Things to Do in Edinburgh
Discover 60 activities and experiences in Edinburgh, United Kingdom — from outdoor adventures to cultural events. Curated from real traveler recommendations.
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Calton Hill
Climb this central hill in the morning or early evening hours to experience a great sunrise/sunset over Edinburgh. However, try to avoid hours of complete darkness. The hill is home to various monuments including the '''National Monument of Scotland''' (also known as ''Edinburgh's Folly''), an unfinished replica of Athens' Parthenon, built as a memorial to the Napoleonic Wars, and '''[http://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Nelson-Monument Nelson's Tower]''', built in the shape of an upturned telescope in honour of the naval hero. The latter features a ''Time Ball'' at the top, which drops at 1PM every day to enable ships at Leith docks to set their clocks. The time ball was originally operated by the City Observatory, which was located here until it was replaced by the larger Royal Observatory of Edinburgh in the south of the City, in the late 19th Century when light pollution in the City centre became too much of an obstacle to celestial viewing. The '''City Observatory''' is being refurbished by the [http://www.collectivegallery.net/ Collective Gallery] as a modern art exhibition space, with a small exhibition space and cafe open at present.
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Cramond
Archeological evidence suggests that Cramond is actually older than Edinburgh itself, having been inhabited since around 8500BC. Its location where the River Almond flows into the Firth of Forth meant it was strategically important, and the Romans had a fort here, the remains of which can still be seen. There are several options for waterside walking, with a path along the wooded Almond riverbank to the south, a seafront promenade along the Forth to the east, and a causeway across the Firth of Forth to '''Cramond Island''' (check the noticeboard re: tide times before crossing!). It used to be possible to walk to the west across the Dalmeny Estate towards South Queensferry, but the ferry across the River Almond stopped running when the boatman found a Roman statue of a lioness buried in the muddy riverbed, and retired on the monetary reward (you can see the impressive statue in the National Museum of Scotland). Once you've done walking around admiring the sights, enjoy a well-earned refreshment in the welcoming ''Cramond Inn'' or ''Cramond Tearooms''.
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Pentland Hills Regional Park
Hillwalking, mountain-biking, orienteering and horse-riding. The Pentlands are far from Scotland's highest or most prestigious hills, however they do offer some proper wilderness on the fringe of the city, with hills, lochs and some amazing views across Central Scotland. If you're planning to head into the hills, make sure you have a suitable map. [http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey] Landranger sheets 66, 65, 72 cover the area, [http://www.harveymaps.co.uk/ Harveys] SuperWalker Pentland Hills Map covers the whole area on one sheet. All should be available from local bookshops and outdoor equipment retailers. Getting there takes around 30 minutes on the bus, or 45 minutes by bicycle from central Edinburgh. Map of official [http://www.pentlandhills.org/downloads/file/50/cycling_in_the_pentland_hills mountain bike routes] and [http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/pentlandhills/info/15/routes_and_trails local walks].
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Edinburgh Fringe Festival
As the name might suggest, this Festival developed on the "Fringe" of the main International Festival and offers more alternative performances, with an emphasis on comedy and avant-garde; it is now the largest arts festival in the world. Many shows offer cheaper preview tickets on the first two days of the festival or a 2for1 ticket special on two selected dates. There are a few sub-festivals that are part of the Fringe such as the ''[http://www.assemblyfestival.com/ Assembly Festival]'', ''[http://festival14.summerhall.co.uk/ Summerhall Festival]'' and ''[http://www.cthefestival.com/ CtheFestival]''. Part of the Fringe are also many free events (with donation if you liked the show) across the city grouped mostly under the ''[http://freefringe.org.uk/ PBH's Free Fringe]'' or ''[http://freefringe.com/ Free Festival]''.
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- In August
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Water of Leith Walkway
Walk or cycle along the ''Water of Leith''. The route starts from the harbour and follows the river right through the City to the suburb of Balerno, on the edge of the Pentland Hills. The walkway is indicated by brown direction signs featuring a water wheel logo. For most of the route the river is flanked on one or both sides by woodland, and it's often hard to believe you're in the heart of a major city. There are brown trout plus a dozen other species of fish in the river and birds including the grey heron, goosander, dipper and kingfisher can be seen along the banks. If you're very lucky you may see badgers or otters.
