Edinburgh For First Time Visitors

As former Edinburgh residents, we have a lot of love for the Scottish capital. But we know that planning a trip here can be overwhelming. So, after a recent trip, we created this Edinburgh guide for first-time visitors.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do, where to eat, and a few hotel recommendations in Edinburgh.

By: Lesley Stewart | April 2025

OUR GUIDES TO EDINBURGH

BEST THINGS TO SEE & DO

A round up of all the best things to do, see, and places to visit in Edinburgh. You’ll find all these spots, and more, in our Scotland itinerary.

Circus Lane, a cobblestone street in Edinburgh lined with residential buildings on either side, leading to a tall clock tower with decorative spires under a cloudy sky.

EXPLORE THE BEST OF

Scotland Itinerary & Map

Unlock the best-kept secrets of Scotland with my curated itinerary and Google Map, showcasing 600+ accommodations, eateries, coffee shops, and unique adventures.

Where to stay

Travel tip: Edinburgh’s accommodation books up early. This is especially true during summer, when the population swells and many hotels are booked a year in advance.

Travel Planning Service

We’re local Scottish experts, and we’ve personally visited each of our destinations, so we know exactly what makes a Skye trip special. Let us know what your ultimate road trip looks like, and allow us to take care of the rest.