Get inspired for your next adventure in Edinburgh
Family days out in Edinburgh
Conquer Arthur’s Seat
Standing 251 metres over the city, Arthur’s Seat offers a stunning, unmatched view of Edinburgh. An ancient volcano (yes, in Edinburgh) can be seen from much of the city centre. Situated in Holyrood Park, it can be reached on foot or by bike. However you get there, you’ll leave with some great memories and a photo that’ll guarantee to get some Insta likes.
Price range: Free
Location: Queens Drive, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH8 8HG
Opening times/dates: We recommend after lunch or at sunset
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is home to some of the most interesting, impressive, thought-provoking pieces you can find. Explore the natural world and see animals from all corners of the world, immerse yourself in award winning photography, or keep the little ones occupied in the family hub. Check out the website for to see what’s on – you won’t be disappointed.
Price range: Free
Location: Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Opening times/dates: 10am - 5pm
Oink
Hungry little piggies need to stop at Oink. With three branches dotted about Edinburgh, with one right on the Royal Mile – although you can smell one a mile off! Roast pork, crackling, and apple sauce all served in a freshly baked bun is sure to keep everyone going, or coming back for more. And to make it even tastier, the price isn’t greedy at all.
Price range: £
Locations: Victoria Street, Cannongate (Royal Mile), and Hanover Street.
Opening times/dates: 11am - Until they sell out!
Couples days out in Edinburgh
Juniper Artland
Walk hand in hand around this stunning sculpture park and art gallery. Spanning 120 acres, you’ll be welcomed at the gate by Charles Jencks’s beautiful landscape work ‘Cells of Life’: eight landforms surrounded by four lakes. Discover temporary exhibitions and event that take place through out the year – check out their website for the latest goings on.
Price range: Adult £11.80
Location: Juniper Artland, Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BY
Opening times/dates: 10am - 4pm
Portobello Beach
Two miles of sand. Two miles! Portobello Beach is just few miles from Edinburgh city centre and offers visitors the chance to do a few things they can’t do in the town – sunbathing, kayaking and Sailing. Check out the Victorian swimming pool, featuring an original Aerotone and Turkish baths. Plus, cafes and bars offer refreshments to keep you paddling along.
Price range: Free
Location: Portobello Beach, 1 Promenade, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 2DX
Opening times: All day, every day
Panda & Sons
This Prohibition-style speakeasy offers all those that find it a range of creative and classic cocktails. Hidden away in the centre of Edinburgh, Panda & Sons uses unique freezing techniques that were honed over 5 years of experimentation to deliver a cocktail list that rivals no other. With décor that resembles an old style barber shop, add this to your list of must-dos when visiting the Scottish capital.
Price range: £
Location: 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF
Opening times: Mon - closed, Tue-Fri - 4-1am, Sat - 2-1am, Sun 3-1am
Solo days out in Edinburgh
The Stand Comedy Club
Hosting the Edinburgh Fringe, some would argue that Edinburgh is the home of belly laughs. So why not see for yourself while you're there? The Stand provides pioneering comedy at a price that doesn’t make you laugh. You might see established stand-ups trying new material, or you might get an up-and-coming young talent who just wants to give you a night to remember. Image: Jay Dawson.
Price range: Tickets under £20
Location: 5 York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EB
Opening times: See show times
Visit the National Galleries of Scotland
At the National, you will discover Scotland’s world-class art collection, including treasures by Monet, Titian, Rembrandt, and Redpath. Pop in and explore the new Scottish galleries, home to the largest collection of Scottish art in the world. The beautiful Portrait gallery is full of famous faces and contemporary pop culture icons. In Modern One and Two, you will find the very best modern and contemporary art, located in glorious grounds. And once you’ve seen everything, grab a coffee from the café and a souvenir from the shop.
Price range: Free
Locations: The National: The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL
The Portrait: Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD
Modern One and Modern Two: Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS
Opening times: 10am-5pm
Snax Café
If it’s a big breakfast you’re after, head to the Snax Café. Whether you’re recovering from the night before or preparing for a big day ahead, the all-day breakfast will see you through. They also do delicious breakfast wraps, burgers and toasties all for a tasty low price. On the menu you’ll also find vegetarian and vegan options – something for everyone.
Price range: £
Location: 15 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA
Opening times: Mon to Fri: 7am - 3pm, Sat: 7am - 3pm, Sun: 8am - 3pm
Looking for more inspiration?
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Visit Scotland with LNER
We've partnered with Visit Scotland to showcase Scotland's exciting events, surreal scenery and dazzling day trips to various locations from Edinburgh with LNER.
Romantic City Breaks
Wow your loved one with a buzzing city break away. From the Big Smoke to the Caledonian Capital, arrive in the heart of some of the most thrilling cosmopolitan hotspots the east coast mainline has to offer when you book with LNER.