We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Things to do in Edinburgh

 

Attractions (174)

Activities (102)

Nightlife (69)

Shopping (67)

All (174)
Cultural (59)
Museums (35)
Sports (19)
Landmarks (15)
Amusement (14)
Outdoors (13)
Performances (13)
Zoos & Aquariums (1)
Name

Attractions travellers recommend

The Edinburgh Dungeon
Ranked #31 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Amusement/ Theme Parks
Owner description: Nobody tells stories like we do: exciting, scary and bloody funny. With a full cast of brilliant actors, authentic sets,... more » Owner description: Nobody tells stories like we do: exciting, scary and bloody funny. With a full cast of brilliant actors, authentic sets, special effects and two awesome rides, we'll take you on a unique thrill-filled journey through 1000 years of Scotland's murky past.We've got a full cast of infamous villains, rogues and rascals that can't wait to meet you. Local cannibal Sawney Bean is waiting to pick your brains, serial killers Burke and Hare have body issues and warrior hero William Wallace is in pieces.Plus, see the back-breaking work that goes on in the torture chamber, sense a ghostly presence in Mary King's Close and feel the effects of the plague. Literally.Now in its 12th year, the Dungeon is better, bolder and funnier for 2013. It's an 80 minute experience you won't want to miss. Are you ready for this? « less
Map | Visitor photos (26)
Ranked #32 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Churches/ Cathedrals
Map | Visitor photos (40)
Ranked #33 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Historic Sites
Owner description: Beautiful chamber known for its authentic interiors and painted ceilings. Offers a look into the past through a quality... more » Owner description: Beautiful chamber known for its authentic interiors and painted ceilings. Offers a look into the past through a quality museum experience. « less
Map | Visitor photos (5)
Ranked #34 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Educational Sites
Map | Visitor photos (7)
Ranked #35 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: History Museums; Speciality Museums
Visitor photos (9)
Ranked #36 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Museums

The Museum on the Mound's is a small museum associated with the Bank of Scotland traces the history of banking and money in Scotland with interesting side trips into crime... more »

Map | Visitor photos (10)
Ranked #37 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Art Museums
Owner description: Home to Scotland’s outstanding national collection of modern and contemporary art, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern... more » Owner description: Home to Scotland’s outstanding national collection of modern and contemporary art, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art comprises two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two.Set in beautiful parkland close to the Water of Leith you can explore sculpture by major artists such as Ian Hamilton Finlay, Henry Moore, Rachel Whiteread and Barbara Hepworth. On permanent display is a fascinating recreation of Eduard Paolozzi’s studio, as well as his 7.3m tall sculpture, Vulcan, that dominates the café. Also in Modern Two is The Stairwell Project, a large-scale, permanent work by 2009 Turner Prize winner Richard Wright.The collection at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ranges from 1900s to the present day, including works by Matisse, Picasso, Vuillard and Dix, as well as a superb selection of paintings by Scottish artists such as Peploe, Fergusson, Gillies and Redpath. Also on display are postwar works by Bacon, Freud, Davie, Hockney and Leger and more recent pieces by Turner prize winning artists Richard Wright and Martin Creed, alongside Karla Black, Douglas Gordon and Tracey Emin to name a few. « less
Map | Visitor photos (5)
Ranked #38 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Sports Complexes
Owner description: Urban Paintball Edinburgh is Scotland's only indoor paintball arena. Open 7 days until 10pm and situated just off Leith Walk,... more » Owner description: Urban Paintball Edinburgh is Scotland's only indoor paintball arena. Open 7 days until 10pm and situated just off Leith Walk, one of Edinburgh's main arterial roads. We are the first choice for anyone wishing to play paintball in Edinburgh. Walk-ins and short notice bookings are welcomed. « less
Map | Visitor photos (39)
Ranked #39 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Speciality Museums
Owner description: The Writers' Museum in the 17th century Lady Stair's House, is dedicated to the lives and work of Scotland's great literary... more » Owner description: The Writers' Museum in the 17th century Lady Stair's House, is dedicated to the lives and work of Scotland's great literary figures, particularly Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. The rich collection of manuscripts, first editions and portraits is complemented by a series of personal exhibits that include Burns' writing desk and the Ballantyne Press on which Scott's Waverley novels were originally published. « less
Map | Visitor photos (16)
Ranked #40 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Historic Sites

Dean Village is one of the oldest areas in Edinburgh city centre. There was a village centred around the Milling Industry called the Water of Leith Village back in the days when... more »

Map | Visitor photos (21)
Ranked #41 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Theatres
Owner description: If you like a little added sparkle with your live entertainment then the prestigious Festival Theatre is the place for you.... more » Owner description: If you like a little added sparkle with your live entertainment then the prestigious Festival Theatre is the place for you. Built in 1994, the impressive glass facade imposes a sense of occasion as you enter the sleek and contemporary foyer spaces. Enjoy a drink in our spacious bars and take in the insipring views across to Arthur's Seat - but don't let the modern entrance fool you - the traditional 1915-seat auditorium, with its sumptuous decor and lavish fittings, has all the grandeur and splendour you need for a truly special theatrical experience.Designed as Scotland's premier dance and opera house in 1994, the stage is the largest in Scotland, providing the perfect platform for world-class contemporary dance and ballet, and excellent acoustics make it a number one venue for opera, musicals and concerts. The Festival Theatre continues to provide the best programme of dance and opera in the country, as well as a variety of world-class productions across all artforms. Home to the International Festival in the summer, and Christmas shows in winter, you'll find unmissable entertainment here all year round. « less
Map | Visitor photos (5)
Ranked #42 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Landmarks/ Points of Interest; Historic Sites

