15 best things to do in Edinburgh for an unforgettable day or night out

Edinburgh is a city of remarkable historic depth, architectural beauty, and vibrant modern culture. From the medieval winding closes of the Old Town to the elegant Georgian avenues of the New Town, the Scottish capital offers an abundance of sights and activities.

To help navigate the city's extensive offerings, this curated guide highlights the premier cultural landmarks, dining establishments, and entertainment venues that capture Edinburgh’s unique character.

Historic and cultural things to do in Edinburgh

1. Look at the stunning city views from Edinburgh Castle

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Website

Contact details: +44 131 225 9846

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 5 pm

Price: ££

Edinburgh Castle stands as a historic fortress dominating the city's skyline. The site houses key national treasures, including the Honours of Scotland (the Crown Room displaying the crown, sceptre, and the historic Stone of Destiny). Within the castle grounds, the 12th-century St. Margaret's Chapel offers a quiet refuge from the busy tourist areas. Visitors can also witness the firing of the historic One o'Clock Gun, which takes place daily except on Sundays.

Pro tip: Arriving at the gun site early provides an opportunity to watch the ceremonial preparation of the cannon by the duty gunner.

2. Explore the residence of the British Monarch at Holyrood Palace

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Website

Contact details: +44 303 123 7306

Operating hours:

• Monday: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Tuesday to Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Price: ££

The Palace of Holyroodhouse serves as the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, the palace features grand State Apartments decorated with historic tapestries, ornate plasterwork ceilings, and sparkling chandeliers. The tour includes access to the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, providing insight into the royal history of Scotland.

Pro tip:

Visiting during late June or early July aligns with Holyrood Week, when the monarch resides at the palace to host official engagements and garden parties.

3. Book an underground tour at The Real Mary King’s Close

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Website

Contact details: +44 131 225 0672

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 9:30 am to 7 pm
• Friday to Saturday: 9 am to 9 pm
• Sunday: 9:30 am to 7 pm

Price: £££

The Real Mary King’s Close offers a subterranean tour through a network of 17th-century streets buried beneath the Royal Mile. Costumed character guides lead visitors through the atmospheric, dim alleys, sharing historical accounts of plague victims, former residents, and the conditions of early Edinburgh life. The guided tour takes approximately one hour, and complimentary audio translation is available in multiple languages.

Pro tip:

Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, as tours have limited capacity and weekend slots sell out quickly.

4. Learn about Scottish history at the National Museum of Scotland

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Website

Contact details: +44 300 123 6789

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

Price: Free

The National Museum of Scotland houses extensive collections spanning art, design, science, and history. The architecture features a grand Victorian Grand Gallery alongside a sleek modern wing. Displays showcase national treasures such as the Lewis chessmen, Pictish stones, and Dolly the sheep (the world's first cloned mammal), alongside international exhibits including Egyptian mummies and Japanese samurai armour. Entry to the museum is free.

Pro tip:

Key highlights for history enthusiasts include the Assyrian relief of King Ashurnasirpal II and the Roman Cramond Lioness sculpture.

5. Peek into some classic masterpieces at the National Galleries Scotland

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Website

Contact details: +44 131 624 6200

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

Price: Free

The National Galleries Scotland, housed in a neoclassical building on The Mound, showcases a world-class collection of European and Scottish art. The galleries feature masterpieces by artists such as Raphael, Rembrandt, and Impressionist painters, alongside a dedicated space displaying historical and modern Scottish art. Admission is free.

Pro tip:

Arriving right at the 10 am opening time is recommended to enjoy the galleries during quieter periods.

Food and drinks to try in Edinburgh

6. Taste Scotland’s famous drink at The Scotch Whisky Experience

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Website

Contact details: +44 131 220 0441

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 6:20 pm

Price: £££

The Scotch Whisky Experience, located next to Edinburgh Castle, offers an interactive journey into the heritage and production of Scotland's national drink. The tour begins with a barrel ride detailing the distillation process, followed by a guided sensory presentation on the distinct whisky-producing regions. The experience concludes with a structured tasting and a view of one of the world's largest collections of Scotch whisky.

Pro tip:

Non-alcoholic alternatives, such as Irn-Bru, are available during the tasting session for non-whisky drinkers.

7. Experience fine dining at the Timberyard

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Website

Contact details: +44 131 221 1222

Operating hours:

• Thursday: 5 pm to 11 pm
• Friday to Sunday: 12 pm to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 11 pm
• Monday to Wednesday: Closed

Price: £££

Housed in a converted 19th-century warehouse, Timberyard is a Michelin-starred restaurant featuring rustic brick walls, wooden tables, and a wood-burning stove. The menu focuses on seasonal, locally sourced, and wild ingredients prepared with modern culinary techniques. An extensive list of organic and biodynamic wines is available, and the service is highly professional.

