Edinburgh is a small and cozy city, dominated by an impressive castle and divided between the Old Town and the New Town. Gradually it has become one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with a beautiful historic center and well-kept parks where you can relax, and where you can't leave without scotch or try the Scotch haggis In some pub. We know there are countless things what to see in Edinburgh, we visited some on our trip to Scotland in 11 days, one of the ones we remember most often and a place we will surely return to visit more places and enjoy them with more time. We leave you a list of what we believe are the best things to see and do in Edinburgh. Do you dare with them?
1. Cross the Mary King's Close alley, which is located under Old Town and do not be afraid.
2. Take a walk through Water of Leith, a beautiful tour along the river where we can see places such as the Dean Village or the Royal Botanic Garden.
An interesting way to know the history of Dean Village and not miss anything in this area is to book this tour with a guide in Spanish.
4. Travel in August to match the trip with the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tatto. His parade of military bands with the sound of bagpipes is to remember.
5. Walk the two levels of streets of Victoria Street, with its colorful houses, shops and countless charming shops.
6. Visit the impressive Edinburgh Castle with excellent views of the city. If we don't want to miss anything about the castle, we can take a guided tour in Spanish or book tickets to save ourselves the queues.
Edinburgh Castle
7. Eat you haggis, one of the most typical dishes of Scotland, in the famous Royal Mile pub, Deacon Brodie's Tavern.
8. Enter the Cathedral of St Giles, with its beautiful stained glass windows and the beautiful Chapel of the Thistle.
9. Climb up to the Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park, an ancient volcano, the highest point in Edinburgh and one of the best things to see in Scotland.
10. If you do not want to miss anything in the city or do not speak English very much, book a guided tour or this free tour of Edinburgh Free!, Both with a guide in Spanish.
More things to see and do in Edinburgh
11. Enter the Miss Katie Cupcake store, full of original items. Of course, think you can not leave without buying any. One of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
13. Get on the Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the world's most famous and most luxurious ships, including a Rolls Royce on the garage.
14. Take a bus to the town of Cramond, about 10 minutes from Edinburgh. Look at the times of the tide and if it is low cross walking to Cramond Island.
15. If the queen is not there, visit the Palace of Holyrood, do not miss the "Great Gallery" room and the ruined abbey, two of the essential places to visit in Edinburgh. You can book the entrance to the Palace in advance which includes audioguide in Spanish here.
Holyrood Abbey
16. Climb the 287 steps of the Scott Monument to enjoy the views, one of the best things to see and do in Edinburgh.
17. Relax in Dean Village, a small town located near the center on the banks of the river, with beautiful stone houses and where you can breathe tranquility.
18. Enter the Tartan Weaving Mill and Exhibition and buy a wool scarf if we don't want to buy the typical kilt.
19. Listen to good live music with great atmosphere, while having a drink at Whistle Binkies.
20. Visit the National Gallery of Scotland with its beautiful neoclassical building and works by great artists. Do not forget to visit the impressive garden. One of the essential places to visit in Scotland.
21. Go shopping on Princes Street, Edinburgh's most commercial street with several shopping centers and clothing stores.
22. Tour several close, narrow alleys that lead to an inner courtyard, including the charming White Horse Close.
If you prefer to forget about preparations or have little time, you can book the best tours and excursions in Edinburgh Spanish
If you prefer to forget about preparations or have little time, you can book the best tours and excursions in Edinburgh Spanish23. If you're a Harry Potter fan, have a drink at the Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling wrote much of his books. Above all, do not forget to go to the bathroom, full of messages from fans.
24. Tour the Royal Mile, the most famous street in Edinburgh and one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
Tour the Royal Mile, one of the best things to do in Edinburgh
More places to see in Edinburgh
25. Take a route through Holyrood Park, the largest park in Edinburgh.
26. Find Bobby's grave in Greyfriars Cemetery, the dog that stood in front of his master's grave until he died, 14 years old.
27. Book the ghost tour, to tour the most mysterious and dark places in the city.
28. Edinburgh is an expensive city to stay, especially in the center, we were at the Canon Court Apartments, with free parking and spacious apartments, 15 minutes from downtown.
If you do not have a car and want to be closer to the center we recommend the Old Waverley Hotel located next to the Waverley train station and with a good connection to the airport.
29. Have a pint or a cocktail at The Dome, a bar with an incredible interior.
30. Walk to the old town of Duddingston and its beautiful lake, one hour from the city center and one of the places to see in Edinburgh.
31. Have fun with the projections of the Dark Chamber of its 5 floors, until you reach the terrace with good views of the city.
32. Pay tribute to the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, admiring the details of the Scott Monument.
33. Take a walk through Edinburgh's 400-year history by visiting Gladstones' Land's house.
34. Scotland is a land of castles, in addition to Edinburgh Castle we can visit Craigmillar 5 km from the center and one of the places to see in Edinburgh.
35. Save a day to make the excursion to Loch Ness and see the landscapes of the Highlands, one of the 5 best tours and excursions in Edinburgh.
Lake Ness
36. Taste delicious cheeses with a glass of wine in the I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger.
37. Do some running or picnic at The Meadows, one of Edinburgh's largest parks.
38. Review the history of Scotland at the National Museum of Scotland.
39. Climb the Salisbury Crags cliffs of Holyrood Park, less famous than Arthur's Seat but with better views.
More things to do in Edinburgh
40. Stroll through the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. At Christmas we can also enjoy a Christmas market.
41. Find the Heart of the Midlothian, next to the cathedral. Point out where the old prison was.
42. See the Nelson Monument, one of the heroes of the Battle of Trafalgar, on Calton Hill.
43. Enter The Scotch Whiskey Experience to see the manufacturing process of Scotch whiskey.
44. Climb up Calton Hill at sunset and enjoy the best views of Edinburgh.
Calton Hill, one of the places to see in Edinburgh
45. If we have 3 days off, take an excursion to the Isle of Skye and the Highlands, the area that we liked most about our trip through Scotland.
46. Eat Scottish food and make a tasting of whiskeys at a good price at the Usquabae Whiskey Bar.
47. Stroll along George Street, the street parallel to Princes Street, much quieter, but with more expensive and exclusive shops.
48. Remember that in order not to pay commissions and always have the current change we recommend you use the N26 card to pay and the Bnext and Revolut cards to get money at the ATMs. They are the ones we use, They are free and will save you a lot.
You can find more information in this article about the best cards to travel without commissions.
49. Entering Jenner stores, just to see the building is worth it.
50. Find peace in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh and think about returning soon and with more days to Scotland.
* Book your Airport transfer ⇆ Edinburgh Center here
- Excursion to Loch Ness and the Highlands
- Excursion to Glasgow, Lomond and Katrine lakes
- Excursion to Loch Ness, Highlands and Inverness
- Guided tour of Edinburgh
- Ghost Tour
- More excursions and tours here
If you feel like helping us complete the list of 50 things to see and do in Edinburgh, add yours in the comments.
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The best hotels at the best prices in Edinburgh here
Book the best tours and excursions in Edinburgh in Spanish here
Book your transfer Airport⇆Edinburgh here
Edinburgh guide in one day
Rent your car in Scotland at the best price here
Book your travel insurance with a 5% discount here
The best offers of Flights to Edinburgh here
The best hotels at the best prices in Edinburgh here
Book the best tours and excursions in Edinburgh in Spanish here
Book your transfer Airport⇆Edinburgh here
Edinburgh guide in one day
Rent your car in Scotland at the best price here
Book your travel insurance with a 5% discount here** All photos have been provided by Shutterstock.
