Top 5 Must-See Activities in Edinburgh

These are the most famous Edinburgh tourist attractions & sight tours which sees thousands and millions of visitors each year:


Free Things To Do In Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Free Attractions in Edinburgh

Top Rated Edinburgh Attractions

Free

Calton Hill

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Calton Hill contains a treasure trove of historical monuments and being 100 metres above sea level boasts a superb view of Edinburgh and across to Holyrood House Palace and Arthur’s Seat – It’s a popular spot for photographers and hopeless romantics at sunset!

See Nelson’s Monument, a commemorative tower that dates back to 1807 to commemorate Nelson’s victory over the Spanish and...

The Royal Yacht Britannia Ticket

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Fast track entry to the Royal Britannia Yacht " The floating Royal Palace!
  • Learn the history of the ship in the visitor centre.
  • Then step aboard and see what life was like onboard for the Royal Family as well as the crew.
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Free

Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park

Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park

Hike up the rocky crags within the 640 acre Royal Holyrood Park and admire the stunning views as you get a 360 degree look over Edinburgh from 251 metres above sea level. Arthur’s Seat is a dormant volcano that hasn’t erupted for the last 300 million years but no one is sure how it got its name though the romantics like to connect it with King Arthur and Camelot.

...

Edinburgh Dungeons Tickets

clock Duration: 1 hour
  • A walk-through historical experience with actors, special effects, scenes, shows, and rides.
  • 11 360-degree interactive shows.
  • 2 fun & frightening underground rides.
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Free

The Royal Mile

Edinburgh's ancient thoroughfare, the Royal Mile, stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood House Palace. A procession route for Scotland’s Kings and Queens for the last 500 years, it contains a lot of paid tourist attractions alongside pubs, shops, and cafes but it’s not necessary to open your wallet in order to witness and enjoy the historic heart of the city and walk the mile.

Starting at Lawnmarket, the oldest part...

1-Hour Real Mary King's Close Underground Tour in Edinburgh

clock Duration: 1 hour
  • Access to the 17th century subterranean streets located below The Royal Mile.
  • A fully narrated history tour.
  • Costumed characters help bring history to life.
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Free

Dean Village

A quaint and picturesque Bucolic village in the heart of Edinburgh that has the feel of being hidden deep in the sleepy countryside. A charming stream runs through the small former-village with beautiful bridges and 19th century houses and a church. Once housing the mill workers and separated from Edinburgh city by a distance of 11 miles, the test of time means this oldey-world village now sits a stones throw away from the hustle...

Edinburgh Castle Skip The Line Tickets

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • Fast track entry to Edinburgh Castle.
  • Explore the Royal Palace and grounds including the Crown Jewels exhibition at your own pace.
  • Admire the panoramic views of Edinburgh.
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Free

National Museum of Scotland

Similar to The Natural History Museum in London, The National Museum of Scotland contains diverse collections ranging from dinosaur skeletons to vintage cars, even the stuffed body of Dolly the Sheep; the first successful clone of a mammal from an adult cell. The natural world, science, technology, discoveries, art, design, fashion, and world cultures are all topics that are covered here so there’s something to suit everyone and always...

Historic Scotland Explorer Pass

clock Duration: 5 days
  • You can choose between 5 day and 14 day tours to discover Scotland's castles, cathedrals, distilleries.
  • This pass entitles you to do advanced ticket entry at popular sites like Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.
  • You can also hear audio operated tours at selected venues with this explorer pass.
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Free

Royal Botanic Garden

Plant, flower, garden, and nature lovers will adore the vast Royal Botanic Garden that contains 100,000 plants across 70 acres. Step inside to find acres of shrubs and blooming plants with a fantastic collection of Rhododendrons, a Chinese Garden and Chinese Hillside, Rock Garden with water, bridges, and sculptures, Woodland Garden, an arboretum, the Heath Garden which contains Scottish native plants and exhibitions and interactive activities...

Palace of Holyroodhouse Ticket

clock Duration: 1 hour
  • Holyrood House Palace is the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II.
  • The grounds contain the iconic ruins of Holyrood Abbey.
  • This entrance ticket includes an audio guide available in 9 languages.
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Palace of Holyroodhouse Ticket

clock Duration: 1 hour
  • Holyrood House Palace is the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II.
  • The grounds contain the iconic ruins of Holyrood Abbey.
  • This entrance ticket includes an audio guide available in 9 languages.
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Journey to Whisky Tour

clock Duration: 1 hour
  • Enjoy an expert-led guided tour through our whisky distillery. You’ll learn about the heritage and traditions of scotch whisky production, as well as Holyrood’s innovative approach in creating new and unique whiskies. The tour includes a guided tasting of 4 delicious drams ranging from new-make spirit, aged new-make, and fully matured whisky...read more

The Palace of Holyroodhouse entry ticket with an Edinburgh self-guided tour

clock Duration: 2 to 3 hou
  • Eager to visit the Royal residence? You don't need an invitation. Just get the ticket and travel back in time with a Palace of Holyroodhouse visit.

    Standing at the end of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, this fine palace is the home of Scottish royal history.

    With this ticket you will explore 14 magnificent historic and State...read more

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included

clock Duration: 1 hour 30
  • Join us on an unforgettable journey through the centuries as we explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle on a walking tour that will bring Scotland's rich history to life!

    As you explore, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with tales of battles won and lost, royalty and rebels, and the colorful characters who have called the castle home...read more

Edinburgh Castle: Ticket and Audio Tour on Mobile App

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of medieval royal intrigues and feel like a participant in historical events in a place where time has stopped.

    Enjoy entrance to all attractions within Edinburgh Castle and discover the city’s most iconic monument with this self-guided audio tour.

    This self-guided tour provides insightful and...read more

Tickets for The Palace of Holyroodhouse

clock Duration: 1 to 3 hou
  • Take the Palace tour and see the State Apartments with a complimentary multimedia guide, where you'll learn about the Palace's former residents, such as Bonnie Prince Charlie, before exploring Mary Queen of Scots' chambers!

    Finish your visit at the Café at the Palace, where you can enjoy light refreshments and afternoon tea and have a walk...read more

Edinburgh Castle Entrance

clock Duration: 30 minutes
  • WIth our entrance ticket to the Edinburgh castle, you can admire the most beautiful and romantic medieval castle in Scotland. It is also an architectural masterpiece because it was built on a big rock. Admire its beauty with...read more
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