Location: Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
Top 10 Free Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland
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. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. New Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
The modern face of Edinburgh, with lots of restaurants, pubs, museums and galleries.
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
The first thoughts of some people might be that a “new town” is not the sort of place to visit during a touring holiday, but it should be noted here that the term is only used here to differentiate this part of the city centre from the decidedly ancient bit across the road! Edinburgh’s New Town is most definitely worth a long, slow visit. The architecture is mainly Georgian and is a delight of grand buildings and beautiful squares, all set out within a convenient grid pattern. It’s a place where you can visit some nice historic houses and museums as well as very good independent shops, cafes, restaurants and the occasional pub. In other words - there is plenty to do and admire; or even just a place to relax.
6. Royal Mile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,301 reviews
Stretch of road connecting Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, the Queen's residence in Scotland.
Reviewed By BarryE308 - Lake Stevens, United States
This is an unbeleivable place to see people. The shops and historic places are all fantastic, but is is the interplay of thousands of visitors that ebb and flow about the walk that makes it special. You can be in a flowing sea of street performers, bagpipes and excitement, then step down a narrow Close and find yourself in a secret garden with lovely flowers and only the chirping of birds, Wonderfull..
7. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,564 reviews
The Botanics offers visitors peace and tranquility amongst its stunning 72 acres in Edinburgh city centre. Founded in 1670, the Garden is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the world.
Reviewed By N8766KRmarkh - Chippenham, United Kingdom
enjoyed a leisurely stroll with friends who were visiting from the south west. it was a lovely day which helps. Free to enter, really well maintained, lots to look at , easy access, coffee at east gate, food in the restaurant across the gardens which offers a visitor centre and shop that sells plants (which are probably superb but a little pricey!)
8. Calton Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,229 reviews
Historic neighborhood lined with monuments dating back to the Enlightenment.
Reviewed By eamonnr2015 - Skerries, Ireland
Well worth the climb up to the top whether you go up Jacobs ladder or around by the Ai Road and then up, you can spend some time here taking in the views, well worth the hike up with historical interests here
9. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern Two)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 615 reviews
Home to Scotland’s outstanding national collection of modern and contemporary art, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art comprises two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two both set in beautiful sculpture park. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Modern Two has a detailed recreation of Eduardo Paolozzi's studio on permanent display, as well as his 7.3m tall sculpture, Vulcan, that dominates the cafe where you can enjoy our delicious lunches, cakes and coffee while taking in this stunning work. The gallery is currently showing an exhibition devoted to the film special effects superstar Ray Harryhausen. Book your ticket in advance via: nationalgalleries.org
Reviewed By Rongauld - Barga, Italy
On either side of Belford Road across the Water of Leith from Edinburgh's Georgian classical "New Town" the twin galleries are worth a lengthy visit. In Gallery One at present, until May, there is the most amazingly thought provoking exhibition including work by Scottish Artist, Katie Paterson, on the themes of Time and Light. The 100 Year book project, the Moonlight Sonata bounced from the surface of the moon and the lunar eclipse mirrorball are all spectacular. Then across the road is Gallery 2, with a permanent exhibition of Edinburgh born Eduardo Paolozzi, pop art sculptor, as well as a temporary exhibition by Paula Rego with video autobiography containing interviews about her productive and provocative life. All this is FREE! but you are requested to donate at least £5 pp. well worth it.
10. Greyfriars Kirk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,399 reviews
Welcome to Greyfriars Kirk, a church, historic building and event venue in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. We are a welcoming, inclusive community, and respond to local needs in a variety of ways. The Kirk is a major venue for the arts and classical music, a tourist destination and through the Grassmarket Community Project, a supporter of Edinburgh's most vulnerable citizens. Our Kirkyard boasts, among many others, the graves of Joseph Black, James Hutton, Mary Erskine and most famous of all, Greyfriars Bobby. In addition, it also house the grave of a certain Tom Riddle - J K Rowling's inspiration for the character of Lord Voldemort. Opening hours shown are for the summer months (April to October).
Reviewed By 237tedm - Scottsdale, United States
Greyfriars Kirk is a very peaceful, beautiful place, in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. The cemetery itself has an interesting past, in that at one point it was a pit where plague victims were anonymously buried. There are several very old tombstones, and several family crypts to view. If you enjoy strolling through peaceful, old-world cemeteries, you will love this place.
