After London, Edinburgh is the second most visited city in the UK. Visit Edinburgh and explore its medieval, cobbled old town which is filled with surprises that will ensure you fall in love with this beautiful, historic city.

When I was travelling across Southeast Asia, I met many other European travelers. Whenever I began conversations with new people, the same questions were always asked: where am I from, how long have I been travelling, where have I been so far?

One thing that shocked my fellow travellers was when I told them I had never visited Scotland. They couldn’t believe it! How could I live in England my whole life and never visit Scotland? I couldn’t really give a good answer. Maybe a traveller always looks afar and forgets about what is on the doorstep. It was time to visit Scotland.

Megabus To Edinburgh

Initially, I only expected to visit Edinburgh and Glasgow. I looked at train tickets from Sheffield to Edinburgh only to discover that they were a whopping £150! Luckily, Megabus had coaches for just £20. I immediately booked the ticket. I was on my way to Scotland! Click here to search for a Megabus.

Where To Stay In Edinburgh?

Things To Do In Edinburgh

Travellers may flock to the obvious attractions of Edinburgh Castle and the excellent (and free) Museum of Scotland but there are also some lesser known, quirky museums in Edinburgh. It is a city that has something for everyone. Instagrammers will have no shortage of places to visit to get that perfect shot. Check out this page to find the ultimate Edinburgh instagram locations.

Calton Hill

There are many monuments to discover on top of Calton Hill but the real highlight is the views. Looking out to the north, you can see across to the coast. Turn to the southern side and you are looking out towards snow-covered mountains. Map.

Castello Coffee

Located in the new town, Castello Coffee is a small but charming coffee shop. The coffee is excellent and on a nice day you can sit outside and watch the world go by. Map.

Dean Village

Dean Village is only a 15 minutes walk from the centre of Edinburgh but the area could not be more different. It has the charm of a country village: tranquil streams, cobbled streets and old buildings. I had no idea what to expect and imagined I’d be the only tourist here but on arrival I saw quite a few people who had come equipped with fancy cameras. It is very scenic. I took the riverside Leith walkway to take me back towards the city centre. Map.

Eat Haggis

If you’re coming from the USA, then this is the only chance you might get to try Scotland’s national dish, haggis, as it has been banned in the US since 1971 for containing sheep’s lung. Lung, heart and liver is mixed with oatmeal and spices and encased in the animal’s stomach. Tempted? You should definitely try it at least once. Often served with ‘neeps and tatties’ (turnip and potato), you can find haggis in fish and chip shops, cafes, gourmet restaurants and supermarkets. The nearest thing I can compare it to would be black pudding but the texture is different.

Edinburgh Castle

Located at the top of the Edinburgh Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle is the city’s number one tourist destination. I gave it a miss as the £17 price tag put me off. You can get up to the castle to take photos but in my opinion the best views are from below, from either Princes Street or Grassmarket. Map.

Edinburgh Castle Opening Times: 10 am – 4 pm, every day (1 Oct – 31 Mar). 9.30 am – 6 pm, every day (1 Apr – 30 Sep).
Click here for Edinburgh Castleticket information.

Free Walking Tour Edinburgh

There are many free walking tours to choose from, mostly meeting on the Royal Mile. My hostel decided at the last minute it wasn’t running the tour I was going to attend but I found ‘Sandemans’ offered tours at various points during the day. It was fun and informative. I always enjoy free walking tours as they offer more of an insight into the city’s history and culture.

Visit https://www.neweuropetours.eu/sandemans-tours/edinburgh/free-tour-of-edinburgh/ for more information and booking details.

Grassmarket

A popular area just beneath the castle. Location of the city’s gallows where many people were hanged for various ‘crimes’. Now, it is home to many bars and restaurants, often with names relating to the area’s dark past. Map.

Greyfriars Bobby

Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye terrier who became known to locals for guarding the grave of his master for 14 years. Both Bobby and his master are buried in the Greyfriars Kirkyard. Upon leaving the Kirkyard form the exit nearest Bobby’s grave, you will find a monument to Bobby as well as a bar, cafe and even a kebab shop bearing his name. Map.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Church yard adjacent to the old city walls and resting place of Edinburgh’s famous dog ‘Bobby’. The church was the burial site for plague victims. It is thought that approximately 200,000 people were buried here in layers meaning the whole site is one big mass grave. You might even spot a bone sticking out of the ground. The graveyard is a definite must-visit. Map.

Leith

Leith is the small port town of Edinburgh. It is easily accessible by buses that run regularly. I got there on foot and it took just over half an hour. It’s probably best known for the ‘Royal Yacht Britannia’ (map) but as I have absolutely no interest in the royal family, I didn’t bother with that. Instead, I just walked around the town which is quite pretty but there isn’t a great deal to do.

I began the day with a coffee at ‘Spilt Milk’ (map) which is a cool coffee shop which is popular with alternative types as there are music teachers in the downstairs area. I saw many musicians coming in for their lessons. The staff was friendly and the coffee was good.

I then headed towards the royal yacht passing some interesting street art along the way.

Entrance to the royal yacht is via a shopping mall and it costs £17. You can’t even get up to take a photo of the boat. Unless you are into royalty, skip this entirely.

I spent around an hour exploring Leith. Parts are quite pretty and there are some nice looking restaurants so you could definitely make an afternoon of it.

Mosque Kitchen

Located near the City Mosque is this buffet style curry restaurant. They have a number of curries available and many vegetarian options. It is reasonably priced for Edinburgh (lamb curry and rice was only £7). The food was good and not overly spicy. If you are on a budget and eating at the hostel, like I was, this is a good place to treat yourself. Map.

