Edinburgh is one of my favourite places in the world.

Once upon a time, many moons ago, I lived in this beautiful city.

I loved living in Edinburgh and truthfully, I always feel like I could see myself moving back there someday.

There’s just something downright magical about the Scottish capital. The architecture of the buildings, the moody atmospheric weather… it’s simply one of the most beautiful places you could possibly visit and there is so much to do and see while you’re there.

So it’s no surprise that I could see myself moving back. The city is filled with many magical places to visit and there are so many things to do in Edinburgh.

Here are my favourites to keep coming back to.

Also you’ll find a map with all of these Edinburgh guide pin points at the end of this post too.

25 Magical Places to Visit in Edinburgh

Sights in Edinburgh you can’t miss

Go to the fairytale Dean Village 

Dean Village is one of the most picturesque spots in Edinburgh.

It reminds me of Beauty and the Beast, Belle’s village kind of vibes. It’s a short walk from Stockbridge and a must on your list.

My favourite thing to do is to grab coffees and have a big wander through some of these wonderfully beautiful spots.

Stroll down Circus Lane

Again, just a five minute walk away from Dean Village you’ll find Circus Lane.

This is THE STREET to see!

There’s nothing noteworthy to do there except go for a walk! It is without a doubt one of the most Instagrammable streets in the city.

Pretend you’re at a ball at the New College

OK so you don’t have to run around in a ballgown like I seem to do…

I swear next year I’ll be attending a grand ball here somewhere…Manifesting my reality over here!

New College is very dark academia and a very moody spot to visit. Well worth popping through, even if you’re just stepping into the courtyard.

Explore the majestic Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress offers panoramic views and a deep dive into Scotland’s history. You absolutely should visit if you get a chance to!

I went ages ago, so I’m well worth a visit back as it was before I started blogging!

Wander along The Royal Mile

A historic thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with shops, eateries, and landmarks.

Hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat

An ancient (extinct now!) volcano offering a rewarding hike and sweeping vistas of the city. This is such a brilliant thing to do, again one of those things we did when we lived in the city and I don’t have any updated photos of it for you.

But trust me – it’s a must!

Spot the best views of Edinburgh Castle at the Vennel Viewpoint

I’ve done the research so you don’t have to!

Vennel Viewpoint has epic views of Edinburgh Castle from a totally different angle.

Check out my Edinburgh pin point map at the bottom of this post to save exactly where you need to go for this.

It’s beautiful in the summertime, autumn… well, it’s beautiful year round.

Visit the Harry Potter shops on Victoria Street

Visiting Victoria Street in Edinburgh is kind of like stepping back in time.

It’s one of the most iconic streets and is rumoured to have been inspiration behind Diagon Alley.

I’m not sure that’s totally true or not, but I like the idea of pretending either way.

And it appears that the shopkeepers of Victoria Street agree, you can find several Harry Potter themed shops along the street. Pop in for a wand or some Harry Potter treats!

Forget Willy Wonka, make your very own chocolate at The Chocolatarium

Speaking of treats, you won’t want to miss this magical experience at The Chocolatarium while in Edinburgh.

Located just off The Royal Mile, you’ll find chocolate heaven at The Chocolatarium. I’d recommend booking in for The Tour of Chocolate which includes a 90 minute guided Tour of Chocolate, choosing from over 40 flavours in the Tasting Room AND best of all? You get to create your very own chocolate bar to take home with you!

And if you’re visiting on a weekend, they also host Chocolate and Wine pairings where you make your own chocolate bar AND enjoy wine pairings. They also have Chocolate and Whisky pairings where you make whisky truffles and pair with whisky.

Chocolate, wine and whisky? Sounds absolutely magical to me!

See the amazing views at the top of Camera Obscura

This is one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh. Camera Obscura is like a funhouse with plenty of different displays and exhibits that you can wander through, but the holy grail is the top of the building.

It is called the Camera Obscura because this is essentially the oldest CCTV in the city.

It is a huge (and old, from 1835!) telescope that shows the city exactly as it is during that moment. You can see from the Camera Obscura all the way down to the waterfront.

You can’t photograph this as it is only possible to view in the dark, but I’d definitely recommend doing the tour at the top to see it.

Visit Tom Riddle’s grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard

BIG inspiration for the Harry Potter series lies here!

