Edinburgh looks compact until you start climbing its hills, chasing viewpoints and discovering how much the Old Town packs into its closes and lanes. Fresh from five days in the city, Tracy and Doug cut through the noise with a clear, listener-friendly menu of their 12 favourite things to do in Edinburgh, drawn from decades of visits between them. Pick what fits your time, your budget and your energy.
We start with the big hitters worth planning around first, then the practical bits that make or break a day: booking tickets early, timing your visits and wearing shoes that can handle steep streets. Here's what we cover:
- Edinburgh Castle: Crown Jewels, St Margaret's Chapel and why you need to book ahead in summer
- The Royal Mile: closes, courts, wynds and the hidden gardens most visitors walk straight past
- The Real Mary King's Close: Edinburgh's buried 17th century street, and what to expect if you don't love enclosed spaces
- Palace of Holyroodhouse: Mary Queen of Scots, Holyrood Abbey and why to check for last minute closures
- Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill: which viewpoint suits you, depending on your fitness level
- National Museum of Scotland: free entry, a brilliant rainy day option and a rooftop view most people miss
- Greyfriars Kirkyard: Greyfriars Bobby, grave robbers and the city's spookier side
- Camera Obscura: Victorian optical magic and five floors of illusions for families
- Edinburgh food and drink: haggis at Makars Mash Bar, whisky tastings and our favourite afternoon tea in the whole of the UK at The Dome
- Royal Yacht Britannia: take the tram to Leith
- Day trips with Rabbie's: St Andrews, Fife, Alnwick and Bamburgh (use code UKTP10 for 10% off via our link)
- Islander workshop: make your own Harris Tweed bag, and book ahead because it sells out
Planning your own trip to Edinburgh? Leave us a SpeakPipe message with your questions, share this episode with anyone heading to Scotland, and if you enjoy the podcast we'd love you to leave a review on your favourite app.
📝 Show Notes - Episode 205
Still planning your UK or Ireland trip?
Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary.
Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com
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