Our guide to the best days out in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a bit of everything – and it’s not nearly as posh as Glaswegians tell you.

Honey Pot Creative Café

Honeypot Creative Café is a welcoming, hands-on creative space where visitors can relax, unwind and enjoy making something special. Combining a cosy café atmosphere... Keep reading

The King's Gallery

The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse offers a fascinating cultural day out, showcasing changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection within one of... Keep reading

Islander Workshop Experience

The Islander Workshop Experience offers a truly unique and creative day out in Edinburgh, giving visitors the chance to design and make their own... Keep reading

Edinburgh Leisure

Edinburgh Leisure offers a huge range of fun, active and family-friendly days out across the city, with leisure centres, pools and sports facilities located... Keep reading

Edinburgh Beer Factory

Edinburgh Beer Factory is a lively independent craft brewery and taproom offering visitors the chance to enjoy locally brewed beer in a relaxed, social... Keep reading

Soul Water Sauna

Soul Water Sauna offers a calming and restorative outdoor sauna experience in Edinburgh, perfect for visitors looking to slow down, reset and reconnect with... Keep reading

Escape Reality Edinburgh

Escape Reality Edinburgh offers an exciting and immersive escape room experience in the heart of the city, perfect for visitors looking for a fun,... Keep reading

Grosvenor Casino Edinburgh

Grosvenor Casino Edinburgh Maybury is a live entertainment destination on the outskirts of Edinburgh, offering guests the chance to enjoy a wide range of... Keep reading

National Library of Scotland

The National Library of Scotland is one of the world’s leading libraries and a major cultural attraction in Edinburgh. Located just off the Royal... Keep reading

National Galleries of Scotland

The National Galleries of Scotland is one of the UK’s premier art organisations, with world-class collections and inspiring exhibitions housed across multiple gallery buildings... Keep reading

Game of Throwing

Game of Throwing is an indoor axe-throwing experience in Edinburgh, offering visitors the chance to try a fun and unusual activity in a controlled... Keep reading

St Cecilia's Hall

St Cecilia’s Hall is Scotland’s oldest purpose-built concert hall and a unique cultural attraction located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, just off the Royal Mile.... Keep reading

The Realm VR

The Realm VR is an immersive virtual reality gaming and experience attraction in Edinburgh, offering visitors the chance to step into fully interactive digital... Keep reading

Summerhall Distillery

Summerhall Distillery is a working gin distillery and visitor experience located in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant Summerhall arts quarter. It offers visitors the... Keep reading

Capital Theatres

Capital Theatres is one of Edinburgh’s leading providers of live theatre and performance, operating several well-known venues across the city and presenting a wide... Keep reading

The Chocolatarium

The Chocolatarium is a guided chocolate tasting experience in the heart of Edinburgh, offering visitors the chance to discover how chocolate is made —... Keep reading

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

At Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, you can step into one of Edinburgh’s most playful and imaginative attractions. Just a few steps from... Keep reading

Edinburgh Castle

When you visit Edinburgh Castle, you’re stepping into one of the most iconic historic attractions in Scotland. Towering above the Royal Mile and dominating... Keep reading

Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth is one of Edinburgh’s most engaging and interactive visitor attractions, taking guests on an immersive journey through the story of our planet.... Keep reading

City of Edinburgh Tours

City of Edinburgh Tours offer a rich and immersive way to experience Scotland’s capital, combining expert storytelling with some of the city’s most historic... Keep reading

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is one of Scotland’s most popular family attractions, offering a full day of adventure across 82 acres of parkland, wildlife habitats and... Keep reading

Surgeons’ Hall Museums

Surgeons’ Hall Museums offer a fascinating and sometimes surprising journey through the history of medicine, surgery and the human body. Part of the Royal... Keep reading

Edinburgh Gin Distillery

Edinburgh Gin Distillery offers a fascinating look into the craft, creativity and character behind one of Scotland’s most celebrated gins. Located in the heart... Keep reading

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of Scotland’s most iconic annual events, drawing thousands of visitors to the dramatic setting of Edinburgh Castle.... Keep reading

Days out in Edinburgh

A dramatic castle perched on an ancient volcano. Clubs that bounce til the wee small hours. Those tasty shortbread biscuits.

If you’re after beer and banter, try Dirty Dick’s or the Shoogly Peg on Rose Street. The Ivy on the Square serves lunch in lush surroundings. Then there’s the Lioness of Leith in Duke Street – always a cool place to hang out.

Kids can see pandas at Edinburgh Zoo. You can learn lively footy chants at Easter Road or Tynecastle. Or watch pale people turn pink when it’s ‘taps aff’ weather in Princes Street Gardens. The New Town’s glam boulevards balance out Old Town closes and crannies. Edinburgh rocks – just as buzzing as London but a lot easier to get around.

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A little nugget about Edinburgh

The only knighted penguin in the world lives at Edinburgh Zoo.

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