Choose from 67 Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh
ShowingFilter 61-67 of 67 listings.
Nelson Monument
An enormous telescope-shaped tower perched 456 foot above sea level on the summit of Calton Hill; the Nelson Monument is one of Edinburgh's most instantly recognizable landmarks, dedicated to the revered Admiral Lord Nelson. Designed by Robert Burn to appear like Nelson's naval spyglass, the 106 foot tall monument was built in 1816 to commemorate his victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Climbing the tower is a popular pastime for visitors, affording spectacular views over the city, but with a 170-step spiral staircase and a small trapdoor leading to the observation deck, it's a feat best left to those fit enough.
The tower isn't just monumental "“ it was designed to double up as a signal mast for ships coming into Leith harbor and in 1852 a 762kg mechanized time ball was installed to help ship captains reset their chronometers. Today, the ball still rises and falls at precisely 1pm each day, synchronized with the One O'clock Gun fired from Edinburgh Castle. Restored in 2009 as part of Edinburgh's Twelve Monuments Restoration Project, the Nelson monument is now a category A listed building and still flies the famous Trafalgar flag signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty' each year to mark Trafalgar Day (21st October).
The tower isn't just monumental "“ it was designed to double up as a signal mast for ships coming into Leith harbor and in 1852 a 762kg mechanized time ball was installed to help ship captains reset their chronometers. Today, the ball still rises and falls at precisely 1pm each day, synchronized with the One O'clock Gun fired from Edinburgh Castle. Restored in 2009 as part of Edinburgh's Twelve Monuments Restoration Project, the Nelson monument is now a category A listed building and still flies the famous Trafalgar flag signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty' each year to mark Trafalgar Day (21st October).
Address: Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
Hours: 1 Apr-30 Sep: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. 1 Oct-31 Mar: Mon-Sat 10am-3pm.
Admission: Adult/Child: £4
From $ 71
Royal Scottish Academy
Connected to the Scottish National Gallery by underground passageway, the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary Scottish art and architecture. Inside the 19th-century Doric-style building, galleries host exhibits ranging from the work of recent graduates from Scotland's top art colleges to pieces by eminent artists.
The Basics
The RSA's vast gallery spaces showcase visual arts of all mediums, from paintings and sculptures to photography, installations, prints, and film. The work of RSA members is often on show in the Academicians' Gallery. Emerging graduate talent is spotlighted during the RSA New Contemporaries exhibition, while artists from all around Scotland are represented in the popular RSA Annual Exhibition. Tours of the RSA are self-guided.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Royal Scottish Academy is a must-see for art and architecture enthusiasts.
- Combine a visit here with a trip to the adjoining National Scottish Gallery.
- The RSA is accessible to wheelchair users. Disabled access is via the rear of the building or via the National Gallery of Scotland's Weston Link complex.
How to Get There
The RSA is located on the Mound, at the boundary between Edinburgh Old Town and New Town. To get there, ride the tram to Princes Street or any Princes Street bus. Edinburgh Waverley, the nearest train station, is just a 5-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The best time to visit is during the RSA Annual Exhibition, which typically takes place in May or June. The annual exhibition is popular and can draw large crowds, especially on weekends. Get there early in the day to avoid the midday rush.
An Architectural Landmark
Built by acclaimed architect William Henry Playfair in the early 19th century, the Royal Scottish Academy, originally known as the Royal Institution, is one of Edinburgh's most prominent neoclassical buildings. The imposing colonnaded exterior is topped by a pediment, upon which stands a statue of Queen Victoria.
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh, Scotland
From $ 71
Royal Yacht Britannia
For 44 years, the Royal Yacht Britannia carried the British royal family across the high seas to destinations near and far. After retiring in 1997, the vessel took up a permanent residency at the historic port of Leith in Edinburgh, where curious visitors now come to find out more about royal life at sea.
The Basics
The Royal Yacht Britannia is often visited as part of a guided excursion from Edinburgh port and on royal-themed day trips around Scotland's capital.. View photographs and exhibits about the yacht and pick up a headset for a self-guided audio tour around the vessel at the Visitor Centre. On board, explore the lavish state drawing room, the queen's bedroom, the crew's quarters, the engine room, and the sun lounge, reportedly the queen's favorite room.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Royal Yacht Britannia is ideal for royal enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in the Royal Navy or British history, in general.
