The 30 best things to do in Edinburgh right now

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 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
🏘️ Find out where to stay for the Edinburgh Fringe

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 unique drinks attraction for whisky and non-whisky lovers alike.

Why go? This whisky distillery in the ever-trendy area of Leith offers 360-degree views out over both Edinburgh and the surrounding landscape. Port of Leith Distillery opened up at the end of 2023 and not only does it look good – but the whisky it makes is pretty bloody delicious, too. You can book tours and tastings, check out their programme of regular events or simply take in the view and knock back a dram. 

Don’t miss: Make sure you make a reservation for a cocktail on the ninth floor bar.

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

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. 

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

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.

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.

What is it? An eerie dive into Edinburgh’s famously dark and bloody past.

Why go? With well-known grave robbers, underground vaults and half-dead hanging victims in its fabled history, it’s no surprise there’s a whole host of Edinburgh tour companies aiming to let you in on the city’s shadiest secrets. Get Your Guide will lead you through the vaults under Old Town, regaling you with tales of the persecution of witches and the local Burke and Hare murders. Put on your bravest face.

Don’t miss: Go back in time to seventeenth-century Edinburgh with a trip to The Real Mary King’s Close. Learn all about the myths and mysteries surrounding the people who lived, worked and died on the street which sits under the city’s historic Royal Mile. 

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.