Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting? Why Scotland’s Capital Belongs on Your Itinerary
If you’re wondering whether Edinburgh is worth visiting, the short answer is yes — absolutely. It’s a city full of history, distinctive architecture and a strong sense of identity that you notice straight away.
I’ve visited Edinburgh a few times, and it’s a place that feels familiar yet still interesting every time I go back. From the castle sitting high above the city to the cobbled streets and old buildings, it’s an easy place to enjoy exploring on foot.
If you like destinations with character, culture and plenty to see without needing a car, Edinburgh is definitely worth adding to your travel plans.
Whether you’re drawn to Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town, the Georgian streets of the New Town, or the views from Arthur’s Seat, there’s plenty to enjoy here. The city combines history, culture and walkability in a way few others do. Take a look at what makes it worth visiting, what to expect, and who will enjoy it most.
You’ll find all my Scotland guides, tips, and itineraries in this Scotland travel guide.
Overview of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and although it’s not the largest city — that title goes to Glasgow — it’s my personal favourite.
Located in the south-east of the country, Edinburgh has a population of around 560,000 and is best known for its history, architecture, festivals and literary heritage. It’s a compact city with a lot of character, and one that’s easy to explore on foot (although there are a few steep hills).
If you’re planning a short visit, my One Day in Edinburgh itinerary shows how much you can realistically see in a single day. But even if you have longer, it’s a city that rewards slow exploration and return visits.
So, let’s look at what makes Edinburgh worth adding to your travel plans.
Who Will Love Edinburgh
Edinburgh suits travellers who enjoy history, culture, and walkable cities. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Scotland, solo travellers, and anyone who likes museums, good food, and atmosphere. If nightlife is your main priority, you might find Glasgow better suited.
🇬🇧 Want more inspiration for exploring Britain? I’ve gathered all my UK travel posts in one place.
Reasons To Visit Edinburgh
History
Edinburgh’s history is visible everywhere you go. The city’s layout itself — with the Old Town’s medieval closes and winding streets rising to the castle, and the elegant Georgian terraces of the New Town below — tells the story of how it grew.
The castle dominates the skyline and is one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks. Even if you don’t go inside the castle (although I recommend you do), it’s worth walking up the Royal Mile to see it close up and take in the view back across the city.
The architecture in Ediburgh ranges from gothic spires to stone townhouses, and the very modern Scottish Parliament Building.
The contrast between the two main areas — the Old Town and New Town — gives Edinburgh a character that few cities manage. The Old Town feels atmospheric and full of history, while the New Town’s symmetry and open squares show a different side of Scotland’s past.
Food and Drink
Haggis might be Scotland’s most famous dish, but there’s far more to the country’s food scene than that — from fresh seafood to venison and, of course, whisky.
Edinburgh has plenty of excellent restaurants to try. The Whiski Rooms is one of my preferred options, and there are also many relaxed pubs serving quality local food.
Edinburgh was the first place I really started to try whisky, and I’ve always found that bar and pub staff are very happy to make recommendations to anyone new to it. It’s one of the best cities to learn what you like, whether you’re tasting your first dram or comparing single malts from across Scotland.
Arts and Culture
Edinburgh has a great arts scene with several museums and galleries.
At the Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, both of which are free to visit, art enthusiasts are spoiled for choice.
If you are interested in listening to traditional Scottish music, you’ll find bagpipes being played most days near Edinburgh Castle. Whether you’re exploring traditional Scottish art or contemporary works, the Edinburgh arts scene offers a variety of music and art.
Walkability and Views
Edinburgh is an ideal city for walking. Many of the main sights are within easy reach of each other, and it’s often quicker to walk than take transport. The hills can be steep, but the views are worth it.
You can see the city from several great vantage points — Calton Hill is the easiest to reach and offers sweeping views over the skyline, while Arthur’s Seat gives you a sense of how close the city is to the sea. Even from everyday streets, you’ll often turn a corner and spot the castle in the distance.
Because it’s so compact, Edinburgh works well for both short breaks and longer stays. You can cover a lot of ground in a few days, yet still feel like there’s more to discover when you return. Just be aware that there are a couple of steep hills in the city centre.
Festivals
Several well-known annual events take place in Edinburgh. One of the most famous is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival occurring every August.
The festival showcases thousands of performances across various art forms like comedy, theatre, music, and dance.
The Edinburgh International Festival, held at the same time as Fringe, presents high-profile theatre, opera, and classical music performances. So, whether you are interested in stand-up comedy or opera, August in Edinburgh offers something for everything.
For those in Edinburgh at the end of the year, you might catch the famous Hogmanay celebrations.
Hogmanay is the Scottish term for the last day of the year, and the New Year’s Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh are especially famous with live music and fireworks.
