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Destination Guide

View from Arthur's Seat over Edinburgh City Centre towards Edinburgh Castle close to a wide range of hotels and tourist destinations / sights

Edinburgh

Tourist Information

Things To Do In Edinburgh

Looking for things to do in Edinburgh? You’ve came to the right place. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and most visited city. It is ranked as one of the top 10 city destinations for tourists in the world. Edinburgh has so much to offer the visitor, and not just kilts and bagpipes! The Old Town is only about a mile long and 300 yards wide, and its character is medieval with its tortuous alleys and tightly packed closes. The famous attractions are the castle which was built on top of a volcano (now dormant) and the Royal Mile with its traditional Scottish gift shops, pubs, cafe bars and restaurants.

Princes Street is the main shopping street in the centre of the city. Different to all others as on one side there are the huge department stores and on the other side open parkland looking out on to the old town and the castle. This is Edinburgh where the buzz of Scotland's capital city sits in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, from tall spires, to magnificent monuments, a blend of historical architecture such as Holyrood Palace to the most modern of designs, like the Scottish Parliament. The whole feel of the city and everything it can offer has made it one of the top 20 world city break destinations. With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city skyline, there is plenty to see and do with the perfect balance between all things traditional and contemporary.

Discover world-class museums and galleries, take a tour on an open-top bus or even visit the city's own zoo. From the world famous Festivals to top-class restaurants and bars, not to mention fabulous shopping, you'll be spoilt for choice with things to do in Edinburgh.

Attractions

Check out some of the great things to do in Edinburgh courtesy of myhotelbreak.

1. Explore Holyrood House

Want to immerse yourself in all that Edinburgh has got to offer? Head over to the Queens residence in Scotland, Holyrood House. Taking a tour of Queen Elizabeth’s house in Scotland take you on a journey and gives visitors a real insight to what life is like for the Queen. The tour will let you see portraits, tapestries and even the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots. There is also a gift shop, audio tours and a courtyard café.

2. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Come to Scotland’s capital city and experience something different, something away from the usual. Optical illusions, great holographic exhibits and much more. Great for a rainy day.

3. Sample the views from Edinburgh Castle

Of course, we’ve spoke about the castle but you can’t come to Edinburgh and not. One of the UK’s most loved amenities is adventuring here and experiencing all that it has to offer. You’ll experience the grandeur of the place from the second you walk in. With history and even actor led historical tours, it’s a must visit.

4. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Delve into the culture and the thriving art scene and one of Scotland’s most celebrated attractions, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Split between two neoclassical building and surrounded by well kept gardens, the Gallery is something to behold. Home to stunning collections. A visit here should be on the cards, even for those who aren’t the arty types.

5. Shopping on Victoria Street awaits you

Immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s Old Town and head to Victoria Street for a bit of retail therapy. The famous Edinburgh street winds itself from the George IV Bridge to the popular and historic Grassmarket. Similar to Glasgow’s West End, you’ll find plenty of boutique shops and cafes. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

6. Get lost in the Meadows

A fantastic green space that should be explored on your next break in Edinburgh. Great in summer to catch some sun and great all year round for fresh air. Situated behind Edinburgh University, it’s a place to come to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital’s Old Town. This area leads on to the Southside where there is room for more exploration at the many shops and cafes dotted around.

7. The Royal Yacht Britannia

Historic, classy and much more! The Royal Yacht Britannia was the floating holiday home for the Royals during their voyages to foreign lands up until 1997. The tour lifts the lid on the lives of the Royal Family during their time on board and delves into the habits of the Queen and her tastes. The audio tour is available in more than 30 languages. Situated on Clydeside, this should be part of any Edinburgh visit.

8. The Scottish Parliament

Opened in 2004, experience one of the most important buildings in Scotland. Free one hour tours are on offer here and we recommend to book in advance. During the tour you’ll be taken round the Debating Chamber, the Garden Lobby, an MSP’s office and the committee room.

9. Laugh the night away at The Stand Comedy Club

A place to come to enjoy and have fun with friends. The Stand is known to be at the forefront of Socttish comedy with locations in Glasgow and Newcastle as well. Notable comics are on every night of the week so check the website for showings.

10. Venture to the top of Arthurs Seat

Get the heart racing with a walk up the rocky peak of Arthur’s Seat. The extinct volcano and icy sheets offer a fantastic view of Edinburgh’s skyline. Visitors can view the Forth Road bridges to the west and to the east, conical hill with the Highlands on the horizon to the north west. This hike is around 45 minutes from Holyrood.

These are just some of the awesome attractions that await you on your next trip to Edinburgh. No matter where you’re looking for a last minute hotel in the area or great deals in Edinburgh, myhotelbreak have you covered.

Book your next break with us and enjoy Edinburgh and all that it has to offer.

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