So You’re Coming to Edinburgh? Here’s What Not to Miss
- makoklu33
- Sep 19, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 2
If you’ve got a week in the UK, Edinburgh is a city you can’t miss. Scotland’s capital combines medieval charm, dramatic landscapes, and a vibrant cultural scene that few other cities can match. From its cobbled Old Town streets and towering castle to lively pubs and sweeping hillside views, Edinburgh feels like stepping into a storybook — with a touch of modern energy.
When planning your trip, I’d recommend at least 2 nights and 3 days to experience the city at a relaxed pace. Staying near the Old Town is ideal since most of the top sights are within walking distance. But don’t stress if your hotel is farther out — Edinburgh’s buses and trams make getting around easy.
So, you’ve booked your hotel, arrived in the city, and now you’re wondering: what should I do first? Let’s dive into the must-see locations in Edinburgh and how to make the most of your time here.
This is the first location where you can stop. I've put it first because it offers a panoramic view of the rest of the city. The entrance fee is as follows: £19.50 for adults and £15.50 for concessions if purchased online, and £22.00 and £17.60 respectively if bought at the entrance. For children, it's £11.40 online and £13.20 on-site. I recommend getting tickets online because when I arrived, the castle tickets for the day were sold out.
Dude, this cathedral is something else, and the best part is that it's free to enter, so just make a beeline for it. It's located in the middle of the Old Town, so whether you're coming or going, take a stroll around this cathedral. You'll find a ton of cool shops selling gifts, souvenirs, and clothes.
Fun fact, I initially thought this monument was built to instill pride in the Scottish people or something along those lines. However, when I read up on it, I discovered it was actually erected in honor of Sir Walter Scott. I was like, "Whaaat?" I'd never thought about that. Anyway, it's a nice monument to visit.
Even if you're not much of an art enthusiast, I'd highly recommend visiting this place. It houses artworks ranging from the 13th to the 21st century. While I'm not a big fan of the modern art sections, I really enjoyed the pieces from the 14th to 17th centuries.
Victoria Street is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Edinburgh. It's lined with colorful stores and apartments, lending it a unique and vibrant charm.
Notably, Victoria Street is often cited as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Whether you're a fan of the books or not, it's easy to see why this winding, cobbled street with its quirky shops might have sparked such a magical idea.
Calton Hill is a must-see spot when you're in Edinburgh. Why? Well, it's one of the city's main hills, set right in the city center. It's not just a hill, though - it's also where you'll find some of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks, like the National Monument and the Nelson Monument.
But the real draw of Calton Hill? The view. Trust me, it's amazing. You get a 360-degree panorama of the entire city. You can see the Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and even Arthur's Seat. It's especially popular at sunset, and it's easy to see why.
So, if you're in Edinburgh, make sure to take a walk up Calton Hill. It's not a tough climb, and the view is totally worth it. Plus, it's a great spot for some cool photos.
In the end of the page I would like to recommend couple more locations which is optional or I feel like it is important to see when you are in the city.
Royal mile
The Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, stretching from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace. Along this cobbled street, you’ll find historic landmarks, souvenir shops, whisky stores, street performers, and traditional pubs. The Royal Mile is also full of “closes” — narrow alleyways that hide hidden courtyards and stories from the city’s past. It’s best explored on foot, ideally with time to wander into side streets like Lady Stair’s Close (home to the Writer’s Museum).
Just a 10-minute walk from Princes Street, Dean Village feels like stepping into a fairytale. Nestled along the Water of Leith, it’s a peaceful village with old stone houses, bridges, and riverside paths. Historically, it was a milling community, and you can still spot millstones and carved plaques on the old buildings. It’s one of the most photogenic corners of Edinburgh, perfect for a quiet stroll if you want a break from the busy city center.
Located right by Edinburgh Castle, this attraction is a must for whisky fans (or curious first-timers). You can take a “whisky barrel ride” through the production process, learn about Scotland’s whisky-making regions, and even sample a dram (or more, depending on the tour level you book). The highlight is the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky — over 3,000 bottles on display. It’s both educational and fun, and the guides do a great job of making it accessible even if you’re new to whisky.
Normally, Starbucks wouldn’t make a travel list — but this one has a bonus: it overlooks Cockburn Street, one of the most atmospheric streets in Edinburgh. From the window seats, you can snap a great photo of the street’s curving cobblestones, stone façades, and lively vibe. Even if you skip the coffee here, at least pop by to grab that shot.
A short but vibrant street linking Waverley Station to the Royal Mile, Cockburn Street is all about the “Edinburgh vibe.” It’s packed with indie shops, vintage clothing stores, tattoo studios, and cozy cafés. The street itself curves uphill, giving it a cinematic feel (you’ve probably seen it on Instagram or in movies). It’s a great place to soak in local culture while browsing quirky shops or people-watching.
