Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities I’ve ever traveled to. If you’re new here, i’ve traveled to many, traveling is my career- i’m a flight attendant! 

It felt like every direction I turned within the city of Edinburgh, I discovered a new piece of history. There are so many beautiful things to see- both large and small in significance. From hiking up Arthur’s Seat, to walking in the footsteps of royals in the castle, to learning about the history/culture while standing on the cobblestone streets- there’s such a range of things to experience!

If you ever have the opportunity to visit this breathing city, here are a few things that I recommend doing:

1. Royal Yacht Britannia

Cost: 15.50 Euros for adults and 13.75 Euros for students. Parking is free.

The yacht previously belonged to Queen Elizabeth II and now resides in the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Yacht sailed from 1954 until 1997 and has sailed over one million miles around the globe. 

Each person is given their own automated tour guide, and visitors are free to walk around the yacht at their own pace. Not only was I able to walk in the footsteps of the royals, but I was given the opportunity to see what life was like for the members of the crew.

I would say my group was there for about 2 hours. It also probably took us a little longer because we stopped to take a picture of pretty much everything.

Although it wasn’t my favorite thing we did in Scotland, I would definitely mark it as a must see for anyone who has a little extra time to spare. It was a very relaxed experience and the views were absolutely gorgeous. I also highly recommend buying some homemade fudge at the end of the tour because it’s to die for.

2. Calton Hill

Cost: Free

Located at the top of the hill, are several different monuments: National Monument of Scotland, the Nelson Monument and the Dugald Stewart Monument. The hill overlooks both Holyrood Park and St. Andrew’s House. 

Before traveling to Edinburgh, I made sure to read just about every article about where to visit in this city. A lot of the articles I read would confuse Calton Hill with Arthur’s Seat. It wasn’t until I traveled to Edinburgh, that I learned the difference between the two. A lot of sites linked the photo of the Dugald Stewart Monument (pictured below) to their article about Arthur’s seat; I want to make it clear to my readers that they are NOT the same. I think it is important to point this out, because both are beautiful sites and everyone should have the opportunity to visit both.

3. Arthur’s Seat

Cost: Free

If you have a free afternoon and are looking for the perfect spot for a picnic, Arthur’s seat is just where you need to go. The views are stunning and really make you appreciate the beauty of the city and its surroundings.

The bottom is located just about a mile away from where we were staying at Edinburgh University (Pollock Hall). Once you reach the foot of Arthur’s Seat, the hike itself will take just about two hours. The hike is moderate and I advise being in fairly good shape. Also keep in mind that it can get pretty windy at the top, so make sure to pick a clear day to hike.

4. Walk the Royal Mile

Cost: Free

Located in Old Town, the path goes directly from the Edinburgh Castle down to the Holyrood Palace. 

There’s a mix of shops, restaurants, historical sights, and pubs. Most of the shops are pretty touristy and sell the same thing, but I was able to find a few authentic gifts to bring home to my family. This is a MUST when visiting Edinburgh.

5. Holyrood Palace

Cost: 14 Euros for adults and 12.70 Euros for students/over 60

So maybe I was only a little disappointed that I didn’t get the chance to see the Queen at the palace, but the views made up for it. The most memorable part was getting to roam through the ruins of the Holyrood Abbey.

Each summer the Queen spends one week here partaking in ceremonies and other events. The Holyrood Palace is most famously known as the place where Queen Mary of Scots resided after her return to Scotland in 1561, until her downfall in 1567.

Last, we roamed through the gardens and took in the beautiful scenery. On your way out make sure to stop and smell the big white flowers (seriously do it, they smell like a cupcake).

6. St. Giles Cathedral

Cost: Free Photo fee: 2 euros

St. Giles Cathedral was a quick stop for us. We were able to stop in and admire the stained glass windows and the vaulted ceilings during our time strolling around the Royal Mile. The church is absolutely stunning and if you have time it is a great stop on the Royal Mile.

