Edinburgh and the Lothians Things To Do

Not sure what to do in Edinburgh and the Lothians? We’ve got you covered. Our travel experts compiled the best activities in Edinburgh and the Lothians so you can make the most of your trip.

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Sights

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Shopping

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Nightlife

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Performing Arts

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Top Sights

Edinburgh Castle

The crowning glory of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle is popular not only for its pivotal role in Scottish history, but also because...

Kirk of the Greyfriars

Greyfriars Church, built on the site of a medieval monastery, was where the National Covenant was signed in 1638. The covenant, which declared...

National Museum of Scotland

This museum traces the country's fascinating story from the oldest fossils to the most recent popular culture, making it a must-see for first...

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Onetime haunt of Mary, Queen of Scots, with a long history of gruesome murder, destructive fire, and power-hungry personalities, the Palace...

Scottish Storytelling Centre and John Knox House

The stripped-down, low-fi, traditional art of storytelling has had something of a resurgence in Britain over the last decade or so, and there...

Scottish National Gallery

Opened to the public in 1859, the Scottish National Gallery presents a wide selection of paintings from the Renaissance to the postimpressionist...

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Explore Britain's largest rhododendron and azalea gardens at this beautiful 70-acre botanical garden. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden, it...

Culross

With its mercat cross, cobbled streets, tolbooth, and narrow wynds (alleys), seaside Culross is a picturesque little town. It's also a living...

Rosslyn Chapel

This chapel has always beckoned curious visitors intrigued by the various legends surrounding its magnificent carvings, but today it pulses...

The Pentlands

These unmistakable hills begin almost in the suburbs of Edinburgh, and they make for a very welcome escape from the city crowds. There are access...

Jupiter Artland

The beautiful grounds of a Jacobean manor house have been transformed by an art-loving couple, Robert and Nicky Wilson, into an impressive sculpture...

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Popular Things to Do

Bars/ Pubs 39

Museum/ Gallery 16

Castle/ Palace/ Chateau 11

House/ Mansion/ Villa 8

Religious Building/ Site/ Shrine 6

Dance Clubs 5

Department Stores 5

Shopping Centers/ Malls 4

Household Items/ Furniture 3

Garden/ Arboretum 2

Library/ Archive 2

Zoo/ Aquarium 2

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