25 Best things to see & do in Edinburgh

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

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

Edinburgh’s impressive hilltop castle, with bags of history and a bird’s-eye view over the capital. The complex includes the National War Museum.

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

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.

Scotland’s history, culture, art and design, science and technology – under one state-of-the-art roof. Special exhibits include the story of Mary Queen of Scots and Dolly the sheep.

One of the most famous ships in the world, this luxury yacht turned museum served the British Monarchy for over 44 years in multiple capacities, from official state visits to family holidays.

Peek into the life of the monarchy, past and present, at this ancient royal residence – once the home of Mary Queen of Scots.

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

Head to North Berwick for brilliant wildlife boat tours, including visits to the imposing Bass Rock and its famous colony of gannets.

Part of the Holyroodhouse complex, this art gallery exhibits a rotating collection of works from the Royal Collection. It’s one of 13 venues that showcase the largest private art collection in the world. Open daily.

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.

An enjoyable, one-hour, hilltop climb rewarded by panoramic views of the city and beyond.

Housed inside Edinburgh Castle, this free museum gives an insight into the Scots’ warring relationship with the English, the difference between Highland and Lowland soldiers and an overview of 300 years of military history.

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.

A tranquil haven, this bucolic 70-acre site was established in the 17th century, with highlights including the striking state-of-the-art visitor centre, Chinese Hillside and Victorian Palm Houses.

Grand, neoclassical Modern One, and Modern Two opposite – once a 19th-century orphanage – showcase an impressive permanent collection, changing exhibitions and Moore and Hepworth-studded sculpture park.

In the shadow of the castle, the original farmer’s market has jauntily striped stalls stocked with sauerkraut, smoked salmon and Arbroath Smokies. Held every Saturday from 9am-2pm, 3 mins walk from Edinburgh Castle.

Every Sunday, a pretty corner of this Edinburgh neighbourhood is home to a weekly artisan producer market of around 50 stalls, selling hot food, local produce and hand-made treats. Stockbridge is worth a visit too, with vintage shops and quirky cafes.

A contemporary sculpture park, in the grounds of gracious Bonnington House, on the edge of Edinburgh is peppered with works by Charles Jencks, Cornelia Parker, Antony Gormley and Anish Kapoor.

Put on the map by Dan Brown’s novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’ this elaborately carved 15th-century chapel, just outside Edinburgh, is linked to the legend of the Holy Grail.

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.

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.

This artisan cheesemonger has been a stalwart on the Edinburgh food scene for almost 30 years. They’ve now opened a ‘Cheese Lounge’ at the back of the Morningside store where you can sample the signature cheeseboard and other cheesy dishes.

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.