Just outside the church is a small heart shape mosaic on the group made out of stone; this is called the Heart of Midlothian. The heart marks the entrance of a prison where executions took place in the past. Make sure to spit on the heart for good luck. Prisoners were said to have done the same when they were released.

7. Taste of Scotland show and dinner at Preston Field

Price: 70 Euros – includes: dinner, wine, and show

Located just a few minutes from the Royal Mile, The Taste of Scotland Show features a four course traditional Scottish meal and a show that proceeds in a historical setting. 

The Prestonfield House is beautiful and I really enjoyed my evening here. While it is touristy, I think it is an amazing way to learn about traditional Scottish music, dancing, and other customs. The staff was extremely kind to us and did an amazing job catering to our large group of students; this was one of the first experiences we’d had in the country and they made sure to explain each and every food item on the menu for us.

8. The Dog House Pub for live music

A few of the students decided to go out and see what nightlife looks like in Scotland. We stumbled upon a Pub named the Dog House. It seemed to be a very local place with great drinks and music. 

We had a blast chatting with a few of the locals and listening to the band play an array of music. A few of us loved this place so much, we returned several times throughout our two week visit. 

9. Edinburgh Castle

Castle cost: Students 15.5 Euros, Adults 17.5 euros, FREE WITH HISTORIC SCOTLAND PASS 

Military tattoo cost: 25 to 90 Euros depending on seats

I just really feel like no trip to Scotland is complete without seeing the Edinburgh Castle. Put this place at the top of your list because the castle holds so much significance in the history of the country.

The castle is built on Castle Rock and throughout history, has almost always been in the middle of the power struggle between England and Scottish monarchies. It was said that “whoever held the castle had rule over both the city of Edinburgh and the rest of the Scotland”. 

We were lucky enough to also be in the city during the Military Tattoo, which displays British Armed Forces and international bands/musicians.  

The festival/performance takes place during the month of August and is a night filled with beautiful music and performances; the best part of the whole thing is the illuminated backdrop of the castle.

10. Botanical Gardens

Cost: Adults 50 Euros and kids (under 17) 25 Euros

So I’m not a huge flower person, but I did enjoy my time at the Botanical Gardens. Due to weather my study abroad group was unable to take a ferry to Isle of Arran, instead we were taken to the gardens. 

Even though it was a pretty rainy day, it was interesting to walk around and see a bunch of flowers and plants that are not native in the US. A few of my friends and I used this as more of a photo op, but if botanical gardens are something you appreciate I would recommend coming. If you’re like us, it might be wise to spend your day at a different spot.

*I’m not discrediting the botanical gardens, I just appreciate activities more centered around history. Again, I was on a university study abroad program and my days were pre planned. As always, I made the absolute best of the day and tried to take in the new experience.*

11. Underground city ghost tour with City of the Dead Tours

Cost: 14 Euros for adults and 12 Euros for students

While researching what to do in Edinburgh, on some of my free days given to me on my study abroad program, I came across an article that told me I needed to try a ghost tour. That’s when I Googled and found City of the Dead Tours, claiming to be ‘one of the best ghost tours in Edinburgh’. 

The tour walks you through the streets of the city, down Damnation Alley, and into a section of the underground city. I thought the best part of the tour was learning the history through the tour guide who made it feel like we were transported back in time. 

Overall it was something different to do and I really enjoyed learning the history of the city from a different perspective than the museums we visited earlier/later in the trip.

12. Fringe Festival 

Like the Military Tattoo, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is another big event that takes place during the month of August. I wish I’d researched the festival a bit more before traveling to Scotland to know exactly what I should be seeing; most of my group just ended up wandering the streets to see street performers/artwork.

For people who are like me and are not familiar with the festival, Fringe is a huge arts and culture event that gives a platform to all kinds of performers from all different levels of their career. It has things such as theatre, dance, circus, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and so much more.