My Top 5 Touristy Things To Do In Edinburgh, Scotland

I have been to Scotland 3 times but I always find new things to explore each time (while also re-exploring some of my favourites!).

I’m the kind of person who doesn’t mind seeing something more than once if I really love it. I can always find something new to see!

Now, these are not hidden gems and can be quite busy depending on the time of year you go. These are all quite touristy things but in my opinion well worth seeing to say that you’ve seen them or experienced them.

Scotland is a beautiful, historic country and there are many great places and Edinburgh is definitely not a city you should miss on any trip there. There’s something so different and enchanting about it, especially in the main touristy section.

I highly recommend checking out these 5 attractions when you’re in Edinburgh:

1. The Castle… Duh

This had to be in here. And I know what you’re going to say… It’s probably the biggest tourist attraction and is it really worth it? Yes, it is.

You have to see it at least once. Scotland is well known for its castles and if you’re a fan of castles, history or architecture then they’re well-wroth seeing, especially Edinburgh Castle, as it’s the most famous. It’s also quite large and very well preserved. Many castles you come across are ruins, smaller or not as elaborate as Edinburgh.

You can spend an hour or more here if you’re really interested. They have lots of great historical plaques to read or you can take your time viewing the different rooms, hallways courtyards, etc.

My husband’s favourite part was viewing the cannons, which they displayed loud and proud. My favourite part was viewing the bedrooms that were all decorated, allowing you to daydream about what life was like living in Edinburgh Castle.

The guided tours are also really great in case you want to learn more or have questions.

Rainy photo of Castle taken on iPhone XR. Other photos taken on iPhone 7.

2. Edinburgh Dungeon

I can honestly say this was probably one of my favourite things I have ever done on a trip. My band had taken a day trip into Edinburgh but it was rainy that day so most of them just sat in a pub for the day. My husband and I and our friend and his daughter weren’t overly interested in doing that. His daughter had made a list of everything she wanted to see while they were in Scotland and the Dungeon was on her list and, conveniently, right around the corner.

My husband and I had never heard of it but we were absolutely game to do anything that wasn’t just sitting at a pub all-day so we went into the Dungeon with no expectations.

It was not at all what we expected. I assumed it would be like the castles with the plaques and you walk around and view things but this was more like a theatre production. It was incredibly well done, entertaining, educational yet enticing. You can’t take photos inside so I don’t have many but it’s honestly, something we still tell stories about and I would absolutely go again.

It can be a touch scary so maybe not so great for young kids but our friends’ daughter was 11 and she had a blast.

Start of Dungeon photos taken on iPhone XR. Branded Dungeon photos taken with Dungeon cameras.

3. Harry Potter Tour

If you’re a Harry Potter fan this is a MUST SEE. It was an absolutely fantastic tour and it’s by donation which is amazing if you’re trying to stick to a budget.

Your tour guide shows up dressed up and with wands to hand out (there isn’t enough for everyone so, make sure, if you want a want, you go to the front and grab one right away). They then take you to all of the sites that inspired parts of the books. JK Rowling wrote the first few in coffee shops in Edinburgh (and actually not the one that is so famously known for it, you’ll be surprised) and so, she took a lot of inspiration from around the city.

We found this tour really neat and it was fun getting to see her original vision for different people and locations. The tour isn’t overly long either, it starts at a decent hour and you’re done in time for lunch.

The tour ends on the beautiful Victoria Street, the famous street that is the inspiration for Diagon Alley and the tour happens to stop right outside of the official Harry Potter store, which we, of course, had to go check out… And buy a wand from (I chose Professor McGonagall’s wand).

Photos taken on iPhone XR.

4. The Royal Mile

Well, you can’t see the castle without first seeing the Royal Mile (the castle is at the end of the Royal Mile). There are a lot of really neat things to see as you walk up the Mile. It’s entirely made up of cobblestone roads and historic buildings, so if you’re like me and you like historic buildings this will be your jam.

My band typically goes to Scotland for the World Pipe Band Championships so we are there at the same time each year. Due to this, we are always exploring Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Tattoo and the Fringe Festival. Both are really neat events to check out if you have time.

There are lots of shops, pubs and sites along the Mile. If you’re willing to take your time and explore, you can find some really neat parts tucked away. Closes are like little alley’s that take you to quieter areas of the Mile. If you’re an Outlander fan you may even recognize some of them!

Photos taken on iPhone 7

5. Hike Arthurs Seat

If you’ve read any of my other blogs you’ll know that I am a big hiking and adventure fan so a trip to a new place just wouldn’t be right if I didn’t go on a hike. What’s nice about this one is you can make it a longer hike or a shorter hike depending on your timing and preference.

It’s in the opposite end of Edinburgh Castle and has a nice view of Holyroodhouse Castle; a beautiful modern castle, not as big as Edinburgh. If you’re looking for a bit of nature within the city you’ll want to do this.

For something short, you can go just to the viewpoint, which only takes a couple of minutes. There is a 3.5km hike that takes about an hour and a half, which takes you to the seat. But there are other hills in this area so you could keep exploring if you wished. You end up with a gorgeous view of the city and its many amazing sights. The actual hike also, isn’t overly challenging so it’s good for taking kids.

Photos taken on iPhone 7

Edinburgh has some amazing sights to see. So many that you can go over and over and still find new things to see. There are also more touristy things as well as, some incredible hidden gems to explore.

On your first visit, it’s good to catch the big ones. No matter what you choose to see you will love it.

Happy travels!