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12 Amazing Ideas For First Time Visitors – OUR CROSSINGS
Last Updated on the 7th of October, 2025
I continued straight ahead on the surfaced walkway, ignoring the steep steps to the right and after a few metres was greeted by a familiar view over Leith and the docks and across the water to the kingdom of Fife.
I eagerly turned around and faced the city only once I made it to the very top of Calton Hill.
I noted the bright green shoulder of Princes Street Gardens, the Balmoral Hotel’s beautiful bell tower rising and bristling, the historic strip of Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle and Saint Giles Cathedral spire, all seemingly silent and still from this distance.
Here is the city’s best angle, I noted quietly, beaming with joy. Edinburgh in a single macro-glimpse. Well worth the journey up the hill for a newcomer.
Whether you are keen to admire Edinburgh’s rugged stone buildings, stroll the streets with your camera or learn about many gruesome tales from the long history of Scotland’s capital, it will be impossible to get bored.
In this city, every street corner is full of little surprises and architectural wonders from various stages of history.
Read More: 8 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Visit Edinburgh At Least Once
#1. Plunge Into The Turbulent History of Edinburgh Castle
Sitting on top of a volcanic hill and dating back to the 7th century, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s top attractions.
For many years, the castle was home to Scottish Kings and queens before it was converted into a powerful military fortress and later functioned as a prison.
Ensure you allow enough time to enjoy various exhibitions, the Castle Vaults, the National War Museum, and St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh.
If the current entrance fee of £19.50 is too expensive, my advice is to walk to the castle gates anyway. You’ll find fantastic views over the city and great photo opportunities.
The castle is also where the 1 p.m. gun is fired every day, so if you do have a chance to be there for this, then do, as it’s quite an experience.
Read More: Your Essential Guide To Planning The Best Edinburgh Holiday In Scotland
#2. Gaze Across The City’s Rooftops From Calton Hill
Head to Calton Hill, one of the city’s best vantage points, and perch yourself atop the hill for a fantastic bird’s-eye view of Edinburgh’s many attractions.
From here, you can get a clear view of the imposing Edinburgh Castle and the Balmoral Hotel Tower, which dominates the city’s skyline.
Then, there’s also Arthur’s Seat in all its glory, Holyrood Palace, and the Scottish Parliament.
Calton Hill is also famous for its collection of historical monuments and is one of the top areas for great photo opportunities, especially at sunset or sunrise.
You’ll find Nelson’s Monument, shaped like an upside-down telescope, and the National Monument with its unfinished, Athenian-like structure, the Old Observatory House and the City Observatory.
- Good to know: You’ll find several paths leading to the top of the hill; for easy access, walk to the far end of Princes Street past the Waverly Station and then go to either Regent Road on the Southside or Royal Terrace on the North side.
Read More: Top 11 Things To Do In Edinburgh This Autumn That Are Good For Your Soul
#3. Dodge the Crowds at Leith
Once a neighbourhood with a very rocky past – think about those bold scenes from the Trainspotting movie – Leith is slowly transforming into a trendy and sought-after area.
Years ago, it was Scotland’s main trading port, which was visited by several monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots, King George IV and Queen Victoria.
It has benefited from several years of regeneration projects, which include large shopping malls and family-friendly attractions like the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was the Queen’s official boat for many years.
To enjoy Leith, take a relaxing stroll along The Shore of Leith, listen to the screeching seagulls, watch swans loaf about in the calm water and take photos of the boat reflections.
It is also a great place from which you can embark on the Water of Leith Walk, which passes many interesting places such as Murrayfield Stadium, Dean Village and the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art.
- To get there, follow Leith Walk, which starts at the East end of Princes Street and goes all the way down to the Shore.
Read More: Your Guide To Some Of Edinburgh’s Best Neighbourhoods
#4. Ramble Along the Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile hosts several treasures and famous city landmarks hidden among the petite alleyways, bearing witness to its rich heritage.
It runs through Edinburgh’s Old Town, starting at Edinburgh Castle and winding all the way down to the Palace of Holyrood House, the Scottish residence of the British monarchs.
It is partitioned into five sections – Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand – each offering a great variety of attractions like St. Giles Cathedral, Museum of Edinburgh, John Knox House, bustling bagpipe players, year-round Christmas shops, and a visually striking Parliament Building.
During the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, the area explodes with pamphlet peddlers and street performers.
