The best things to do in Edinburgh – that you won’t find in every guide

💎 Verdict: The one thing you can’t miss

What is it? It’s summer in Edinburgh, and that only means one thing: Edinburgh Fringe!

Why go? Well, what better way is there to spend August (August 7-31, to be exact) than seeing a string of incredible shows in one of the world’s best cities, with a burger and a cold beer in hand? If you’re ready to see what all the fuss is about, fear not. Our theatre critic Andrzej Lukowski covers every Fringe happening from the beginning to the bitter end. 

➡️ Check out the best shows to see at this year’s Fringe

Address: Various theatres and locations across Edinburgh

💎 Verdict: The best free thing to do in Edinburgh

What is it? An extinct volcano with a peak that sits 251 metres above sea level, offering some sweet views of the city.

Why go? How many cities can boast that they have an extinct volcano? Well, Edinburgh is one of them. Arthur’s Seat is visible from much of the centre since it rises out of the wide grasslands of Holyrood Park. If you want to visit, pop on your hiking boots or grab yourself a bike. It makes for a (relatively) easy voyage and at the highest point you’ll discover matchless views of the city skyline. On May Day it’s traditional for young women to wash their face with the hill’s morning dew to supposedly make them beautiful – although we’d argue that’s a pretty bracing start to the day at any time of year, regardless of gender.

➡️ Discover more of the best free things to do in Edinburgh

Don’t miss: Arthur’s Seat can be tackled from various directions, the easiest being the grassy slope on the east side rising from Dunsapie Loch on Queen’s Drive.

💎 Verdict: Edinburgh’s best afternoon tea

Set in a beautiful, pastel-coloured luxury hotel, this afternoon tea at the Spence is a cut above the rest. For £60 per person you get to tuck into an assortment of sweet and savoury delights, from a smoked salmon croissant with crème fraîche and caviar and dressed crab with tomato and basil to a rhubarb and custard choux bun. Yes, there are scones too, and if you want a glass of champagne, you just need to pay £75 instead. It’s a treat, for sure, but it’s oh-so worth it. 

➡️ Discover more of the best spots for afternoon tea in Edinburgh

Address: 39 St Andrew Square, EH2 2AD, Edinburgh 

Opening hours: Breakfast is Monday to Friday, from 7am-10.30am; and Saturday to Sunday, from 8am-10.30am

💎 Verdict: The best museum to visit in Edinburgh

What is it? Scotland’s premier museum of natural and anthropological history, which is completely free to visit (though optional donations are appreciated). 

Why go? The big daddy of Edinburgh museums is an eye-catching mix of old and new: the main hall, a grand, airy space ringed by balconies across three storeys, dates from 1866, while the more modern sandstone section was opened in 1998. Its contents are wide-ranging, from dinosaur skeletons and Tibetan prayer wheels in the old galleries to artefacts from Scottish history in the new wing. 

Don’t miss: The Corryvrechan Tapestry, a stunning hand-weaved work referencing to the Isle of Jura’s whirlpool designed by Kate Whiteford OBE. You’ll find it hanging in the Scotland galleries.

➡️ Discover more of the best museums in Edinburgh

Address: Chambers Street, EH1 1JF, Edinburgh 

Opening hours: Open daily, from 10am-5pm 

Expect to pay: Free general admission

💎 Verdict: The best (and, well, only) beach in Edinburgh

What is it? A coastal spot just a couple miles from the city centre.

Why go? Sun, sea and sand are the ultimate trifecta when it comes to organising a fun day out – thankfully, Portobello has all of those things. Chill out on the sandy beach with your pals, head into the amusement arcade or stroll along the promenade, stopping by one of the many glorious foodie spots including ShrimpWreck or Civerinos Prom Slice. Portobello’s bustling high street is also well worth checking out for its various independent shops and cafés. Try Bross Bagels, Twelve Triangles bakery or quirky bottle shop Beer Zoo.

Don’t miss: The Portobello Swim Centre is home to the beautiful Turkish Baths – highly recommended if you’re looking to escape the city and unwind in luxurious fashion.

