Explore Edinburgh
Attractions & Activities
Plenty of attractions and activities in and around Edinburgh to keep you busy during your stay, please see some of our suggestions!
Royal Edinburgh Ticket – Includes 48 hours hop-on/hop-off, entry to Edinburgh Castle, entry to the Palace of Holyrood and entry to the Royal Yacht Britannia
https://www.royaledinburghticket.com/
Edinburgh Castle– situated in the city centre on its mighty rock, with views to take your breath away. Beware of the 1 o’clock gun!!! Historical tales via audio tours, great cafes and superb views of the whole of Edinburgh.
Dynamic Earth – experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet! Great rainy day experience for the whole family.
Edinburgh Dungeons – Are you brave enough? Visit if you dare at the heart of the city. Interactive and scary!
Holyrood Palace -The Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh, why not have an explore, there is a gallery as well! The gardens are exquisite but check if open as seasonal.
Royal Mile Attractions – 14 not to be missed, why not visit John Knox house or a tour of the Scottish Parliament building. The Royal Mile is worth a walk anyway as the historical centre of the City.
Johnny Walker Experience – New whisky visitor experience opened summer 2021 with bars, outdoor terrace and great views but also an interactive museum which is well worth a visit.
Camera Obscura – Over 100 interactive exhibits, this is great for all ages. Well worth a visit on the same day as the Castle.
St Giles Cathedral – Beautiful architecture and steeped in history, guided roof top views available.
Scott Monument– Located in Princes Street gardens, this monument is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. Enjoy a guided tour and some breath taking views
Open top Bus Tour – Great way to see the city, hop on and off and visit Edinburgh’s top attractions. Great to do as a couple, for families or a group. Our office had a recent day out on the open tour bus and we can thoroughly recommend this
National Portrait Gallery – One of Edinburgh’s most remarkable buildings with art collections of the people who helped shape Scotland.
National Gallery– Home to one of the best collections of fine art in the world, a free cultural experience!
Edinburgh Playhouse – Opened in the late 1920’s as a cinema and in 1974 the building became a theatre, its known as one of the UK’s haunted theatres! Why not take in an afternoon Matinee?
Royal Yacht Britannia – Her Majesty The Queen’s former floating palace, well worth a visit and enjoy an audio tour and afternoon tea.
Family Activities
Lots for families to do in and around Edinburgh come rain or shine!
National Museum of Scotland – Great rainy day trip out & free. This is now UK’s most popular attraction outside of London!
Lane 7 Bowling at the St James Quarter– Lane 7 and the Everyman Cinema on the top floor. Lane 7 is not your average bowling alley, it offers bowling, ping-pong, beer-pong, crazy golf, cutting-edge gaming and an unrivalled atmosphere. Or if you would prefer to unwind after a busy day in Edinburgh then why not head to the Everyman Cinema where you can sink into their velvet sofas, swap your soft drink for a nice glass of red wine and order food from their menu directly to your seat!
The Real Mary Queens Close – Go down underneath the streets and explore into Edinburgh’s history on the Royal Mile.
Museum of Childhood – The 1st museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood. Take a trip down memory lane on the Royal Mile.
Vue Cinema – Fancy taking a film, this 12 screen complex is ideally located in the Omni center and there will soon be another cinema at the St James Quarter across the road from the apartments.
Harry Potter trail – Even if you are not a Harry Potter fan this is certainly an entertaining tour to do given the authors links with the city.
GreyFrairs Bobby – Find out about Edinburgh’s favourite dog and the wee cute dogs story which will warm your hearts.
Locked in Edinburgh -Escape game based in real rooms, can you escape? The team here at Destination Edinburgh apartments failed to but we had a great experience!
Outdoor Activities
Why not explore Edinburgh’s green spaces and parks and some activities outside of the city centre!
Edinburgh Zoo – Super day out for all, events and experiences throughout the year. Easy to access from the City Centre by the number 26 bus.
Arthurs Seat – An extinct volcano older than Edinburgh itself. Try climbing Arthurs seat to the summit for amazing city views, you can feed the ducks on the way!
Princes Street Gardens – Largest public space in the city, lovely to walk around and have a picnic watching the world go by!
Edinburgh Botanic gardens – Set in 70 acres of beautiful landscape with a rock garden, pond, woodland garden, cafe and much more, great place for walks a big game of hide and seek!
Water of Leith walkway – A favourite walk of our events sales coordinator, relaxing stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Leith – Jump a tram and visit Leith, found within Edinburgh but with its own unique character. The docks have interesting bars and restaurants as well.
Portobello Beach – If you have time its just a short bus/taxi away to see Edinburgh’s hidden seaside!
Calton Hill – Some of the best views of Edinburgh can be seen from Calton Hill which is also resident to some iconic Scottish monuments including the Robert Burns monument.
Walking Tours – Why not try an organised walking tour from the Royal Mile and explore Edinburgh. Often free but tips recommended.
Forth Bridges Tour– Book a cruise for spectacular views of the bridges and great views of Edinburgh & Fifes skylines.
