Top 50 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Edinburgh Castletop_1
    4.7/5
    󰺂10
    474.99
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town891m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoEdinburgh Castle "Castle of Light: Ice and Fire" projection show | Nov 21, 2025-Jan 4, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Watch the Noonday Gun performance every day at 1PM
    󰋄Climb for panoramic view of Edinburgh
    󱨠Saved by 974 users󱨠1752 positive reviews
  • Edinburgh Old Towntop_2
    4.9/5
    󰺂9.0
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town487m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Scottish Crown Jewels on Volcano
    󱓊Explore Scotland's medieval history
    󱨠Saved by 362 users󱨠109 positive reviews
  • Palace of Holyroodhousetop_3
    4.7/5
    󰺂8.5
    511.4
    Edinburgh998m from downtown
    Highlights:
    View of Arthur's Seat
    󰀆View Edinburgh Castle & Arthur's Seat
    󱨠Saved by 335 users󱨠175 positive reviews
  • The Scotch Whisky Experience
    4
    4.4/5
    󰺂7.8
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town690m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Whiskey-making tour by barrel car
    󱓊Explore Scottish whisky culture & history
    󱨠Saved by 299 users󱨠123 positive reviews
  • Calton Hill
    5
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.4
    Edinburgh.New Town398m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Edinburgh
    Highlights:
    󱓊Cannonball drops daily at 1
    󰀆Climb monument pillars & adventure
    󱨠Saved by 407 users󱨠189 positive reviews
  • Royal Mile
    6
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.3
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town350m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Night Attractions in Edinburgh
    Highlights:
    󱨜A one-mile walk through 800 years of Scottish life
    Castles, cathedrals, legends, and whisky included
    󱨠Saved by 305 users󱨠168 positive reviews
  • National Museum of Scotland
    7
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.1
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town710m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoStunning city views from the National Museum of Scotland
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Edinburgh
    Highlights:
    󱨜Dolly the cloned sheep exhibit
    󱓊Golden sandstone walls: timeless beauty
    󱨠Saved by 307 users󱨠155 positive reviews
  • Scott Monument
    8
    4.4/5
    󰺂6.4
    Edinburgh.New Town326m from downtown
    Highlights:
    Climb 287 steps & enjoy views
    󱨜Unique 197-foot Gothic arches
    󱨠Saved by 206 users󱨠118 positive reviews
  • National Galleries of Scotland: National
    9
    4.3/5
    󰺂6.3
    Edinburgh.New Town531m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Showcase Scottish native art masterpieces
    󱨜Van Gogh & Monet masterpieces
    󱨠Saved by 172 users󱨠27% positive reviews
  • St Giles' Cathedral
    10
    4.5/5
    󰺂6.2
    Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town450m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Free entry until 6 PM
    󱓊Landmark with Scottish crown design
    󱨠Saved by 182 users󱨠27% positive reviews

Best things to do in Edinburgh (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Edinburgh? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Edinburgh offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Edinburgh

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Edinburgh experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Edinburgh Castle

• Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town | 891m from downtown

• : Watch the Noonday Gun performance every day at 1PM,Climb for panoramic view of Edinburgh

Edinburgh Old Town

• Edinburgh.Edinburgh Old Town | 487m from downtown

• : Scottish Crown Jewels on Volcano,Explore Scotland's medieval history

Palace of Holyroodhouse

• Edinburgh | 998m from downtown

• : View of Arthur's Seat,View Edinburgh Castle & Arthur's Seat

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Edinburgh

If you want to explore attractions just outside Edinburgh, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Edinburgh, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Edinburgh special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Edinburgh

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Edinburgh

Ready to explore the best of Edinburgh? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Edinburgh?
These are all Best Things to Do in Edinburgh:Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town, Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Scotch Whisky Experience, Calton Hill
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Edinburgh?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Edinburgh include:Edinburgh Castle:4.7, Edinburgh Old Town:4.9, Palace of Holyroodhouse:4.7, The Scotch Whisky Experience:4.4, Calton Hill:4.6
At what locations in Edinburgh can Best Things to Do in Edinburgh be found?
The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh are mainly located in:Edinburgh Castle:Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town:Edinburgh, Palace of Holyroodhouse:Edinburgh, The Scotch Whisky Experience:Edinburgh, Calton Hill:Edinburgh
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