➡️ Discover more fantastic beaches near Edinburgh

Address: Portobello Beach, 1 Promenade Portobello, EH15 2DX, Edinburgh 

Opening hours: Open 24 hours, daily

💎 Verdict: Edinburgh’s top tourist attraction

What is it? Perhaps the Scottish capital’s most iconic building.

Why go? It’s one of the UK’s most iconic tourist attractions and Edinburgh Castle is worthy of the attention. Sitting boldly atop the city’s other extinct volcano, it’s a grandiose and constantly visible reminder of the settlement’s historic roots. Plan your visit to coincide with one of the castle’s many actor-led historical events – those old stone walls really come to life when they’re hosting an audience with Mary, Queen of Scots.

➡️ Find more of the best tourist attractions in Edinburgh

Don’t miss: If you get peckish, there’s a traditional tea room where you can munch on homemade scones with strawberry jam and a satisfying dollop of clotted cream. Winner.

Address: Castlehill, EH1 2NG, Edinburgh 

Opening hours: April to September: Open daily, from 9.30am-6pm, October to March: Open daily, from 9.30am-5pm

💎 Verdict: The best theatre in Edinburgh

What is it? One of the city’s most historic performance spaces.

Why go? If you want to catch any big-hitting touring shows, this historic theatrical space is where to go. Opened as the Festival Theatre in 1994, it was built from the remains of the old Empire Palace Theatre, a hall that had been around since 1892, and which was known to locals as a variety and concert hall that had welcomed acts including Laurel & Hardy, Judy Garland, Morecambe and Wise, and David Bowie over the decades. The theatre seats 2,000 and regularly hosts comedy, ballet, opera and live music as well as plays.

Don’t miss: This is the Edinburgh home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, so try and catch a show from the companies here.

📍 Discover more of the best theatres in Edinburgh

Address: 13-29 Nicolson Street, EH8 9FT, Edinburgh

Opening hours: Open daily, from 10am-4pm or until curtain-up (Sundays vary)

💎 Verdict: One of the best food cities in the world

What is it? Simply a city with one of the best food scenes in the UK, be you after small plates, cheap eats or Michelin-starred dining. 

Why go? We don’t really need to answer this one, but we’d definitely recommend getting ahead of booking here. Like any major city, things can get booked up quick. Try out our top spot for 2026, Moss, for creative fine dining, the ever-popular The Palmerston for modern European, and Pomelo for Asian-fusion. For our full ranking, head to our list of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. 

Don’t miss: Late night? Nurse your head at one of our favourite brunch spots in Edinburgh, from no-frills greasy spoons to cult-favourite Eggs Bennys. 

Address: All over the shop

💎 Verdict: Our favourite club night in Edinburgh

What is it? Late-night live music bar and club. 

Why go? The LCD Soundsystem-inspired murals that cover the rear walls of Sneaky Pete’s should clue you in that this is a club with impeccable taste. It’s open every night to capacity crowds of 100, but don’t let the small size fool you – with past guests including Leon Vynehall and Auntie Flo, as well as regular takeovers by tastemakers Heaters & Rinse FM, it’s probably the finest club in town.

Don’t miss: Sneaky Pete’s is the place to be for the best local talent around, especially during Independent Venue Week. Previous line-ups have included King Creosote, Withered Hand and Carla J. Easton.

➡️ Full guide to our favourite clubs and nights out in Edinburgh

Address: 73 Cowgate, EH1 1JW, Edinburgh

Opening hours: Every damn day, from 7pm-3am 

💎 Verdict: Best art galleries in Edinburgh

What is it? The home of Edinburgh’s grandest collections of both classical and contemporary art. 

Why go? Whatever your artistic preference, there’s a Scottish National Gallery to suit you. The Greek-columned National Galleries complex is located right in the heart of the city, at the foot of the Mound on Princes Street; the red sandstone Portrait Gallery is nestled five minutes away in the New Town; and both Modern Art One and Two occupy the grassy area above the picturesque Dean Village to the west. Set aside an afternoon to absorb some resident masterpieces and visiting exhibitions.

Don’t miss: The gallery’s annual summer show is one of the highlights of the city’s cultural calendar. 

➡️ Discover more of Edinburgh’s best art galleries

Address: The Mound, EH2 2EL, Edinburgh

Opening hours: Open daily, from 10am-5pm

Expect to pay: Free general admission

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