Edinburgh is a treasure box where iconic monuments, cultural history, gothic and medieval architectures and scenic landscapes are locked in. The city’s charm and magic draws people here. The capital city is a tapestry of medieval history and rich culture. You will find so many exciting things to do in Edinburgh that you will be left captivated. A cauldron of great Scottish culinary and magical fairytale landscapes, Edinburgh is a dream destination for all wanderers, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
In Edinburgh there are a lot of things you can do and still not get tired of its beauty. Walking down the streets and admiring the medieval architecture, you will feel like you have travelled back in time. The gardens, parks, riversides and gothic style buildings will make you believe that you are in a mystical land, lost in woods with your magical wand.
Some exciting things to do in Edinburgh are listed below:
1. Visit the Edinburgh Castle
Standing tall since the Iron Age, Edinburgh castle serves the majority of Scottish history. It stands as a testament to Scottish heritage, being a land that has seen many Scottish conflicts, royal events and legends. The castle now is a popular attraction for visitors displaying its royal treasures.
People come here to cherish the architecture and see the Scottish Crown Jewels, including the Stone of Destiny. Visiting the National War Museum, you can get insights about Scotland’s military through the artefacts and exhibitions. A popular ritual called the One O’Clock Gun still takes place here to keep the 1861 tradition alive. The gun is fired daily except on Sundays.
2. Wander through Dean Village
Dean Village has such a fairytale vibe to it that you might feel like a movie character. You can get lost in its beauty and what to speak about the riverside, Leith Walkaway. The Wells Court and Dean Bridge are perfect places to escape to. The whole village maintains peace and tranquility and admirers can pause and look at the beauty of old mill buildings and cottages.
The walkable village connects to many cafes, boutiques and attractions like Stockbridge where you can enjoy shopping and dining experiences. The low key atmosphere is what stands out here, giving you a moment to be still or lose yourself in hindsight and nostalgia. This picturesque village is definitely worth your mornings or afternoons.
3. Hike at Arthur’s seat
How would it feel to know that the place you’re hiking at is an extinct volcano? Well, head to Arthur’s seat to get to know about that experience. All adventure seekers and hikers must attempt to hike in this summit and explore the Holyrood Park and enjoy the view of the entire city.
It is a surreal experience to hike within a capital city but that is what Edinburgh is all about – wonder and magic. You must carry all your hiking essentials as you may be hit by the dramatic Edinburgh weather. It is always better to be prepared for it rather than regretting later and spoiling your trip.
4. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh is heaven for all plant lovers. You will be left amazed with the vast collection of plant species and exceptionally beautiful glasshouses and arboretum. The majestic themed zones like Rock Garden, Chinese Hill, The John Hope Gateway and Inverleith House will completely blow your mind.
Plant lovers should not miss the experience of gaining knowledge about flora and fauna by wandering though the gardens and getting insights about garden’s history. You can take guided tours too if you are invested in knowing the history and specific details about the plant collections. Royal Botanic Garden makes up for a perfect spot to visit with your girlfriends or family.
5. Take Harry Potter Guided Tours
This is what a real deal is. All Harry Potter fans and literature enthusiasts must rejoice knowing that you can take several Harry Potter guided tours in Edinburgh. Isn’t it a wonderful thing to know that you can see places that inspired major books and characters written by JK Rowling?
There are lots of exciting things for you to do like taking up Harry Potter quizzes, testing your knowledge around them, get your Hogwarts House, visit Tom Riddle’s grave and see the inspiration for Diagon Alley by visiting Victoria Street. With such tours you can get a chance to step into the mystical and magical world created by Rowling.
6. Discover Underground Vaults and Take Graveyard Tours
Are you someone who loves challenges and takes pleasure in discovering the unknown? Then exploring the underground vaults and taking graveyard tours in Edinburgh will be exciting for you. The place holds haunted stories of witches and criminals and often are witness to paranormal activities. If you have a strong heart then you can take on the City of the Dead Tour and Edinburgh vault tours and find yourself in a daunting environment.
The popular Greyfriars Kirkyard tour can be a spooky experience when you are surrounded by graveyards and stories of criminals. Here you can also find the graveyard of Tom Riddle. The whole experience revolves around haunting storytelling based on real life events. This is a must do activity when in Edinburgh.
7. Explore Calton Hill
Being in Edinburgh and not visiting Calton Hill is an offense. You have to get there in time and not miss the joyful experience of watching a sunset. Reserving your evenings for a little tour around Calton Hill is an evening well spent.
How can you miss seeing the historic monuments that Calton Hill is dotted with and those that made them earn a nickname as Edinburgh’s Athens. You can explore the National Monument and City observatory and Gallery for an undying experience.
Conclusion
Edinburgh is a beautiful place and the heart of Scotland. There are lots of things to do in Edinburgh, and we have listed a few in this article. From exploring fairytale landscapes like Dean Village and Edinburgh Castle to transporting to a haunted world of Graveyards and paranoia, Edinburgh is a spectrum of hidden gems. The gorgeous city is a blend of medieval and modern charm, leaving people enchanted. You can find so many picturesque places which will make for perfect photography shots with the landscape adding the aesthetic appeal themselves.
