30 ultimate things to do in Edinburgh in 2025

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

Why go? Well, what better way is there to spend August (August 1-25, 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

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.

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.

What is it? A fine dining restaurant in Edinburgh’s New Town, which was awarded its first Michelin star in February 2025. Yes, we called it!

Why go? The new star speaks for itself, but Lyla has also been our second-best restaurant in Edinburgh for two years running. Situated in a towering Royal Terrace townhouse which previously housed the late Paul Kitching’s 21212, ingredients are sourced from all over Scotland with a focus on sustainably caught seafood and foraged goods. It’s a completely perfect fine dining restaurant, but you’ll definitely need to book in advance. 

Time Out tip: Book in for the lunch tasting menu, which is a whole lot cheaper at £65 per person. 

📍 Check out our full list of Edinburgh’s best restaurants

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, Edinburgh, EH8 9FT

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10am-4pm or until curtain-up (Sundays might differ)

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. 

Address: No 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7–10.30am, Saturday-Sunday 8-10.30am (breakfast), Sunday-Wednesday 12–9.30pm, Thursday-Saturday 12-10pm (all-day dining)

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

What is it? A grassy, wide-open space for joggers, sports teams and sunbathers in the centre of town. 

Why go? The large, leafy expanse of the Meadows lies in the shadow of Edinburgh University’s central campus, so it’s not surprising to see the place swamped with sunbathing students during the summer. A relaxing, airy alternative to the rushing traffic and labyrinthine alleyways of the Old Town, the Meadows also connects the city centre with the calmer suburbs of the Southside, home to many a deli, café and boutique. Try out the excellent 27 Elliott’s café, plant-based doughnut delights from Considerit Chocolate, ethical grocery shop The Refillery and Tills, one of Edinburgh’s oldest second-hand bookshops.

Don’t miss: The community-focused Meadows Festival transforms the area into a large-scale market and entertainment jamboree every June. 

Address: Melville Drive (around Hope Park Crescent), Edinburgh EH9 1ND

Opening hours: Every day, 24 hour

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.

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, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

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

What is it? A publicly accessible garden on the edge of the New Town, containing trees, plants and flowers from across the world.

Why go? A peaceful spot away from the bustle of the city, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a popular destination for various reasons. There are more than 13,000 living specimens across the garden itself, set in over 70 acres of beautiful landscape, with panoramic views across the city. What’s more, the Terrace Café and Gateway Restaurant are both well worth a visit if you’re stopping for a bite or a drink.

Don’t miss: Inverleith House Gallery is a very highly regarded contemporary art gallery, and the former site of the city’s Gallery of Modern Art.

Address: Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR

Opening hours: February-October daily 10am-5pm, November-January daily 10am-4pm

What is it? A beloved pub that hosts daily traditional music sessions.

Why go? This tiny wee pub on Forrest Road is a firm favourite with locals, tourists and everyone in between. Not only is it in a prime location (sandwiched between The Meadows and the Museum), it’s also one of the best live music venues in the city. No tickets are required for the entertainment here, just order yourself a whiskey, sit back and enjoy as incredible local musicians perch round a table and play together. The musicians aren’t paid by the pub, it’s their night out too, so remember to ask before taking pictures!

Don’t miss: Alongside the music sessions, Sandy Bell’s is famous for its whiskey selection. Ask the bar staff for a recommendation.

Address: 25 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QH

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-1 am, Sun 12.30pm-12am

What is it? An iconic Scottish Cheesemonger.

Why go? Old. Smelly. Beloved. I.J. Mellis has been on the go since the 90s and has three branches in Edinburgh, all of which are crammed with countless varieties of cheese ranging from the soft and gentle to some absolute stinkers (the good kind). Expect to queue outside on the weekends, but it’ll be worth the wait – you’ll get stuffed, and the staff here know everything there is to know about cheese. Want to try before you buy? No problem: they’re as generous as they are talented when it comes to free samples. 

Don’t miss: The Morningside Branch is home to the Cheese Lounge, a sit-in restaurant where you can pair I.J Mellis cheese with charcuterie, bread and wine.

Address: 30A Victoria Street, Edinburgh EH1 2JW

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-6pm