🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Edinburgh: 5 Must-Do When You Visit

I’ve been visiting Scotland every year for the past six years since meeting my husband, and no matter how many places I explore, Edinburgh remains the most enchanting city I’ve ever been to.

I mean, where else in the world can you find a 900-year-old castle perched atop an ancient volcano right in the heart of the city?

With its medieval streets, gothic architecture, and a touch of magic in the air, Edinburgh feels like a storybook come to life.

If you’re planning a visit, here are five must-do experiences to make your trip unforgettable!

1. Explore Edinburgh’s Best Museums (and hear the 1PM Cannon!) 

Edinburgh is packed with incredible museums, many of which are free to visit! Whether you love history, science, or art, these museums are worth adding to your itinerary:

🏰 Edinburgh Castle – Sitting atop Castle Rock, this fortress has stood for over 900 years! Don’t miss the 1 PM Cannon, a tradition dating back to 1861, fired daily (except Sundays).

🦖 National Museum of Scotland – A treasure trove of history, science, and culture, featuring everything from dinosaur fossils to Ancient Egyptian artifacts.

🎭 The Writers’ Museum – Celebrating Scotland’s literary greats, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Even if you’re not a museum lover, these landmarks are culturally and historically enriching—plus, they offer great shelter on a rainy Scottish day!

2. Take a Magical Harry Potter Walking Tour ⚡️

   
   

Edinburgh is known to be the birthplace of Harry Potter as J.K. Rowling wrote much of the series here. It's no doubt that she drew some inspiration from the city’s mystical atmosphere, winding alleyways, and historic landmarks.

One of the best ways to experience this magic is by taking a Harry Potter walking tour, where you’ll visit locations that inspired the books, including:

📍 Victoria Street – The uncanny resemblance of Diagon Alley, this charming street is lined with colorful buildings and quirky shops. Here you can find plenty of Harry-Potter inspired shops such as the Museum of Context.

📍 Greyfriars Kirkyard – The resting place of Thomas Riddell, a name Rowling borrowed for Voldemort’s real name, Tom Riddle.

📍 George Heriot’s School – This grand building, with its four houses, is said to have influenced Hogwarts.

📍 The Elephant House Café – One of the cafés where Rowling wrote the early books. They have a newly opened cafe in Victoria Street that is a must-visit!

If you’re a Potterhead, this tour is a must—it brings the books to life in a way only Edinburgh can!

3. Hike Up Arthur’s Seat for Epic Views 🏔️

If the weather allows, hiking Arthur’s Seat is one of the best ways to see Edinburgh from above. This extinct volcano rises 251 meters (823 ft) above the city, offering panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and beyond.

🥾 What to Know:

• Hike Time: ~1 hour round trip

• Difficulty Level: Moderate (can be steep in places)

• Best Time to Go: Early morning or just before sunset for breathtaking golden-hour views

It’s a fantastic outdoor escape right in the heart of the city. But if the weather isn’t great, consider a shorter alternative like Calton Hill, which also offers stunning views with less effort!

4. Wander Through Dean Village & Edinburgh’s Unique Architecture 🏡

Edinburgh’s architecture is truly one of a kind—a mix of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian influences that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

One of the most charming and underrated places to experience this is Dean Village.

Nestled along the Water of Leith, this picturesque neighborhood looks straight out of a fairy tale, with its:

🏡 Historic stone cottages

🌿 Lush greenery along the riverside

🚶 Peaceful walking trails away from the city crowds

Other must-see architectural gems include:

🏛️ The Royal Mile – The heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, lined with centuries-old buildings.

🛤️ The Scott Monument – A striking Gothic tower dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, climbable for great views.

🎭 The Vennel Steps – One of Edinburgh’s most Instagrammable spots, offering an iconic view of Edinburgh Castle.

Exploring Dean Village and the city’s stunning architecture is a must for photographers, history buffs, and anyone who loves hidden gems.

5. Experience Edinburgh’s Dark & Haunted Side 👻

No trip to Edinburgh is complete without diving into its haunted history! This city is known as one of the most haunted places in the world, and there are plenty of spooky experiences to explore:

🕯️ Ghost Tours & Underground Vaults – Walk through Edinburgh’s haunted underground vaults, where ghostly legends and eerie tales come to life.

💀 Greyfriars Kirkyard – One of the most haunted graveyards in the world, home to the infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist.

🏰 The Edinburgh Dungeons – A theatrical, immersive experience featuring historical horrors, torture chambers, and plague-ridden streets.

If you’re a fan of true crime, supernatural mysteries, or dark history, this experience will send chills down your spine!

Bonus: Try Traditional Scottish Food & Whisky! 🥃

No Edinburgh adventure is complete without tasting its iconic dishes.

Some must-try foods include:

🥘 Haggis – Scotland’s national dish (trust me, it’s better than it sounds!).

🐟 Fish & Chips – Best enjoyed from a local chippy.

🍲 Cullen Skink – A creamy smoked haddock soup.\

🥃 Scottish Whisky – Visit a whisky bar or distillery for a tasting session.

Great places to try Scottish food:

📍 The Witchery – A stunning, medieval-themed fine dining restaurant.

📍 The Royal Mile Tavern – A cozy pub with great whisky selections.

📍 Makars Gourmet Mash Bar – Famous for its haggis and delicious mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Edinburgh

From wandering through medieval streets to soaking in panoramic views, Edinburgh is a city that truly feels like stepping into a storybook. Whether you’re a history lover, adventure seeker, or Harry Potter fan, there’s something here for everyone.

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to add these 5 must-do experiences to your list. And who knows? You might just fall in love with Edinburgh’s magic and keep coming back for more.

👉 Have you been to Edinburgh? What was your favorite experience? Let me know in the comments!

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