Things to do in Edinburgh
By Lauren, from Scotland, studying Politics
One of the best things about Edinburgh is how many fun activities there are in and around the city. I’ve been visiting the city since I was a little kid and have lived here for three years, and I still find new things to do every year!
Most of these recommendations are free, so they are great to do when you want to take a break from your work and explore the city.
Must see
There are some things in Edinburgh that I believe you must see at least once during your time in the city (even if they are a bit overrated). They are great to do on a fun day out, or if your friends or family visit.
Arthur’s Seat
I’ll admit, I only climbed Arthur’s Seat in my third year, but it was well worth the wait! One of the best things about the climb is that there are so many ways to get to the top, so you can find a route that suits you. I would recommend climbing up on a nice but slightly chilly day, as I made the mistake of going up on a warm and sunny day and got a bit sunburnt!
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a bucket list item for many visitors to the city, and rightly so! You get amazing views, a rich history, and free guided tours as part of your ticket price. If you have a Young Scot card bus pass, you get in for £1! I would recommend not going during summer as it gets super busy and remember to book ahead online as it can save you money if you’re buying it without a Young Scot card.
Dean Village
Dean Village is a great place to go if you want to clear your head away from the busy town centre. Located near Stockbridge, the area is great for some Insta-worthy pictures, and the vibrant colours will take your breath away! It can get quite busy at times, but if you time it right, it can be peaceful and serene.
Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are my favourite place in Edinburgh as they are free, outdoors, and look and smell amazing. You can spend an hour or a day in the gardens, exploring different displays and areas. If you go during the summer months, you get the joy of seeing all the flowers blossoming, and if you go in the Autumn, you get to see the crops in the Garden Kitchen grow and be harvested. The gift shop is also amazing, and you can buy Jellycat toys here as well!
Edinburgh Zoo
I used to love going to Edinburgh Zoo when I was a kid. I recently visited again, and it brought back so many amazing memories! While tickets are a little bit expensive (but if you use your student ID you can get a discount!), it is great for a day trip not too far from the city centre, and you can see animals from around the world in one place! My favourite area is the Dinosaur section, even if it is on top of a massive hill.
