Today I will share an incredible Edinburgh guide with wonderful things to do in Edinburgh during your first trip to Scotland’s capital!
So, I decided to do some digging. It turns out Edinburgh is frequently voted as one of the best places to live in the UK. It’s a city with a rich history, fantastic culture, and lots of universities, ideal for students or those still in education. Edinburgh is one of those cities with a bit of everything and my first-timer’s guide to Edinburgh has everything you should see and do during your first visit. The Scottish capital is just bursting with charm and it’s manageable size makes it the perfect weekend city break destination.
How To Get Around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a relatively compact city, and many of its main attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, there are several ways to get around the city.
Walking: Many of Edinburgh’s main sights are within walking distance of each other. As such, one of the best, and cheapest ways of exploring the city’s historic streets and landmarks is on foot.
Buses: Lothian Buses operates an extensive network of bus routes throughout the city. They make it easy to get around to different neighbourhoods and attractions. You can purchase a single ticket or a day ticket on the bus, and pay as you go with a contactless debit card. This is also ideal if you park outside of the city centre.
Trams: Edinburgh Trams run from the airport to the city centre, with stops at major attractions such as Haymarket and St Andrews Square.
Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Edinburgh and can be hailed on the street or at designated ranks. They are a convenient option for getting around, but they can be more expensive than other forms of transportation. Uber is also available in the city.
Bike: You can also rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, there are several bike-sharing schemes available in Edinburgh.
Here are few essential experiences that every visitor should try on their first trip to Edinburgh.
1. Visit the Castle
The first thing on our guide to Edinburgh has to be a visit to Edinburgh Castle! Where else but Edinburgh can you visit a castle perched on top of an extinct volcano?
Edinburgh Castle dates back to the 7th century and has been scaring off potential invaders ever since. Today’s invaders are more likely to be tourists, following in the footsteps of historic Scottish icons like Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots.
Travel Hack Tip: Get to Edinburgh Castle early to beat the crowds and soak up the atmosphere of its ancient buildings and the views out over Edinburgh and beyond.
2. Try a wee dram @ the Scotch Whisky Experience
At the Scotch Whisky Experience, learn about the distilling of scotch whisky. Your tour starts with a barrel ride through the virtual distillery and ends with a whisky tasting. We did the Gold Tour, which included a tasting of four whiskies from different regions of Scotland.
3. Scottish National Gallery
This is a must for art lovers. Located on The Mound, the Scottish National Gallery is free to visit. The Scottish National Gallery displays some of the greatest art in the world, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Constable, Turner, Monet, Van Gogh and Gauguin, amongst many others. The most comprehensive part of the collection covers the history of Scottish painting: all the major names, including Ramsay, Raeburn and McTaggart, are represented.
4. Scott Monument
In the centre of Princes Street Gardens, not far from Waverley train station, stands one of the grandest man-made landmarks in Europe – the 200-foot-tall Scott Monument. This beautiful gothic-inspired structure is famous for being the largest monument to a writer anywhere in the world, and it has been an integral part of the Edinburgh cityscape since its completion in 1844.
A 200-foot spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish poet. Very impressive structure, which made for a great photo opportunity! It was cool to learn about the history of one of the main landmarks of Edinburgh - a must-see if you're visiting the city!
Tourist Information:
Sir Walter Scott was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright and poet, and throughout his career he wrote many literary classics including Ivanhoe and Rob Roy. In fact, his work is so highly regarded it continues to be studied worldwide to this day.
This statue took four years to carve from a single block of white marble that weighed over 30 tons. In total, the monument has 68 sculptures of characters from Scott’s novels, all of which were crafted by renowned Scottish sculptors.
5.The Three Bridges Cruise
Explore the river Firth of Forth and take in the amazing Scottish views, as you enjoy a relaxing boat cruise and experience all the sights of the Three Bridges in Scotland, with a sightseeing cruise for four. Take the chance to see all of the Three Bridges to the fullest, as well as the panorama of the Edinburgh skyline. Listen to informative commentary as well on the history of the area and look out for marine wildlife including both seals and puffins.
Tourist Information:
The Three Bridges of the Forth are simply a group of three bridges that span the Firth of Forth, a tidal estuary located in eastern Scotland. The three bridges are:
The Forth Bridge: This is possibly the most famous and iconic of the three bridges. Moreover, it is a cantilever railway bridge that was completed in 1890 and most importantly is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, the bridge spans a total length of 2.5 kilometres, and further has become increasingly famous, painted in a distinctive red colour.