Every Potter fan should consider Greyfriars Kirkyard a must visit on their trip to Edinburgh. Just a short walk from the Royal Mile you can wander through the cemeteries.

You can spot the famous Tom Riddle grave as well as a few others, like McGonagall.

Go run up the steps at the Scott Monument along Princes Street

An iconic landmark in Scotland, you’ll undoubtedly walk by the Scott Monument during your visit to the city.

One of my favourite things about Edinburgh is their beautiful Princes Street Gardens as well. There’s so much to see simply by walking around the city and taking it all in.

Take a stroll up to Calton Hill

Home to several iconic monuments and one of the best spots for sunrise or sunset views.

🏛️ Museums You Need to Visit in Edinburgh

1. National Museum of Scotland

This is one of the most comprehensive museums in the UK. The exhibits span Scottish history, world cultures, science, technology, fashion, and the natural world. Highlights include:

• The Lewis Chessmen (12th-century Norse chess pieces)
• Dolly the Sheep (the first cloned mammal)
• The Grand Gallery and its dramatic architecture
• Interactive exhibits perfect for families

Tip: Allocate at least 2–3 hours—there’s that much to see.

2. Museum of Edinburgh

Located in a collection of historic buildings, this museum tells the story of Edinburgh itself. It includes:

• Historic artifacts from city life
• The National Covenant (an important document in Scottish history)
• Stories of famous Edinburgh residents

It’s a quieter spot off the Royal Mile and a good break from the crowds.

3. A literary must – a visit into The Writers’ Museum

This dreamy dark academia setting is home to portraits, rare books and personal objects. The Writers’ Museum is a must for celebrating the lives of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

This museum is FREE to enter (yay!) and easy to locate just off Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, in Lady Stair’s Close.

PS you certainly don’t need to have read these writers’ works to enjoy the stories told in the Writers’ Museum.

4. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

This is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings – it’s truly beautiful inside and even better? It’s FREE to enter!

Explore an overview of Scotland past and present though a wealth of imagery encompassing painting, photography, sculpture and film.

5. Surgeons’ Hall Museums

One of the oldest surgical museums in the world, it explores the evolution of medicine and surgery with fascinating (and sometimes eerie) displays:

• Preserved specimens
• 19th-century surgical instruments
• Pathology exhibits

This is a hit with fans of the macabre or those interested in medical history.

Browse and buy secondhand books at Armchair Books

Armchair Books is a true book lovers paradise.

You can get lost amongst the book stacks, discovering old favourite reads or perhaps something new. Every single book in the store is secondhand as well, which I love as it’s like a little extra history with each purchase.

They also have some pretty vintage books lurking around at the back. You feel a little like you shouldn’t be able to buy them… truly, they’re museum worthy!

I picked up a book from the 1800s that is actually valued over £100 now but managed to get it for around £25! You can really discover gems within. Happy reading!

Best Restaurants in Edinburgh: Where to eat and drink in Edinburgh

Book lunch (or dinner) at The Witchery

OK you absolutely need to book a visit to The Witchery. It is an iconic foodie destination in Edinburgh.

It’s located right by the castle, which in theory you’d think could be a bit of a tourist trap but it’s so phenomenal.

There are actually two dining rooms, the Secret Garden which we were in and then the main one, The Witchery itself. The decor is so ridiculously me, the food was delicious and the staff were super nice. I’d totally recommend booking well in advance.

Dinner reservations are really hard to come by though so we booked in for lunch and paid for their set menu which I thought was really reasonable for a date day out, two courses for £27 per person.

Brunch at The Pantry

We always love popping into The Pantry after strolling around the Stockbridge area – the coffees and brunch are always delicious.

This is a really great spot to visit after going to Circus Lane (it’s right around the corner!) or Dean Village.

Grab tacos at Taco Libre

This was a fun little spot that we came across while wandering. It’s super casual and located just off of the end of Princes Street into Shandwick Place.

The tacos were great and I’m always down for a margarita!

1820 Rooftop Bar at Johnnie Walker

This is a great bar to visit in the city with absolutely AMAZING views of Edinburgh Castle…. and excellent drinks!

A fun daytime activity? The Johnnie Walker Experience

I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this whisky tour! It’s definitely a tour for anybody and everybody – as someone who likes whisky more in cocktails – they have cocktail experiences through the tour and it’s a super fun way to learn about the history of Johnnie Walker in a very relaxed and interesting environment.

