Edinburgh is alive. With history. With art. With entertainment. You’ll find a story intertwined with every close, street, and building. The bagpipers playing on street corners ring in the tune of her past and her present, sometimes beautiful, sometimes frightening, always wonderful. Each time we visit Edinburgh we uncover something new.
Here are our top 10 things to do in Edinburgh Scotland.
1. The Royal Mile
Sitting atop castle hill sits one of the most besieged castles in Europe. It is easy to spend at least a half day here exploring and enjoying the view of the city below. The history of Edinburgh Castle echoes that of Scotland, at it is palpable within these walls. The oldest
building in Edinburgh, St Margaret’s Chapel (1093) is housed within it walls and statues of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce greet you at the entry gate. Themed tours and recorded tours are available.
Since 1950 the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been performed just outside the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. This show, which runs nightly each August, brings together military bands from across the Commonwealth. Bagpipe fans will love the mass pipes and drums and the projections on the castle façade are a sight to behold. My favorite portion, the lone piper, who plays from the top of the castle, lit only by torch light. If you allow your eyes and imagination to wander, you can dream the crowd away, and time travel for just a moment. The theme of the show changes annually, making the Edinburgh Military Tattoo a joy to see each time we return to Edinburgh. We recommend that tickets are purchased well in advance, as they sell out quickly.
Located at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood House is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II when she is in Edinburgh. A tour here will provide insight into the life Mary Queen of Scots. The garden and ruin of Holyrood Abbey are also worth checking out.
As a photographer and lover of history we find ourselves drawn to cemeteries when we travel. So much of the culture of a people can be felt in where they lay their loved ones to rest. Greyfriars Kirkyard is beautiful, with a dark air to it. Ghost tours held here at night are not for the faint of heart, and even in the day you’ll catch the odd foreboding feeling. Edinburgh’s most famous dog, Greyfriars Bobby, is buried here and Harry Potter fans are drawn here by the grave of one, Tom Riddle, the inspiration for Lord Voldemort.
This stunning shipped served as royal Yacht to Queen Elizabeth II and her family from 1952 until it was decommissioned in 1997. A tour takes you through everything from the engine room and staff quarters to the state rooms, and private rooms of the Queen herself. This is a fantastic attraction for children and is accessed via the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, which is a great place to shop and grab a bite to eat.
Formerly known as the Scotch Whisky Heritage Museum this tour was informative for adults and children alike. You’ll ride in a barrel of whisky as you learn about the production of whisky and how it is tied to the Scottish land and people. Adults can enjoy a wee dram at the conclusion of the tour.
The Scot Monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, sits within the Princes Street Garden. There is no better place to be on a sunny Edinburgh day and the garden features some lovely food and ice cream stands. It is from here that you see Edinburgh Castle from its most recognizable vantage points. The shopping along Princes Street is another favorite thing for our whole family.
The golfers in your life will enjoy this challenging course and its scenic views. From this vantage point you can see Edinburgh, Arthurs Seat, and even the Firth of Forth. Native Gorse bushes bloom yellow throughout, shaping the course, and providing a challenge. A taxi from the city centre to Braid Hills was reasonable, as were club rentals.
Since 1927 the month of August in Edinburgh has celebrated the performing arts via the colorful Festival Fringe. From well know comedians, to opera, theatre, children’s performances, to the magic of the street performers, Fringe makes August our favorite time to be in Edinburgh. Fringe is THE catalyst for my father meeting David Hasselhoff in quite an embarrassing fashion (for both parties involved), but THAT is a story for another time.
Stay @: Where to stay in edinburgh
This stunning hotel is located in the heart of the Edinburgh city centre, right on the Royal Mile. There is no better location and many attractions are within walking distance. The rooms are very clean, and some are huge. Our spacious room was located on the top floor and included a small bonus room with a single bed, perfect for a child or adult wanting some personal space. We enjoyed the heated pool and ate at the Itchycoo Bar on a late night after the Military Tattoo.
Eat @: Where to Eat in edinburgh
Located on Candlemaker Row, this pub has a beautiful story, sure to tug at your heartstrings. Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who spent 14 years loyally guarding the grave of his owner, buried in the nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard. Upon his passing the famous pup was given a burial near his owner’s grave. The pub is dog friendly, in memory of its namesake. Be sure to visit Bobby’s statue, located directly in front of the pub.
The ambiance in this bar us unrivaled if you are a lover of classic horror films and books. Built within a 150 year old gothic church, this will be a treat for all of your senses. We recommend going earlier in the day as it is quite lively and crowded in the evening. Children are only allowed until 8pm.
You’ll love the history and charm of this 16th century pub located on the lower end of the Royal Mile. It was given its name because the city gates were once located right outside. With the ancient Flodden Wall providing safety to those within the locals understood that life outside often meant death, leading to the name “World’s End”. This iconic pub is a great stop for Outlander fans. While filming didn’t take place within the pub itself, there is mention of Jamie and Claire paying a visit.
