Location: Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Edinburgh That You Shouldn't Miss
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Pentland Hills
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Although the accepted way of enjoying the Pentland Hills is to park up and walk on the numerous trails and paths, you can also appreciate the beauty when traversing the area by car. We were driving from Edinburgh to Biggar in South Lanarkshire and the scenery of the hills as we drove through was absolutely lovely.
2. Pickering's Gin Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,224 reviews
Pickering's Gin is distilled by hand at the Summerhall Distillery, Edinburgh's first exclusive gin distillery to open in 150 years. We are delighted to host guided tours and tastings. Please visit our website to book a tour and to check availability. Tours last approximately 80 minutes. For a mere £15 a head you can: - See our wacky 'Old Workshop', filled with our own inventions - Learn how hand crafted, small batch gin is made - Marvel at the botanicals room, still and bottling line - Sample all four Pickering's gin expressions - Get a wee G&T kit to take home - Explore the labyrinth of exhibitions and events within Summerhall Summerhall Distillery.
Reviewed By colinb319
Fantastic little distillery! A great tour with a very knowledgeable guide who talked us through the history of gin and the journey of the two founders and a passionate team in creating exceptional, delicious gin! A real treat and a must see.
3. Edinburgh Gin Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,505 reviews
Advance booking is essential as we are unable to offer walk in tours. Located in the beating heart of Scotland's capital, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery is a destination quite unlike any other. It's here that we produce small batches of gin, inspired by the majesty, marvel and mischief of Edinburgh and its inhabitants. The Edinburgh Gin Visitor Centre is a space in the capital where you can indulge both the mind and the palate in all things gin. From taking a tour or a guided tasting, to trying your hand at making your own, our goal is the educate, excite and libate; all in equal measure.
Reviewed By beverlyrevelry
This tour was fantastic in every way, from the knowledge and enthusiasm of our guide, Allan, to the behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process, to the generous and inspired tasting session! I heartily recommend making it a part of your Edinburgh itinerary!
4. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,529 reviews
The Royal Edinburgh Military tattoo is an annual series of Military tattoos performed at the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and International military bands and display teams. This is held during the month of August each year which coincides with the Fringe Festival and International Festival. This really is a must when visiting Edinburgh and really provides for the experience of a lifetime. Dress warmly for the outdoors as the seating in the esplanade is uncovered.
Reviewed By 691paulineg - Finghall, United Kingdom
Love the tattoo. So professionally done This year is brilliant Top secret Swiss drummers - outstanding Mexicans - colourful and great fun American Air Force - incredible timing and captivating Shetland fiddlers - gorgeous as always Brilliant dancing Pipes and drums just amazing Belgian buglers - incredibly moving Well done on another fabulous evening and superb fireworks
5. BobCat Alpacas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 321 reviews
Alpaca farm with some visitor options (see website for details). Advance booking is essential via our website booking calendar. Weekends are particularly popular and are booked well in advance. We are accepting visitors by appointment.
Reviewed By S143WZkevins
Heard about Bobcat Alpacas from the the great support Bob, Cath & their family of lovely Alpacas give to Marie Curie cancer care Edinburgh. Our visit to the farm was on a cold but sunny Friday afternoon in January. On arrival we were warmly welcomed by Bob & introduced to the Male Alpacas who we would be walking with, Bob introduced our Alpaca friends for the day by name telling us all about their personality & how each furry friend is very different! We partnered for our afternoon stroll with Milo who like all the alpacas is awesome & Bob shares his vast alpaca knowledge in a warm & funny way as we wander in the Pentland hills .I would highly recommend a visit to the farm, it offers a great non commercial afternoon out with lovely Alpacas that benefit from exceptional care & husbandry from Bob & Cath.
6. Royal Yacht Britannia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,167 reviews
Step aboard The Queen's former floating palace and experience this iconic 5 star attraction for yourself. Rated Scotland's Best Attraction for 12 years running and in TripAdvisor's UK Top 10 for the last 5 years, Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world. Sailing a million miles on a thousand official visits, during 40 years in service, the Royal Yacht played host to glittering state banquets and official receptions, but was also home to the Royal Family and crew of 220 Royal Yachtsmen. Explore Britannia's highly accessible 5 decks with highlights including the elegant Royal Apartments, Crew's Quarters, Engine Room and stunning Royal Deck Tea Room. Highly accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. Open year round .Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh city centre (local buses every 10 minutes - 11, 22, 34 and 35 to Ocean Terminal).
Reviewed By JCBH_1 - McLean, United States
The (now retired) Royal Yacht Britannia is a national treasure, frozen in time for all of us to enjoy. Wonderful "whisper" audio sets tied to numbered highlights so you can't miss a thing. Britannia is crowded, but for great reason: It's fantastic. You visit everything from the Bridge to the (impeccable) Engine Room, including the impressive State Dining Room and Salon, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip's staterooms - staff quarters and even the ship's infirmary and laundry rooms. The Royal Rolls Royce is on board, and the Queen's motor launch (alongside the Britannia - you'll see it last) is very impressive. Furnishings are original. It's amazing. Very nice shoreside ticket facility, gift shop, etc. There is also a tea room - which is apparently very popular. Britannia is a national treasure - terrific to be able to experience it.
7. St Giles' Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,424 reviews
St Giles’ Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed crown spire it stands on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen). Please do not book any tours through TripAdvisor, as they are not endorsed by the cathedral.
Reviewed By laurabW3205XC - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
From outside it's only a church more, but from inside it's hughe. Photo permit costs around £2. There's a shop and a cafeteria inside, children's space and a wee secret place at the very end, it's a must see!
8. Edinburgh Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51,182 reviews
Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction. This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Reviewed By gabrielgpavon2018 - Community of Madrid, Spain
Outstanding views, very well designed visit flow, 10+ worthwhile sites, from the successive ramparts to the OUTSTANDING Scotland War Museum and the Scottish Crown Honors (jewels and the recovered Stone of Destiny / Scone), Medieval Great Hall, War Memorial, Regimental museums, Saint Margaret´s XI century chapel... The castle guide book, available at the shop by the entrance, is really useful The views alone (we had wonderful weather) are worthwhile, the treaures inside and the exquisite care shown in presenting them are second to none. Allow at least three hours to stroll around and have a drink...
9. Princes Street Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,323 reviews
Reviewed By wanderlustsurvivor
This large and beautiful park is situated perfectly in town, and large enough to stroll for hours and wander, or sit on a bench, or by the fountain, etc. Would have liked to spend more time here.
10. Edinburgh Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,961 reviews
Edinburgh's oldest neighborhood, dating back to medieval times: these small streets are lined with wool shops, pubs and historical monuments.
Reviewed By annemacmillan
When in Edinburgh you must visit The Old Town, .. See the Old Tenement Buildings.. Feel the History of this old Historical Town, with its cobbled streets....Take a walk along the Royal Mile, from the Castle to Holyrood Palace.. You can easily feel what it must've been like living in "Auld Reekie" centuries ago.. and hearing the words being shouted from the tenement windows "Gardy Loo" ..the warning that Waste was going to be thrown out the window...Visit Grassmarket.. and the weekend Farmers Markets... If you looking for souvenirs to take home you will definitely find them here, from the array of shops to choose from,.. if your looking for Cashmere, Whisky., Tablet or some nice Edinburgh Rock..You will find it all in the Old Town and much more.
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