Unique experiences
The Johnnie Walker Experience
Take a trip to Edinburgh's ultimate personalised whisky experience at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Embark on an immersive tasting of world class whisky, purchase exclusive batches of whisky you won't find elsewhere and visit the 1820 rooftop bar for unbeatable views of Edinburgh Castle.
The Edinburgh Chocolatarium
The Edinburgh Chocolatarium is 90 minutes of chocolate lovers dream, a guided tour (of course with tastings!) all about the process of chocolate making and actual chocolate making is included at the end. Choose from over 40 variations of rich chocolate flavours, with favourites such as milk and salted caramel, to more uniques flavours from haggis to gin, so you can truly customise your experience.
Dean Village
Explore Dean Village, just 5 minutes away from Princes Street, a quaint little village within the bustling city of Edinburgh. Named an oasis right by the water of Leith, you will find beautiful architecture, welcoming stores and plenty of history. Look out for the various mill stones and stone plaques decorated with baked bread and pies, plus a short walk away are the Dean Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Historic places to visit
Venture to the Vennel
Directions: Once in Edinburgh, head to the west side of the Grassmarket and walk the steps up the Vennel, opposite King's Stables Road. When you reach the top, turn around, and you'll be greeted with one of the most picturesque views of Edinburgh Castle.
Get a new of Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland's most iconic landmarks. Stand at the historic steps of the Vennel, just off the bustling Grassmarket, and take in this gem's breathtaking view.
Climb the Crags
Directions: Begin at Holyrood Park. Walk northwest toward Queen's Drive. Continue onto Queen's Drive. Turn right onto Queen's Drive (also known as Radical Road). After about 15 minutes and 1.5km, you'll find the steps leading up to Salisbury Crags on your right. Enjoy the view!
The Salisbury Crags are ingrained in the cities iconic skyline, dating back thousands of years. The Crags - Authurs Seat being the oldest reminants of a volcano - not only provide an excellent view point, but when the sun is low there are traces of agricultural terraces dating back to the bronze age and further back.
Conquer Calton Hill
Directions: Head to Regent road, then down the stairs on Regent Road, at the far east end of the busy Princes Street. It is a short 5-10 minute walk from there to get to the top.
Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Calton hill is known for amazing sunrises (if you're an early bird) and amazing panoramic views. Don't miss out on this one!
What's on in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Food Festival
Location: Edinburgh
Dates: Summer 2024 (TBC)
Price: Free to enter (food and events will have a fee)
Kid friendly? Yes
Calling all foodies! The Edinburgh Food Festival is back with a smorgasbord of stalls and street food to try out in George Square Gardens. The event is also Edinburgh's largest free to enter food festival and is in its 10th year of bringing a delectable palette of dishes to the capital.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Location: Edinburgh
Dates: August 1 - 25 2024
Price: Free
Kid friendly? Yes
Celebrating their 20th anniverary this year, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is known as one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet, the Festival is back to take over the city for three weeks in August. Big names in the industral and more up-and-coming artists alike will take to hundreds of stages across the city to present shows for every taste.
Edinburgh Summer Festivals
Location: Edinburgh
Dates: Various dates. Late March - late August 2024
Price: Free (some events may charge a fee)
Kid friendly? Yes
There are eight summer festivals in Edinburgh to choose from, with something for all the family. The festivities include the Edinburgh International Science Festival, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Pride Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Dates: Saturday 22 June 2024
Price: Free
Kid friendly? Yes
Pride Edinburgh is the longest running free celebration of the LGBT community in Scotland, and its back for its 27th annual event in June 2023! This year it will no doubt be another colourful celebration filled with laughter, music, friendship and acceptance, truly an occasion not to be missed.
Andy Warhol: The Textiles
Location: Edinburgh
Dates: 26 January - 18 May 2024
Price: £12 each (under 12's go free!)
Kid friendly? Yes
Discover the textiles and design pieces that Andy Warhol created during his life in a rare opportunity to view this iconic artists works. Visitors will be able to see more than 60 textile works, featuring fabric lengths, garments, prints, film and photography. Perfect for kids and adults alike, the exhibition is open to everyone, and accommodates hearing aid users and has accessiblity measures in place to assist those with disabilities.
Edinburgh Hogmanay
Location: Edinburgh
Dates: 29 December 2024 - 1 January 2025
Price: Free
Kid friendly? Yes
Recommended as one of the 'top 100 things to do before you die' Hogmanay in Edinburgh is a big deal. Celebrating the new year has never been so fun! Big events in Hogmanay include a torchlight procession and other entertainment on December 30th, a massive outdoor street party, concerts, and fireworks on December 31st, and then the Loony Dook (a morning dunk in a river) and smaller public entertainment options on January 1st. Why not bring in the new year the Scottish way?
Day trips from Edinburgh
Pitlochry
Though it may be Scotland's furthest town from the sea, Pitlochry is well-connected to bustling Scottish cities like Perth and Inverness. Here, among stunning landscapes, lies the Festival Theatre, renowned for its outstanding summer productions, with some claiming it to be the best theatre in Britain!
Inverness
Home to Scotland's most famous resident, Nessie. Take a day trip to Loch Ness from Inverness and explore the stunning shoreline walks, waterfalls and even a boat trip on the famous Loch.
Dundee
Dundee is the small package good things come in. Not only is it Scotland's sunniest city, but it's also home to V&A Dundee and RRS Discovery, two must-see attractions. There are loads more to see, too.
Aberdeen
Upon visiting Aberdeen, you might ask "what gives Aberdeen its sparkle?". Well, the answer could quite simply be its sparkle. Many buildings, including Aberdeen Art Gallery (Scotland's Building of the Year in 2021), are built from local granite, which gives Aberdeen's buildings their unique sparkle.
Perth
Scotland has such a rich history. Where better to explore it than in Perth at The Black Watch Castle and Museum. The Black Watch are Scotland's oldest Highland Regiment. Not to mention the wonderful Bistro where you can enjoy afternoon tea.
Glasgow
It wouldn't be right to mention Scotland and not mention some of it's most famous exports; Beer, whisky and gin. Take a brewery or distillery tour (or two) and enjoy a sample (or a few) of Scotland's finest drinks.