Visiting Edinburgh | Ultimate Travel Guide

At ConnollyCove, we want to give you all the best travel tips worldwide! We have created a travel guide that includes everything you must do and see when visiting Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. This place has more to offer than just its famous castle.

Things to do in Edinburgh

There are many cultural and historical activities to do in Edinburgh. Some are free, and some can be pretty costly. Here you will find all the best activities to do in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Dungeon

The Edinburgh Dungeon is a must-do for all travellers! It takes you on an exciting journey through Edinburgh’s sinister history. Some live actors will walk you through and portray actual historical events. Some of the historical people you will meet are Agnes Finnie, The Sawney Bean Family, and Burke & Hare.

Each story has a different ‘scary score’, ranging from funny and creepy to super scary! Therefore, there is something for all the family to enjoy! You will also find two chilling amusement rides. The first is ‘The Galloway Boat Ride’, where King James the First had appointed troops to search for the Bean family. The second is ‘Drop Dead: The Grassmarket Gallows’, here you await your death by hanging! This drop in the dark, with a total ‘scare score,’ ensures thrills and chills for all the family! You can purchase hilarious photos of your scared faces at the on-site gift shop.

This attraction is located at 31 Market Street, in the city centre, within walking distance of the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish National Gallery, and Calton Hill. You can buy travel tickets through Traveline Scotland.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

“A World of Fun for All Ages”

This attraction has been in Edinburgh since 1853 and is the oldest standing attraction in the city. This five-story building has over 100 exciting and interesting attractions to explore. Here, you will witness the scientific and technological wonders of the world, ensuring the ultimate fun for all the family!

It is located in Edinburgh’s city centre, at the top of the Royal Mile, and is within walking distance from Edinburgh Castle.

You can buy your tickets here.

Edinburgh Castle and the National War Museum

While in Edinburgh, you must explore the historic Edinburgh Castle and National War Museum. They are located at Castlehill along the Royal Mile and close to many attractions, such as Camera Obscura and the Scottish Whiskey Experience.

Here, you will learn all about the historic battles fought at the castle and the royal families that lived there, including Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Margaret. While exploring, you will also find the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and many more museums. The castle also offers amazing views of Scotland’s capital city.

You can buy your tickets here

Your ticket includes entry to the castle and museum and an introductory guide. Free tours are available on a first-come basis. Audio guides and souvenir guidebooks are available upon arrival (at an extra cost).

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Tours

What better way to explore Edinburgh than on a bus tour? Of course, in this Edinburgh travel guide, we had to include at least one bus tour! While in Edinburgh, this attraction better be at the top of your to-do list! The tour runs 24 hours a day, so there is no excuse for you to miss out!

Whichever ticket you purchase allows you to hop on and hop off the bus as much as you like throughout the time your ticket is valid. A major perk is stopping and exploring locations before returning to the bus.  We recommend, weather-dependent, that you choose an open-top, upper deck seat as it will give you the best views of the city. Your ticket includes an audio guide to learn about the history and culture of all the places you will see. The audio guide is available in Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian.

You can buy tickets here.

Underground Vault Tour

While exploring Edinburgh, you must check out the underground vaults. These vaults were built in the 17th century. These vaults lie under Edinburgh’s Old Town. While on this tour, you will learn about the murders, witches and the people who stayed in these creepy vaults. To add to your experience, your guide will also dress in a period-appropriate costume for the full effect to transport you back to the 17th century.

Your tour starting point will be at the Auld Reekie Tours and Edinburgh Dungeons Police Box outside the Bank of Scotland. Tickets start at £12 per person, and you can buy them here.

Accessibility:

Unfortunately, due to the 2-foot step into the vaults, this attraction may not be suitable for some people with mobility impairments.

Edinburgh Zoo

Do you love animals, nature, and the preservation of the Earth? Then this is the place for you. Edinburgh Zoo is “at the forefront of species conservation worldwide.” With many attractions and species, you’ll want to make it your number one attraction!

The Edinburgh Zoo Gardens is a must-visit. It has over 120 tree species. The gardens provide nourishment for the animals and focus on habitat creation.

The Koala Territory will educate you on the Koala world and how a Koala’s body works. You can also take photos with the Koalas and see baby Kalari.

At Penguins Rock, you will find Europe’s most significant outdoor Penguin Pool, home to many penguins. You can witness the penguins playing with a waterfall and a diving board.

Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth will take you back to the Big Bang, through space and the ocean’s depths, showing you all the world’s marvels.

