Top 5 Things to Do in Edinburgh

I’ve been to Edinburgh twice — first in May 2016 for two days as part of a month-long western Europe trip, and again in July 2019 for one day during a UK + Denmark + Germany trip. Even though both visits were short, they were packed with interesting history and fun activities. Here are my favorite things to do in Edinburgh across both trips:

1. Royal Yacht Britannia

Why Visit:

Royal Yacht Britannia is not just a ship, but a floating royal residence that served the British Royal Family for over 40 years. It offers a fascinating peek into royal life at sea.

Highlights:

• State Apartments → see the Queen’s Bedroom, preserved exactly as it was during royal voyages.
• State Dining Room → where world leaders including Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill once dined with the Queen.

How to Go:

We bought timed entry in advance online to skip queues. The ticket comes with a free audio guide that takes you through the five decks. We visited right when it opened and were able to explore without much crowds. I recommend going early since there were a lot more people by the time we left.

2. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Why Visit:

The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is one of Edinburgh’s most fun, quirky, and interactive attractions. It’s perched at the top of the Royal Mile and combines mind-bending illusions with history and sweeping rooftop views.

Highlights:

• Camera Obscura Show → watch a live, real-time projection of Edinburgh created entirely by mirrors and sunlight — a 19th-century marvel!
• Optical Illusions → explore 5 floors of hands-on exhibits designed to mess with your senses.
• Rooftop Terrace → one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Edinburgh, overlooking the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur’s Seat.

How to Go:

We bought tickets at the door, but you can also book a timed entry online to save time during busy weekends or summer months.

3. Mary King’s Close

Why Visit:

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, Mary King’s Close is an underground network of 17th-century streets and homes sealed off for centuries. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time to plague-era Edinburgh.

Highlights:

• Guided Underground Tour → explore original 1600s houses, narrow alleys, and cobblestone streets buried beneath today’s city. The stories about life (and death) during the plague years were fascinating!
• Annie’s Room → legend says the spirit of a young girl named Annie who died during the plague still haunts her old room. Checkout the collection displaying small toys or coins that visitors left for her.

How to Go:

You can only visit on a guided tour, so it’s best to book online in advance as tours often sell out.

4. Palace of Holyroodhouse

Why Visit:

The official royal residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse blends royal grandeur, Scottish history, and expansive gardens.

Highlights:

• State Apartments → walk through the rooms still used by the Royal Family during official visits to Scotland.
• Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers → see the rooms where she lived between 1561-1567.
• Palace Gardens → wander through 10 acres of gardens framed by views of Arthur’s Seat.

How to Go:

We booked tickets online in advance since it was cheaper than at the gate. A free audio guide is included with the tickets.

5. Edinburgh Castle

Why Visit:

Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on Castle Rock, it overlooks the entire city and has served as a royal residence, military garrison, and prison for centuries due to its strategic location.

Highlights:

• Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) → see Scotland’s crown, sceptre, and sword of state.
• Castle Esplanade → built as a military parade ground and now home to the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August.

How to Go:

We bought timed entry in advance online since tickets often sell out.