The 10 Best Things To Do in Edinburgh 2023

The capital of Scotland is the second most popular place to visit in the United Kingdom after London. It is full of history and has many historical and cultural sites to see.

Table of Contents

From its charming medieval center to the elegance of New Town, Edinburgh is a unique city full of surprises and contrasts. Check out Travel Pixy‘s guide to the Scottish capital to get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget.

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Building, Ruins

The 10 Best Things To Do in Edinburgh 2023 — © Mohammed Alhinai / Unsplash

Edinburgh Castle is a must-see spot because it is on a big rock that looks out over the city. On its high volcanic crag, which is well-protected, it has seen not only royal ceremonies and feasts, but also bloody battles and ruthless politics. Find out about its long history, which is still a great source of ideas, as well as important national symbols like the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland, which are kept there. It’s a bit of a steep climb to get in, but the views alone are worth it.

Go underground at the Real Mary King’s Close

Museum

The city’s worst secret is buried deep beneath the Royal Mile. The Real Mary King’s Close is a maze of underground streets that are frozen in time and shrouded in mystery. As you look around the rooms, you’ll learn more about how people lived in the 17th century. Book your tickets and go back in time to hear about plague, murder, intrigue, ghosts, and things that can’t be explained.

Enter the World of Illusions

Amusement Park

Since 1835, the Camera Obscura in Edinburgh has been a popular place to visit. It has five floors of optical illusions, tricks, and puzzles that will keep your mind busy for hours. Spy on people walking by and pick them up in your hand, see a panorama of the city through the old observatory, explore themed rooms with interactive exhibits, and check out the gift shop for a wide range of strange trinkets. Know that your ticket is good for the whole day, so you can take a break and come back for more fun.

Drink Scottish whisky

Distillery

If you go to Scotland, you have to try a bit of whisky. Spend the night at one of the many great whisky bars, like the Black Cat or Whiski Bar, or join the Scotch Whisky Experience for a real introduction to the world of Scotch. Through this multi-sensory journey, you will be able to take part in the process of making whisky, hear some stories about the magical craft, see the world’s largest collection, and taste some drams with different tastes and smells.

Relax at the Princes Street Gardens

Botanical Garden

The Princes Street Gardens are in the middle of the city, between the Old and New Towns. Sit by the Ross Fountain to enjoy the sun, have a picnic, or take a walk to see the flower clock and the many statues in the area before you go shopping on the nearby street. Even though spring and fall are the best times to go, winter carousels and Christmas stalls with tasty mulled cider will not disappoint.

See the Scott Monument

Memorial

Built in the 19th century to honor the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, this is the world’s largest monument to a writer. Its stunning Gothic style makes it stand out on the Edinburgh skyline. Look for carvings of his fictional characters, learn about his life in the museum room, and climb the 287 steps to the top for a great view of the area.

Reach the top of Calton Hill

Natural Feature

The best view of the city is from Calton Hill, which is easy to get to and only takes five minutes to climb. It is known for its famous landmarks, such as the National Monument, which was modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, and the City Observatory. Grab your camera and climb to the top to see all of the city’s important landmarks. You can also go to the Beltane Fire Festival on the last day of April to celebrate the turning of the year and the start of summer in an old Gaelic way.

Appreciate Modern Art

Art Gallery, Museum

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is part of the National Galleries of Scotland and is a must-see place for modern and contemporary art. It is made up of two buildings and is surrounded by a beautiful sculpture garden. It has works by Picasso, Warhol, and Scottish artists, as well as a wide range of other great artists. Permanent exhibits are free to see, and you can enjoy your lunch on the lovely garden terrace while taking in the sun.

Go to the zoo for a day

Zoo

The country’s craziest attraction is only a short bus ride from the city center. Edinburgh Zoo is known as one of the best zoos in the world. It is home to more than 1,000 rare animals from all over the world. Learn about some of them through daily talks, see the only giant pandas and koalas in the UK, and have a great time going on animal-related adventures.

Planet Earth’s story will be told

Museum

Thanks to the Dynamic Earth, you can now see how our galaxy started and have fun learning about how natural forces shaped our planet. No matter how old you are, an impressive set of interactive exhibits, 4D adventures around the world, and even a 360-degree ShowDome will help you understand everything about Mother Earth.

Climb Arthur’s Seat

Park

Arthur’s Seat is one of the few places in a city where you can go on a real hike and see the kind of views you’ll see if you do. The seat is actually a big piece of a long-dead volcano that was the main feature of the area before it broke apart. It’s easy to get to from the city center, and the climb isn’t too hard. At the top, there are amazing panoramic views, and there are a few interesting landmarks along the way, like Holyrood Abbey and the park around it, which were made famous by the movie Chariots of Fire.

Watch a performance at the Jazz Bar

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub, $$$

There is a lot to do at night in Edinburgh, but the Jazz Bar, which is only a short walk from the train station, is worth mentioning. It’s the oldest independent jazz bar in the city, and jazz stars from all over the world have played there. Come down on a Saturday to see the World Premier Quintet, a group of five artists who have never played together before and often meet each other for the first time without a setlist or rehearsal. You never know what you’ll get, and if you’re lucky, you might get to see a new group form.

Topic: The 10 Best Things To Do in Edinburgh 2023

Become a member of Our Community on Facebook “I Left My Heart in Scotland”. A place where members open up to one another, share their stories, travel photos, and experience a different way to travel Scotland – together.