One of the wonders offered here is the 360-degree Showdome, where you will experience The Apollo Story, the wonders of Supervolcanoes, and We Are Stars. The Apollo Story will teach you about man’s first landing on the moon, the Supervolcanoes experience will teach you all about the Earth’s volcanic underworld, and the We Are Stars show will teach you about the cosmetic galaxies and the Earth’s origins. You will find these amazing stories and more experiences for the whole family.

You can buy tickets here.

Free Activities

In this Edinburgh travel guide, we also want to inform you about the fun, free activities for the whole family!

The Potter Trail

For all you Harry Potter fans, this is the attraction for you! And yes, that’s right, this tour is FREE. As JK Rowling wrote many of her famous novels in Edinburgh, it is no surprise that the beautiful city inspired her.

The tour begins at the statue of Greyfriars Bobby (at the junction which joins Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge) and ends at Victoria Terrace. The start and finish locations are only a two-minute walking distance from each other. The tour lasts for one and a half hours. During the Winter months (September to March), there is one tour at 2 pm, and during the Summer months (April to August), there are two tours at 12 pm and 4 pm. If you want to take this free public tour, you do not need to book a slot; simply show up at the starting point about 10 minutes before the starting time and enjoy the Magical World of Harry Potter. However, you can also request a private, personalised tour at a cost.

On tour, you will find the cafe where JK Rowling, her first novel “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, the shopping area which inspired Diagon Alley, and you will have the opportunity to be sorted into a house outside the school, which inspired Hogwarts.

Hike to Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is on an extinct volcano in Edinburgh, which last erupted 350 million years ago. When you reach Arthur’s Seat at the peak of Calton Hill, you will be delighted by the stunning views.

Close by, you can visit St. Anthony’s Chapel; this chapel was built in the 15th century.

Visit and Learn about the Scottish Parliament

Unknown to many, Scotland has its Parliament based in Edinburgh. The Scottish Parliament Building is at the bottom of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. You will find multiple Parliamentary Buildings to explore and learn its history here.

The buildings are closed during the Summer months while Parliament is in recess. However, you can visit them and enjoy a free guided tour throughout the year.

Enjoy a Trip down The Royal Mile

Along the Royal Mile lie many historic and fun places to see. It is a beautiful walk you can take and explore all it offers. It runs from the Scottish Parliament Buildings and Holyroodhouse Palace to Edinburgh Castle, offering many places to see. You can explore Mary King’s Close, St. Giles Cathedral, and the Scottish Storytelling Centre, surrounded by cobblestones and tall historic buildings.

To discover all the places to see along Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, look here.

Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens are located just outside Edinburgh’s city centre. These gardens are 72 acres of beautiful land and scenery.

The gardens offer fantastic city skyline views, including the gorgeous and historic Edinburgh Castle. While exploring, you will discover 300 years of history and learn about the many plant species. The highlight of your visit will be the ten amazing Glasshouses. The 1858 Victorian Temperate Palm House is one of the tallest palm houses worldwide. The ten Glasshouses are home to over three thousand exotic plants and a 200-year-old palm tree.

The gardens are open year-round and host several exhibitions and guided tours. From mid-November until the end of December, you can delight in the stunning ‘Christmas at the Botanics Trail’. There is also an on-site gift shop, an award-winning Gateway Restaurant, and the Terrace Cafe.

Food & Bars

In this Edinburgh travel guide, we will also show you the highlights of the food and drink offered in Edinburgh.

The Witchery by the Castle

This is a boutique Gothic hotel, which is, of course, close to Edinburgh Castle. The Witchery is full of history and delicious food. It includes the 16th-century merchant house and the candlelit Secret Garden.

While in The Witchery, you can enjoy your dining experience surrounded by the original 16th-century dining room, oak panelling, and tapestries. You will also be surprised by the rooftop paintings containing 400 years of the Scottish Royal family’s history.

When exploring the enclosed courtyard of the Secret Garden, you can enjoy your meal under candlelit historical architecture. You will find a stunning tone staircase, a hand-painted ceiling and gorgeous French windows.

You will not regret choosing this stunning location to enjoy a cocktail or two and an excellent meal.

Frankenstein and Bier Keller

This world-famous bar and restaurant is located in Edinburgh. It is in a converted 19th-century Church in the centre of Edinburgh’s Old Town, along the Royal Mile. It is a definite destination to visit when in Edinburgh.

