10 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh (+ Hidden Gems By A Local)

Edinburgh is one of those cities that allows for the feeling of being transported in time while still being very much in the present. Exploring the city on your feet will leave you mesmerized by the appearance of the middle-aged structures and the intense and pulsating life of contemporary society. Being Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh offers numerous sights that would be interesting for tourists. Whether you are a tourist or a local, it is always possible to find something interesting to do; this is true for everyone; it also includes famous sights and attractions, and unexpected neighborhoods.

As an Edinburgh native, here you will find the ten top attractions, plus some tips to discover the best secret places only the locals know. These words will make you ready to fall in love with this magical city!

1. Explore the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the main artery of the Old Town in the city of Edinburgh stretching from the historic Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood House. A rich and layered succession of streets, this area is steeped in several centuries of history and contains many of Edinburgh best known attractions. Stroll through the district that offers shops with local souvenirs, and museums, and turn through the closes and into the medieval square such as Grassmarket. Pull over for a photograph at the St Giles’ Cathedral and the symbolic Heart of Midlothian in the form of a paved slab, then walk a little further to explore other mysteries hidden in every close.

2. Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the Scottish monarch in Edinburgh for several centuries. Tours can be taken to view staterooms, the remains of the Holyrood Abbey, and the rooms where Queen Mary housed herself in the 1500s. Do not visit the Queen’s Gallery without a chance to see the rarely exhibited oil paintings by da Vinci; do not lose your opportunity to take a stroll in the palace garden which is so calm and quiet.

3. Edinburgh Festivals have sought to make a party out of the event.

What happens once every August is the annual arts takeover in Edinburgh. The main event is accompanied by the official festival – Edinburgh International Festival – and several more popular events, such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. From thousands of theatre, music, and dance productions, art shows and workshops, through street performances and concerts, via pubs and food stands – it is lively in Edinburgh in summer.

4. Victoria Street shop and dining, and many stores and restaurants.

Victoria Street is known as the most photographed street in Scotland, and it is so for various reasons. It sports a long curving row of pastel-colored buildings that are almost existentially photogenic. Here, take the most beautiful photo for Instagram and then go shopping on Victoria Street with its mini shops. Visit the Butcher Shop and purchase some Scottish arts and crafts or souvenirs before you dig into a picnic meal. There is cheap pub food, typical English breakfast, traditional Sunday roast, seafood restaurants, Asian, Italian, Mexican, and many more.

5. Appreciate Scottish Art

But when it comes to the focus on Scottish visual arts, few cities can boast as much of this facet as Edinburgh does. With its impressive collections that start with Old Masters and end with pieces of contemporary art, the Scottish National Gallery should be visited by every lover of art. Directly adjacent to the Princes Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art features an extensive collection of surrealistic and abstract pieces.

6. Scale Arthur's Seat

Although some of the magnificent views of Edinburgh can be obtained even from the ground level, if one is an adventurous soul then climbing the 822-foot-high Arthur’s Seat is recommended. It is situated in the greenery of the Holyrood Park and there are paths leading up the slopes of the extinct volcano to the peak with large rock. Here, one gets to enjoy a city view that is outstanding and which makes anyone take every step with pride. The view scenery and facilities are very nice, especially Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament, and the opposite coast of Fife on a sunny day.

7. Eat and Beverage Company in Stockbridge

In Stockbridge, Edinburgh’s tiniest neighborhood, there are many independent stores and specialized coffee bars on the paved streets. Only 10 minutes walking distance from the city center, Stockbridge brings a feeling of being a small village with its bohemian style. For delis and cafés, Deanhaugh Street is perhaps one of the best-known locations in Edinburgh, whereas St Stephen Street is renowned for beer gardens and bistros.

8. Uncover Edinburgh's Hidden History

If history is your thing, then get ready for a shock as the underbelly of Edinburgh is not for the faint-hearted. Visit one of the several underground vaults or graveyards where one can hear real-life stories from murderers like Burke and Hare, and stories of ghostly inhabitants of these sites today. Perhaps, the most straightforward way to explore the paranormal aspect of Edinburgh’s history is by visiting Blair Street Underground Vaults.

9. Victoria Street Bargains: Scottish Gifts

So, where could one locate genuine Scottish souvenirs to bring home, Victoria Street could not be better placed as it is not too touristy but it is not fully local either. Laid in between these are gems such as I. J. Mellis Cheesemonger for fresh Scottish cheeses, the bespoke clothing store Walker Slater for fine woolens, and Armstrong Vintage Emporium for everything from tartan blankets to whisky glasses. Call in and discover bespoke Scottish gifts for all occasions that are pleasing to the eye and made to last.

10. A Social Gathering: Coffee and Cake on Broughton Street

Located out of the mainstream tourism, Broughton Street is situated in an area designated as the gay quarter in Edinburgh. Between such establishments, there are several chic cafés and patisseries where fashionable Scots and selfie-ready tourists converge. You should drop in Loudons for yummy artisan cakes, Union of Genius for unique vegan meals, or The Pantry for perfect coffee. Feel free to get a window table and eat your cake while watching the world pass by on Broughton Street.

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