Edinburgh

Rising above medieval streets and set among volcanic hills, Scotland’s capital is made for exploring. Wander the narrow closes, admire the castle-crowned skyline and climb Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking views. From the colourful shopfronts of Victoria Street and the tranquil charm of Dean Village to the elegant Georgian streets of the New Town, every corner reveals a different side of the city. Explore world-class museums and galleries, discover acclaimed restaurants and cosy pubs, and experience the festivals that fill the city with energy throughout the year.  

And yet the place establishes an interest in people’s hearts; go where they will, they find no city of the same distinction

Robert Louis Stevenson

Be inspired by iconic castles and historic landmarks, inspiring museums, cultural treasures, lively evenings and unique local finds. Find your rhythm among the stories, places and moments that bring Scotland’s capital to life. 

Castles, palaces & history  

Imagine the grandeur of Scotland's royal coronations as you stand before the Crown Jewels of Scotland at Edinburgh Castle. Follow royal footsteps through the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the story of Mary Queen of Scots still echoes, then venture beyond the city centre to discover the ivy-clad ruins of Craigmillar Castle or the elegant rooms of Lauriston Castle overlooking the Firth of Forth. 

Step into Edinburgh’s past 

Arts, culture & creative gems  

From world-famous collections to cutting-edge exhibitions, Edinburgh is a city that inspires creativity. Admire iconic paintings at the Scottish National Gallery, lose yourself among the colours, brushstrokes and stories at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and discover thought-provoking photography at Stills and new creative perspectives at Fruitmarket Gallery. 

Explore Edinburgh’s creative spirit  

Must-see museums 

Feed your curiosity at the National Museum of Scotland, packed with ancient treasures, natural wonders and remarkable scientific breakthroughs, including Dolly the Sheep. Feel a shiver as you uncover the darker side of medicine at Surgeons’ Hall Museums, before stepping into the literary world of Scotland’s greatest writers at the Writers’ Museum and experiencing the creaking rooms and 17th-century atmosphere of Gladstone’s Land. 

Find wonder in every collection 

Shopping & local finds 

Find unique Scottish treasures in Edinburgh’s independent shops, from the colourful lanes of Victoria Street and boutiques of Stockbridge to the stylish St James Quarter and Multrees Walk. Browse artisan crafts, whisky, tartan, books and local designs, discover independent makers in Leith, or explore the city’s shopping centres and creative retail spaces. 

Browse Edinburgh’s boutiques and markets 

Family-friendly activities

Picture yourself climbing 272 steps to the top of the Scott Monument, feeling the excitement build as Edinburgh’s skyline opens out below you. See the world in a whole new way at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, journey through billions of years of our planet’s story at Dynamic Earth, before seeing the fascinating animals at Edinburgh Zoo. At the City Art Centre, unleash your creativity through colourful exhibitions, or settle in at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, where Scotland’s myths, legends and stories are brought to life. 

A weekend of family fun in Edinburgh 

A weekend in Edinburgh itinerary

From wandering beneath the glass domes of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, to discovering the flavours, craft and stories behind Scotland’s whisky at the Edinburgh Whisky Experience, uncover the many sides of the capital. Lose yourself among the independent shops, artisan food spots and welcoming cafés of Stockbridge, enjoy the energy of St James Quarter, and watch Edinburgh’s rooftops, monuments and hills stretch out before you from the summit of Calton Hill. 

3 days in Edinburgh 

Step into the world of Harry Potter

Discover Edinburgh’s magical side and follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter, where windings closes, hidden corners and historic landmarks feel like they belong in a world of spells and potions. Wander through Greyfriars Kirkyard, with familiar names said to have inspired elements of the stories. Visit The Elephant House café, where JK Rowling wrote some early chapters, and immerse yourself in Harry Potter-inspired experiences at the Department of Magic, with two escape rooms and cocktail-inspired potion-making classes.

The ultimate Harry Potter guide to Edinburgh 

Wander the highlights of Edinburgh

For a fresh perspective of Edinburgh, explore the city’s scenic side on foot. Feel the breeze as you climb Calton Hill for sweeping views across the Old Town, Arthur’s Seat and the city skyline, or wander the grassy slopes of Blackford Hill as wide-open views stretch towards the Pentland Hills. At Corstorphine Hill, wander through woodland trails with birdsong, ancient trees and quiet paths, or explore the leafy paths of the Water of Leith that make the city feel worlds away. 

Best walks in Edinburgh