What would you say is the number 1 thing to do in Edinburgh?

[Ineedcoffeenow]

Myself, DH and DDs (19 and 16) have 5 hours free in Edinburgh soon. We’ve been before, but
always for shopping. We’ve never done any tourism stuff. So what’s the number 1 thing to do? Open to all kinds of experiences.

What would you say is the number 1 thing to do in Edinburgh?

Leave.

Everyone will say the castle.

We love the zoo, Camera Obscura and the chocolate making experience.

Edinburgh Castle obviously.

We spent 3 days there with the DC last year and that wasn’t long enough to do everything. Holyrood Palace would be my number 2. The Royal Yatch Britannia number 3. Then things like Dynamic Earth, the Camera Obscura, the National Museum of Scotland, the various art galleries, Carlton Hill, climbing Arthur’s Seat, depending on your particular interests.

I’ll be interested to hear what others say on the thread though!

Depends what you like doing, but the most obvious one is the castle!

Other options:
Mary King's Close
Royal Yacht Britannia
Climb Arthur's Seat
Climb the Scott Monument
Afternoon tea at the Balmoral Hotel (if you're rich!)

Camera Obscura, Mary Kings Close, National Museum of Scotland…

National Gallery of Scotland. My favourite art gallery as it’s got some great pieces.

We got cheapo train tickets awhile ago and spent the full day in the National Museum. We really enjoyed it and there was so much to see and do.

Castle surely? Wander up the Royal Mile, Greyfriers churchyard, Grass market coffee or lunch and then the Castle

With kids that age, camera obscura and the castle. 5 minute walk between the two, could probably do both in that time

Another vote for camera obscura and then greyfriars kirkyard

There speaks a Weegie 😂
Museum of Scotland, people like Britannia.
Castle is meh.
Camera obscure is good.

inchcolm Island landing trip

I’m assuming not during the fringe? See a show if it was. Otherwise I’d vote camera obscura too.

The Museum.

Mary King's Close. But don't be like my ex-husband and get drunk on Balvenie at a lock-in the night before and spend your time hiccuping and being passed mints by your wife to keep yourself from throwing up on your way around!

when is soon?

edinburgh is busy at the moment and heading into august it will get even busier so that needs to be taken into account - and just now theres a lot of disruption with busses and trams due to a fire on princes street yesterday

Personally, I think the Castle (once you get into it) is rather underwhelming.

Holyrood is much more interesting, and has the King's Gallery next door. You could then let off some steam by walking part-way up Arthur's Seat.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is also fascinating, but a bit out of town at Leith.
I also love the Scottish National Gallery, if your teens are into art.

Train to Glasgow. For clarity it’s a joke.

Depends what you all like doing. If it was me I would just spend the day shopping, eating and drinking. I love George Street-especially Me and Em! Stockbridge has lots of gorgeous little bars and restaurants that you could spend the day in.
if you’re not into that we also loved the Dungeons with younger children and also Mary King’s close.
I wouldn’t go near the zoo-don’t like seeing amazing animals in captivity.

The Vaults - super cool if you get booked in

The Nat history museum
real Mary’s close
hollyrood palace

We’re just back, and we enjoyed Camera Obscura and the Museum of Scotland. The castle too, but you need to book it in advance and I think it sells out quickly.

Stirling castle is far better than Edinburgh castle. The national gallery and the portrait gallery are two of my favourite places. Also the Dovecote studio. Mary King close is brilliant. The view from Calton Hill is second to none.

I love Edinburgh and I lived the “ghost” tour which takes you underground. Think they may be an evening thing though.

The planetarium is great. Walk around Arthur’s seat. Or just walk around the old town, grass market and university, have a fried Mars bar and look up the quirky vintage shops and great restaurants. Recently spent a day there with DD17 and she loved it.