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Edinburgh International Festival
The original that spawned all the rest. Founded in 1947 and still seen as more "high-brow" than any of its offspring. Surprisingly, tickets are often priced more reasonably than for many Fringe shows. Some events have ''preview'' performances at a much lower price. The final concert at the end of the festival takes place in the Princes Gardens and features an extensive firework show coordinated with the music. Get tickets early in advance if you want a seat. But it's also great to watch the fireworks and listen to the music for free on Princes Street.
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- In August
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Beltane Fire Festival
Fire Festival marking the beginning of summer (evening of April 30). The festival has its origins in the pre-Christian Celtic festival of the same name, which was held to herald the coming of spring and to celebrate the fertility of the countryside. Drums, dancing, semi-nudity, pagan ritual, home-brew and lots of fire and fireworks. Crowds of around 12,000 enjoy the ceremony and spectacle every year. For the full traditional experience stay awake until dawn and head across to Arthurs Seat to wash your face in the dew.
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- Calton Hill, New Town
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Summerhall
Contemporary art exhibitions and event space in the former Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary. The distillery that produces '''[http://www.pickeringsgin.com/ Pickering's Gin]''' is located there and tours by appointment are available (+44 131 290-2901). '''[http://barneysbeer.com/ Barney's Brewery]''' is there as well, though only open to the public on special occasions. You can try both beer and gin at the '''[http://www.summerhall.co.uk/the-royal-dick/ Royal Dick]''', which is a pub in the courtyard of Summerhall.
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- 1 Summerhall
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Edinburgh Military Tattoo
One of the iconic images of Edinburgh for millions worldwide is the yearly Tattoo, kilted pipers skirling below the battlements of Edinburgh Castle. Although tickets sell out well in advance, persevering individuals are likely to find one or two tickets still for sale due to cancellations. Just be prepared to ask, ask, and ask again! There are usually fireworks at the end of the shows which can also be seen from e.g. the Grassmarket area.
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- In August
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The Scotch Whisky Experience
Offers an interactive "tour" of the history and practise of Whisky distilling, complete with a rather sedate barrel ride. This is a good place to go if you want to sample whisky, as they have a very large selection (200+?) at a fairly reasonable price. Older whiskys tend to cost more and the rarest on offer can cost up to £50.00 per measure! The atmosphere is less pub-like than some might like as it tends to be fairly quiet.
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- 354 Castlehill
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- For basic tour £13.50 adult, £10.50 reduced
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Holyrood Park
Walk around in the park which is just East of the Old Town. Created by King James the VI in the 16th century, it is like a Scottish landscape in miniature, containing ''Arthur's Seat'', three lochs: ''St Margaret's Loch'' with nearby remains of an old chapel, ''Dunsapie Loch'' along Queen's Drive with great views of the sea in the background, and ''Duddingston Loch'' (see East), and the stunning ''Salisbury Crags''.
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Meadows
Edinburgh's best and biggest central public park. Absolutely free. Known for great atmosphere especially during the summer and entertainment like the festival and regular busking. Great for a walk at any time, day or night. Always awash with activity, the Meadows is the perfect place to relax, read a book, get drunk, or play some football. Tennis courts are available for hire at the eastern end of the park.
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Corstorphine Hill
Local Nature Reserve. Low wooded hill, lying between Corstorphine Road and Queensferry Road. Popular with walkers and joggers (and sledging in the winter!). Don't be afraid if you hear exotic animal sounds, especially on the southern slopes - the zoo has firm fencing in place! ''The tower'' near the top is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott (as if his ''Gothic Rocket'' on Princes Street wasn't enough).
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Free Tour of Edinburgh
There are free walking tours that set off periodically from the High Street Starbucks. They are in a variety of languages and take about 2-2.5 hours, with a stop for lunch. Tickets are free, but the tour guides appreciate tips. Even with a generous tip for the guide, these are still a far cheaper way to see the city than most bus tours, and they give you a much more personal experience.
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- Daily 10:00, 11:00 and 14:00
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Murrayfield Ice Rink
Popular ice-rink, hours vary daily. Regular leisure skating sessions, plus ice-discos on Friday and Saturday nights very popular with local teens. Both Leisure skating and ice-hockey tuition available. Plays host to the ''Edinburgh Capitals'' ice hockey team, plus a curling club on a separate rink. ''Re-opens on 31st of July 2015 after renovations.''