- The yacht is fully wheelchair accessible.
- A special version of the audio tour is available for children..
- Purchase drinks, light meals, and snacks at the Royal Deck Tea Room on board.
- Allow around 2 hours to cover the exhibits at the visitor center and the yacht itself.
How to Get There
The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed in the port of Leith, around 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Edinburgh city center. Bus routes 11, 22, and Skylink 300 connect the city center to the Ocean Terminal waterfront shopping center, where Britannia is located. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop at Ocean Terminal.
When to Get There
Royal Yacht Britannia is busiest during in August. Allow extra time to tour the vessel if visiting at this time. Early mornings are quietest.
The Storied History of Royal Yacht Britannia
The last in a long line of more than 80 royal yachts, Royal Yacht Britannia has welcomed many esteemed guests on board, including Sir Winston Churchill, Boris Yeltsin, and Nelson Mandela. During its 44-year tenure, the yacht covered more than 1 million miles, carrying the queen and other dignitaries to destinations in Britain and beyond.
Address: Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
National Museum of Scotland
Set across two buildings"”one Victorian and one modern"”and featuring a collection of more than 20,000 artifacts, the National Museum of Scotland is one of Edinburgh's top visitor attractions. The diverse exhibits cover anything and everything to do with Scotland, including natural history, art, fashion, science, and archaeology.
The Basics
Many visitors arrive at the museum via hop-on hop-off tour buses and then explore independently, making a beeline for the exhibits that interest them most, whether that be the decorative arts of the Art, Design and Fashion galleries; the tyrannosaurus rex skeleton cast of the Natural World galleries; or the airy Grand Gallery, which houses a diverse collection of 800 objects from various world cultures. Visitors can download a free highlights app on their smartphone to help them navigate.
Other visitors take part in the drop-in hour-long free guided tours, which take place daily on a first come, first- served basis. Choose between an introductory Discover the National Museum tour (11am), a Scotland Galleries Highlights Tour (1pm), or a special themed tour (3pm"”topics change daily).
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Museum of Scotland provides a fantastic overview of the country for first-time visitors.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- A cafe, brasserie, shop, and rooftop restaurant with views of Edinburgh Castle, can all be found at the museum.
How to Get There
The National Museum of Scotland is situated on Chambers Street in Edinburgh Old Town, near Greyfriars Kirkyard. The museum is about a 10- to 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station.
When to Get There
The National Museum of Scotland is busiest on weekend afternoons, especially during summer vacation and other school holidays. Come midweek or in early morning to avoid the biggest crowds. If you plan on doing a tour, arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time and meet the guide in the museum's entrance hall.
Highlights of the Collection
The atrium of the Grand Gallery is home to some of the museum's greatest exhibits, including the massive skull of a sperm whale; the Cockcroft"“Walton generator, the machine that managed to first artificially split the atom in 1930; and the millennium clock tower, a mechanical clock sculpture that springs to life on the hour every hour. Elsewhere in the museum, view the famous medieval Lewis Chessmen game pieces and Queen Mary's Harp at the Kingdom of the Scots exhibition, before generating energy in the giant hamster wheel and coming face to face with Dolly the Sheep in the Science and Technology galleries.
Address: Chambers St, Edinburgh, Scotland
From $ 19
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two (Dean Gallery)
Together with the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One, the Modern Two houses Scotland's national collection of contemporary art. Originally named the Dean Gallery, the 19th-century building hosts a permanent collection of dada and surrealist works, as well as a re-creation of the studio of Scottish sculptor Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.
The Basics
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two is one of Edinburgh's leading modern-art venues, together with Modern One, which is housed in a neoclassical building just a short stroll away. Modern Two can be explored independently. Free scheduled tours and workshops typically take place in Modern One but may also include parts of Modern Two, depending on the topic being covered.
As well as extensive dada and surrealist exhibits, Modern Two also houses a research library and archives. Those who want to explore the surrounding sculpture park, which features works by Barbara Hepworth and Rachel Whiteread, can do so with the help of a downloadable audio tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two is a must for art lovers.
