Updated 2026
A castle on a volcano, closes full of stories and a hill to climb before breakfast.
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These picks cover the castle and the Royal Mile, the best free museums, the hills with the big views, and one great day trip. For each: honest cost, time needed, best time and when to skip it.
Tickets & tours in Edinburgh: compare before you buy
Official sites are often cheapest for single museums; resellers are handy for skip-the-line combos, tours and free cancellation.
#1
The fortress on Castle Rock, home to the Honours of Scotland (the crown jewels), the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret’s Chapel, with views over the whole city.
Insider tip: Book online for a cheaper ticket. Head to the Crown Room first, before the queues build.
Skip it if: You only want the view – the Esplanade outside is free.
#2
The Old Town’s spine, from the castle down to Holyrood, with narrow closes and courtyards leading off on both sides.
Insider tip: Duck into the closes – Advocate’s Close and Lady Stair’s Close are worth it. Look for the Heart of Midlothian in the cobbles by St Giles’.
Skip it if: Never – but skip the tartan souvenir shops.
#3
Edinburgh’s High Kirk, with its crown spire, beautiful stained glass and the ornate Thistle Chapel.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the Thistle Chapel – look for the little angel playing bagpipes.
Skip it if: A service is on – check the times before you go.
#4
A curving street of colourful shopfronts leading down to the Grassmarket, a historic market square under the castle with pubs and terraces.
Insider tip: Walk along the upper terrace of Victoria Street for the classic photo.
Skip it if: You don’t like crowds of photographers.
#5
An atmospheric old graveyard and the famous statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the faithful Skye terrier, from 1873.
Insider tip: The council asks visitors not to rub Bobby’s nose. Look, don’t touch.
Skip it if: Graveyards make you uneasy.
#6
A free museum covering Scottish history, science and nature, with Dolly the sheep and a grand Victorian main hall.
Insider tip: Go up to the rooftop terrace for a free view of the castle.
Skip it if: The sun is out and you have only 1 day – save it for a rainy day.
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#7
The King’s official residence in Scotland, with state apartments, Mary Queen of Scots’ chambers and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey (founded in 1128).
Insider tip: It can close when the royal family is in residence. Check the dates before you go.
Skip it if: Royal interiors aren’t your thing – Arthur’s Seat starts right behind it.
#8
An extinct volcano in the middle of the city. The climb takes about an hour up and gives a 360° view of the city and the sea.
Insider tip: Wear good shoes: the top is rocky and can be very windy. Start near the palace or at Dunsapie Loch for a shorter climb.
Skip it if: It’s stormy or icy – walk the Salisbury Crags path or Calton Hill instead.
#9
An easy hill with monuments, including the unfinished National Monument, and one of the best views of the Old Town and the castle.
Insider tip: It takes only 10 minutes from Princes Street – perfect if you don’t have time for Arthur’s Seat.
Skip it if: You’ve already climbed Arthur’s Seat the same day.
#10
A huge Gothic spire for the writer Sir Walter Scott. Climb 287 steps up narrow spiral stairs for the view.
Insider tip: The top stairs are very narrow. Not for anyone who doesn’t like tight spaces.
Skip it if: You don’t like heights or narrow stairs – Calton Hill is free.
#11
A former mill village in a green valley, just a few minutes from the West End. Quiet and very pretty.
Insider tip: Follow the Water of Leith Walkway to Stockbridge for brunch.
Skip it if: You only have 1 day.
#12
Edinburgh’s port, north of the centre
Edinburgh’s port district, with waterfront restaurants and the Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Terminal.
Insider tip: Take the tram to Leith and walk along The Shore.
Skip it if: You only have 2 days.
#13
Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and a historic old town, between Edinburgh and the Highlands.
Insider tip: Book the castle online and take a local bus or taxi to the Wallace Monument.
Skip it if: You only have 2 days in Edinburgh.
Two days covers the castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood and Arthur’s Seat. Three days lets you add the New Town, Dean Village and Leith, or a day trip to Stirling.
Yes. Online tickets are cheaper (£23.50 vs £26 at the gate for adults, checked October 2026), and it can sell out in summer.
Take the tram, about 30 minutes to the centre. Tap on and off with the same contactless card. The Airlink 100 bus is another option.
Yes. From 24 July 2026, Edinburgh charges a 5% visitor levy on the first 5 nights of a stay in paid accommodation.
It’s a short but steep climb – about an hour up for most people. Wear good shoes and avoid it in strong wind or ice.
Where to stay in Edinburgh →
Neighbourhoods compared, with hotel picks per budget.
3-day itinerary →
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Quick facts, getting around and every guide.
Packing list →
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Tours & tickets in Edinburgh
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