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- Riversdale Crescent
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- Daily (may be closed during special events)
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- Adults depending on session: £4.50-£6, skate hire £1-£1.80
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Stewart Brewing
Every Thursday and Friday starting at 19:00 (until 21:30) you can take part in a brewery tour which includes drinks and snacks. Prices are £15 adults and £12 concessions. Call the number above to book in advance. Every Saturday you can come by (advance booking not required) between 12:00 and 16:00 and will get a tour plus beer samples for £7.50.
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- 26a Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Ind Estate, Loanhead
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Reid Concert Hall
The ''Reid School of Music'' (University of Edinburgh) offers free lunchtime concerts (usually starting at 1:10 pm and lasting for about one hour and taking place at the Reid Concert Hall) at irregular intervals. Check the [http://www.eca.ed.ac.uk/reid-school-of-music/news-events calendar] for details on these events and additional concerts.
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- Bristo Square
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- Free
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Degree Show
Around the end of May the ''Edinburgh College of Art'' opens its doors and exhibits the works on art, design and architecture of their students. A similar event, the Masters Degree Show, takes place in August as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival. See the [http://www.eca.ed.ac.uk/eca-home/news-events ECA event calendar] for details.
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- Edinburgh College of Art, Old Town
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- Free
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John Muir Way
The John Muir Way passes through Edinburgh and South Queensferry. A great 10km section for hiking is between Cramond (starting west of the River Almond) and South Queensferry which runs almost always along the coastline and passes Dalmeny House and Branbougie Castle. It offers great views of the Firth of Forth rail bridge.
More info -
Midlothian Snowsports Centre
One of Europe's longest artificial ski slopes, suitable for skiers and boarders of all abilities. Instruction available. Chairlift and 2 tows. Equipment hire available on site, or bring your own. Wear long trousers, long sleeves and gloves as the matting will take off a few layers of skin if (when?) you fall.
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- Hillend, Biggar Road, near Edinburgh. Located in the Pentland Hills Regional Park
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- Winter (Sept - April) Mon - Sat 9:30AM - 9PM, Sun 9:30AM - 7PM. Summer (May - August) Mon - Fri 9:30AM - 9PM, Sat - Sun 9:30AM - 7PM
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Tynecastle Stadium
Take in a football game at '''[http://www.heartsfc.co.uk Heart of Midlothian F.C.'s]''' (generally known as simply "Hearts") Tynecastle Stadium. The team play in the Scottish Premier League and games are generally 3PM on a Saturday but check on line or local press for fixture details.
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- Gorgie Road
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St Andrew's Day
Celebrate St Andrew's Day, Scotland's national day on November 30. There are many free events on the nearest weekend in Edinburgh. ''Historic Scotland'' opens many of its sites for free (free tickets are required and can be booked [http://www.ticketgiveaway.co.uk/ online]).
More info -
Guy Fawkes Night
Evening of November 5. With ticketed fireworks (£6.50) in the [http://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/meadowbank-sports-centre Meadowbank Sports Center] (East). Can be seen (for free) from several locations in the city.
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Easter Road Stadium
Take in a football game at the home of the ''[http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/ Hibernian F.C.]''. The team play in the Scottish Premier League and games are generally 3pm on a Saturday but check on line for fixture details.
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Mary King's Close
Warriston's Close (opposite St Giles' Cathedral), open daily except Christmas Day. A slice of Edinburgh's medieval history, preserved since being closed over in the 18th century - watch out for the haunting.
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Edinburgh International Film Festival
Now moved to June from its former slot in August, so that it no longer clashes with all the others! Centred around the Filmhouse Cinema on Lothian Road, though other cinemas take part too.
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The Edinburgh Dungeon
The scariest attraction in Edinburgh featuring 11 shows and 2 rides about Scotland's horrible history: William Wallace, Mary King's Ghost, the cave of Sawney Bean, Burke and Hare and more.
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- 31 Market Street
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Samhuinn Fire Festival
Fire Festival marking the beginning of winter (evening of October 31). Procession and enacted fight between the King of Summer and Prince of Winter with great accompanying percussion.
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- Grassmarket, Old Town
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- Free, donations are collected
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Bruntsfield Links
This is a park adjoining the Meadows which offers a short hole golf course for everyone. If you don't have any equipment, ask for clubs and balls from ''The Golf Tavern'' (see below).
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- Free to play
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Union Canal
Walk or cycle along the start of the Canal or go for a boat trip. The Canal eventually meets with the Forth and Clyde Canal at the Falkirk Wheel, which is about half-way to Glasgow.
