Best Edinburgh Day Trips & Things to Do

Best attractions & things to do in Edinburgh

When we talk about things to do in Edinburgh, some are sure not to be missed.

Edinburgh Castle: This is Edinburgh's premier attraction. The castle stands on Castle Rock. When visiting here, see the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny. Tickets are best purchased in advance on the website and will be cheaper than on the site, costing £21.50 for adults.

Royal Mile: This historic road connects the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and there are many story-filled alleys, pubs, and stores along the avenue.

National Museum of Scotland: The museum displays Scottish industrial history artifacts and natural history exhibits. Well worth a visit to learn more about Scotland. And it's free to enter, but you may need to buy tickets to enter some of the exhibits.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: This is a 70-acre garden where you can learn about the environment in which different plants grow. There are also flower and plant themed merchandise and the garden is free to enter.

Besides these iconic attractions, Edinburgh's highlights include exploring the atmospheric Old Town, with its winding alleys and hidden courtyards, and the elegant Georgian New Town.

For those interested in the darker side of history, thrilling ghost tours are one of the popular activities in Edinburgh, Scotland, taking you through haunted crypts and creepy graveyards such as Greyfriars Kirkyard. There are also Harry Potter tours, following in the footsteps of their favorite wizards, and visiting the inspirations behind the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling.

Best time to visit Edinburgh

The summer months (June to August) are usually pleasant, with average temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F), making it the best time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This is followed by spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), when average temperatures range from 4-14 °C (40-58 °F), and crowds are even lower. Winters are colder, 1°C to 7°C (34°F to 45°F), and can have snowfall.

Getting around Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a walking city with a high concentration of popular attractions. For longer trips, a bus and tram system connects all parts of the city. The tram directly connects Edinburgh's airport to the city center. It is recommended to purchase a day pass, which allows unlimited use of the buses and trams for the day.

Day trips from Edinburgh

Edinburgh is also a popular starting point for trips to other parts of Scotland, with several locations being highly sought after. In particular, the Edinburgh to Loch Ness day trip allows you to enjoy the magnificent Glen Coe and the tranquil Loch Ness while doing so. There is also the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which attracts many tourists to the area because it is a Harry Potter filming location. And of course, there's the Whisky Tour from Edinburgh, where you can learn about Scotland's national drink and visit still-operating distilleries.

Whether you want to explore ancient castles, vast lakes, or simple villages, Edinburgh offers a wide range of day trips to suit your needs for a perfect day out.