Edinburgh trips and vacations

Explore some of the city’s many parks, scramble up the hills and crags at Holyrood Park, or climb Arthur’s Seat for city views. Stroll the tree-lined paths of The Meadows and play tennis or croquet. Or if you have the time, venture beyond the city to forested parks like Beecraigs and Dalkeith.

August’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s largest performing arts celebration. See jugglers and unicyclists on one Old Town street and jazz bands and comedians down the next. The Playhouse and the Lyceum host performances year-round, while the International Harp Festival (April) and Scots Fiddle Festival (November) are a great introduction to Scotland’s musical traditions during a trip to Edinburgh.

Hearty haggis, black pudding and neeps and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes) should be part of a trip to Edinburgh. Leith is a great area for a taste of just about everything. From Indian curry or seafood dishes to Michelin-starred dining at The Kitchin. Casual ambience dominates at Edinburgh Street Food market, with a dozen cooks serving to-go versions of global favorites.

If you love history and are wondering where to stay in Edinburgh, look no further than the Old Town. The neighborhood surrounds the Royal Mile, an avenue between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Wander the streets of the Grassmarket in search of souvenirs and spend a rainy afternoon in the National Museum of Scotland. Historic buildings, like the 12th-century St Giles’ Cathedral, are the perfect backdrop for your vacation photos.

Good for: History, castles, sightseeing

The central neighborhood of the New Town is the best area to stay in Edinburgh for shopping and dining. Browse souvenir shops along Princes Street, saving time for a few drams of whiskey at the Johnnie Walker Experience. Appreciate the views from above on Calton Hill and venture below for a living history tour of The Edinburgh Dungeon.

Good for: Shopping, whiskey tasting, views

Stockbridge is the best neighborhood to stay in Edinburgh if you value convenience and a village atmosphere. Spend mornings in cafes and bakeries, then walk to the city center. Take advantage of sunny weather at the Royal Botanic Garden and find the ideal souvenir at the Stockbridge Market on Sundays. End the day in one of the area’s many restaurants and gastropubs. Purslane is a top pick for its ‘casual’ fine dining.

Good for: Gardens, convenience, markets

Edinburgh Zoo is one of the best things to do with family in Edinburgh. After taking in one of the zoo’s daily talks or tours, head to the mirror mazes and hologram shows of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Scale the indoor rock walls at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena or hear family-friendly tales at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile.

Shopping in Edinburgh is surprisingly eclectic. Window-shop your way past luxury boutiques along the Multrees Walk. Or appreciate handmade crafts, artisan foods and vintage wares at Old Town’s Grassmarket. Get your souvenirs on the Royal Mile and sample local flavors at the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market held every Saturday in front of Edinburgh Castle.

Some of the top museums in Edinburgh are free. Immerse yourself in natural history, art and science at the National Museum of Scotland and explore the lives of literary figures such as Robert Louis Stevenson at the Writers’ Museum. Relive your younger years at the Museum of Childhood before learning about the lives of ordinary Edinburgh residents throughout history at the People’s Story Museum.

Restaurants in Edinburgh offer everything from creative fusion cuisine to casual classics. The Grassmarket area is great for pizza, burgers and baked goods. Go to Holyrood Park for more formal dining venues, including the Michelin-approved Condita. If you feel like casual eats, head to the area between Princes and George Streets to find modest cafes and street food vendors.

The nightlife in Edinburgh mixes the new and old. Sip a pint at the Sheep Heid Inn, a 14th-century pub in Holyrood Park, or embark on a late-night club crawl in the city center. Laugh the evening away at Monkey Barrel Comedy and The Stand Comedy Club or delve into the city's rich folk music scene at Sandy’s Bell or the Royal Oak.

The array of free things to do in Edinburgh stretches beyond the museums and parks. Wander the photogenic neighborhoods of Dean Village and Leith and soak in the rare sunshine at the Portobello Beach promenade. Entry to Edinburgh Castle is not free, but you can listen to the one-o’clock gun and visit the National War Museum without paying admission.