25 Best things to see & do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s culinary scene, the best in Scotland, is an exciting mix of rustic field-to-fork eateries, glitzy Michelin-starred restaurants and earthy farmers’ markets.

The world’s largest arts festival – four festivals in one – turns Scotland’s conservative capital into a show-stopping prima donna.

An underground yomp through the darkest episodes in the city’s history, including the story of body-snatchers Burke & Hare, a torture chamber and the Grassmarket Gallows – a re-creation of when Edinburgh’s central square was famous for its hangings.

A military band and thundering cannon spectacular, set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

This micro-chocolate factory in the city centre offers 90-minute introduction tours to all aspects of chocolate-making, and you get you create your own bar to take away. There are also truffle-making masterclasses, and a unique chocolate and Scottish whisky experience that pairs artisan chocolates with single malts.

Deep beneath the Royal Mile, a cast of characters weaves gritty tales of medieval life around a perfectly preserved 17th-century street.

The world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery, one of the highlights of this neo-Gothic palace is the Great Hall decorated with an ornate frieze of famous Scottish figures.

This hidden gem in the medieval Old Town is a treasure trove of artifacts and manuscripts belonging to three of Scotland’s most famous writers; Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.

The city’s oldest purpose-built tourist attraction, at the top of the Royal Mile, is a unique experience that offers entertaining and educational presentations on optics and illusions. The main highlight is a rooftop chamber with a large periscope-like device that projects live, real-time images of the city onto a viewing table.

Disneyland-style mock distillery tour, with a glimpse of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collection.