Tourist activities

If you're new to Edinburgh then you’ll be in for an exciting surprise when you discover how many festivals, cinemas, theatres, galleries, museums, parks and other opportunities are available to you; it’s a city made for tourism, whatever your budget.

Perhaps the city’s two best known events are Edinburgh’s Hogmanay - the world’s biggest New Year street party - and the Edinburgh festivals headed up by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Last year 1.4 million tourists came to Edinburgh to attend one of the many festivals in August. This is a month that you will definitely not want to miss. 

A walk around the city – via the Tourist Information Office on Princes St – will reveal plenty of interesting buildings, parks and sights to see. Many galleries and museums are free, and through the summer your walking tours will echo to the sounds of buskers from all over the world.

There are some important dates in the Scottish calendar:

• 25 January is the night when Scots at home and abroad celebrate the life of Scotland’s favourite poet – Robert Burns. His works are recited and everyone is treated to the traditional Scottish meal of haggis, neeps (turnip) and tatties (potatoes). 
• 30 November is the day of Scotland's patron saint, St Andrew after whom Scotland’s flag is named. 
• 31 December sees the capital’s world famous New Year spectacular with several days of celebrations leading up to the street party itself.

Looking for ideas?

Try these sites for a start.

City of Edinburgh Council Tourism & Visitor Attractions

Edinburgh Guide

Find out what's on in the city

theOracle
The List

'Must Do' Edinburgh sights

Edinburgh Castle - the British Travel Awards' UK's top heritage attraction for two years running

Botanic Gardens - over 70 acres of landscaped grounds provide a tranquil haven in the city 

Edinburgh Zoo - home to giant pandas Tian Tian 甜甜, Yang Guang 阳 and more than 1,000 other animals

The Palace of Holyrood House - the Queen's official residence in Scotland

Mary King’s Close - a secret warren of hidden underground streets, frozen in time since the 17th century

Our Dynamic Earth - a journey through our planet’s past, present and future, with interactive exhibits and impressive technology

Royal Yacht Britannia -  home to the Royal Family for 44 years, this ship has sailed over one million miles around the globe

Scottish Parliament - striking from the outside, and just as fascinating inside, visit the seat of politics in Scotland

Museums & galleries

City of Edinburgh Museums & Galleries

National Galleries

National Museums of Scotland

Explore Scotland

Living and studying in Edinburgh is the perfect excuse to see the rest of Scotland. With heaps of events and attractions a train, bus or car trip away, you can cover a huge amount of ground while you’re here. Go to a ceilidh to learn and take part in some traditional dancing accompanied with Scottish music provided by a live ceilidh band. Take time to visit some of Scotland’s ancient castles, whisky distilleries and the countryside and towns in the breathtaking Highlands – with so much to do it may be difficult to find time to study.

 Why not visit (take a deep breath!)...

And that’s just the tip of it. Get your friends together, get organised and get there!

Accommodation needn’t be a problem - Scotland has a network of youth hostels to choose from. Or you can get in tune with nature at one of our many campsites. Just don’t forget the midge repellent!

Find out about all of the above attractions - and more - at:

Scotland.org

Visit Scotland

Highlands Tourism 

Young Scot - information for 16-26 year olds

Tours

From a one-day tour to the highlands, or a week-long adventure to the Orkney Islands, these tours won’t break the bank.

Haggis Adventures

Wild in Scotland
MacBackpackers Tours