Inside, you will find a horror-themed bar decorated with flashing lights, vats of bubbling liquid, and the original Frankenstein movies playing on repeat. It is family-friendly until 8 pm when it turns party central! Many hen parties, birthdays, and stag nights are held in this spooky location.

Below the Frankenstein, you will find Edinburgh’s best Bier Keller. This is a traditional German beer cellar where you can experience Oktoberfest daily! Many parties are held here, and you’re guaranteed an enjoyable night with many drinks served in steins.

The Voodoo Rooms

This award-winning bar and restaurant is located in Edinburgh’s city centre. It offers delightful drinks, food, entertainment, and live music.

The building was restored in 2006, keeping all the original architectural features, adding a tiki theme, and serving an array of unique cocktails. Since then, it has become one of Edinburgh’s most known and popular bars, making it a must-stop location on your travels!

Awards

The Voodoo Rooms won 6 awards in 2008 after being open for just over a year:

• Best New Bar
• Best Cocktail Bar
• Best New Bar Design
• Best Music Pub
• Best Spirits Bar
• Most Stylish Entertainment Venue

Since then, The Voodoo Rooms have won many awards, meaning you will not want to miss out on visiting this world-class venue.

Devil’s Advocate

This bar and restaurant is within a Victorian house in the historic Edinburgh Old Town. Located along Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, you are never far from history, entertainment, and culture.

The bar serves an array of Scottish and worldwide whiskies and professionally made cocktails. The kitchen serves lunch and dinner every day with freshly made Scottish produce.

Timberyard

The Timberyard was a 19th-century warehouse transformed into a world-class dining location. The building is full of character and has many spaces to enjoy. Outside, in the Perch, they grow some of their produce for their dishes. It is such a unique, beautiful location that it is even used for weddings!

All the food is sourced locally and of the highest quality, so it is no wonder that they receive so many awards. Most recently, Timberland won the 2018-2019 Wine Award of Scotland. They have a vast selection of alcoholic beverages.

The Potting Shed

The Potting Shed is located in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Here, you will find a selection of Scottish and European food. All the food is modern and delicious. You can order sharing plates or single portions. They offer vegetarian and gluten-free options. Their drinks menu also offers an array of unique cocktails.

It is in the perfect location and is only a 3-minute walk to the Festival Theatre. You will not want to miss out on a cocktail, some chicken wings and mussels, followed by a show at the Festival Theatre!!

Cabaret Voltaire Bar

This local art and music institution is the perfect place to ‘let your hair down’ and have a fabulous time. DJs, cocktails, beers, and much more are available every day. It used to be Edinburgh’s North Bridge Vaults and has been a well-renowned location.

The Cafe Voltaire is a relaxing place to drink and chat with friends. On becomes a regular weekend speakeasy and hosts live DJs dait ily.

The Club, Cabaret Voltaire, will also be at the centre of Edinburgh’s electronic music scene! They host many DJs weekly, both local and international. If you enjoy electronic music, this is the room for you!

The Lookout by Gardeners Cottage

The Lookout—well, the name says it all! The view from The Lookout is astounding! It is located at the top of Calton Hill. You will be delighted to discover amazing panoramic views of Edinburgh City from the inside.

They aim to produce food that is as unique as the view and has a fantastic menu. In addition to the food, they offer a tremendous selection of spirits, wine, and cocktails. They also provide ‘Our Old Curiosity Secret Gin Tasting’ and ‘Whiskey Experiences’. You will not want to miss out on spending an evening at this stunning location.

Seasonal activities

Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the most significant arts and culture festival globally. It takes place yearly over three weeks in August, and you must not miss out!

Last month, 63 countries were represented at the festival, 706 free shows, and 404 ‘pay what you want’ shows. Overall, 856 541 tickets were sold. With thousands of world-class acts worldwide, you will not want to miss out! Many shows are accessible to wheelchair users, and sensory backpacks are loaned to people with autism. This festival encourages people of all ages, abilities, and social standing to enjoy themselves.

To learn more about the 2020 Fringe Festival, watch out here.

Christmas Time in Edinburgh 

Every city lights up during Christmas, which becomes a crazy, fun, and musical time. However, Edinburgh makes Christmas a season to remember! The town offers shows, attractions, markets, and many free events. They have provided free nativity shows and an exciting display of Winter Windows to find. You do not want to miss walking through Edinburgh’s Capitol in the snow, enjoying a hot chocolate, and visiting shows and the worldly Christmas Markets.

Have you visited Scotland’s Capital City? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this Edinburgh Travel Guide, please read more of our travel blogs!

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