Location
Any visitor to the UK should try to spend some time in Scotland – the highlands and islands are worlds away from the busyness of cities like London. Edinburgh is the perfect starting point for a Scottish adventure.
You can reach areas like Loch Lomond within a few hours of the city, or spend more time in the region visiting Skye, the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and more.
Literature
Edinburgh has a significant literary heritage, with a history steeped in the works of renowned writers and poets.
Edinburgh continues to be a hub for literary enthusiasts. Writers such as Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Irvine Welsh have all left their mark on the city.
And of course, the most famous of the city’s many literary exports is JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series. In addition to the range of bookstores in the city, you can also find shops and attractions dedicated to the wizarding world.
Best Things To Do In Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress that showcases Scotland’s past. Within its walls, you can explore centuries of history, including ancient buildings, the Scottish Crown Jewels, and the Stone of Destiny. The castle’s strategic location also provides stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
A significant amount of the castle is dedicated to military history, with the Scottish National War Memorial located in the Edinburgh Castle grounds.
The memorial commemorates the lives of Scottish soldiers lost in conflicts since World War I.
Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit for anyone visiting Edinburgh for the first time.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile refers to a line of streets that runs from the castle down to Holyroodhouse. Although none of the streets are called the Royal Mile, it’s fairly clear on a map – it’s a straight line from the castle to palace.
The Royal Mile goes past a few museums and St Giles’ Cathedral. The buildings along the route are lovely, and you’ll also pass by several shops, cafes and occasionally some street performers. It’s the perfect route for a stroll through the centre of Edinburgh.
St Giles’ Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral is a historic landmark known for its distinctive crown spire. Originally founded in the 12th century, it has survived several significant religious changes in Scottish history, including the Reformation in the 16th century.
The cathedral’s architecture features a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, with notable elements such as its stained glass windows and Thistle Chapel.
Victoria Street
Victoria Street is known for its colourful buildings and independent shops. The street is close to the castle and curves down through Edinburgh’s Old Town. There are also several restaurants on this relatively short street, so it’s worth walking down and seeing what sparks your interest.
You’ll also find some Harry Potter-themed shops on the street.
Princes Street
Princes Street sits to the north of the castle and marks the southern boundary of Edinburgh’s New Town. Given Edinburgh’s long history, New Town is a relative term. Most of the streets in this area were originally built in the 18th century.
New Town now forms one of the major shopping areas in Edinburgh, especially along Princes Street. It’s also an interesting mix of old and new – on one side of the road you’ll find lots of shops.
The road itself includes tram lines as part of Edinburgh’s public transport system. On the south side of the road is the Scott Monument.
The monument is one of Edinburgh’s major landmarks, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott and constructed in 1840.
The Princes Street Gardens are also lovely to wander around – a large green space next to the castle with fountains and memorials.
Arthur’s Seat
Edinburgh has some steep hills, and the most obvious of those is Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano to the southeast of Edinburgh city centre. It is part of Holyrood Park, and stands at 251 metres high, offering panoramic views over the city.
There are a few routes through the park and up to the summit, but be aware that the path is uneven with some steep sections so you will need a reasonable level of fitness to take the most direct route.
Whisky
Whisky is probably Scotland’s most well-known export, and I highly recommend you try some while in Edinburgh.
The Scotch Whisky Experience is just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle. You can join tours and experiences to learn about how whisky is made and do a tasting, however, if you don’t know much about whisky and just want to try some, the tours can be on the expensive side.
I would recommend that instead you head down to the whisky bar, with its collection of 450 types of whisky. The staff are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
They’ll be happy to recommend something within a reasonable price point – there are usually many types that you can order by the dram (usually 35ml) for around £5-6.
It’s a good way to try some whisky as a novice without spending a lot of money.
For fans of whisky, it’s also a great place to try some whiskies that might otherwise be difficult to get hold of.
The whisky bar is very small, so it’s best to visit in the early afternoon to try and grab a spot. If you want to eat at the Amber Restaurant rather than just having a drink at the bar then you should book a table.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is a free museum that is well worth visiting. It has a collection spanning history, science, technology and the natural world. If you are interested in learning about Scottish history, this is the place to go.
From 8000BC to the 20th century, discover ancient artefacts and the stories of famous Scottish figues such as Wiliam Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots.
Other galleries include exhibitions on design and fashion, science and technology, and the natural world.
Perhaps the museum’s strangest exhibit is Dolly the sheep. Famous for being the world’s first successful cloned animal, Dolly’s body was preserved and put on display in the museum.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
If you enjoy a spooky tale, then consider visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery. This graveyard sits next to the National Museum of Scotland and is a popular visitor spot for several reasons.
