Top 10 Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city that blew my expectations out of the water. This remarkable city with its cobblestone roads, medieval architecture, and corridors will have you wishing your never bought your plane ticket home. There is so much to do and see in this city, but here are the 10 things you should not miss out on:

Number 1: Hike Arthur’s Seat

Wake up early, put on some workout clothes and gym shoes, and hike to Arthur’s Seat. It is situated in Holyrood Park and provides spectacular views over the city of Edinburgh once you are at the top. The park also offers a variety of other trails you can hike. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the wildlife and volcanic geology in this park.

Number 2: Have a coffee at The Elephant House

If you are a Harry Potter fan then this is a must do. Go enjoy a coffee or meal at The Elephant House. J.K. Rowling was a frequent visitor of this coffee house and wrote her Harry Potter novels in the back room here. Unfortunately, when I was there she did not show up. I recommend sitting in the back room where you can look out the window and see the beautiful Edinburgh Castle. While there go check out the bathrooms. The walls are covered from top to bottom in graffiti, much of which is Harry Potter related. The Elephant house tried to paint over it several times, but eventually gave up and now you have plenty of reading material while going to the bathroom haha.

Number 3: Visit Edinburgh Castle

Go visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle that towers over the city as it is located on top of an extinct volcano. Be sure to set aside a decent amount of time when touring the castle as there are multiple museums and exhibitions throughout the castle grounds.

Number 4: Walk the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile stretches through Edinburgh’s Old town and connects the castle on one end to the Palace on the other end. This “mile” is filled with shops, restaurants, cathedrals, hidden alleyways, and cobblestone walkways.

Number 5: Visit the Highlands

The Highlands are unbelievable. I never knew Scotland had such beautiful landscapes! We passed mountains, forests, and the most beautiful lochs. You can visit Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and James Bond filming locations on your journey. Plus, you need to go visit Nessie in Loch Ness which is located in the Highlands. If you have limited time in Edinburgh, I would take a day tour through the Highlands. And if you have an extended amount of time I would go to the Highlands and spend more than one day there. I took a tour through Highland Explorer Tours. This company does both single and multi-day tours. The guides are great as they are upbeat, knowledgable, and have a great sense of humor.

Number 6: Go to Calton Hill

Another great place to go to get breathtaking views over the city is Calton Hill. You can’t miss this hill as there is an Athenian acropolis on the hill that was meant to replicate the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It doesn’t take long at all to get up the hill for all the exercise haters out there.

Number 7: Have a drink at Brew Dog

If you’re a beer lover go have a flight at Brew Dog. They have a variety of good beers and a great atmosphere. Brew Dog isn’t in the touristy part of the city either so you won’t be fighting off crowds at the bar to grab a drink.

Number 8: Hang out in the Princes Street Gardens

If you are looking for a great place to relax or have a picnic, then Princes Street Gardens is the place to go! Settled in between the Old and New Town of Edinburgh, these gardens are beautiful and filled with lots of flowers, a fountain, and a large park.

Number 9: The Scotch Whiskey Experience

You can’t go to Scotland without trying the Whiskey! Check out The Scotch Whiskey Experience. You can try some whiskey, see the world’s largest collection of Scotch Whiskey, along with taking a whiskey barrel ride! Cheers!

Number 10: Holyrood Palace

The Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland, but it is open to the public to visit year round.

Edinburgh is an enchanting city that makes you want to stay forever. So if Edinburgh is not on your list of places to go, add it now!