- A cafe serving food and drinks, as well as a gift shop, can be found within the museum.
- Modern Two is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two is on Belford Road, across the street from Modern One. The museum is just a 15-minute walk from Princes Street in the city center. Ride the Edinburgh Coach Lines bus 13 to Modern Two or take the Gallery Bus, which travels a loop between the Scottish National Gallery, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
When to Get There
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two is busiest on weekend afternoons. Visit midweek or come first thing on the weekend to avoid the crowds.
The Collections of the Modern One and Modern Two
The Modern Two holds the gallery's collection of surrealist works, which explore the edges of reality, focusing on dreams, the unconscious, and the fantastic. Among the many surrealist works at Modern Two is the large-scale painting Max Ernst montrant àune jeune fille la tête de son père (Max Ernst Showing a Young Girl the Head of His Father) by Max Ernst, and Le miroir magique (The Magic Mirror) by surrealist master Rene Magritte.
Over in Modern One, visitors will find a range of 20th-century pieces covering movements such as cubism and op art, with works from big-name artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Henry Moore, Francis Bacon, and Tracey Emin among the collection.
Address: 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh, Scotland
From $ 19
Real Mary King's Close
Hidden away beneath the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh's Old Town, the Real Mary King's Close is a remarkably preserved 17th-century street that disappeared from view in the mid-18th-century and remains buried beneath the Royal Mile. Painstakingly restored and opened as a tourist attraction back in 2003, the street offers a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh's past, with tours run by costumed character guides based on the Close's one-time residents.
As well as being of historic interest, the Real Mary King's Close has also become notorious as one of Edinburgh's most haunted sites. The street's history is riddled with tales of murders, mysterious happenings and plague victims, and it's not only become a popular inclusion on Edinburgh ghost tours, but hosts the annual Mary King's Ghost Fest and appeared on TV shows like Most Haunted and Ghost Hunters International.
Practical Info
The Real Mary King's Close is located on the High Street in Edinburgh's Old Town and is open from 10:15am to 5pm in Nov-March, and 10:15am to 9pm in April-Oct. Entrance is by guided tour only (around every 15 minutes) and admission is £15.50 for adults or £9.50 for children under 16.
Address: 2 High St, Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, Scotland
From $ 20
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One
So expansive are the collections of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art that they need not one but two enormous buildings to house them: Modern One and Modern Two. Modern One, occupying a 19th-century building, features a collection of 20th-century works, including pieces from Tracey Emin, Matisse, Picasso, and Lichtenstein.
The Basics
One of Edinburgh's leading modern art venues, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art One is a common stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours of the city. The venue, which is situated in a neoclassical building opposite Modern Two, features exhibits from the permanent collection, including displays devoted to figurative art in Scotland from 1918"“1945, abstract art, Cubism and more.
Free tours, including family-focused options and an introduction to contemporary art for adults, are held on select dates. Talks and workshops are also held here, as are performances. An audio tour, covering the grounds of Modern One and Two"”dotted with sculptures and works by the likes of Charles Jencks and Barbara Hepworth"”is available to visitors. Special exhibitions, occasionally held here, sometimes require a separate entrance ticket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Scottish Gallery of Modern Art One is a must for art lovers.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the museum.
- A cafe is situated on-site.
- The gallery is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One is located on Belford Road, amid a landscaped sculpture park, about a 15-minute walk west of Princes Street. To get there, take the Edinburgh Coach Lines Service 13 bus or ride the Gallery bus from the Scottish National Gallery on the Mound. Hop-on hop-off tour buses also stop at the museum.
When to Get There
The museum's galleries are busiest on weekend afternoons, especially in the peak summer tourist season. Try visiting at opening (10am) or an hour or two before closing (5pm) to avoid the crowds.
Highlights of the Collection
A host of household name artists are on show here, including British artist Bridget Riley who is synonymous with op art (short for optical art), a movement that focuses on using geometric forms to create sensations of movement, vibrating, or warping in paintings. Scottish artists are also given lots of space, with works from the likes of James McIntosh Patrick, Edward McEwan Baird, and Peter Howson hanging here.
Address: 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh, Scotland
From $ 19