Edinburgh campsites

With its cobbled streets, narrow passages, historic architecture, countless museums, lively festivals and unforgettable attractions, Edinburgh is a city you can visit again and again without ever running out of things to discover. Scotland’s capital and the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature offers fun experiences, cultural traditions and a famously dark, shadowed past. The city is divided into several neighbourhoods, including coastal Leith, sandy Portobello and the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Together, they create a mix of history, culture and scenery that makes Edinburgh one of the most timeless and must-see destinations in the UK.

Edinburgh is a very hilly city, known for its steep streets, valleys, and hills and at the heart stands the infamous Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland's most visited attractions. Sitting on an extinct volcano, it offers the Vennel Viewpoint and incredible views across the city and out towards the River Forth. Inside, visitors can explore the Honours of Scotland – the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain – St Margaret's Chapel, The Royal Palace and the famous One O’Clock Gun, which fires daily at 1pm except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day. The castle is also home to the National War Museum and the Scottish National War Memorial, where collections of artefacts, paintings and items tell the story of over 400 years of Scotland’s military history.

From the castle, the Royal Mile leads down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official residence in Scotland. Here, visitors can uncover the stories of the royals who once lived there, taking guided tours to see Mary Queen of Scots’s chambers, Holyrood Abbey, The King's Gallery, and the landscaped gardens overlooking Queen’s Park. If you need a picnic break, Princess Street Gardens with its Ross Fountain are just around the corner. Later in the day, climb up to Calton Hill for panoramic views and a chance to see its collection of monuments, including the National Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, the Nelson Monument and the Playfair Monument.

Many other historic sites line the vibrant streets, from St Giles’ Cathedral with its stained glass windows and neo-Gothic architecture to Lauriston Castle, Craigmillar Castle, Gladstone’s Land and Canongate Tolbooth, all offering fascinating glimpses into Edinburgh’s ancient past.

Whether your interests lie in history, art or interactive experiences, Edinburgh has something for every visitor. The National Museum of Scotland is free to explore, covering several floors filled with artefacts, displays and exhibits on Scottish history, science, technology, art and nature. Art enthusiasts can spend hours at the National Galleries of Scotland (National, Modern One, Modern Two and Portrait) in New Town, admiring pieces from celebrated artists including Vincent Van Gogh. The Surgeons’ Hall Museums and The People’s Story Museum also feature impressive collections from the city’s past.

Those wanting to uncover more of Edinburgh's darker history will enjoy a trip to The Real Mary King’s Close, where underground streets and hidden passages reveal long-buried tales in an entertaining and immersive experience. Mercat Tours offers award-winning walking tours and ghost tours if you want to explore the haunted side of the city even further. And if you're not too spooked afterwards, an evening at the Edinburgh Playhouse promises entertainment for all ages.

Families will also find plenty to enjoy. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, the Museum of Childhood, Dynamic Earth, the Edinburgh Dungeon and Escape Hunt Edinburgh are all popular attractions close to the city centre. From learning about the Big Bang to mind-bending illusions, these experiences are guaranteed to inspire curious minds. For something sweet, stop by The Chocolatarium to create your own personalised treats. Edinburgh Zoo, home to hundreds of species, is another great option for families or wildlife lovers.

Further out in Leith, The Royal Yacht Britannia invites visitors aboard to explore five decks of Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace. While visiting, walk along the scenic 35-mile Water of Leith and spot swans, ducks and more. From here, you can make your way over to Dean Village, home to charming streets, stone cottages and the impressive Dean Bridge.

For something more relaxed, enjoy a scenic hike up Arthur’s Seat, a relatively easy walk that rewards you with panoramic views over the city and out to the Firth of Forth. While passing, you can pause at Holyrood Park, which offers wildlife and trails for all abilities. Peaceful afternoons can also be spent wandering the 70-acre Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, where walking paths, landscaped grounds and over 130,000 plant collections offer the perfect escape from the busy city.

Edinburgh also offers a mixture of food, literature, music, markets and famous festivals that bring the city to life all year round. If you get hungry along your travels, try a traditional Scottish breakfast, the iconic national dish, haggis, and treats like the caramel slice. Whisky lovers will want to visit the Scotch Whisky Experience, The Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches, or the immersive Johnnie Walker Experience on Princess Street. If you fancy a more educational journey at a working distillery, there is the Holyrood Distillery. Brewhemia is also popular for beer drinkers.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you may find the magical Christmas Market, but if not, there are plenty of others to keep you entertained, including the Grassmarket Market, Stockbridge Market, Edinburgh Farmer's Market and more, offering everything from fresh produce to vintage stalls, crafts and international street food. Edinburgh’s cultural calendar remains packed with world-known events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. The city also celebrates a rich literary heritage, being the birthplace of writers such as Sir Walter Scott, honoured by the Scott Monument, and the place where J.K. Rowling began the Harry Potter series. It is also home to Victoria Street, which inspired her famous Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

Other top things to see and do in Edinburgh:

Scottish Parliament Building – The home of Scottish democracy, offering guided tours, viewing sessions and self-guided visits

The Ghost Bus Tours Edinburgh – An hour and 15 minutes of comedy, horror and history while passing some of the city's most loved attractions, including Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery

The Georgian House (National Trust for Scotland) – A restored house providing a glimpse of life in the 18th to 19th century

Escape Hunt Edinburgh – Enjoy themed rooms, challenging games and engaging puzzles

Museum on the Mound – A museum exploring the design and history of money, including Scotland's oldest banknote

Festival Theatre – A performing arts theatre with a range of live shows, including pantomimes, ballet and comedy

Armchair Books – A second-hand book store filled with rare and unusual titles

Monkey Barrel Comedy – A great spot for an evening of comedy, dinner and drinks

Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve – Relaxing walking trails with picturesque views

Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – Watch a match at the stadium of the Scotland national rugby team

Tynecastle Park – The home ground of Heart of Midlothian Football Club (Hearts)

Cameron Toll Shopping Centre – An indoor shopping centre with a variety of shops, cafés and eateries

Museum of Edinburgh – A historic building with exhibits spanning different periods of the city's life

Greyfriars Bobby Statue – Visit the life-size statue of the loyal Skye terrier behind one of Edinburgh's most touching stories

With its rich history, dynamic culture, unforgettable attractions and stunning landscapes, Edinburgh offers something special for every visitor. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, the city promises experiences you'll want to return to time and time again!