Pro tip:

For private gatherings, the restaurant offers 'The Shed', a rustic private dining space accommodating up to ten guests.

8. Read a book at The Elephant House

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Website

Contact details: +44 131 466 0873

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm

Price: ££

The Elephant House is a popular café famously associated with the writing of the early Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling. Located on Victoria Street, the interior features extensive elephant memorabilia and messages left by fans from around the world. The café serves a variety of coffees, teas, and house-made cakes in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

Pro tip:

The café sells branded souvenirs, including mugs and badges, which serve as popular keepsakes for visitors.

9. Have a hearty meal at the Duck & Waffle

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Website

Contact details: +44 131 202 2700

Operating hours:

• Monday to Wednesday: 9 am to 12 am
• Thursday to Saturday: 9 am to 1 am
• Sunday: 9 am to 12 am

Price: £££

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh features a vibrant, modern dining room with a 360-degree walk-around bar and open kitchen counters. The signature dish combines crispy duck leg confit, a fried duck egg, and mustard maple syrup on a waffle. The menu also offers diverse plates such as deep-fried haggis bars, beef tartare, and vegetarian options like chickpea dhal.

Pro tip:

The Bone Marrow Cosmopolitan cocktail is a notable house specialty, blending savory depth with classic citrus notes.

10. Dive in a British menu at The Ivy Collection

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Website

Contact details: Operating hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
• Saturday: 9 am to 10:30 pm
• Sunday: 9 am to 8:45 pm

Price: ££

The Ivy on the Square offers a stylish, art-filled dining room featuring Art Deco lighting, a gold-accented bar, and views over St Andrew Square. The menu focuses on refined British classics, including their signature shepherd's pie and yellowfin tuna carpaccio. The restaurant also serves a traditional afternoon tea with a selection of savouries and pastries.

Pro tip:

The venue operates a smart-casual dress code; smart trousers or denim are suitable, while sportswear is discouraged.

Entertaining things to do in Edinburgh

11. Watch some theatrical productions at the Edinburgh Playhouse

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Website

Contact details: + 44 333 009 5399

Operating hours: Varies by performance

Price: ££

Opened in 1929, the Edinburgh Playhouse is the UK's largest working theatre by seating capacity. The venue hosts major touring West End musicals, drama productions, and concerts. The vast auditorium provides clear views of the stage from the stalls and circle levels. The building's history is also accompanied by local folklore, including the legendary theater ghost, Albert.

Pro tip:

An ATG+ membership offers benefits such as priority booking, ticket discounts, and exemption from booking fees.

12. Laugh your heart out at The Stand Comedy Club

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Website

Contact details: +44 131 558 7272

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 12 am

Price: £

The Stand Comedy Club is a renowned Edinburgh institution located in a basement on York Place, offering a cozy cabaret-style venue. The club presents live comedy seven nights a week, showcasing a mix of established comedians, touring acts, and new talent. On Sundays, the club hosts popular free improv comedy shows.

Pro tip:

The weekly 'Red Raw' night offers a cost-effective way to watch new comedic talent testing material, with tickets priced at £2.

13. Enjoy an orchestra music at the Usher Hall

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Website

Contact details: +44 131 228 1155

Operating hours: Varies by performance

Price: ££

The Usher Hall is Scotland's premier classical concert hall, celebrated for its superb acoustics and grand interior. In addition to classical and orchestral performances featuring its historic pipe organ, the venue hosts rock, pop, and jazz concerts, alongside comedy performances.

Pro tip:

Art and history enthusiasts can inspect a selection of paintings on loan from the City Art Centre displayed throughout the hall's foyers.

14. Get your freaks on at the Frankenstein Bar

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Website

Contact details: +44 131 622 1818

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 12 pm to 12 am
• Friday to Saturday: 12 pm to 1 am
• Sunday: 12 pm to 12 am

Price: ££

Frankenstein is a themed bar housed in a converted 19th-century church, featuring horror-themed decor, stained-glass windows, and flickering props. A key attraction is the life-sized animatronic monster that descends from the ceiling during scheduled shows. The venue serves as a busy hub during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, hosting live comedy and performance art.

Pro tip:

The house-branded Frankenstein Pilsner is available exclusively on tap.

15. Listen to some live music at The Voodoo Rooms

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Website

Contact details: +44 131 556 7060

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 5 pm to 1 am
• Friday: 3 pm to 1 am
• Saturday: 1 pm to 1 am
• Sunday: 4 pm to 1 am

Price: ££

The Voodoo Rooms is an award-winning bar and live music venue featuring elaborate gold-accented Victorian interiors. The venue hosts regular live music gigs, cabaret shows, and comedy nights across its various spaces, including the Speakeasy and the ballroom. During the Fringe Festival, the bar operates as a key performance hub.

Pro tip:

The venue offers multiple spaces for private hire, including the ballroom and Speakeasy, which can be reserved individually or combined for larger functions.