Things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the vibrant capital city of Scotland and offers a wide variety of attractions and activities to explore. If attendees find themselves with some free time during their trip, see below for a brief selection of the many activities, walks and sights to see.
SIGHTS TO SEE
Edinburgh Castle
‘Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Set in the heart of Scotland’s dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The scenery will take your breath away.’
SIGHTS TO SEE
National Museum of Scotland
‘The National Museum of Scotland is the UK’s most popular attraction outside of London.
With thousands of amazing objects across multiple galleries, the Museum offers a world of discovery all under one roof.’
SIGHTS TO SEE
National Gallery of Modern Art
‘One site, two sculpture parks, two galleries and lots for you to discover. Take a leap forward at the Modern. You will find the many artworks on display to be playful, thought provoking and compelling. Weave your way through two exciting gallery spaces featuring leading artists’ works which define the Modern era.’
SIGHTS TO SEE
Royal Yacht Britannia
‘A Royal residence for over 40 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family where they entertained prime ministers and presidents. Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction 2023 – 2024, you can discover across five decks, stories of life at sea for both the Royal Family and the 220 Royal Yachtsmen who served on board. This five-star visitor attraction is located in Leith, just two miles from Edinburgh’s city centre.’
SIGHTS TO SEE
The Scott Monument
‘Standing proudly in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, it is one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world.
Join one of the tour guides to find out who Sir Walter Scott was, why such an impressive monument was in his honour and enjoy the breathtaking views of Edinburgh from our third floor viewing platform – a truly unforgettable experience!’
ACTIVITIES
Edinburgh Dungeon
‘The Edinburgh Dungeon is the ultimate underground journey through Edinburgh’s darkest history, using live actors, theatrical sets and thrilling rides.’
ACTIVITIES
Dynamic Earth
‘Dynamic Earth is Edinburgh’s world-class Science Centre and Planetarium, telling the epic story of planet earth from beginning to end.
In the 90-minute interactive walk-through and planetarium experience, discover millions of years of evolution from the big bang to the challenges of the present day.’
ACTIVITIES
The Scotch Whisky Experience
‘Welcome to the award-winning The Scotch Whisky Experience, a five-star visitor attraction at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where we’ve been inspiring visitors to Edinburgh about the joys of Scotch whisky for over 35 years.’
WALKS
Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat
‘Roam through a city park like no other. Holyrood Park’s dramatic hills and crags shape Edinburgh’s unforgettable skyline, and its history and archaeology span thousands of years.
Arthur’s Seat, the park’s highest point, is the remains of a volcano, and stone and flint tools found here reveal human activity as far back as 5000 BC.’
WALKS
Princes Street Gardens
‘Princes Street Gardens are two adjacent public parks in the centre of Edinburgh, lying in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. The Gardens were created in the 1820s following the long draining of the Nor Loch and building of the New Town, beginning in the 1760s.’
WALKS
Calton Hill
‘Calton Hill is a volcanic hill rising beyond the eastern end of Princes Street. The hill boasts a collection of some of Edinburgh’s most important monuments and offers fantastic panoramic views of the city. In the 19th century, Edinburgh was envisioned as the ‘Athens of the North’ and Calton Hill was considered Edinburgh’s version of the Athenian Acropolis, complete with classical revival architecture.’
WALKS
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
‘When visiting Scotland, a trip to the world-famous Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is unmissable. Experience an extravaganza of plants from around the world, learn about the Garden’s rich and diverse Living Collection and discover a history dating back to the 17th century.
Set in over 70 acres of beautiful landscape and just one mile north of the city centre, the Garden offers superb panoramic views of the city skyline featuring Edinburgh Castle. The Botanics, as the Garden is affectionately known locally, is breathtaking at any time of year.’
