Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most precious cities with its rich historical delights, classic tearooms, 12th-century castles, and cobblestone streets.
Here, you’ll experience the warmth of the Scottish culture as you stroll its storied streets, see why JK Rowling found it so inspirational, and sip on some of the finest Scotch this side of heaven.
Pack your bags! Edinburgh is an adventure that will live on in your heart and mind forever.
1. Stroll Victoria Street
Victoria Street is where all the action takes place. It’s often the spotlight of Edinburgh photos with its colorful shop fronts and gentle, curving incline incline.
Make sure you’re listening to your favorite Harry Potter audiobook while you wander this beautiful part of the city because you’ll feel like you’re walking along Diagon Alley. In fact, most fans believe Victoria Street served as JK Rowling’s inspiration for it.
2. Stand on Waverley Bridge
Waverley Bridge connects Old Town to New Town. Like Victoria Street, it’s wildly popular for those hoping to secure that picture-perfect moment.
With views of Old Town and the Royal Mile, it’s a moment that your mind will be more than happy to store.
3. Walk the Royal Mile
Speaking of which, you should definitely let Waverley Bridge lead the way to the Royal Mile.
Connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, it’s aptly named because it used to be the route the monarchs took for their processions.
Nowadays, it’s a lovely spot to visit some of the local shops and restaurants.
4. Visit Armchair Books
If you love quirky, eclectic little bookshops, Armchair Books will feel like a dream to you.
Known for its alphabetized chaos, you’ll enjoy getting lost in this charming oasis filled with hidden literary gems.
5. Walk Along Princes Street
After Victoria Street and the Royal Mile, Princes Street is the next place you’ll want to stroll. It’s where most of the shopping sprees happen with its three-quarter-mile-long trove of treasures.
It’s also home to a few famous spots like the Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens.
6. Dip Into the Princes Street Gardens
With your walking shoes on, you might want to hit the pause button from the hustle and bustle of Victoria Street and the Royal Mile.
This lovely park is divided into two sections – East and West Princes Street Gardens.
The West Gardens feature a bandstand so, if you time it right, you may even enjoy a live show or two during your time in Edinburgh.
7. Buy Some Tweed at Walker Slater
In a moment, we’ll talk about how Scotch is synonymous with Scotland. But, so is luxury tweed.
Located on Victoria Street, Walker Slater is the perfect place to pick up a finely-tailor tweed jacket, skirt, or hat. What better way to stroll through the Highlands than clad in tweed?
8. Buy a Ticket to Edinburgh Castle
Sitting atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle also sits atop everybody’s list of things to do in Edinburgh. It’s a magnificently maintained ancient fortress from the early 1100s, if you can believe it.
Having served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and a prison, it’s the best way to step back in time and savor Scotland’s brilliant history.
9. See the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Now that you know the way, take the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Even today, it’s still the king’s official residence when he’s in Edinburgh. Open all year ‘round, you can purchase tickets and get closer to Mary, Queen of Scots and the infamous Bonnie Prince Charlie.
10. Visit the University of Edinburgh
Speaking of a step back in time, the University of Edinburgh’s architecture has the power to sweep you away.
New College, in particular, is a historic building that houses the university’s School of Divinity and will make every architecture lover feel like they’re touching heaven’s gates.
11. Step Into St. Giles’ Cathedral
It may not have been built in the early 1100s, but it’s pretty close with its 12th-century roots.
Located in Old Town, the locals call this the High Kirk of Edinburgh. Peace will greet you when you walk through these doors as the gentle light streams through the most remarkable stained glass windows.
12. Stay at The Witchery
Even if you can only afford to stay here for part of your stay, a night at the Witchery is worth every penny.
Its baroque interior reached legendary status fairly quickly.
All nine suites serve up a stunning atmosphere and, as if that wasn’t enchanting enough, there’s also a Secret Garden for you to explore.
13. Wade Through the Writers’ Museum
If Armchair Books tickled your fancy, The Writers’ Museum will send you over the edge.
It’s dedicated to the lives of three of Scotland’s most famous writers – Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
You’ll be able to study some handwritten letters from these gents, beautiful portraits, and a few of their personal belongings.
14. Have a Sip at The Lost Close
You may have been to a whiskey tasting before, but was it at an underground close in the heart of Old Town, Edinburgh?
Whether you’re a casual connoisseur or a longtime Scotch lover, this drink is synonymous with the green hills of Scotland and you simply must enjoy a taste or two.
15. Visit Dean Village
Dean Village is up there with Victoria Street and Waverley Bridge in terms of picture-perfect moments.
It used to be the main hub for grain milling with eleven working mills powered by the Water of Leith.
Nowadays, it’s residential housing for those who are lucky enough to call Edinburgh home and well worth the stroll.
16. Have a Pint at Tolbooth Tavern
Edinburgh isn’t short on ghost stories. Given its storied past, scary stories abound.
Tolbooth Tavern used to be a prison for rebels and warlocks and it’s believed some of them still stroll its corridors.
17. Sip Some Tea at Clarinda’s Tearoom
Scotland and Edinburgh, in particular, are famed for their tea rooms.
Sip on some world-class tea and nibble on a Victoria sponge cake at Clarinda’s while you sort through your Instagram-worthy photos of this glittering city.
18. Walk Through Bakehouse Close
If you’re a fan of Outlander, you have to walk past the building that was used as Jamie’s print shop.
Located off the Royal Mile, your heart will skip a beat as you recall the moment when Jamie and Claire were reunited after 20 years apart.
19. Take the Train to East Lothian
Scotrail is one of the most efficient train systems in the world. Not only does it keep Scotland well-connected, but you can also use it to dip down to London and beyond.
A mere 30 minutes from Edinburgh is a special part of Scotland called East Lothian. North Berwick, in particular, is worth a visit due to its dainty village and precious views of the sea.
20. Take the Train to Stirling
Some might call Stirling a mini Edinburgh. It has its own castle to explore and some people say they even prefer it to Edinburgh Castle.
With its collection of tea rooms, coffee shops, bookstores, and cafes, you’ll be glad you dipped in and out of Edinburgh to visit this beautiful city.
Step Back In Time in Beautiful Edinburgh
The moment you cross the border into Edinburgh, you’ll wonder if you stepped through time. It’s amazing that one city can remain so steeped in the past while still offering every modern convenience.
While all of Scotland is worth a visit, from the east coast to the western highlands, you’ll be glad you kicked things off in Edinburgh.
Wherever you’re headed next, in Europe or beyond, we have a destination guide to help you map out your journey. And, who knows, maybe one day we’ll be able to swap ghost stories about our night at Tolbooth Tavern.