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- Starts at Fountainbridge Square
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Dalkeith Country Park
A vast park next to Dalkeith. Great for outdoor activities such as cycling, walking, hiking, etc. One entrance point is at the north-east end of Dalkeith High Street.
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- Easter to the end of September: 9:00-17:00 daily
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- £1
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Princes Street Gardens
Walk through this small, beautiful park that lies in the small valley between Castle Hill and Princes Street and forms the boundary between the Old and New Towns.
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Usher Hall
The concert hall in Edinburgh which regularly features The Royal Scottish National Orchestra. It was completed in 1914 and funded by a donation from Andrew Usher.
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- Lothian Road
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Hidden Door
Annual non-profit art, music, theatre, etc. event taking place in unused spaces in the city that change from year to year. End of May/beginning of June in 2016.
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Salisbury Crags
If a lighter stroll - compared to Arthur's Seat - is in order, a traverse along the Salisbury Crags on the Radical Road offers similar panoramas of the city.
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Filmhouse
Edinburgh's (and Scotland's) largest venue for arthouse and foreign language films. Great café and bar, and hub of the annual International Film Festival.
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- 88 Lothian Road
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Arthur's Seat
The extinct volcano to the east of the city centre offers fantastic views from its summit - and at only 251 m high the ascent isn't too strenuous.
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The Grange
Take in a '''Cricket Match''' at ''The Grange'', home of the ''[http://www.cricketscotland.com/ Saltires]'', Scotland's cricket team.
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- Raeburn Place
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Meadows Festival
A free festival in the Meadows (South) on a weekend in early June with lots of food stalls, second-hand merchandise and live music.
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Dominion
Mainstream & alternative films. One screen is full of two- and three-person leather sofas for the ultimate cinema-going experience.
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- 18 Newbattle Terrace
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Festival Theatre
Home of the ''Scottish Ballet'' and ''Scottish Opera''. It also hosts contemporary dance and ballet events and musicals.
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- 13/29 Nicolson Street
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Portobello Swim Centre
Traditional Victorian baths with fully modernised facilities. Pool, gym, sauna and the only Turkish Baths in town.
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- 57 The Promenade, Portobello
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Edinburgh International Book Festival
Takes place in a temporary village of marquees at Charlotte Square Gardens (West End of George Street, New Town).
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- In August
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The Queen's Hall
Offers a variety of musical events across all genres (classical, jazz, blues, pop, rock, world, folk and comedy).
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- 85 - 89 Clerk Street
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Glenogle Swim Centre
Go swimming in a Victorian swimming pool with partial glass roof. Also has a gym and sauna. Refurbished in 2010.
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- Glenogle Road
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- Mon-Fri: 7:00-22:00; Sat-Sun: 8:00-16:00
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- Pool only: £5; sauna: add £1.60
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Leith Festival
Takes place in June every year at venues all around Leith. Art, Comedy, Dance, Drama, Film, Music and more.
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Cameo Cinema
Mainstream & alternative films, in remarkable surroundings. A much-loved venue that's well worth a visit.
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- 38 Home Street
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Royal Commonwealth Pool
The pool was built for the Commonwealth Games in 1970, and was used again for the 1986 and 2014 games.
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- Dalkeith Road
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- Mon-Fri 5:30-22:00, Sat 5:30-20:00, Sun 7:30-20:00
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- £5.90 adults for a swimming ticket, other activities available
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Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh
One of Scotland's largest producing theatre company. The theatre building dates back to 1883.
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- 30b Grindlay Street
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Edinburgh International Science Festival
Takes place annually in March or April. Emphasis on "hands-on" science.
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Edinburgh International Television Festival
Predominantly a "closed shop" for industry professionals only.
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- End of August
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Traverse Theatre
The Traverse theatre company is dedicated to new works.
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- 10 Cambridge Street
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Edinburgh Playhouse
A former cinema that now hosts musicals and concerts.
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- 18-22 Greenside Place
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Exploring Edinburgh: A Traveler's Guide to Activities
Edinburgh rewards curious travelers with an exceptional range of experiences. Whether you have a weekend or several weeks, the city's 60 documented activities cover the full spectrum — architectural landmarks and world-class museums at one end, local neighborhood festivals and underground cultural scenes at the other. The activities listed on this page come from Wikivoyage contributors who have personally explored Edinburgh and written detailed, practical descriptions to help you plan your visit.
