5 Things to see and do in Edinburgh

Steeped in history, Edinburgh seamlessly blends old and new, providing visitors with the perfect destination to experience the sights, sounds, tastes of a diverse vibrant city. Whether it’s an overnight stop or a day trip from a nearby town Edinburgh has something for everyone, a destination of intrigue firmly planted on the bucket list. On two occasions upon visiting Edinburgh we explored the obvious and not so obvious sites that make this city so great. Here are few ideas to get you started:

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the city skyline Edinburgh Castle was our first point of interest and the primary reason behind of our visit. During the summer months Edinburgh castle is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Scotland and with covid subsiding it is recommended you book tickets in advance. Plan your day around the castle as you are required to select a timeslot prior to your visit to guarantee your entry. Walking from the train station you can navigate the backstreets overlooking princess gardens heading uphill till you reach castle hill road and effectively the gates of the castle.

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Tickets Included

Perched on top of an extinct volcano, the Castle and its Esplanade offers unparalleled views of Edinburgh. Once inside you can explore some of the oldest and most important buildings of the city, including St Margaret’s Chapel, The National War Memorial and the Half Moon Battery. The regal Crown Square is a real highlight, where you will find the magnificent Grand Hall and Scotland’s Crown Jewels – including the famous Stone of Destiny.

As with most castles the walkways around the grounds are constructed from cobblestone which made for a bumpy ride for our two year in his stroller, a sturdy pair of walking boots is also recommended.

Edinburgh Castle to Arthur’s Seat Tour: Private & Custom

The largest tourist attraction in Edinburgh has two gift shops located in the grounds. Portcullis Shop next to the ticket office selling a variety of Scottish themed souvenirs, apparel, Jewelry and Scottish crafts. Whisky and Fine food shop next to St Margaret’s chapel offers a selection of whisky and gin from all over Scotland and even a 10-year-old whisky exclusive to Edinburgh Castle. Local treats such as fudge, shortbread and chocolate are all available for that distinct and distinguished flavor of Scotland.

Calton Hill

Every avenue in Edinburgh tells its own story, an archway frames the landscape and their a several spots to gaze upon the silhouette of architecture dotted around the city. One of the best vantage points is from the top of Calton Hill. The panoramic views from Calton Hill have astonished and inspired visitors for centuries. Major landmarks can be seen from a bird’s eye view: Arthur’s Seat with the Crags behind Holyrood Palace and the Parliament, Leith and the Firth of Forth, Princes Street in its New Town grid and the Royal Mile climbing up towards the Castle.

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

Calton Hill is also famous for its collection of historic monuments, which form some of the most important landmarks of the city. One of the most striking is the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Intended to commemorate the Scottish servicemen who died in the Napoleonic Wars, it was never completed leaving just the twelve columns you see today.

Calton Hill Photography & History Tour, Edinburgh, Scotland

Also look out for the Nelson Monument, shaped like an up-turned telescope. Completed in 1816 the monument commemorates the death of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. However, in 1852 a time ball was added to the top to enable ships moored in the Firth of Forth to set their time-pieces accurately. The Nelson Monument is open to the public, and the Time Ball still drops at one o’clock six days a week..

Eat and Drink

Edinburgh is a city you can certainly work up an appetite, especially when navigating the many paths, steps, castles and viewpoints. Foodies can enjoy a plethora of cuisines from all over the world or indulge in local favorites. The diversity of Edinburgh’s food scene was explored by UK youtube channel Sorted Food where they embarked on food marathon around Edinburgh consuming 26.2 dishes in 24hrs. Check out Sorted food Edinburgh part 1 and part 2.

Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Despite the international choice of cuisine on offer, local flavors, home comforts, regional ingredients were firmly on the agenda. Pubs, bistro’s and Michelin restaurants offer the very best of Scottish produce in warm welcoming environment, with the aroma of whisky sure to follow. Seeking home comforts with a Scottish twist we descended on one of the many pubs that occupied the Royal Mile. Unfortunately, the pubs we walked into including The Devil’s Advocate, Deacon Brodies Tavern and Albanach were either fully booked or didn’t have a license to accommodate anyone under 18.

Edinburgh Food Tour for Families

Happily, however we stumbled upon a gem of a pub just round the corner from the Royal Mile. The Advocate was spacious, accommodating and served a variety of local beverages and classic pub favorites with a Scottish twist. Haggis, neaps and tatties or Steak and Ale Pie and Balmoral Chicken are just some of the dishes on the menu followed by classic deserts such as chocolate fudge cake and sticky toffee pudding.

The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour

On a second visit to Edinburgh we took inspiration from Sorted food and checked out Makars Gourmet mash. Located on Bank Street, Makars celebrates classic Scottish dishes sourced with local ingredients paired with craft beers and ciders from the area. The menu as suggested combines a variety of flavored mash paired with braised meat such as lamb shank or beef shoulder, Scottish staples like Haggis and Makars awarding winning Wild Boar Sausages. Vegans and Vegetarians are catered for with plant based alternatives to Haggis and Sausages in addition to a selection of soups, salads and sides. Makars also celebrates the mushroom with dishes created from the variety grown in their in house Mushroom Emporium.

Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions

Onwards from Makars Mash we headed towards Victoria Street sloping towards grassmarket square. Victoria street notable for its colorful buildings is lined with artisanal shops, confectionary, bakeries and restaurants. Walking down the cobblestone streets we headed onwards towards grassmarket square. The square is a vibrant hub of activity and a great place to grab lunch or enjoy a beer with bars and restaurants spilling out into the street and views gazing towards Edinburgh castle. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy a variety of flavored donuts from Kilted Donuts or ice cream at Mary’s Milk Bar.

