever since, and holding them spellbound with its magnificent and richly-storied Old Town, epic castle, host of engaging attractions, and packed calendar of festivals and special events.
Jubilation after the 2014 Commonwealth Games in neighbouring Glasgow drove the Scots to stretch for independence from British bonds. While the bid narrowly failed, Scottish culture and identity remain powerful in their own right — and nowhere is that more on display than in Edinburgh. It remains one of the world’s top travel destinations, and trust us — your first trip won’t be your last!
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Edinburgh on a first visit.
Watch our video of top things to do on a road trip from London to Edinburgh:
London to Edinburgh & The Highlands Road Trip | 10 Top Things to Do in the United Kingdom
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1. Hike to Arthur’s Seat
History buffs, there is quite literally no end of ways to step back in time in Edinburgh — so prepare yourself for a busy holiday! For more than 1,000 years, Scottish monarchs surveyed their kingdom from Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park. It’s a 1.5-hour hike up to the top of the dormant volcano, from where you can drink in 360-degree views and spy on pedestrians in the city beneath your feet. Visit the impressive ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel en route.
2. Explore royal castles past and present
Next, pay a visit to Holyrood Palace — King Charles’ official home away from home when in Scotland. This working palace is open to the public throughout the year, but times vary with the season. Check online for the most up-to-date information.
It will take you around two hours to walk up the famous Royal Mile from Holyrood to Edinburgh Castle — the medieval hilltop fortress that still stands strong (the oldest section dates back to the 1100s) in the centre of Edinburgh. Home to kings and queens for centuries, the Castle’s incredible history is writ large on its huge iron gates, stone walls, towers, and atmospheric interior spaces. A guided walking tour will help you get the most from your visit.
3. Attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Each August, brooding Edinburgh Castle becomes a fitting backdrop for one of the greatest annual military spectacles in the world. Attending the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and if you get the opportunity to see it, take it! The choreographed mix of stirring music, precision marching, dance and special effects is mind-blowing. The Tattoo is always a sell-out, so book well in advance.
4. Put faces to famous names at the Portrait Gallery
You can put faces to the names you’ll hear about at Edinburgh Castle by visiting the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Meet Mary Queen of Scots, historical novelist Sir Walter Scott, and Tom Derry — jester to Queen Anne of Denmark.
5. Board the Royal Yacht Britannia
In addition to the Castle, Edinburgh is home to another former royal abode — the spectacular Royal Yacht Britannia, which is open to the public. Launched in 1953 and finally decommissioned in 1997, Britannia was built in Scotland and travelled more than a million nautical miles during her time in service. See the living areas, the very modest bedrooms, the late Queen Elizabeth’s office, and the State Dining Room. The teak lined Sun Lounge was reputedly one of the Queen’s favourite spots on board.
6. Serve time in The Edinburgh Dungeon
You’ve walked in the footsteps of of royals past; now get a different take on local history by visiting The Edinburgh Dungeon. Crooked judges, dodgy doctors, toothless crones, petty thieves, and pious priests all transport you back through the centuries with their entertaining tales.
7. Taste test the finest of distilled drops
For a beverage to carry the name of a nation, it has to be something special. Judge for yourself at the Scotch Whisky Experience, where visitors learn about the process involved in creating every precious drop of a cultural icon. There are a variety of tour packages on offer, all of which include the opportunity to try a ‘wee dram’.
8. Shop at Grassmarket
If you’re up for a spot of ye olde retail therapy, head for historic Grassmarket — the liveliest street in the medieval Old Town. A market is held here every Saturday from 10am. Shop for farm fresh produce and artisanal wares, and enjoy the street food, live music, and magic shows.
9. Visit the Jupiter Artland sculpture park
Enjoy a memorable meander at Jupiter Artland — an outdoor art gallery where intriguing pieces dot the landscape. Dozens of artists have contributed works to the sculpture park, which is situated 30 minutes’ drive west of the city and set amongst ancient willows in the grounds of a former Jacobean manor house.
10. Do a day trip to Loch Ness
Experiencing the windswept beauty of the Highlands is a must on any visit to Scotland. If you’re short on time, legendary Loch Ness can be done as a day trip from Edinburgh. Spend less time looking at maps and more time admiring the stunning scenery by doing an organised tour.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.edinburgh.org.
Browse our range of Edinburgh tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of top things to do in Edinburgh on a first visit? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Barry Johnson is a freelance travel writer living in Sydney, but with previous homes in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. His love of adventure led to getting lost in a Californian forest a week after The Blair Witch Project went viral, building a giant Buddha on a Cambodian mountain, camel racing in an Egyptian desert, and teaching English to Peruvian children as they taught him Quechuan — the language of the Incas.
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
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