Edinburgh: Places to See and Activities to Do
- SpeakAnglo
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
Scotland is a fascinating, beautiful place, and Edinburgh attracts many visitors every year. So, what should you do in Edinburgh while on holiday? Here is a selection of some of the highlights.
1. Hike Up Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the main peak of a group of hills located at the highest point in Holyrood Park. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Edinburgh.
Some pointers before you head off: wear sturdy shoes and warm clothes, as it can be chilly at the top. Depending on where you start, it should take around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the hike, round-trip. Always take a water bottle on hikes, short or long.
Imagine reaching the top, wind in your hair, your cheeks warm from the short hike, and a 360-degree view of the city and coastline. These gorgeous views make this iconic spot well worth visiting. Don’t forget to take a picture!
Did you know? Arthur’s Seat is a long-extinct volcano. At 823 ft above sea level, it is classified as a hill. However, the famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson described this majestic spot as "a mountain in virtue of its bold design."
Why not try hiking up Arthur’s Seat the next time you visit Edinburgh?
2. Explore Edinburgh Castle
This historic castle dates back to the 12th century and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can buy a ticket and explore it by yourself, or pay a little extra for a guided tour. Guided tours include 30 minutes with a guide and the chance to learn extra history and fun facts from a knowledgeable professional.
After all the walking, you might be feeling peckish. Be sure to pre-book the Afternoon Tea Experience, hosted in the Tea Rooms located in Crown Square, in the heart of the castle.
3. Experience The Real Mary King’s Close
This underground labyrinth is an excellent choice if you want to see what it was like to live in Edinburgh during bygone days. During a 60-minute tour, you will find out about living conditions in 17th-century Edinburgh. Life in the city was grim and challenging back then, and the eerie underground tour brings those days to life.
4. Taste: Johnnie Walker Signature Experience
You can do tastings, see live performances, and get three cocktails made specifically to match your flavour profile. Now, that’s pretty cool!
What’s more, audio guides are available in Spanish, French, Mandarin, and German.
They also have other quirky options, such as chocolate and whisky pairings.
5. Visit The National Museum of Scotland
Admission is free, and it’s a good place to learn about Scottish history. There are interactive exhibitions on themes like technology, fashion, and science. You can see an exhibit of Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell. Plus, the museum has the impressive Millennium Clock. It chimes every hour and comes to life with moving figures, music, and lights to show the highs and lows of the 20th century.
Whichever places you decide to visit, you are sure to enjoy this legendary city.
Vocabulary
Peckish
(adjective)
Meaning: Slightly hungry.
Example: The group felt peckish and decided to grab a snack on the way home.
Labyrinth
(noun)
Meaning: A complex, irregular network of passages or paths.
Example: The museum added a labyrinth for children to explore.
Bygone
(adjective)
Meaning: Something belonging to an earlier time.
Example: The cinema is a reminder of bygone days.
Iconic
(adjective)
Meaning: Widely recognized as being famous or a symbol of something famous.
Example: The Great Wall is an iconic symbol of Chinese cultural heritage and history.
Quirky
(adjective)
Meaning: Something that is unusual but in a charming way.
Example: Paring chocolate with whisky is quirky.
See our article on five Scottish dishes to try.
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