The Edinburgh Cheese Crawl

For a comprehensive list of Edinburgh culinary diversity checkout the Best places to dine and drink in Edinburgh.

Royal Mile

Descending through the gates of the castle we headed down the Royal Mile. Based in the Old Town and within a World Heritage site, the area is culturally and historically important to the city and jam packed with things to see and do. A ‘Scots mile’ long, and connecting two royal residences (the Castle and the palace of Holyrood House), it is also home to parliaments old and new, law courts, a cathedral and churches, and a vast range of visitor attractions, walking tours, shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh

Points of interest such as Scotch Whisky Experience, the museum of childhood and camera obscure & world of illusions are all noteworthy inclusions that unfortunately we weren’t able to cram into a day’s itinerary.

The Royal Mile offers the perfect spot to find that special souvenir of Scotland – you’ll find a range of items in your family tartan (and if you’re not sure which it might be, they can sometimes help trace your family name to find it), including kilts. You also have the chance to pick up a bottle of whisky from Royal Mile Whiskies or The Whisky Shop for that extra special something. Specialist chocolatiers such as The Chocolatarium, fudge shops like Fudge Kitchen, coffee shops The Milkman Coffee and even a Christmas Shop are located on the Royal Mile. You’ll also find a number of shops selling Harry Potter-themed memorabilia including Museum Context and The Great Wizard, and more Scottish knitwear than you can shake a stick at.

Princes Street

Lined with shops on the north side, Princess Street is Edinburgh’s principal shopping street. To the south, this heavily trafficked thoroughfare borders the memorial-dotted Princes Street Gardens, a park overlooked by Edinburgh Castle. Princes Street is also known for being one of the principal venues for Hogmanay, Scotland’s famous New Year’s celebrations. Princes St is a great place to wander along or simply rest whist’s taking in the panoramic views of the gardens, buildings and castle. Venturing into the gardens you can navigate several pathways though the fountains, statues and flowers with great views of the castle and monuments. Sticking to princes st as you continue to walk towards Waverly Station you will notice one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks, the Scott Monument. One of Edinburgh’s most recognizable landmarks, the Scott Monument is a tribute to celebrated Scottish author and Edinburgh native son Sir Walter Scott. This imposing gothic tower stands 200 feet (61 meters) tall and dominates the skyline of New Town. If walking around Edinburgh wasn’t strenuous enough you can climb the 287 steps to the top and enjoy spectacular views of the gardens and castle.

Forth Bridge

Before setting off to wonder the streets of Edinburgh we decided to take a short ride towards Queensferry to visit The Forth Railway Bridge that crosses the Forth estuary. The Forth Bridge is a celebrated Scottish landmark and symbol of Britain’s industrial and transport heritage. A triumph of engineering, the bridge is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 1,709-foot (521-meter single cantilever span is the second-longest in the world.

Trains depart frequently from Edinburgh Waverly towards North Queensferry or Dalmeny depending on which side of the estuary you get off at. Personally I would exit at North Queensferry so you experience the Forth bridge for its intended purpose. Exiting the station head towards South Bay of North Queensferry located just a short 10-minute walk away. On your way to the bay area their is hidden gem of a restaurant called “The Wee Restaurant”. Nestled under the iconic Forth Railway Bridge The Michelin star rated restaurant champions seasonal Scottish produce “serving simple good food and wine since 2006”, in a truly relaxed atmosphere. The bay area is a serene and peaceful oasis that holds spectacular views of the Firth of the Forth and its three bridges. Just round the corner you will find Queensferry Light Tower, the smallest one in the world of its kind that is still in use. The pier stretches out into the estuary for a full 180 degree view and the bridges provide a stunning backdrop for any photographer when seen from the ground or the air. At this point we headed back to Edinburgh, however you can easily spend the day touring the bridges and Queensferry area by land or water.

1.5 hour Firth of Forth Sightseeing cruise

Just a 10 minute walk from North Queensferry South bay is the North Access bus stop. Weather permitting you can walk or cycle across the Forth Road Bridge where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the adjacent bridges. Once across head towards Queensferry Museum, the museum has stunning views out onto the Firth of Forth and the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Forth Bridge. Whether your interest is social history, folk traditions or civic engineering, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.

Award winning Blackness Castle, Three Bridges Cruise with Cream Tea

Beyond the Queensferry Museum is the Maid of the Forth, boats depart from Hawes Pier where you can embark on a scenic sightseeing cruise, encountering wildlife as you pass under all three Forth Bridges and down towards Inchcolm Island. By far the best way to view the magnificent engineering of the Forth Bridge, The Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing. During peak season its best to book the cruise in advance to avoid disappointment. For more info on departures, itineraries and pricing check out the link: Maid of the Forth or Edinburgh Three Bridges Cruise.

3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour Including “Hogwarts Express” Ride

If a boat cruise isn’t your cup of tea South Queensferry has plenty of shops, bakeries, artisans and restaurants to indulge. Try fresh seafood at The Boathouse, Scottish pastries and of course whisky while you enjoy the spectacular views of the Firth of the Forth Bridges. Dalmeny station is a 15 minute walk from Hawes pier if you are heading back into Edinburgh city center.

Scottish Highlands and Hogwarts Express Tour from Edinburgh