Free walking tours in Edinburgh and what to see

Must-sees

Edinburgh Castle dominates the city from a volcanic rock and holds the Scottish Crown Jewels. From it runs the Royal Mile, the main street of the Old Town, with St Giles’ Cathedral, its closes, narrow alleys that slip between the buildings, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom, the King’s official residence in Scotland.

Across Princes Street Gardens lies the Georgian New Town, a World Heritage Site together with the Old Town. It is worth climbing Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat for the view, visiting the free National Museum of Scotland and walking down to Dean Village, an old milling village by the river. In August, the Fringe festival fills the streets with theatre and music.

Free tours and guided visits

Edinburgh has free walking tours of the Old Town and night-time ghost tours of the underground vaults and Greyfriars Kirkyard, plus Harry Potter routes, since J. K. Rowling wrote part of the books here. It is also the best base for one- or multi-day trips to the Highlands, Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye.

How long to spend

Two days are enough for the castle, the Royal Mile, the New Town and a viewpoint. With three you can add the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith, a distillery visit or a walk up Arthur’s Seat. If you want to see the Highlands, add one or two days of excursions.

Where to stay

The Old Town has the most atmosphere and the New Town the most elegance; both are walkable to everything. Haymarket and Leith are a little cheaper and have the airport tram. In August, during the festivals, prices soar and you should book months ahead.