Museum Of Childhood

An interesting museum; it seems to be confused as to who its target audience is. There are costumes for young children to dress up in but the displays are more for adults as they discuss the importance of childhood and how it has changed over the years. Hardly the stuff children would be interested in. On the upper floors, there are toys and games from the past. Map.

Museum Of Childhood Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm, Thu – Sat & Mon. 12 pm – 5 pm, Sunday.
Museum Of Childhood Entrance Fee: Free admission (donations welcome).

Museum Of Edinburgh

Learn about the city’s social and industrial history in this interesting museum located on the Royal Mile. If you like the story of Greyfriar’s Bobby, visit here to see his collar and food bowl. Map.

Museum Of Edinburgh Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm, Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat. 10 am – 5 pm, Sun.
Museum Of Edinburgh Entrance Fee: Free admission (donations welcome).

Music Museum

Located in St Cecilia’s Hall, an 18th century concert hall, the music museum has some wonderful old keyboard instruments, some of which you can play. There is also a Yamaha piano that you can play. I loved being able to see and hear these wonderful old instruments. Map.

Music Museum, St Cecilia’s Hall Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm, Tues- Sat.
Music Museum, St Cecilia’s Hall Entrance Fee: Free admission.

National Museum Of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is a huge, bright museum over three floors showcasing Scottish industry, culture and history and other collections showing natural history, technology and world culture. They also have temporary exhibitions throughout the year. You could easily spend a whole day in here. Young and old will find the collections fun and interesting. It is one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh. Map.

Click here for opening times, tickets and other information.

Oink Scottish Hog Roast

I spotted Oink in at least 3 locations around the city. The first time I went, I had the small and it was VERY small. On my second visit, I went for the large and it was VERY large. Medium might be the best bet. The pork is delicious and, though they are a bit tight with the crackling, I would definitely recommend you give them a try. A choice of sauces, stuffings and breads are available.

Old Calton Cemetery

Burial place to many notable Scots, this small cemetery is located opposite the entrance to Calton Hill. Map.

Parish Church Of St Cuthbert

Located at the west end of Princes Street Gardens, the Parish Church of St Cuthbert is an impressive 19th century church with Byzantine fittings and ornate stained glass windows. I was lucky to catch the organist practicing when I visited.

People’s Story Museum

Housed in a 16th century toll booth on the Edinburgh Royal Mile, this social history museum tells the story of city life in Edinburgh since the 1700s. It is free admission and is a charming, quaint museum in which you can learn about the struggles of the Scottish people. Map.

Clilck here for opening times and further information.

Princes Street Gardens

Facing the new town and offering great views up to the castle, Princes Street Gardens is a pretty park in the centre of Edinburgh. There are many monuments in the park and an impressive water fountain. Map.

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile runs right through the heart of the old town, from the castle all the way down to Holyroodhouse Palace. It is filled with restaurants, bars, museums, shops and historical buildings. Map.

Be sure to explore some of the ‘close’ courtyards of Edinburgh. There are some interesting places to be found.

Scott Monument

This was one of the first iconic buildings I saw upon arrival in the city. This spire-like Victorian memorial was built in honour of the writer Walter Scott. You can climb the steps to the top but I passed as it actually cost money 🙂 You can see views over the city for free in many other places.

Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament Building is open to the public and you can book free tours. I missed this but was still able to have a quick look around inside. The building is strikingly modern and in complete contrast to the surrounding area. Map.

Scottish Parliament Opening Times: 9 am – 6.30 pm, Mon, Wed & Thu. 10 am – 5 pm, Fri, Sat & Mon.

St Giles’ Cathedral

This huge, gothic cathedral stands on the Royal Mile. It is free to enter so don’t be put off by the donations request. They do ask for £2 if you want to take photos but the building is at its most impressive from the outside. There is a lot of history attached to this area which is best discovered by taking a free walking tour. Map.

St John’s Church

Located at the most western point of Princes Street Garden, St John’s Church offers a calming contrast to the busy street junction which it overlooks. However impressive it is from the outside, you must take a look inside to appreciate its full beauty. Map.

St Mary’s Cathedral

Before I came to Edinburgh, I had a list of places to see ‘starred’ on my Google Maps. There were lots of religious buildings. I am by no means a religious man but I do enjoy interesting buildings. They are also a good way to explore different areas in cities. Remember, it’s the journey and not the destination. I was heading to Dean’s Village when I turned a corner and saw St Mary’s Cathedral. This was not on my list of places to see. I couldn’t believe that none of my research brought up this place as it is easily the most impressive of all the cathedrals in the city. The sheer size of it is breathtaking. It’s a little out of the city centre (10 minutes or so walking) which is why it might be overlooked. It is definitely worth the effort. Map.

Tolbooth Kirk

Visible from most of Edinburgh, this old gothic church is located on the Royal Mile, just before the castle. It makes for great Instagram photos. Map.

Writer’s Museum

Based in a wonderful 17th century house, the Writer’s Museum contains manuscripts and personal items of famous Scottish writers Burns, Scott and Stevenson. The staff are elderly and very passionate about their work. Map.

Writer’s Museum Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm, Wed – Sat. 12 pm – 5 pm, Sun.
Writer’s Museum Entrance Fee: Free admission (donations welcome).

Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting?

Well, I finally made it to Scotland and I have to say, I fell in love with Edinburgh almost immediately. There is so much to do here and the city itself is beautiful. I didn’t visit Edinburgh Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the opposite ends of the Royal Mile and I still found plenty of stuff to do to fill my time. I enjoyed just walking the streets and soaking up the atmosphere. The people are friendly and I always felt welcome. Edinburgh is simply a must visit if you are travelling to Scotland.

For more information, visit edinburgh.org/