We’ve done A LOT of whisky tours and this was one of my all time favourites.

Best times to visit:

Truthfully? ANYTIME.

Having used to live in the city, I can confirm that it’s stunning year round. I personally enjoy Edinburhg in the autumn as it lends itself a very dark acamdeia kind of vibe.

But summer in Edinburgh is absolutely AMAZING! Because you’re located so far north, the sun can set in the summertime around 10:30pm! We had nights where we didn’t realise we should cook dinner as it didn’t feel that late out. Pretty incredible!

Hotels in Edinburgh: Where is best to stay in Edinburgh?

The Balmoral Hotel

Have you ever dreamed of staying or going somewhere for so long and when it finally comes true, it feels like a real life fairytale? That’s how it felt for me stepping inside The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Having lived in the city of Edinburgh, I’ve always known The Balmoral as an absolutely iconic Scottish landmark and location to stay. I mean just LOOK AT IT – gorgeous!! An unmissable spot to see when in the city. And now I’m here to tell you it’s also a totally unmissable place to stay… or even just pop in for drinks and dinner.

Luckily for us – we booked in to stay at The Balmoral Hotel for two nights. And even got upgraded to stay in a very magical suite, where the very last book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was completed!

Stay on the Royal Mile at The Witchery by the Castle

The Witchery basically allows to spend a night like you’re living in a romantic fairytale novel. The dream! Staying at The Witchery in Edinburgh, Scotland is an experience that feels plucked right out of a fairytale.

In the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, this boutique Edinburgh hotel is this magical gem that puts you right in the centre of everything with gothic romantic vibes.

A bougie stay at Gleneagles Townhouse

In the heart of Edinburgh, this is an absolutely gorgeous hotel. It’s 100% a splurge but certainly a fun place to stay!

Or at the Cheval Collection

The perfect spot to stay to be in the centre of it all is the Old Cheval Chambers.

We visited the newly opened hotel and it was absolutely amazing for our stay. They have a restaurant and bar downstairs and the rooms are super spacious. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

For a wild experience?! Book the House of Gods

Oh my gosh. If you’re after an absolutely WILD stay, House of Gods is exactly where you need to go.

Their entire hotel concept is more and more and truly, I love that for them. They have cocktail making, prosecco on speed dial (seriously) and it’s a hell of a place for a seriously raucous time.

Looking for more spots in Edinburgh? You really can’t go wrong…

View more Hotels in Edinburgh

🍸 Best Bars in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a super a diverse bar scene, from historic pubs to innovative cocktail lounges:

• Bramble Bar & Lounge – Consistently ranked among the UK’s top cocktail bars, known for its intimate setting and expertly crafted drinks.
• Hey Palu – An Italian-inspired cocktail bar offering classic Negronis and a relaxed atmosphere.
• 1820 Rooftop Bar at Johnnie Walker – This is a super fun spot with AMAZING views of Edinburgh Castle.
• Panda & Sons – A speakeasy-style bar blending the charm of a vintage barbershop with innovative cocktails.
• Nauticus Bar – Celebrates Scottish heritage with a menu featuring local spirits and ingredients.
• Kay’s Bar – A historic pub nestled in the New Town, offering a cozy ambiance and a selection of real ales.
• The Royal Oak – A legendary folk music pub known for its live sessions and traditional Scottish charm.
• The Oxford Bar – Famous as Inspector Rebus’s favorite haunt, this traditional pub offers a no-frills, authentic experience.
• The Alchemist – Known for theatrical cocktails and a stylish setting in the St James Quarter.
• Wee Vault – One of the smallest bars in the city, offering an impressive selection of craft beers and meads.
• Chaophraya Edinburgh – A rooftop bar and restaurant offering Thai cuisine and stunning views of Edinburgh Castle.

More to do in Edinburgh:

Day Trips from Edinburgh

Don’t forget that Edinburgh is also a great base for day trips around Scotland! There is SO much to see and do.

Here are a few of my blog posts to help with further planning:

Scotland Castles Road Trip: 7 day itinerary for Aberdeenshire’s Castle Trail

5 magical Harry Potter locations to visit in Scotland

Magical castles in Scotland that you need to visit

Visit the magical Harry Potter Glenfinnan Viaduct

Fairy Glen: How to visit the magical Scottish location

Kelly’s Edinburgh Map: