12 Things to See, Do and Experience in Edinburgh

In episode 205 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug share their 12 favourite things to see, do and experience in Edinburgh. Recorded fresh from five days in the city (and Tracy’s second visit in under a month), this episode covers everything from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to underground closes, rooftop views and the best haggis in town.

Edinburgh is stunning, historic and dramatic, but with so much to see it can feel overwhelming to plan. Think of this episode as a menu rather than a checklist: pick what suits your interests and your schedule. If you caught Episode #201 – 12 Things to Know Before Your First Trip to Edinburgh, this is the perfect companion listen for deciding exactly what makes your itinerary.

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Episode 205 – Summary

What you’ll learn in this episode

Why Edinburgh Castle tickets sell out in summer and how far ahead you should book to guarantee entry
Where to find the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, St Margaret’s Chapel, built around 1130
How to explore the closes, courts and wynds off the Royal Mile, and why you should allow far more time than you think
What to expect on The Real Mary King’s Close tour, including why Tracy sent Doug in as a guinea pig first
When the Palace of Holyroodhouse closes at short notice and how to avoid Melissa’s disappointment
How to choose between Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill for views over the city, depending on your fitness level
Why the National Museum of Scotland is the perfect rainy day option, with free entry and a rooftop terrace most visitors miss
The story of Greyfriars Bobby and why so many graves in Greyfriars Kirkyard are protected by cages
What makes the Camera Obscura far better than you’d expect for a Victorian optical device, plus five floors of illusions for families
Where to eat haggis, neeps and tatties in Edinburgh (the same spot a Rabbie’s guide named as his favourite), plus pub and whisky recommendations
Why the Georgian Tea Room at The Dome serves Tracy and Doug’s favourite afternoon tea in the whole of the UK
How to reach the Royal Yacht Britannia by tram and why the audio tour is worth booking ahead
What a Rabbie’s small group day trip is really like, from the Fife villages and St Andrews to Alnwick, Bamburgh and the Borders
How to make your own Harris Tweed bag at an Islander workshop, and why this experience sells out

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Links Mentioned in This Episode

Everything Tracy and Doug talked about in Episode 205, all in one place.

🚌 Rabbie’s Tours
Small group day trips from Edinburgh to St Andrews, Loch Ness, the Highlands, Outlander locations and more. Use code UKTP10 for 10% off when you book via our link.

Book a Rabbie’s Day Trip 🏔️

👜 Islander Harris Tweed Bag Workshop
Make your own Harris Tweed bag in Edinburgh. A brilliant souvenir and a really fun experience, but it does sell out, so book ahead.

Book the Bag Workshop ✂️

🔍 Mystery Guides
Outdoor escape room style guidebooks for Edinburgh and across the UK. Solve the clues and discover places you would never find otherwise. Use code UKTP15 for 15% off.

Get a Mystery Guide 🗝️

🗺️ Need help planning your Edinburgh or UK trip?
Book a one-to-one itinerary consultation or an itinerary review with Tracy and Doug, or a train travel consultation with Doug to plan your Scottish rail journeys.

Book an Itinerary Consultation 🧳 Book a Train Consultation 🚂