Things To Do

Edinburgh is a cosmopolitan city with a wide variety of museums, art galleries, theatres, shops and restaurants. It is a compact city and all its attractions are within walking distance or a short bus or taxi journey.

The Georgian New Town is classically elegant whilst the Old Town, with its tightly packed closes, has a medieval flavour.

Edinburgh Castle, the most famous of Scottish castles, perched on a volcanic crag that sweeps down the Royal Mile to the Royal Palace of Holyrood House, dominates the city and is well worth a visit. It is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the oldest Royal Regalia in Britain, displayed alongside the Stone of Destiny, the coronation stone for the Kings of Scotland.

Here are a few things that might interest you during your time in Edinburgh: 

Arthur’s Seat – FREE

Fancy getting those steps in? Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano visible from much of the centre and makes for a relatively easy hike offering unmatched views of the city skyline. Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, the hike takes up to 20 minutes and is definitely worth it. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it’s rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. The park has several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designations due to its exceptional range of grassland habitats and its internationally important volcanic geology.

Edinburgh Castle - prices range from £11.00 - £30.00

Fancy getting those steps in? Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano visible from much of the centre and makes for a relatively easy hike offering unmatched views of the city skyline. Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, the hike takes up to 20 minutes and is definitely worth it. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it’s rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. The park has several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designations due to its exceptional range of grassland habitats and its internationally important volcanic geology.

Edinburgh Old Town - FREE

Fancy getting those steps in? Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano visible from much of the centre and makes for a relatively easy hike offering unmatched views of the city skyline. Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, the hike takes up to 20 minutes and is definitely worth it. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it’s rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. The park has several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designations due to its exceptional range of grassland habitats and its internationally important volcanic geology.

Edinburgh New Town & Dean Village - FREE

Explore the New Town, where you can spot iconic buildings including the birth place and home of Robert Louis Stevenson (author of Treasure Island). The New Town has lots to offer such as Dean Village, a beautiful oasis right by the Water of Leith, and the Royal Botanical Gardens of Edinburgh. 

For a full guide on things to do in Edinburgh as well as what’s happening in the city during the conference please click here.