12 Great things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the proud capital of Scotland, and with around 500,000 inhabitants, it is the second-largest city after Glasgow. If you walk through the city, you feel like walking in the Middle Ages. There is much to see in the city and a perfect start to a trip through Scotland, although it can also be seen as a good city trip. Here are the main things to do in Edinburgh:

Walk the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the most important street for tourists in Edinburgh, with the Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, Atlas Obscura, Whisky Experience, and St. Giles' Cathedral on it. It is a very lively street with many people, pubs, stores, and restaurants. In August, it is even more crowded as there are many festivities and street artists. This is the mile you want to walk!

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How much time needed: Half Day to Full Day, depending on the number of sites you want to visit.

Visit the colourful Victoria Street

This is my favorite street in Edinburgh because it is a bit less crowded than the Royal Mile, and it has great colourful houses and some nice pubs. You pass this street often when strolling around the centre of Edinburgh. You can also stand above the street and watch the funny street pass by and enjoy the scenery.

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How much time needed: Half an hour

Look at graves at Greyfriars Kirkyard

Greyfriars Kirkyard is a beautiful cemetery in the middle of the city of Edinburgh. There are many interesting graves, a church, and statues on the grass-covered graves. It is an oasis in the busy streets of the capital of Scotland. Be respectful and find the 'most interesting graves'.

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 1 hour maximum

Take a look at Greyfriars Bobby

The council of Edinburgh wanted no one to toch the nose of the dog, but it did not help. The dog who guarded the grave of its owner (the cemetery is just around the statue) for 14 years is standing proudly as he did years ago. He always came out of Greyfriars Kirkyard at 1 pm to get his lunch. A funny story is also that years ago, the pub behind the dog paid the government to turn the dog around so they would be in all the pictures, so I thought, let's help them!

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 5 minutes

Wave at Dolly the sheep in The Scottish Museum

The Museum of Scotland is a fantastic museum with many different sections. From science to Egyptians and from animals to lighthouses: everything is present and worth visiting. The hall is very impressive, and for me, the highlight is Dolly the sheep, which is the first cloned mammal in the world. This is absolutely worth visiting, and it is free as well!

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 2 hours

Enjoy the views of Calton Hill

Do you know there are Roman-looking buildings on top of a hill that give great views over the capital of Edinburgh? Go to Calton Hill and look at the Edinburgh castle and Arthur's Seat. The view on the other side of the hill shows the North Sea. This is great to do after hiking the Royal Mile.

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 1 hour

Spit on the Heart of Midlothian

On the Royal Mile, there is the Heart of Midlothian, where locals will spit. Spit on??? People in Edinburgh believe this will give you good luck. It may be a bit difficult to find, but it may be a nice game to search for it.

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 2 minutes.

Have a look at Edinburgh Castle

The mighty Edinburgh Castle is the eye-catcher of the city of Edinburgh. The building is on a hill, so you can overlook the city. The castle was built in the 11th century and is still very impressive. At 1 pm a cannon is shot every day, and if you want to be there, be on time. From almost every angle, you can see the castle, and it is different from every side. I did not enter the castle, but seeing it from everywhere is great!

Price: £18

Tourist occurrence: Very high

How much time needed: 2-3 hours (I heard from locals, but did not do it myself)

Stroll around the hills in the city centre

The medieval city centre of Edinburgh is fantastic to walk around. It feels as if you step back in time, while there are many sights to see. You walk up and down, and each alley is beautiful. Don't stay on the big streets only, but go for the alleys and enjoy the more quiet streets of this fantastic part of town.

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: Half a day

Eat a fried Mars

I understand you are thinking: WHAT?! Yes, you can eat a fried Mars bar in Scotland (although I only saw it in Edinburgh), and it is pretty tasteful, although I cannot say it is a very healthy snack. Maybe share it with someone to enjoy this weird and tasteful food. 

How much time needed: Obviously not to much..

Enjoy paintings and pictures in the National Galleries of Scotland Portrait

This is a great museum, which is free, where you can find great art from big leaders like Winston Churchill and other historical paintings. Besides, the hallways are beautiful (see picture above). When I was there, there was a great exhibition of pictures that showed the realness of communities around the world. This exposition was very touching, and the pictures were also very beautiful.

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 1-2 hours

Be outside the city vibes in Dean Village

This part of Edinburgh is very cute. It is a lovely area to stroll around, watch beautiful houses, see a waterfall, and enjoy the views. Dean Village is a bit out of the city centre, but very worth visiting when you want to escape the city. There are not that many pubs or restaurants, so just enjoy the quietness and a lovely morning.

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 2 hours

Things I have not done, but can be interesting

• Arthur's Seat - lovely hike to get views of the city
• Camera Obscura - get weird in this family museum
• Whisky experience - Get to know Scottish water

Final Thoughts

Edinburgh is the lovely, cute capital of the city and the best way to start your Scotland trip. It gives a great impression of the rest of Scotland. There are many things to do to stay here for a couple of days. Enjoy the great medieval city!

If you want to know more about Scotland, check out: