Nine Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the cities in Europe that I’m thinking of visiting when I get the chance to visit Scotland. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and tons of historic buildings and castles also abound. There are multitudes of interesting things that can be seen, so if you’re thinking of visiting this city soon, check out our list of nine things to do in Edinburgh.

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Edinburgh. The castle stands at the head of the old town and it’s one of the most historic monuments in this city. The castle witnessed so many important events that took place in Scotland such as the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th Century and the Jacobite Rising of 1745.

If you’re thinking of looking for a place to stay near this historical site, check out one of the ibis hotels in Edinburgh as they are situated near to various tourist sites in the old town – including Edinburgh Castle.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Edinburgh Castle by kyletaylor

Walk Around the Old Town

Edinburgh is built for walking so be sure to bring your most comfortable shoes and explore the city on foot. One of the most popular places to explore is the Old Town where you’ll see so many historic buildings and interesting shops.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Edinburgh Old Town by squeezyboy

Attend Local Festivals

Edinburgh is known for a variety of festivals that are held annually. One of most popular events is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which is regarded as the largest arts festival in the world. It takes place every August for three weeks; this year’s schedule is August 1 – 25.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Edinburgh Fringe Festival by raymccrae

Hike Arthur’s Seat

If you’re up for a small adventure then plan a hike to Arthur’s Seat, the largest of the three parts of the Arthur’s Seat Volcano site. Many locals believe that the Arthur’s Seat is possibly one of the locations of the legendary castle of Camelot where King Arthur used to reign.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): View from Arthur’s Seat by sheeppurple

Be a Scotch Whisky Connoisseur for a Day

Don’t settle for just buying a Scotch whisky at the nearest supermarket – explore local pubs and bars and try different blends. Consider becoming a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society so you can get a chance to try various rare whiskies. You can also sign up for various Scotch Whisky tours and learn more about the history of this world famous drink.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Scotch Whisky by wordridden

Relax at the Royal Botanic Garden

If you’re tired of walking and exploring the city then stop for a while at the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh. This is a huge garden with a total land area of 70 acres. It’s said that there are more than 13,000 species of plants that can be found here. If you’re a gardening hobbyist then you’ll definitely fall in love with this place.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Royal Botanic Garden by dominart

Dine and Enjoy The Gastronomic Delights of Edinburgh

Be sure to try the local food such as haggis or stovies – or, if you have a bigger budget, visit the city’s range of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Haggis by plassen

Visit Art Galleries and Museums

There are lots of art galleries and museums in Edinburgh; one of the most popular is the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art by martinb

Shop Til You Drop

Edinburgh has a wide range of shopping options to cater to various visitors. There are high-end shops like Harvey Nichols for those who love designer labels as well as plenty of mid-range to budget shops where you can buy almost anything your heart desires. There are also plenty of souvenir shops for those who want to buy some memorabilia. Don’t miss Princes Street and George Street for the ultimate Edinburgh shopping experience.

Photo Credits (Flickr CC): Harvey Nichols by dennajones

Editor’s Note: This post is in collaboration with Ibis Hotels.