Victoria Street, Edinburgh

Cool Things to do in Edinburgh

Search Cottages
Find out more

Discover Cool Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a vibrant and historic city, known for its stunning architecture, rich culture, and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, there are plenty of cool things to do in Edinburgh that will keep you entertained and engaged.

The first cool thing to do in Edinburgh is to explore the Old Town. Edinburgh’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow winding streets and stunning historic architecture. The area is full of hidden alleyways, secret gardens, and historic landmarks such as St. Giles Cathedral and the Royal Mile. Exploring the Old Town is a must-do for anyone visiting Edinburgh.

Feeling brave? Edinburgh is known for its haunted history, and there are plenty of ghost tours that take visitors through the city’s dark alleys, underground vaults, and haunted buildings. These tours are a fun way to learn about the city’s spooky past and get a taste of the paranormal.

The Edinburgh Dungeon is another unique thing to do in Edinburgh, offering a fun and interactive experience that takes visitors on a journey through Scotland’s dark history. The attraction features live actors, special effects, and interactive exhibits that bring the city’s history to life. It’s a great place to learn about the city’s past in a fun and engaging way.

Another cool thing to do in Edinburgh is enjoy a whisky tour! Scotland is famous for its whisky, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a whisky tasting in Edinburgh. There are several whisky bars and distilleries in the city that offer tastings and tours, allowing visitors to sample some of the country’s finest whiskies.

Find even more cool things to do in Edinburgh below…

  • Vortex Tunnel in Camera Obscura World of Illusions
    Image Credits: Christian Michelides - CC BY-SA 4.0

    Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

    Castlehill
    Royal Mile
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2ND

    0131 226 3709

    Camera Obscura and World of Illusions offer five floors packed with interactive displays and optical illusions! This quirky is the perfect attraction for families seeking a fun-filled excursion in the heart of Edinburgh.  

    view more information
  • Bartender serving gin

    Edinburgh Gin Distillery

    1A Rutland St
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2AD

    0131 656 2810

    This unique attraction can be found along Princes Street, in the middle of Edinburgh. Ideal for groups of adults with an interest in all things gin, the gin distillery in Edinburgh is home to intriguing tours, gin-making and tasting!

    view more information
  • greyfriars kirkyard entrance gates

    Greyfriars Kirkyard

    26A Candlemaker Row
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2QE

    0131 225 1900

    You can find this historic gem on the outskirts of Old Town. Greyfriars Kirkyard is a great location to visit if you’re into history, with its graves having links to Harry Potter as well as being home to well-known Scots.

    view more information
  • Bartender pouring whisky with dry ice

    Johnnie Walker Princes Street

    145 Princes St
    Edinburgh
    EH2 4BL

    0131 376 9494

    Discover 200 years of one of Scotland’s favourite tipples’ history during a tour of Johnnie Walker Princes Street. A superb destination for whisky enthusiasts, this distillery not only offers tastings and tours, but is home to two fabulous rooftop bars.

    view more information
  • Spooky underground passage
    Image Credits: Vincent Eisfeld - CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mercat Tours

    28 Blair St
    Edinburgh
    EH1 1QR

    0131 225 5445

    These spooky tours are ideal for anyone with intrigue about the ghostly past of Edinburgh. Mercat Tours are suitable for anyone over 5 years old, making them a great way to have spooky fun with friends and family!

    view more information
  • Scotch Whisky Experience

    Scotch Whisky Experience

    The Royal Mile
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2NE

    0131 220 0441

    From ‘virtual’ distillery tours to expert tasting secrets, the Scotch Whisky Experience showcases Scotland’s historic whisky culture with fascinating, five-star tour packages designed for experts and casual fans alike. 

    view more information
  • Underground tunnel

    The Edinburgh Dungeon

    31 Market Street
    Edinburgh
    EH1 1DF

    01312401041

    Learn about Edinburgh’s sinister history with an immersive tour of The Edinburgh Dungeon. Suitable for children 8 years and above, this unique and eerie experience makes for a memorable activity for all!

    view more information
  • Ghost Bus Tours
    Image Credits: Ian Wright - CC BY-SA 2.0

    The Ghost Bus Tours Edinburgh

    Deacon Brodies Tavern
    Lawnmarket, outside Heritage of Scotland
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2PH

    0844 567 8666

    There is no better Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour than the one on offer at this sightseeing company! Prepare for a frightening ride past the city’s major attractions, all the while learning about its haunted past.

    view more information
  • microphone at a show

    The Stand Comedy Club

    5 York Pl
    Edinburgh
    EH1 3EB

    0131 558 7272

    This comedy venue is where you can enjoy live stand up from a variety of local and visiting acts. Suitable for over-18s only, The Stand Comedy Club is the perfect stop for a night out!

    view more information
  • Victoria Street, Edinburgh

    Victoria Street

    Victoria Street
    Edinburgh
    Scotland
    United Kingdom
    EH1 2HG

    This cobbled street is the most photographed location in Edinburgh, and it certainly lives up to this title! Experience an excellent day out with the family amidst Victoria Street’s vibrant shops and attractions inspired by Harry Potter.

    view more information
activityarrow_downarrow_leftsmall-rightarrow-top-rightbikeguidescamerachild-friendlycircularclockCottagecrossdangerdestinationpindownloaddropdown-arrowemailFamilyfinish-flagflagfloraflowergroupHeartinfo-altdidyouknowInspirationlinearlocationmap-pinmapparkingpawphonerulersearchshare Facebook Google Plus Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter YouTube ui-24px-glyph-2_grid-45popularsun-cloudtexturef-check-glyph-16toggleVideoWalkingwheelchair