The Forth Road Bridge: In addition, this suspension bridge was opened in 1964, conveniently located to the west of the Forth Bridge. Spanning a total length of 2.5 kilometres, it serves as the main arterial route for cars between Edinburgh and Fife.
The Queensferry Crossing: Last but not least, The Queensferry Crossing is the newest and longest of the three bridges. It is a cable-stayed bridge that was opened in 2017 and spans a total length of 2.7 kilometres (1.7 miles). It was built to relieve traffic congestion on the Forth Road Bridge. Together, the Three Bridges of the Forth form an impressive sight that can be seen from many vantage points in Edinburgh.
6. Inchcolm in the Firth of Forth Islands
Inchcolm Island is a small island in the Firth of Forth in the East of Scotland where you can do the following: visit a 12th-century abbey, see remains of bases used during World War I and World War II, and spot seals or puffins and seagulls
Location: Inchcolm Island is in the Firth of Forth, the estuary of the river Forth. It lies 1 mile from the Fife coast to the North, and 4 miles east of the Forth Road Bridge. Size: 9 hectares (22 acres) Population: 2 people, many seagulls, fulmars, and puffins.
7. Calton Hill view
Situated at the east end of Princes Street sits Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For sweeping city views from practically any spot, this is your place. Consider this sanctuary the perfect Kodak moment location for stunning views — and free of charge. Some may say that this is one of the most photogenic spots in town. In other words, this is where to get that iconic Edinburgh shot.
8. Hike To Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is easily one of the best things to do during a weekend in Edinburgh. It’s the highest point in the city and offers a challenging but rewarding hike for outdoor enthusiasts. The hike to the summit of Arthur’s Seat takes you through beautiful parkland, past ancient volcanic cliffs, and offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The hike starts at Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, and takes you through the picturesque Holyrood Park. The park is home to several other peaks and hills, including Salisbury Crags and St. Anthony’s Chapel, which offer their own scenic hiking routes. As you climb Arthur’s Seat, the terrain becomes steeper and rockier, with a series of steep inclines and rocky outcroppings to navigate. The summit stands at 251 meters (823 feet) above sea level. It offers a 360-degree view of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside. The hike can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level and the route you take. It’s best to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, snacks, and appropriate clothing as the weather can change quickly. Arthur’s Seat is a popular spot for hikers. But it’s also a great spot for bird-watching, picnics, and enjoying nature. It’s also great for history buffs, as the hill has been an important site for human habitation for thousands of years. There’s evidence of the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and medieval settlements.
9. The Ross Fountain
Located at the heart of Edinburgh city in the beautiful setting of Princes Street Gardens is the Ross Fountain. Sculpted by artist Jean-Baptiste Jules Klagmann, this fountain has been made from cast-iron, a shining example of 19th century sculpture. If you take a closer look at the base of the fountain, there are mermaids, walrus and lion heads and cherubs. At the top are featured four female figures representing science, arts, poetry and industry. In 1862, a local gun maker Mr Daniel Ross saw the fountain in London at the Great Exhibition and described it as "obtaining universal admiration". As a gift to Edinburgh city, in September 1869 Daniel Ross bought the sculpture and had the 122 pieces shipped to Leith where they would later be sent to Princes Street Gardens to be assembled. Sadly before the fountain was completed and officially opened in 1872, David Ross died one year before, missing the opportunity to see the masterpiece displayed in the gardens.
Would You Recommend Living In Edinburgh?
Yes, Edinburgh is an amazing place to live, with a diverse range of cultures, restaurants and shops. There are enough things to do to keep anyone engaged and occupied. It’s big enough to have everything you could need and small enough to feel friendly. I wholeheartedly recommend living in Edinburgh. It’s a big capital city, but it’s also got a very small-town vibe. You can walk everywhere, and it’s easy to get accustomed to the local way of life. Edinburgh is probably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. But, if that’s not enough, you can get to the Highlands in about an hour’s drive. Nobody seems to mind the rain. Instead, everyone loves the architecture, the buildings, the culture, and the general atmosphere of the city. Edinburgh is a beautiful place and if you’re considering living in the Scottish capital, you might be making the best decision of your life.
So, in my opinion, Edinburgh is an excellent city to live in if you’ve ever dreamt of living in the UK.
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