Things to do in Edinburgh

Holyrood Palace

Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Explore the Palace’s close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.

You can find out more information and book tickets here: Palace of Holyroodhouse

Writers Museum

The Writers’ Museum celebrates the lives of three giants of Scottish Literature – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Home to portraits, rare books and personal objects including Burns’ writing desk, the printing press on which Scott’s Waverley Novels were first produced, and the rocking horse he used as a child. They have Robert Louis Stevenson’s riding boots and the ring given to him by a Samoan chief, engraved with the name ‘Tusitala’, meaning ‘teller of tales’. There is also a plaster cast of Robert Burns’ skull, one of only three ever made.

This free museum is easy to locate just off the Lawnmarket, the top part of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, in Lady Stair’s Close.

You can find out more information and book tickets here: The Writers’ Museum | Museums and Galleries Edinburgh

National Galleries of Scotland

Home to world-class international and Scottish art from 1300 to 1945.

Immerse yourself in this breath-taking art collection. Experience paintings by internationally renowned artists such as Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez and the Impressionists. Explore the newly opened Scottish galleries where you can encounter the very best of Scottish art from 1800 to 1945. Marvel at spectacular views over Edinburgh and discover the work of pioneering artists such as William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys.

For more information please visit: National | National Galleries of Scotland

Royal Yacht Britannia

Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia is the former royal yacht of the British monarchy. She was in their service from 1954-97. She was the 83rd such vessel since King Charles II acceded to the throne in 1660, and is the second royal yacht to bear the name, the first being the racing cutter built for the Prince of Wales in 1893. During her 43-year career, the yacht travelled more than one million nautical miles (1.9 million kilometres) around the world to more than 600 ports in 135 countries. Now retired from royal service, Britannia is permanently berthed at Ocean.

Terminal, Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it is a visitor attraction with over 300,000 visits each year.

For more information and to book tickets please visit: The Royal Yacht Britannia Official Website | Best Visitor Attraction and Exclusive Evening Events Venue in Edinburgh

Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat

Holyrood Park is a short walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile in the heart of the city. It is a 640 acre Royal Park adjacent to Holyrood Palace.

The parks highest point is Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, and sits 251m above sea level giving excellent view of the city; it is also the site of a large and well preserved fort. This is one of four hill forts dating from around 2000 years ago. With its diverse range of flora and geology it is also site of Special Scientific Interest.

Within the park you can also visit St Anthony’s Chapel – a 15th century medieval chapel, Salisbury Crags – a series of 150 foot cliff faces dominating Edinburgh’s skyline as well as Duddingston Loch – a fresh water loch rich in birdlife.

More information can be found here: Visit Holyrood Park | Lead Public Body for Scotland’s Historic Environment

Royal Botanic Garden

Just one mile from the city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers visitors peace and tranquillity amongst 72 acres of stunning scenery.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the finest botanic gardens in the world.  A pleasure for all the family, the Garden offers fantastic views of the capital’s skyline, featuring Edinburgh Castle, and is located just a mile from the city centre.  Visitors can discover its fascinating history, which dates back 350 years, learn about its plantings and walk around 72 acres of beautiful, awe-inspiring landscape.

Visitors can enjoy the serenity of the Chinese Hillside, explore the world-famous Rock Garden or stroll amongst the magnificent Giant Redwood trees in the Woodland Garden.   Plus, there are artworks to view in the Garden’s exhibition space, Inverleith House.

Admission to the Garden is FREE. You can find out more information here: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh | Home

Bus Tours

The Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off bus tour allows you to explore the city at your own pace, with multiple routes, convenient stops, and audio commentary in various languages.

There are several operators offering these tours, more information can be found here: Bus Tours in Edinburgh – Forever Edinburgh