If you have extra time in Edinburgh, hiking Arthur’s Seat is a must. This ancient volcanic hill in Holyrood Park rises about 250m and offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. The hike isn’t too difficult (around 1–2 hours round trip depending on your route), and at the top you can see Edinburgh Castle, the Firth of Forth, and even the Highlands on a clear day. Locals often head here for sunrise or sunset, making it a perfect photo spot.
Located on the Royal Mile, Gladstone’s Land is a 17th-century tenement house managed by the National Trust for Scotland. It gives a fascinating glimpse into what life was like in Edinburgh centuries ago, with restored rooms, exhibitions, and costumed guides. On the ground floor, there’s also a lovely café and ice cream shop. The ice cream here is worth trying — it’s creamy and rich, perfect for a quick treat while exploring the Royal Mile.
📝 Local Tips & Tricks
Save on Attractions: If you plan to visit multiple paid sites, consider the Royal Edinburgh Ticket – it includes the Castle, Holyrood Palace, and bus tours.
Transport: You don’t really need a car. Edinburgh is super walkable, and buses/trams cover the rest.
Weather: Always pack a light raincoat or umbrella – the weather changes fast. Layers are key.
Photography Spots:
Castle view from The Vennel Steps
Sunset from Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill
Circus Lane (charming cobbled street with flowers and a church backdrop)
Hidden Gems:
Mary King’s Close – an underground street tour beneath the Royal Mile.
Greyfriars Kirkyard – atmospheric old cemetery, and where J.K. Rowling found name inspirations.
🗓️ Best & Worst Times to Visit Edinburgh
Best Time to Visit:
May to September – This is Edinburgh at its most lively. The weather is milder (though still unpredictable), and the city hosts world-famous festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (August) and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Expect buzzing streets, long days of sunlight, and tons of events.
December – Magical Christmas markets and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) celebrations make this a fantastic time if you love festive vibes.
Good Alternatives:
April & October – Shoulder seasons mean fewer crowds, cheaper hotels, and still decent weather. You’ll get beautiful autumn colors in October and spring blossoms in April.
Worst Time to Visit:
January to March – Cold, wet, and dark. The city is much quieter, which could be a plus if you’re looking for empty attractions, but don’t expect many festivals or outdoor vibes.
August (if you hate crowds) – While August is exciting, it’s also the busiest (and priciest) month. Hotels sell out months in advance, and attractions are packed.
🏨 Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Old Town
Vibe: Medieval, historic, buzzing with energy.
Why stay here: You’ll be steps away from major attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and St Giles’ Cathedral. Perfect if you want to walk everywhere and be in the middle of the action.
Pros: Central location, tons of character, atmospheric cobbled streets, great for first-time visitors.
Cons: Can be noisy at night, especially during festivals. Hotels and apartments are pricier and book out fast.
Good for: First-time visitors, history lovers, short stays.
New Town
Vibe: Elegant Georgian architecture, wide streets, stylish and less hectic.
Why stay here: It’s just across Princes Street from Old Town, so still central but a little calmer. Lots of shopping, dining, and cocktail bars.
Pros: Beautiful architecture, easier access to modern conveniences, excellent restaurants, slightly quieter than Old Town.
Cons: Still busy in peak season, prices can be high around Princes Street.
Good for: Shoppers, foodies, couples who want a mix of culture and comfort.
Stockbridge
Vibe: Village-like, leafy, and artsy.
Why stay here: Just a 10–15 min walk from Princes Street, it feels more residential and relaxed. Close to Dean Village and the Royal Botanic Garden, with great independent cafés and Sunday markets.
Pros: More affordable than the city center, local feel, riverside walks nearby.
Cons: A bit of a walk uphill to get back into the main attractions (but buses help).
Good for: Longer stays, families, repeat visitors, travelers who prefer a neighborhood vibe.
Leith
Vibe: Waterfront, creative, foodie haven.
Why stay here: Edinburgh’s port district turned hip neighborhood. Famous for top dining (including Michelin-starred The Kitchin and Restaurant Martin Wishart), cool bars, and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Pros: Trendy, great food and nightlife, usually cheaper accommodation than the city center.
Cons: 30–40 min walk to Old Town; you’ll rely on buses/taxis for sightseeing.
Good for: Foodies, younger travelers, those who don’t mind being outside the city core.
West End & Haymarket
Vibe: Calm, elegant, a bit more residential.
Why stay here: Great for business travelers or those arriving by train at Haymarket Station. Plenty of Victorian townhouses converted into boutique hotels and B&Bs.
Pros: Cheaper than Old/New Town, quieter, good transport links.
Cons: Slightly less atmosphere, need to walk or bus into main attractions.
Good for: Budget-conscious travelers, business trips, people who want quiet nights.
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