*Our Crossings Tip: The best things to look out for while meandering downhill or uphill are unique passageways like Ancor and Advocates Close, and little green spaces such as Chessels Court and Dunbar’s Close.
Read More: A Short Guide To The Best Attractions Along The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland
#5. See Greyfriars Bobby Memorial Statue
While there’s nothing special or unique about the statue itself, the story behind it is well-known throughout Scotland, and it will warm your heart.
Situated opposite Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard is a statue of Scotland’s most famous dog, Greyfriars Bobby.
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave until Bobby himself died in 1872.
A faithful companion of a gardener, John Grey, is buried in a nearby cemetery, and a headstone on his grave reads: “Greyfriars Bobby – died 14th January 1872 – aged 16 years – Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.”
The statue was revealed in 1873, and to this day, it remains a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike, who enjoy rubbing Bobby’s nose for good luck.
- Getting there: 1 Greyfriars, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ, UK.
Read More: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary For 5 Spell-Binding Days in Scotland
#6. Try a Wee Dram, and Sample Neeps and Tatties
One of the best introductions to Edinburgh and thus Scotland is through food and drink sampled in an old man’s pub, shutting out the noise of the outside world.
If you are a whisky lover and drinker, then trying a drop or two from one of Scotland’s 100 distilleries and finding out how it’s made could be a highlight of your visit to Edinburgh.
If you prefer to dive into the Scottish food scene, you’ll be glad to discover that it is made up of haggis bonbons, cardamom buns, smoked salmon, Aberdeen-Angus steak and Barra snails.
And if that doesn’t make you realise the true validity of sensory overload, there are also deep-fried Mars bars, crabs from Aberdeenshire, heart-warming pies, and mussels from the Shetland Isles.
You can also try the following:
- Haggis | a Scottish dish consisting of a sheep’s or calf’s offal mixed with suet, oatmeal, and seasoning and boiled in a bag, traditionally one made from the animal’s stomach.
- Shortbread | A traditional and delicious Scottish biscuit made with a recipe using two parts butter, one part sugar and three parts oat flour.
- Rumbledethumps | A traditional Scottish dish and perfect comfort food made with potatoes, cabbage and onion.
- Oatcakes | Made from oats, these healthy and straightforward oatcakes have long been considered Scottish national bread. From chewy to hard, from very rough to very fine, oatcakes are perfect as a snack or accompaniment to cheese.
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#7. Embark On A Day Trip
Edinburgh’s central position makes it easy to make day trips to places of interest in the vicinity of the Scottish capital.
Whether you want to visit other cities or visit the fishing villages on the coastline, you don’t have to go far from Edinburgh.
You’ve got plenty of options for how to travel, too.
You can hire a car, join an organised tour, hop on public transport or, like in our case, bring your own transport.
If you have an extra day in the city, here’s a wee list of places worth visiting:
- Stirling Castle | By visiting the castle, you learn about the most important battles in Scottish history and relive the journeys taken by Rob Roy and William Wallace.
- Rosslyn Chapel | Located in the town of Roslin, about seven miles south of Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel is one of the most famous religious sites of Scotland, visited for its architectural wonder: although it was never completely finished, it has impressive features such as a sculptured ceiling of stars, roses and a dove with an olive branch.
- North Berwick | The easiest day trip by train is to the coastal town with local shops and nature to discover. There’s golf along the coast, the beach, the iconic Bass Rock and a hike up an extinct volcano!
- Glasgow | Why not compare and contrast Scotland’s two largest cities and make your way west to enjoy shopping, culture and the unique buzz of Glasgow? Make sure you stop by Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and explore its urban art by following the City Centre Mural Trail, and be in awe of Glasgow Cathedral.
Read More: How To Visit Enchanting Stirling Castle & Gardens in Scotland: An Easy Guide
#8. Hike Atop the Remains of a Volcano
Arthur’s Seat is an iconic natural landmark that lets you see out for miles across the cityscape and the surrounding countryside. The landmark is a remnant of an extinct volcano that last erupted some 365 million years ago.
The summit is 251 metres high and surprisingly rocky and wild for a hill in the centre of a major city.
Although the hike to the top can be rather tough due to the very steep and rocky ascent, the view at the summit is well worth it.
You can get to the top of Arthur’s Seat from two locations – the main walking routes are the Blue Route (1.5 miles) and the Black Circuit (1.8 miles), which have different starting points and sights along the way.
