Edinburgh is one of Europe's most beautiful capitals – a city of dramatic volcanic hills, medieval closes, Georgian grandeur and world-class festivals. Whether you have a single day or a week, Edinburgh rewards exploration on foot. This guide covers the essentials and the lesser-known highlights, plus day trips to the Highlands with a private driver-guide.
Edinburgh Castle
Scotland's most visited paid attraction dominates the city from the summit of Castle Rock, an extinct volcanic plug. The castle houses the Scottish Crown Jewels (the Honours of Scotland), the Stone of Destiny, St Margaret's Chapel (Edinburgh's oldest building, c. 1130), and the National War Museum. The One o'Clock Gun has been fired from the Half Moon Battery every day except Sundays since 1861. Book tickets online in advance – summer queues can be very long.
For the full history, see our Edinburgh Castle visitor guide.
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the historic spine of the Old Town, running downhill from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way you pass St Giles' Cathedral, the Real Mary King's Close (an underground 17th-century street), the Scottish Parliament, and dozens of atmospheric closes and wynds. Take time to explore the narrow side alleys – they are where Edinburgh's character lives.
Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park
Arthur's Seat is an 823-foot extinct volcano in the heart of the city – one of the most dramatic urban hikes in Europe. The walk to the summit takes 45–60 minutes from Holyrood and rewards you with panoramic views across Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and on a clear day, the Highlands. The easier Salisbury Crags route offers stunning cliff-edge views without the steep final ascent.
Old Town and Grassmarket
Edinburgh's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with buildings dating back to the 16th century stacked along narrow streets and closes. The Grassmarket – a wide square beneath the castle – was historically the site of public executions and cattle markets. Today it is lined with pubs, restaurants and independent shops. Victoria Street, curving up from the Grassmarket, is one of the most photographed streets in Scotland.
New Town and Georgian Edinburgh
The 18th-century New Town is Edinburgh's other UNESCO World Heritage quarter – a masterpiece of Georgian urban planning with wide streets, elegant crescents and private gardens. Princes Street offers views up to the castle, George Street has the city's best bars and restaurants, and the Scottish National Gallery sits at the foot of the Mound between Old and New Towns.
Museums and galleries
Edinburgh has an exceptional concentration of free museums. The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street covers Scottish history, science and world cultures under one roof. The Scottish National Gallery houses works by Raeburn, Ramsay, Botticelli, Vermeer and the Impressionists. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art at Dean Village is worth the walk. For whisky, the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile offers an accessible introduction.
Calton Hill and views
Calton Hill at the east end of Princes Street is the easiest viewpoint to reach – a 5-minute climb to the summit gives you one of the best panoramas in the city. The Nelson Monument, National Monument (Edinburgh's unfinished Parthenon), and the Dugald Stewart Monument are all here. For sunset views, Calton Hill is hard to beat.
Day trips from Edinburgh
Edinburgh is an excellent base for day trips into the Scottish countryside. The most popular options include:
- Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument (1 hour)
- St Andrews – golf, cathedral, beaches (1.5 hours)
- Loch Lomond and the Trossachs (1.5 hours)
- Doune Castle – Monty Python and Outlander (1 hour)
- Multi-day Highland tours – the Highlands, Skye, Loch Ness and more
We offer private day tours from Edinburgh and multi-day Scotland tours with a dedicated driver-guide and luxury vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
- How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
- Two to three days covers the main attractions – Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat, and Old Town. Add a fourth day for day trips to the Highlands, St Andrews or Stirling.
- What is the best month to visit Edinburgh?
- August is the busiest (Edinburgh Fringe and International Festival) but also the most vibrant. May, June and September offer longer daylight, fewer crowds and pleasant weather. December has Christmas markets and Hogmanay.
- Can you do day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands?
- Yes. Popular day trips include Loch Lomond and the Trossachs (1.5 hours), Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument (1 hour), St Andrews (1.5 hours), and longer day trips to Glencoe or even Loch Ness with a private driver-guide.
