Must See~£20
Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill
A castle on an extinct volcano holding the Crown Jewels of Scotland and a one o’clock gun.
- Suggested time: 2h 30m
- Book ahead
- Suits: Culture lovers · Photographers
Daily, roughly 9:30–17:00 (earlier in winter)
Edinburgh
21 places, 13 of them free and 8 tours and activities. A dramatic castle-topped capital of closes, whisky bars and festivals.
Plan your Edinburgh trip
- Flight + Hotel PackageRecommended Best option if you want the trip arranged together. View Packages Packages
- Hotels Prefer to book accommodation separately? View Hotels Hotels
- Flights Already have accommodation? View Flights Flights
- Things To Do Tours, attractions and experiences. View Activities Activities
Must SeeFree
Royal Mile
Old Town
A cobbled street stretching from the castle to the palace, lined with closes and shops.
- Suggested time: 2 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples
Open-air; shops open daily
ViewpointsFree
Arthur’s Seat
Holyrood Park
An extinct volcano in the middle of the city, with a rewarding climb and a panorama.
- Suggested time: 2h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Families · Photographers
Open daily; best in good weather
Must See~£20
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Holyrood
The King’s official Scottish residence, with royal apartments and an abbey ruin.
- Suggested time: 2 hrs
- Booking recommended
- Suits: Culture lovers
Daily, roughly 9:30–18:00 (closures for events)
ViewpointsFree
Calton Hill
Calton
A small hill with a classical monument and a great view over the city.
- Suggested time: 1 hr
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples · Photographers
Open-air; best at sunset
CultureFree
National Museum of Scotland
Old Town
A free museum of Scottish history, science and world culture, including Dolly the sheep.
- Suggested time: 2h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Families · Culture lovers
Daily, roughly 10:00–17:00
Hidden GemsFree
Dean Village
Dean Village
A peaceful former milling village beside the Water of Leith, a short stroll from the West End.
- Suggested time: 1 hr
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples
Open-air; always accessible
FamilyFree
Royal Botanic Garden
Inverleith
A large garden with glasshouses and a view of the city skyline.
- Suggested time: 2 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Families · Couples
Daily; glasshouses charge
Planning Edinburgh? 9 places to eat are one tap away.