The most famous grave is that of Thomas Riddle – the inspiration for the name of the primary villain in the Harry Potter world. There are numerous other graves for notable figures in Scottish history, including several who met grisly ends.
If you want the full creepy experience, you might want to consider going on a walking tour of the kirkyard and nearby Nidry Street vaults.
Book your walking tour of Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Vaults here!
Camera Obscura
For a more light-hearted attraction, Camera Obscura offers a very different experience for visitors compared to Greyfriars. Located near Edinburgh Castle, it provides panoramic views of the city through a series of optical illusions and interactive exhibits.
With its history dating back to the 19th century, Camera Obscura is a fascinating attraction where visitors can learn about the art of photography, the secrets of magic tricks, and how optical illusions work.
How Many Days Do You Need In Edinburgh
I would recommend at least 2 days to explore the city’s main attractions. If you want to venture further afield for day trips to areas like Loch Lomond, then you’ll need at least 4 days.
If you do only have one day to spare, check out this one day in Edinburgh itinerary.
Where To Stay In Edinburgh
I highly rate Premier Inns in almost any location around the UK. They aren’t on sites such as Booking.com so are often overlooked by tourists.
They aren’t particularly luxurious, but I have stayed in a lot of them and found them to be reliably clean, safe and comfortable as well as good value for money. Head to their website to book directly.
If you do want some luxury then consider the Balmoral Hotel – the most famous hotel in the city.
At the other end of the scale, if you need to keep costs down then there are some good budget options as well.
If you are visiting during the summer, you can book a room in Edinburgh University dorm rooms for a low price.
CoDE Pod offers unusual hostel dormitories which offer a bit more privacy in mixed or female-only dorms.
Where To Eat In Edinburgh
Every time I’m in Edinburgh I always go to the Whiski Rooms. They serve Scottish dishes such as venison and salmon, and my favourite Scottish dessert – cranachan. It’s a delicious mix of toasted oats, cream, honey, whisky and raspberries. Sort of like a Scottish version of eton mess.
If you fancy some seafood, head to White Horse Oyster and Seafood Bar. Their menu is made up of small plates so you can try several things. If there are two or more of you, you could also try their seafood platters.
If you are on your own, get advice about how much to order. I accidentally over-ordered and couldn’t finish the enormous portion of crab-topped fries!
You’ll also find lots of pubs serving great food, such as Devil’s Advocate and Tolbooth Tavern. Edinburgh is full of great places to eat, but it is worth booking in advance.
Best Time To Visit Edinburgh
Late spring and summer are the best times to visit. Unless you specifically want to attend Fringe, avoid August as prices will shoot up and the city becomes very busy. It can get very cold in winter so I would recommend you visit in the milder months.
Plan Your Trip to Scotland
If you’re adding Edinburgh to your itinerary, these guides will help you plan the rest of your trip:
• 🌄 Best Places to Visit in Scotland
• 📍 One Week Scotland Itinerary
• 🏙️ London or Edinburgh – Which Should You Visit?
FAQs
Do Scottish people speak Gaelic?
Most people in Scotland speak English. There are some Scots who speak Gaelic but this is usually as a second language. The Scottish accent can be very strong and some people do find it difficult to understand.
Is Edinburgh expensive?
Yes, Edinburgh can be expensive especially during peak times such as August during Fringe. There are ways to save money by staying in hostels and focusing on free attractions and outdoor activities, but it is an expensive city.
What currency is used in Scotland?
Scotland uses the same currency as the rest of the UK – pound sterling (GBP/£). The confusion comes from the fact that Scotland has its own design of banknotes.
Scottish banknotes have the same value as banknotes produced in England. You can use English notes in Scotland and Scotland in England – they are all legal currency in the UK as they are all pound sterling.
Is Scotland part of the UK?
Yes, Scotland is one of the four countries that make up the nation – the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Is Edinburgh a walkable city?
Yes, with a caveat. The city centre is small enough to walk around, however, it has some very steep hills. You’ll be climbing long sets of stairs or walking up hills a lot to get around.
How do you pronounce Edinburgh?
Visitors to the UK often get the pronunciation of Edinburgh wrong – mostly because it is one of many places names in the UK that isn’t said the way it is written. The correct pronunciation is ED-in-bruh.
Not Ed-in-borough or Ed-in-berg.
Edinburgh or London?
The capital cities of England and Scotland are very different. London is my home so I’m somewhat biased, but to give you a full breakdown I have a dedicated article to choosing between Edinburgh and London.
Final Thoughts – Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting?
I hope this travel guide has convinced you it is worth visiting the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Scotland is a stunning part of the UK, and Edinburgh is the best city to visit in Scotland.
There is plenty to do for a few days, lots of great food, and it is a perfect starting point for a wider trip around Scotland.
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