Reaching the top of the volcano takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your fitness level and chosen route.
Additionally, the spiky cliffs of Sailsburies Crags are another fantastic vantage point to appreciate the iconic skyline of Edinburgh.
On your way up, don’t forget to check out Saint Anthony’s Chapel, a 15th-century medieval chapel just south of Saint Margaret’s Loch, as well as a 2,000-year-old hill fort by Dunsapie Loch.
*Our Crossings tip – Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for your visit to Arthur’s Seat, as the terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially in colder, wet weather
Read More: Belfast Bucket List: 10 Best Things To See And Do In The City
#9. Discover Underground History at Real Mary King’s Close
Just below the Royal Mile, a network of once-abandoned houses and narrow alleyways known as The Real Mary King’s Close has been standing since the 17th century.
During the 17th century, the city suffered from significant overcrowding, forcing some residents to live in cellars and basements that were converted into underground housing.
In the company of costumed guides, even if ghost stories make you jump, you can go deep down into the lost streets.
The tour is very informative and suitable for all ages, and you get to relive the history. With the help of knowledgeable guides and the stories they tell, you’ll be introduced to the city’s past, and you’ll be fascinated by how people lived, worked and survived through that era.
No pictures are allowed on this tour, but don’t let that diminish the amplitude of the overall experience as you grasp a deeper understanding of living conditions in the underground labyrinths.
- Admission: Adults £21 for a 1-hour guided tour.
- Booking Office Address: The Real Mary King’s Close, High Street, 2 Warriston’s Close, Edinburgh, EH1 1PG.
Read More: 6 Reasons Why You Should Travel By Train At Least Once In Your Lifetime
#10. Stop by the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is quite a remarkable museum, located at Chambers Street, with excellent exhibits about science and technology, the natural world, design and fashion all in one building.
You can marvel at the Millennium Clock while it chimes the hour, and you can travel back in time with Scottish history.
Start your visit with a wander around the Grand Gallery, which features a Giant Deer skeleton and a skull of Toby the whale. Then make your way to the Scottish galleries filled with an array of Viking, Roman and Celtic artefacts.
- Admission fee: The National Museum of Scotland is free to all visitors and open daily between 10 am and 5 pm
Read More: Some Of The Best Things To See At The National Museum Of Scotland in Edinburgh
#11. Enjoy Edinburgh’s Vibrant Festivals
While the beauty of Edinburgh can often be found in its intimate squares, quirky alleyways and enticing courtyards, Edinburgh Festival Fringe or Edinburgh Hogmanay, both very much sublunary and world-class wizardly events, are usually the real show stoppers.
Having experienced the festival for three consecutive years, I have to say that I haven’t seen anything quite like it.
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.
- Fringe Festival | Running for 3 weeks in August, Fringe Festival is the world’s biggest arts festival that offers everything from theatre and comedy to 6 a.m. closing times and incredible fireworks.
- The Hogmanay Festival | is one of the world’s most significant New Year celebrations. This incredible event takes over the whole city for three days with music, unusual activities, incredible fireworks and loads of fun.
- Edinburgh Science Festival | is an educational and exciting addition to the capital’s vibrant events scene, offering tours and trails, hands-on activities, and installations.
*Our Crossings Tip: Visit edinburghfestivalcity.com for a comprehensive list of all the festivals taking place in Edinburgh.
Read More: A Pocketguide To Help You Witness the Splendid Beauty Of Stirling Town In Scotland
#12. Be amazed at Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions
What makes the Camera Obscura an utterly unique place to visit?
First, it is said that Camera Obscura & World of Illusion first opened in 1853, which makes it the oldest tourist attraction in the city.
Second, located just down the road from Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura, with its 10 different interactive exhibits spread over five floors, is an excellent way to entertain anyone for a few hours. Be prepared for a myriad of illusions and entertainment.
Upon entering, I had my hand stamped and was able to return up until 9 p.m. the same day as many times as I desired.
If you plan on visiting, then for a genuinely incredible vantage point and for great photo opportunities, head for the roof, from where you’ll see Edinburgh and The First of Fourth.
- Getting there: Camera Obscura is situated at the very top of the Royal Mile, and its address is Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND.
- Admission: Adult £16, Student £14, Senior £14, Child (5-15) £12. For more detailed info, click here.
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Now, over to you!
Have you been to Edinburgh? Let us know in the comments!
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