What are the best activities to do in Edinburgh?
Romane

Créé par Romane, le 7 mai 2026

Votre guide Ryo

What are the best activities to do in Edinburgh?

© Shutterstock

Have you ever seen a capital like Edinburgh situated high up on a hill? We haven't! And that's why, in this beautiful and joyful year 2024 that's beginning, Ryo had to introduce you to this old medieval town with an electric aura. It's typically the kind of place with a royal appearance that breathes mystery and curiosity. Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the most precious places on Earth: castle, endless gardens, neoclassical buildings... And there, we're only describing the main features. If you want to know more about this region in central-eastern Scotland, follow us, we'll take you on an 'imaginary' journey through our writings... Until you go there for real!

chateau edimbourg
© Shutterstock

What to do in Edinburgh?

1. Edinburgh Castle

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: It's natural for us to put at the top of this list probably THE emblematic monument of the country and its capital: Edinburgh Castle is an immense medieval fortress that today features in the top of the world's most visited castles. And why? It welcomes more than a million visitors each year, and is situated on the legendary 'Castle Hill', it takes several hours to visit as there's so much to see! Among them: 'St Margaret's Chapel' in honor of the mother of David I, King of Scotland, which is none other than the oldest building in the entire country; and also 'The Honours of Scotland', which constitute the Crown Jewels, with a sword, crown and sceptre. We advise you to go there a little before 1 PM so as not to miss the cannon shot, faithful to punctual British time. Edinburgh Castle is open from April 1st to September 30th from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, and from October 1st to March 31st from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

2. Practice a sporting activity

sport

Category: €€/Sporting

Description: Let your little sporty, adventurous side take over, and come indulge in a game of rugby or football. If you prefer a gentler sport, you can also play a round of golf, or go hiking. It's also possible to attend matches at 'Murrayfield' stadium, which opens its doors each year to national and international rugby leagues. It's the perfect kind of activity to do in the evening with friends, isn't it? Sports enthusiasts, this will probably be your favorite activity! Matches generally take place from February to March particularly, so book your holidays well! The Scottish capital has a varied sports scene, which will suit all tastes. This will allow you to take a slight break from your cultural and historical visit, and get some exercise.

3. Stroll around the city and drink delicious Scottish whisky

whisky

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: After a sporting activity, it's good to relax a little, don't you think? Don't they say 'after the effort, the comfort'? In the evening, go for a little walk in the city to discover the villages and small stone houses, some of which are centuries old. Then, make a stop at a bar or restaurant in Edinburgh. It's here dear friends that you'll taste the best whisky of your life: pure Scottish nectar, whisky or also called 'scotch', is undoubtedly THE national drink of the country. It has a palette of flavors that generally leaves no one indifferent, and its color similar to a blazing sunset literally makes us swoon. With an alcohol content above 40°, it's partly thanks to aging in oak barrels that we get this low-calorie drink with fruity tones. A real little marvel!

4. The National Museum of Scotland

museum

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Going to Scotland means eating good food, drinking refined beverages, engaging in sporting and varied activities, but it's also about learning. And for that, you absolutely must visit the National Museum of Scotland, which is a true sanctuary of rare objects. It's nearly 10,000 jewels, weapons, and works of art that you'll find through these robust walls, open to the public every day from 10 AM to 5 PM, and located on 'Chambers Street'. Enter then, to discover the history of Scotland in depth. By crossing different eras with objects that relate the 'great periods' of these, you'll learn more about this country, emphasizing certain things that you won't find in a history textbook. Among the exhibitions to see first, we strongly advise you to go to the fourth and fifth floors, which mark an important turning point in the country's history: Scots leaving the fields to go settle in the city. A fantastic story!

5. Visit the vaults and alleys of the underground city

vaults alleys

Category: €€/Cultural/Unusual

Description: If there's an activity that stands out and defines Edinburgh well, it's indeed its darkest secret, its vaults and alleys buried in the depths of its being. In your exploration, you can explore what was once the daily life of the city's inhabitants in the Old Town. In your time travel, you'll have the opportunity to handle (with caution) authentic objects dating from around the 19th century, which were found in good condition in the vaults. Isn't that absolutely sensational? Through your guided tour, you'll better understand how people lived in the past, well before our era. This activity is ideal for those who are fascinated by history with a touch of the supernatural, it's clear you'll come out with chills all over your body: listening to captivating and terrifying stories speaking of bloody, mysterious and thrilling tales. Prepare to discover an even more fascinating side of Edinburgh.

6. An afternoon at Princes Street Gardens

street gardens

Category: Cultural

Description: To finish your stay, after having had the most beautiful frights of your life in the alleys and vaults of the city, why not spend some time in the 'Princes Street Gardens'? These dating from 1820 separate the Old Town from the New Town. This is the most emblematic urban park in Edinburgh, which can be visited at any time of year, and which offers a unique landscape each season. It's decidedly the favorite place where you should go to spend an afternoon with your family, friends, or your other half: you can spread a pretty tablecloth on the freshly cut lawn, and set up your picnic while enjoying the fresh air of Scotland. With dimensions easily reaching 150,000 square meters, you'll have all the space you need to spend an unforgettable moment! You can admire the 'Ross Fountain', erected in 1872, one of the most important places in Edinburgh. Moreover, during the end-of-year holidays, the 'Princes Street Gardens' constitute an excellent place for Christmas markets!