Top 5 best things to see in Edinburgh, Scotland

I’ve decided that my first blog piece will be about Edinburgh, as this is my home base. This city is so moody and mystical that everybody should experience it once in their lifetime. There is no denying that there is something magnetic about Edinburgh, and around 4 million people choose to visit it yearly.

On a sunny day, it invites you to walk the cobblestones of the Royal Mile. On a gloomy day, it makes you get lost in old Victorian streets and gaze at the architecture. It’s got a bit of everything for everybody. Whether you are a writer or a photographer looking for your next muse or here just for fun, there are many things to see and do to experience the Scottish culture.

If you plan to explore Scotland’s natural beauty, check out my comprehensive guide on stunning walks and hikes around Edinburgh.

Without further ado, these are the top 5 things you should see on your next trip to Edinburgh:

1. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle view from Princess Street

This one is hard to miss, as Edinburgh Castle sits very imposingly at the western end of the Royal Mile. The entrance to the castle is from the Castle Esplanade, a place that exudes history. It was once the site for executing witches by burning them at the stake or drowning them in the Edinburgh Nor Loch.  If you are intereseted in seeing more castles in Scotland click here.

If you decide to tour Edinburgh Castle, when you go up the esplanade, just keep an eye out for the Witch’s Well. It is a cast iron fountain and plaque honoring the people  killed of witchcraft between the 15th and 18th centuries. Apart from its dark history, the Castle is a lively place where the Edinburgh Military Tattoo plays every August during the Fringe Festival.

2. Royal Mile

The Royal mile street

The Royal Mile is considered the heart of Edinburgh, and it’s situated right in the center of Edinburgh’s old town. The Royal Mile connects two royal residences, The Edinburgh Castle on one side and the Palace of Holyrood House at the other end. In between there are plenty of attractions. 

You can visit the St. Giles Cathedral, the Writer’s Museum or even a Witch museum, amongst other things. Most of the time, you also encounter street performers like bagpipers. During the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, it’s crawling with entertainers. 

3. Victoria Street

Victoria Street in Scotland

If you are a Harry Potter fan you should defenitely see this street. It is just a short walk from the Royal Mile, and in less than 5 minutes, you should get to Victoria Street.

This famous winding cobblestone street, named after Queen Victoria, is full of colorful facades and unique shops. You can visit the Museum Context, which sells original Harry Potter merchandise, The Whiskey Shop, or the Witchery Tours shop, among other specialty shops and galleries. 

4. Dean Village

Dean Village picture of buildings

Dean Village is another beautiful location in the center of Edinburgh that’s really easy to walk to from Princess Stress, probably around 5 to 10 minutes on foot. This peculiar part of Edinburgh was once a thriving water milling site for over 800 years. 

Visitors can observe mill stones and stone plaques adorned with baked bread and pies, offering a glimpse into the village’s charming history. For a better viewpoint, cross the Dean Bridge and admire the beautiful Well Court, the most iconic building in the village. Built in the 1880s, it housed local workers employed at the water mills.

5. Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat overlooking the city

Last but not least, hike on Arthur’s Seat, an ancient extinct volcano that sits 251 m above sea level, giving an excellent view of the city. To reach Arthur’s seat, start from the Holyrood Park and follow one of the several paths to reach the summit.

Arthur’s Seat is an easy hike, even for beginners. Most path are straight forward, with paved portions. Usually it takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. You can easily take breaks along the way and admire the view. f you plan to explore outside Edinburgh, check out the Puffin Isle on Isle of May by clicking here. 

These are just a few of the things you can do in the center of Edinburgh, which should take a few days, probably around three if you go to the museums and Holyrood Park.

There are many other places to explore, like Portobello Beach, Calton Hill, Leith Walk, and others. If you like more sun on your vacation, then choose Tenerife as the next spot.

Until then, unwind and explore!