  To experience Mary King's Close is to step back in time.  A Close means Alley way. The homes and apartments dating back to the plague, were used to support a government building... more »

Map | Visitor photos (30)
Ranked #43 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Neighbourhoods; Historic Walking Areas
The modern face of Edinburgh, with lots of restaurants, pubs, museums and galleries.
Map | Visitor photos (37)
Ranked #44 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Libraries

The National Library of Scotland is Scotland's largest library. The institution is home to 14 million printed items, over 100,000 manuscripts, around two million maps, and 25,000... more »

Map | Visitor photos (1)
Ranked #45 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Sports Complexes; Convention Centres
Map | Visitor photos (4)
Ranked #46 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Historic Sites
Map | Visitor photos (13)
Ranked #47 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Religious Sites; Historic Sites
Map | Visitor photos (21)
Ranked #48 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Historic Sites
Map | Visitor photos (23)
Ranked #49 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Historic Sites
This historic building is known as "Scotland's finest stately home."
Map | Visitor photos (32)
Ranked #50 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Speciality Museums
Owner description: Adults can indulge in a nostalgia-fest and children discover how their (not so) aged parents amused themselves as youngsters... more » Owner description: Adults can indulge in a nostalgia-fest and children discover how their (not so) aged parents amused themselves as youngsters in a world before video games. There’s a wholesomeness to the construction kits and embroidery sets that once kept little fingers busy in a world that embraced the notion of "Improving Sunday Toys," while train sets and dolls houses have enduring appeal. If the implacable stare of the massed ranks of a compendious collection of dolls becomes a little unnerving, there are dressing-up boxes, and regular organized activities to provide diversions. « less
Map | Visitor photos (86)
Ranked #51 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Museums
Map | Visitor photos (17)
Ranked #52 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Historic Sites; Ballets; Religious Sites
Map | Visitor photos (27)
Ranked #53 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Science Museums; Speciality Museums; Natural History Museums; Monuments/ Statues
Owner description: Situated at the foot of Edinburgh’s spectacular Salisbury Crags, Our Dynamic Earth invites you on a journey back through... more » Owner description: Situated at the foot of Edinburgh’s spectacular Salisbury Crags, Our Dynamic Earth invites you on a journey back through space and time 15,000 million years ago. Fly over glaciers as they carve out the planet’s surface before outsmarting dinosaurs facing extinction. Feel the Earth move as a volcano explodes and experience the chill of Polar Ice. Embark on 4DVENTURE, Scotland’s only 4D experience, on an epic journey of contrasts. Touch, smell, feel the adventure as you fly from Polar regions to deep within the tropical rainforest.Plus, 360º Dome Films shown exclusively in the ShowDome. « less
Map | Visitor photos (19)
Ranked #54 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Religious Sites
This stately chapel is the only original building left in the Edinburgh Castle complex.
Map | Visitor photos (10)
Ranked #55 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Theatres

A traditionally styled 3 tier theatre with over 3000 seats, offering a broad range of shows ranging from visiting West End performances, dance,  musicals, comedians to events... more »

Map | Visitor photos (6)
Ranked #56 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Historic Sites
Owner description: In the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, the Scottish Parliament building opened in 2004 and has since welcomed over 2 million... more » Owner description: In the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, the Scottish Parliament building opened in 2004 and has since welcomed over 2 million visitors. Usually open from Monday to Saturday, visitors can join a free guided tour or see parliament in action, depending on which day you visit (booking essential). Discover the parliament through our exhibition, and enjoy our cafe and shop. A free creche is also available, Monday to Friday. We look forward to welcoming you to this 'landmark for 21st century democracy'. « less
Map | Visitor photos (63)
Ranked #57 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Landmarks/ Points of Interest; Monuments/ Statues
This memorial commemorates the loyal pooch who spent 14 years by his master's grave.
Map | Visitor photos (54)
Ranked #58 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Beaches

          A mile(ish) stretch of sandy beach with cafe's, pubs, ice cream and a couple of old fashioned amusement arcades. It's a bucket and spade kids beach popular with kite... more »

Map | Visitor photos (21)
Ranked #59 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Comedy Clubs
Map | Visitor photos (11)
Ranked #60 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Category: Art Museums
Owner description: Home to Scotland’s outstanding national collection of modern and contemporary art, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern... more » Owner description: Home to Scotland’s outstanding national collection of modern and contemporary art, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art comprises two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two.Set in beautiful parkland close to the Water of Leith you can explore sculpture by major artists such as Ian Hamilton Finlay, Henry Moore, Rachel Whiteread and Barbara Hepworth, and discover the dramatic lawn at the front of the building, designed by landscape architect, Charles Jencks.The collection at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ranges from 1900s to the present day, including works by Matisse, Picasso, Vuillard and Dix, as well as a superb selection of paintings by Scottish artists such as Peploe, Fergusson, Gillies and Redpath. Also on display are postwar works by Bacon, Freud, Davie, Hockney and Leger and more recent pieces by Turner prize winning artists Richard Wright and Martin Creed, alongside Karla Black, Douglas Gordon and Tracey Emin to name a few. « less
Map | Visitor photos (8)
Travellers' advice about Edinburgh