Top Things to Do in Edinburgh
A trip to Edinburgh opens up a world of unique activities which offer fun, entertainment and exploration for all the family. History, culture, and enjoyment merge in a city that dates back to 1130.
Edinburgh is a city that offers so much, it can be overwhelming to know what to visit and when, so with some expert tips from the team at Deep Sea World, we’re going to offer some guidance on how you can get the most out of your trip to Edinburgh.
Visiting Edinburgh? Here’s What to Expect
If you’ve never visited Edinburgh, you’re in for a treat! It’s a city renowned for its artistic culture, from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to the countless books that have been inspired or written in Scotland’s capital city.
Like many capital cities, Edinburgh is a very popular city to visit, with over 5 million overnight visitors staying annually on top of the over half a million residents who call it home.
Drawing these millions of tourists to the city are the winding streets filled with incredible architecture, the amazing food (including seven Michelin Star restaurants), and the stunning coastal landscapes just outside the city.
Things to do in Edinburgh – For all Ages!
If you’re after a romantic getaway or a family trip, Edinburgh has plenty to offer; here are just a few of the engaging activities you can take part in during your next visit.
Take a dip beneath the waves at Deep Sea World
Travelling to Edinburgh with children? First on your hit list of attractions ought to be Deep Sea World, Scotland’s national aquarium. Located just outside of Edinburgh, with six unique exhibits to explore, along with a changing roster of special events and experiences, there’s always something new to discover, no matter how many times you visit.
Join us for a day of marine discovery and enjoy up-close encounters with all manner of curious creatures. Deep Sea World Edinburgh is home to everything from lined seahorses (Hippocampus erectus) to sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus), as well as amphibians, invertebrates, and, of course, our friendly family of seals.
Discover the History of Edinburgh
So long as you have a head for heights and don’t mind walking up a flight of stairs or two, Edinburgh Castle is a must on your visit to Auld Reekie. Perched on Castle Rock, this historic structure not only provides jaw-dropping views over much of the city but also contains some of Scotland’s most prized artefacts, including The Honours of Scotland. These spectacular, jewel-encrusted crown jewels are the oldest surviving regalia in the British Isles, famously used for the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1543.
Keen to visit Edinburgh Castle? Book your tickets in advance, as this is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Edinburgh is a very walkable city, and many of its historic sites can be enjoyed on a self-guided walking tour. You can continue your tour with a 10-minute walk to the Scott Monument, a Gothic spire built to honour Scottish author Sir Walter Scott in 1832.
From there, you can take a short 6-minute walk over to Mary King’s Close. Situated beneath the famous Royal Mile (another must-see on your visit to Edinburgh), this historic thoroughfare shows the remnants of a once bustling market street, buried beneath the ground during the construction of the Royal Exchange in the 18th century. Sealed off for decades, Mary King’s Close is now open for tours, though do be warned that this is reputed to be one of the most haunted sites in Edinburgh.
Unleash your inner magic at The Potter Trail
Although it’s almost three decades since the first Harry Potter book was penned in an Edinburgh cafe, time has done little to quell the tide of Potter fans making the pilgrimage to the author’s former home. On the contrary, Potter fever has as tight a grip on Edinburgh as it ever has, with the official Potter Trail being a must for die-hard fans of Rowling’s wizarding world.
If you or your little ones are mad about all things Harry Potter, this is a real must. Taking in some of Edinburgh’s most beautiful sites, as well as locations linked to Rowling, it’s a nice way to see the city while immersing in the non-Muggle world. And best of all? The official tour is absolutely free.
Experience Edinburgh’s Museums
Once you’ve seen the monuments to Edinburgh’s history, it’s time to learn more about it in its museums. Starting off the museum tour strong, you can begin to learn about Scotland’s history at The National Museum of Scotland. There you can find the world-famous cloned Dolly the Sheep, the medieval Lewis Chessmen, and the mysterious Arthur’s Seat Coffins. It’s not just Scottish history that the museum deals in, though. It’s also famous for its Ancient Egyptian Collection and other displays of global art, science and nature.
Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more interactive during the rainy days that aren’t uncommon in Edinburgh, you can take a trip to Dynamic Earth, a science centre and planetarium, which tells the story of our home from its beginning. It’s located right in the centre of Edinburgh, so there’s no need for travel, and you can tick it off the list during a walking tour.
Explore Edinburgh’s Natural Side
Scotland is renowned for its jaw-dropping natural beauty, and that’s no different in Edinburgh. Just outside the city, you’ll find Holyrood Park, a 650-acre park of outstanding beauty. You can find prehistoric forts, the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel, and diverse wildlife that thrives in the open space.
Or, for a picnic with a view, you could take a basket to Princes Street Gardens. The 37-acre plot of greenery is overlooked by Edinburgh Castle, giving you a great look at the extinct volcano that the castle sits atop.
So, there you have it, six things to do in Edinburgh over a long weekend or a very busy normal-length one. Whether you’re travelling with children, friends or as a couple, we think these six attractions represent some of the best cultural highlights that the city has to offer.
Keen to add Deep Sea World to your Edinburgh travel itinerary? Book your tickets here or find out more about planning your visit.
