The Best Ways To Explore Edinburgh
With its incredible medieval architecture, unique history, seaside location and vibrant cultural scene, Edinburgh is the ideal city for travellers who enjoy a little bit of everything.
As an incredible base to your Scottish adventure, you’ll be able to find and experience everything in which Scotland is renowned for within the streets of the capital, whether it’s enjoying a Scotch whisky, revelling in the music of a busking bagpiper, or exploring the likes of it’s prominent 11th century castle.
One of our favourite cities in the world, and the one we also like to think of as our personal home base, we’ve put together the best ways to explore Edinburgh, no matter the time of the year.
1. Get Lost within Old and New Town
The majestic St. Giles Cathedral, situated on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile
One of the six Scottish UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns are no doubt the highlight of the city.
The Old Town, dominated by the iconic Edinburgh castle, truly feels like taking a step back in time, with much of its medieval architecture well preserved. Walk up the famous Royal Mile from Holyrood to the castle and explore the various closes and alleyways that meander off the main cobblestoned street. Lunch on a patio in Grassmarket, drop in to St. Giles Cathedral or drop into one of the classical pubs for a pint.
On the other side of Princes Street Gardens, New Town is renowned for its elegant 18th century Georgian architecture, housing luxury hotels, hidden cocktail lounges, brand stores and boutiques. Wander down the picturesque Rose Street or bustling Princes, and head to George Street to have a drink or to grab a meal within one of it’s swanky restaurants (The Dome in particular is an entire experience, and particularly stunning around the holiday season).
Film Buff? Head Here….
Edinburgh’s Old Town has been used as the inspiration and set for a few iconic films. Avengers fans can relive the Wanda and Vision fight scene in Infinity War that takes place on the Royal Mile and Cockburn Street. Harry Potter fans have also flocked to the city over the years, the vibrantly coloured Victoria Street sometimes being referred to as the living Diagon Alley, and many locations around this area claim to be early inspiration for JK Rowling.
2. Enjoy the green spaces
Whether it’s a hike up to Arthur’s Seat, prominent on Edinburgh’s skyline, enjoying some drinks with friends in the Meadows, listening to live music within Princes Street Gardens, dipping into the beach at Portobello, or sailing out into the North Sea via South Queensferry, there are so many areas of the city that offer great outdoor spaces for whatever you’re into.
If you’re keen to stay within greater Edinburgh but want a bit of relief from the bustle of the city, plan a hillwalk out into the Pentland Hills Regional Park, locally referred to as just ‘the Pentlands’. Located Southwest of the city’s core, it’s full of wide open green spaces and interconnected routes. It’s worth mentioning that if you’re new to Scotland and planning a hillwalk, make sure to layer up as the weather is unpredictable, pack enough provisions, communicate your plans with a family member or friend, and pack out what you pack in.
3. Take part in festival season
Edinburgh is home to many festivals throughout the year, the most renowned of which is the Fringe Festival that takes over the city every August. The Fringe is the world’s largest art festival and throughout the month hundreds of theatre, comedy, cabaret, musicals, spoken word and exhibition events pop up all over the capital (Watch this space if you want to learn more about The Fringe, as we’ll be putting a guide together for it before August).
The Fringe is held in conjunction with the International Festival, International Book Festival and also hosts the likes of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Visiting Edinburgh in August means you are coming to take part in the festival (aka don’t come to the city in August if you don’t want to as the events are impossible to avoid), and many people flock to the city from all over the world to partake in the festivities.
Other notable festivals and events throughout the year include Hogmanay, which is one of the most notable New Year celebrations within the greater UK, the Christmas Markets which adorn Princes Street Gardens every holiday season, and various concert series which occur all over the city at various times of the year (although the summer series in the gardens is among the most notable).
4. Discover the history behind the city
If you’re keen to find out more about the history of Auld Reekie, including why the capital used to be referred to as such, there are plenty of opportunities.
Consider heading on a tour of the underground vaults that lay below the streets of Old Town, including the story behind Mary King’s Close. The Royal Mile is also where you can get a keen sense of the royal history of Scotland, Edinburgh being the prominent seat for many Scottish kings and queens throughout the centuries. Their mark can be seen throughout the city centre, and beyond, starting at Holyrood and ending at the castle (home to the crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, the latter proving that Edinburgh’s history reads like some awesome fantasy fiction novel).
Also consider heading into one of Edinburgh’s museums, there is an entire wing dedicated to Scottish history in the National Museum of Scotland, among all of the other amazing exhibits that feature art and artefacts from all over the world. There is the Writers’ Museum, if you want to know more about the famous writers who immortalise Scotland’s history through their poetry and prose (Robert Burns, Walter Scott), or if you’re more into Scotland’s bloody and tumultuous war history, consider the National War Museum within the Castle that chronicles Scotland’s part in the wars throughout the last millennium.
5. Explore the various neighbourhoods that surround the city centre
Like many cities, Edinburgh is known for its tapestry of neighbourhoods, each offering something different than the next. Although Old Town and New Town offer distinct charms, there are so many other neighbourhoods that are worth a visit.
The picturesque Dean’s Village on the Water of Leith
Find out which neighbourhood speaks the most to your personality or what you’re looking for out of your time in the city, and spend an afternoon or few days getting to know it. Here are a few ideas:
If you’re a foodie, head to the hip port district of Leith, where there is the highest concentration of Michelin starred restaurants in the city.
If you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back, head to the beachside suburb of Portobello, and walk along the beach promenade, dipping into relaxed cafes that have amazing sea views.
If you’re looking for some trendy cafes and quirky independents with a good amount of green space, head to Bruntsfield and Morningside just south of the centre.
If you’re wanting upscale charm, with weekend markets and chic eateries, head up to Stockbridge and wander around the Georgian streets.
If you’re looking for something out of the centre, take a bus or drive up to South Queensferry, a delightful little suburb with a cute high street which overlooks Edinburgh’s three iconic bridges.
With plenty more options where that came from, either ask locals for their suggestions on what you’re into or explore the city on foot, clocking up the miles as you discover that the city lives up to its hilly reputation.
We still sometimes consider Edinburgh as underrated, a hidden gem among its European counterparts, that truly offers something for everyone no matter where your tastes lie, and it comes highly recommended from us!
Happy Exploring,
Sam + Steve
More on Scotland and City breaks….
With hundreds of venues across the city hosting thousands of performances and events, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world and promotes inclusivity through the celebration of the arts. Taking place throughout the month of August, the festival takes over the city centre, largely giving Edinburgh it’s stellar reputation as the World’s Festival City.