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Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Top things to do in Edinburgh

21 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.

Royal Mile
Landmark4.5

Royal Mile

25,990 reviews

The Royal Mile is the spine of Edinburgh's Old Town, running downhill from the castle on its volcanic crag to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official Scottish residence.

Edinburgh Waverley Station

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Good to know

What is the most visited attraction in Edinburgh?

Royal Mile draws the most traveler reviews of anywhere we track in Edinburgh, with 25,990 of them, rated 4.5 out of 5. Review volume is the closest honest proxy we have for how many people actually turn up, so it is what this list is ranked by.

Which place in Edinburgh do visitors rate highest?

The Scotsman Picturehouse holds the highest rating in Edinburgh among places with a meaningful number of reviews, at 4.5 out of 5 from 80 reviews. It is less busy than Royal Mile, which is often exactly why it scores better.

Browse Edinburgh by type: museums. Planning your trip to Edinburgh? See where to eat, build a Edinburgh itinerary, or check visa requirements.
Landmark3.5

Edinburgh Waverley Station

299 reviews · Princes Street and Gardens

Edinburgh's main railway station, a historic Victorian building located in the city center with easy access to Princes Street and the Old Town.

Sight
Sight4

The Albanach

100 reviews

A historic pub on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, known for its traditional Scottish atmosphere and live folk music.

Entertainment
Entertainment4.5

The Scotsman Picturehouse

80 reviews

A historic Edinburgh cinema turned entertainment venue, offering a mix of film screenings, live performances, and a lively bar with views of North Bridge.

Sight
Sight3

The Brauhaus

61 reviews · West End

A traditional German-style pub in Edinburgh's West End, known for its hearty food and wide selection of beers.

Market
Market4.5

Armchair Books

44 reviews

A cozy secondhand bookshop in Edinburgh's West Port, offering a treasure trove of rare and vintage books in a charming, cluttered setting.

Ember
Sight4.5

Ember

41 reviews

A modern Scottish restaurant and bar near Edinburgh Castle, known for its seasonal menu and vibrant atmosphere.

Sight
Sight2.5

Scotsman Spa & Health Club

34 reviews

A spa and health club on North Bridge in Edinburgh, offering relaxation and wellness services in a central location.

Sight
Sight3.5

The Cow Shed

21 reviews

A cozy whisky bar and lounge inside The Scotsman Hotel, offering a curated selection of single malts and classic cocktails in an intimate setting.

Scott Monument
Landmark

Scott Monument

The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic spire honoring Sir Walter Scott, with 287 steps leading to a panoramic view.

Royal Scottish Academy
Museum

Royal Scottish Academy

The Royal Scottish Academy showcases contemporary and historic art in a neoclassical building on The Mound.

Edinburgh Dungeon
Entertainment

Edinburgh Dungeon

A theatrical, scary journey through Edinburgh's dark history with live actors, special effects, and two rides.

Camera Obscura, Edinburgh
Sight

Camera Obscura, Edinburgh

A historic attraction with interactive optical illusions and a rooftop camera obscura offering panoramic city views.

Scottish National Gallery
Museum

Scottish National Gallery

Home to Scotland's finest fine art collection, from Renaissance masters to Scottish Colourists, in a neoclassical building on The Mound.

National Museum of Scotland
Museum

National Museum of Scotland

A vast museum exploring Scotland's story from geological beginnings to modern innovations, with interactive science and technology galleries.

Edinburgh Castle
Landmark

Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle offers panoramic city views and safeguards the Crown Jewels of Scotland.

Holyrood Palace
Landmark

Holyrood Palace

The official Scottish residence of the British monarch, Holyrood Palace boasts a rich history and exquisite gardens at the end of the Royal Mile.

St Giles' Cathedral
Religious site

St Giles' Cathedral

A historic church on the Royal Mile, St Giles' Cathedral is the heart of Edinburgh's religious life and features stunning stained glass.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Museum

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

A stunning red sandstone building showcasing portraits of famous Scots, from historical figures to contemporary celebrities.

Dynamic Earth (Edinburgh)
Museum

Dynamic Earth (Edinburgh)

Interactive science museum exploring Earth's geological and environmental history through immersive exhibits and a 4D cinema.

Calton Hill
Park & nature

Calton Hill

Calton Hill offers sweeping views of Edinburgh and is home to iconic monuments like the National Monument and Nelson Monument.