Find Car Rentals in Edinburgh from $57/day ✓ Free cancellation
Prices update frequently and may vary, see live rates on click.
What are the top attractions in Edinburgh?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Edinburgh, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.
Book Edinburgh Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
Browse →
★ 4.6
Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK
Explore →106,193 reviews
★ 4.8
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, UK
Explore →57,408 reviews
★ 4.7
Princes Street Gardens
Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2HG, UK
Explore →26,941 reviews
★ 4.7
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, UK
Explore →24,402 reviews
★ 4.7
Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH1 1QS, UK
Explore →23,520 reviews
★ 4.6
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK
Explore →22,431 reviews
★ 4.6
The Real Mary King's Close
2 Warriston's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, UK
Explore →17,814 reviews
★ 4.6
National Galleries of Scotland: National
The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, UK
Explore →16,733 reviews
★ 4.7
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean Dr, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, UK
Explore →13,515 reviews
★ 4.6
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, UK
Explore →15,724 reviews
★ 4.6
St Giles' Cathedral
High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, UK
Explore →12,754 reviews
★ 4.7
Rosslyn Chapel
Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PU, UK
Explore →9,863 reviews
★ 4.7
Scott Monument
E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, UK
Explore →7,336 reviews
★ 4.3
Edinburgh Zoo
134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6T...
Explore →14,187 reviews
★ 4.4
Fountain Park
130 Dundee St, Edinburgh EH11 1AF, UK
Explore →8,349 reviews
★ 4.7
The Johnnie Walker Experience
145 Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 4BL, UK
Explore →4,636 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Edinburgh?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
Quick answer Top tour formats in Edinburgh include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.
Viator300,000+ experiences • Free cancellation
Book →
GetYourGuideFree cancellation • Instant booking
Book →
Hop-On Hop-Off
Walking Tours
Food Tours
Day Trips
Boat Cruises
Skip-the-Line
Private Tours
Adventure Tours
Photography Tours
Night Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in Edinburgh
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in Edinburgh
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in Edinburgh
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Day TripsDay Trips in Edinburgh
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in Edinburgh
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in Edinburgh
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Private ToursPrivate Tours in Edinburgh
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in Edinburgh
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Photography ToursPhotography Tours in Edinburgh
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in Edinburgh
Book on Viator • Free cancellation
Book →
Where to eat and go out in Edinburgh?
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Quick answer Browse top-rated restaurants, nightlife venues, and live shows happening now in Edinburgh. Listings ranked by traveler ratings; tickets and tables bookable directly through partner sites.
Where to Eat
Dishoom Edinburgh$$
★ 4.8
Makars Mash Bar$$
★ 4.8
The Dome$$$
★ 4.6
Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips$$
★ 4.5
The Standing Order - JD Wetherspoon$
★ 4.2
The World's End$$
★ 4.5
The Edinburgh Larder - Blackfriars Street$$
★ 4.6
The Devil's Advocate$$$
★ 4.5
Where can I shop in Edinburgh?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Edinburgh from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.4
Fort Kinnaird
Fleming House, 32 Newcraighall Rd, Edinburgh EH...
View →
★ 4.4
St James Quarter
St James Cres, Edinburgh EH1 3AD, UK
View →
★ 4.2
Primark
$
View →
★ 4.3
OMNi Centre
Greenside Row, Edinburgh EH1 3AU, UK
View →
★ 4.1
Waverley Market
3/48 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ, UK
View →
★ 4.0
Ocean Terminal
98 Ocean Dr, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, UK
View →
★ 4.5
Stockbridge Market
Saunders St, Edinburgh EH3 6TQ, UK
View →
★ 4.0
Gyle Shopping Centre
Gyle Ave, Edinburgh EH12 9JY, UK
View →
★ 4.2
Craigleith Retail Park
S Groathill Ave, Edinburgh EH4 2LN, UK
View →
★ 4.2
Marks & Spencer
$$
View →
★ 4.2
TK Maxx
$
View →
★ 4.1
John Lewis & Partners
$$
View →
★ 4.5
The Pitt
20 W Shore Rd, Granton, Edinburgh EH5 1QD, UK
View →
★ 3.9
Cameron Toll Shopping Centre
6 Lady Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5PB, UK
View →
★ 4.0
Tesco Superstore
$
View →
★ 4.1
Tesco Superstore
$
View →
What events are happening in Edinburgh?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 47 upcoming events in Edinburgh across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
An Audience with Mark and Lard
May 26, 2026
Get Tickets →
Dirty Dancing Live in Concert - with band and singers
May 26, 2026
Get Tickets →
Thomas Dolby
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
Welcome To Night Vale
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertDead Pony
May 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertThe Virginmarys
May 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertCryptic Shift
May 29, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertThe Best of Adele. Tribute by Mystery Ensemble
May 29, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & TheatreI'm Grand Mam: Happy Campers
May 29, 2026
Get Tickets →
Ray LaMontagne - Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour
May 31, 2026
Get Tickets →
Macy Gray
May 31, 2026
Get Tickets →
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark: Live In Concert
Jun 2, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertScott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox - The Future Is Vintage Tour
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
*CANCELLED* BAFTA Games In Concert
Jun 4, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertJimmy Carpenter Band with support from the Brian Rawson Band
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertAnt-Trouble: Adam And The Ants Tribute
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
Billy Joel
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
CQ Wrestling
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertKraftwerk
Jun 9, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertTwin Atlantic
Jun 10, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertJulie Fowlis
Jun 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertMull Historical Society
Jun 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsMain Stand Tour - Tynecastle Park
Jun 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventTynecastle Stadium Tour & Museum Experience
Jun 13, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & Theatre
MAY
26
An Audience with Mark and Lard
Clark Street, Edinburgh
Concert
MAY
26
Dirty Dancing Live in Concert - with band and singers
Lothian RD, Edinburgh
Concert
MAY
27
Thomas Dolby
Clark Street, Edinburgh
Arts & Theatre
MAY
27
Welcome To Night Vale
60 Pleasence, Edinburgh
Concert
MAY
27
Dead Pony
Hastie's Close, Edinburgh
Concert
MAY
28
The Virginmarys
37 Guthrie Street (Hasties Close), Edinburgh
Concert
MAY
29
Cryptic Shift
15-17 Niddy Street, Edinburgh
Concert
MAY
29
The Best of Adele. Tribute by Mystery Ensemble
Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh
Arts & Theatre
MAY
29
I'm Grand Mam: Happy Campers
Clark Street, Edinburgh
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Edinburgh?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Edinburgh, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Edinburgh?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Edinburgh?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Edinburgh?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.