The most rewarding way to experience Edinburgh's activities is with company. Solo travelers who arrive without plans often find that meeting a fellow traveler at a hostel, cafe, or through the Nomax app opens up entirely new itineraries — a museum visit becomes a half-day exploration, a street food crawl turns into an evening of discovery, a day trip to a nearby site becomes an adventure. Edinburgh has an active traveler community, and the city is designed to reward those who explore it with open curiosity.
When planning what to do in Edinburgh, consider mixing well-known attractions with neighborhood-level experiences. The city's most photographed sights are popular for good reason, but Edinburgh's character lives in its quieter corners too — the local markets, the parks where residents spend their weekends, the small performance venues where the next generation of artists and musicians are finding their voice. The 60 activities on this page include both categories, ordered by the richness of their traveler-written descriptions.
How to Get the Most from Edinburgh's Activities
Timing matters in Edinburgh. Many of the city's best attractions have shorter queues and better atmospheres on weekday mornings. Major cultural sites — museums, galleries, historic monuments — often run free admission windows on certain days or evenings; check before booking. Outdoor activities and walking tours are best enjoyed in the morning before the city heats up or fills with tour groups.
Budget-conscious travelers will find that Edinburgh has a strong free-to-access layer. Public parks, open-air markets, architectural walking routes, and many community events cost nothing. The price information included with activities on this page (where available) helps you plan a realistic daily budget. A mix of free and paid activities across a week in Edinburgh is entirely feasible for most traveler budgets.
For travelers who want to do more than just sightseeing, Edinburgh offers organized activities through local guides, tour companies, and traveler apps like Nomax. Group activities — cooking classes, cycling tours, kayaking excursions, photography walks — are a natural way to meet people while experiencing the city. Many travelers who use Nomax in Edinburgh coordinate these types of group experiences together, splitting costs and building memories that last beyond the trip itself.
Activities for Different Travel Styles
Not every traveler wants the same experience. History enthusiasts will gravitate toward Edinburgh's museums, heritage sites, and guided historical walks that reveal the layers of the city's past. Outdoor and adventure travelers will focus on the parks, cycling routes, climbing areas, and day trips to surrounding natural areas. Food travelers will treat Edinburgh's markets, restaurants, and food tours as the primary activities of each day. Culture seekers will fill evenings with concerts, theater, gallery openings, and street performances.
The 60 activities documented on this page span all these categories. Use the numbered list above to browse in order of description quality — longer descriptions generally mean more detailed, firsthand traveler knowledge. For each activity, the address and opening hours (where available) give you everything you need to plan your visit without needing to search elsewhere.
Connecting with Travelers in Edinburgh
One of the best things about traveling to Edinburgh is the community of international travelers already there. Backpackers, digital nomads, long-term expats, and short-trip tourists all share the same city at any given moment. Nomax makes it easy to find who is in Edinburgh right now, see what activities they are joining, and coordinate plans. Whether you want a hiking companion, someone to split museum entry with, or a group for an evening out — the app connects you to people with the same itinerary in minutes.
Download Nomax before your trip to Edinburgh to set your travel dates and start discovering who else will be there at the same time. The app is free, requires no subscription, and works across all the major traveler destinations worldwide — meaning the community you build in Edinburgh often extends to your next destination too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh offers 60+ activities and experiences for travelers. Top highlights include Calton Hill, Cramond, Pentland Hills Regional Park, and much more. This page lists every documented activity in order of description quality, so you can find both the major attractions and the hidden gems.
Are there free things to do in Edinburgh?
Yes — Edinburgh has a strong selection of free activities. Public parks, open-air markets, walking routes through historic neighborhoods, and many cultural institutions offer free admission on specific days. Scroll through the list above and look for activities marked with free or no price information — these are often the city's most authentic experiences.
How do I meet other travelers while exploring Edinburgh?
Download Nomax — a free travel companion app that shows you other solo travelers currently in Edinburgh. You can join group activities, chat with travelers at the same spots, and plan outings together. Many travelers in Edinburgh use Nomax to find companions for day trips, museum visits, and evening activities.
What activities can I do with travel companions I meet in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has activities for every interest — guided tours, food experiences, outdoor adventures, cultural events, and nightlife. Use Nomax to coordinate with other travelers: join a group for a walking tour, split a day-trip cost, or simply explore the city together. The app makes spontaneous plans easy.
Explore Edinburgh with fellow travelers
Download Nomax — find travel companions, join group activities, and chat with solo travelers in Edinburgh right now. Free forever.
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Content may have been updated since publication.
