Top Things To Do In Edinburgh

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Tourists enjoying the views of Edinburgh below from Arthur's Seat

Top things to do in Edinburgh

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

Discover secret Edinburgh
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Edinburgh Discover secret Edinburgh

From a secret village to a roof top terrace with spectacular views of the city, your host will unlock the hidden gems you would miss on your own

$103.36 per person

3 hours

  • (88)

Explore Edinburgh's landscapes
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Edinburgh Explore Edinburgh's landscapes

Explore Edinburgh’s stunning natural surroundings from trails up Arthur’s Seat to catch sight of the city from above, to the windswept coastal paths.

$128.25 per person

4 hours

  • (95)

Day trip to south Queensferry
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Edinburgh Day trip to south Queensferry

Take a day trip from Edinburgh to this charming harbour town and explore the quaint town center full of quirky shops and independent boutiques.

$325.35 per person

8 hours

  • (81)

Edinburgh whisky experience
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Edinburgh Edinburgh whisky experience

Stroll through the historic Old Town with a fellow whisky-lover, stopping to try four whiskies from Scotland’s major whisky-producing regions.

$153.23 per person

3 hours

  • (59)

Edinburgh Your Way: A Personalized 4-Hour Exploration
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Edinburgh Edinburgh Your Way: A Personalized 4-Hour Exploration

A four-hour private walk tailored to your pace and interests, blending historic streets, skyline views, and quieter local corners.

$128.25 per person

4 hours

  • (135)

A night in Edinburgh with a local
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Edinburgh A night in Edinburgh with a local

Explore beautiful Edinburgh after dark, guided by your host! From walking along the Royal Mile to mingling with the locals at a bar, it's up to you!

$148.5 per person

4 hours

  • (84)

Edinburgh arts and culture experience
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Suggested product owner City Unscripted Original

Edinburgh Edinburgh arts and culture experience

Explore the internationally renowned arts scene in Edinburgh and immerse yourself in its rich culture with an art-savvy host.

$102.6 per person

3 hours

  • (77)

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Tourists enjoying the views of Edinburgh below from Arthur's Seat

Wondering what to do in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is so perfectly intertwined with its landscape that it seems to have sprouted naturally from the ground. Draped elegantly across undulated hills and overlooking the sparkling sea, the Scottish capital shows off without even trying. In this stunning cityscape that demands exploration, amazing things to do in Edinburgh are around every cobbled corner. Whether you’re the type of traveler who wants to marvel at one architectural feat after the other, taste the very best of Scotland’s humble toasties and haggis, or soak up the city’s centuries-old high culture, art, and literature, the things to do in Edinburgh will keep you coming back for more.

Meet some of our Edinburgh local hosts

A tourist taking photos of Edinburgh's cityscape from the top of Arthur's Seat

A stunning cityscape

Few places in the world are as beautiful as Edinburgh. The Scottish capital’s charm isn’t just owing to its picturesque jumble of historic buildings, but to the gorgeous natural landscape it’s sprouted from. The things to do in Edinburgh spotlight just how lovely the city is. Razor-thin cobblestone alleys wind between breathtaking Gothic architecture and towering spires, and lamplit streets lined by medieval tenements exist under the watchful eye of a 900-year-old castle perched atop an extinct volcano. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into the pages of a storybook.

Tourists walking along Victoria Street in Edinburgh with a local guide

Art for the ages

The art and culture scene in the city is ripe for exploration – many things to do in Edinburgh reveal a city that inspires creativity in all its forms. You could visit contemporary spaces like the Ingleby Gallery, or simply stroll the streets of Leith and discover its renowned street art scene. Edinburgh is also a literary icon, and its storytelling heritage is tangible in the Old Town, where you could explore the Scottish Storytelling Centre and look out for poems inscribed into the pavements. Whatever you decide, the things to do in Edinburgh will surprise and delight all lovers of art.

Tourists enjoying al fresco dining at a Scottish pub in Edinburgh with a local guide

The best of Scottish food

There’s no better place to indulge in authentic Scottish cuisine than right here in its capital city – and, luckily, some of the most memorable things to do in Edinburgh involve food in one way or another. The cuisine is hearty, homely, and incredibly delicious – perfect for those atmospheric rainy days the city is so famous for. From cozy cafés serving shortbread or scones slivers of salmon at a local market, Scottish food can’t help but make you feel good. Of course, one of the best things to do in Edinburgh is tasting its iconic haggis, washed down with a dram of single malt whisky.

Edinburgh travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Edinburgh and around the world recommended by our local hosts

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Latest reviews from our guests

    We had a wonderful tour with Colin who was a wonderful guide and very helpful! We loved all of it!! Thank you.

    22 July 2026

    Juliana B

    We really enjoyed our time with Jill. She knew we had been to Edinburgh before and detailed a tour that included hidden pockets of history within the Royal mile as well as other features on Princess Street and The Potrait Gallery and ending at the Sir Walter Scott Memorial. Jill was well informed and very pleasant to be with.

    16 July 2026

    Kim D

    We had a wonderful time on our walking tour with James. He was a fantastic guide and brought Edinburgh’s Old Town to life with great stories, local history, and interesting details about the streets, architecture, and hidden gems. As a bonus, we happened to be on the Royal Mile when the Scottish Crown was being driven down to Holyrood so the King could open Parliament, which made the experience even more memorable. The tour was engaging, well-paced, and a really enjoyable way to experience the city. We would highly recommend James to anyone visiting Edinburgh!

    7 July 2026

    Angela B

    James was an experienced and knowledgeable guide. We learned a lot and he answered all questions. Highly recommend!

    5 July 2026

    Maureen H

See more reviews

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