Unique Gifts and Things To Do in Edinburgh

Novelist and son of the city, Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote “Edinburgh is what Paris ought to be"…and we couldn’t agree more! This cosmopolitan capital city combines a captivating blend of awe-inspiring architecture and historical landmarks, with raucous nightlife, quirky eateries and alleyways, and more culture than you can shake a stick at! So whatever your reason for visiting Edinburgh, you’ll leave this city feeling completely enamoured and we can guarantee you’ll be back for more!

For first-time travellers to the city, your list of things to do in Edinburgh could quite literally be limitless so we’re sure a few suggestions would not go amiss. The number one tourist hotspot, attracting up to 1.8 million visitors each year is of course the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Dramatically situated atop the famous Royal Mile, this extraordinary monument can be seen from most anywhere in the city and is absolutely worth a visit. Join the throngs of tourists and enter through the historic gates to discover just what makes this castle so great. More than just a pile of old stone, Edinburgh Castle houses the oldest Crown Jewels in the British Isles, as well as the fabled Stone of Destiny. Take time to explore the Scottish National War Memorial and Regimental Museums, tracking the military history of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. With breath-taking views of the city to boot, a visit to Edinburgh Castle truly is a must-do!

Making your way back down Edinburgh's iconic Royal Mile, and through the city’s handsome Old Town quarter, you’ll be greeted by the distinctive tones of a bagpipe or two and will be presented with an assortment of attractions, sightseeing tours, and experiences to take part in. For those interested in Edinburgh’s darker and more mysterious past, perhaps an underground tour of the Blair Street Vaults, a visit to The Real Mary King’s Close, or a ghost bus tour of the City’s spookiest locations? For those with a penchant for the weird and wonderful, spend some time exploring the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions attraction. Or if you’d like to learn a little more about Scotland’s national drink, then a tasting experience at The Scotch Whisky Experience could be right up your street!

For visitors who prefer to fill their lungs with fresh air and explore the countryside, Edinburgh makes the ideal getaway. Recently named as the Greenest City in the UK, Edinburgh’s outdoor spaces provide plenty of opportunities for ambitious walks, outdoor adventure activities, and picturesque picnic locations. Make the famous climb to the summit of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park for panoramic views of the city, or spend an afternoon ambling through the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens. If you’re looking to really push the boat out, you could even spend a day sailing on the Firth of Forth.

Of course, no stay in Edinburgh would be complete without a night out on the town and once the sun goes down, the city centre comes to life with crowded pubs and drinking dens. With many venues offering live music, 7 nights a week, you’ll be sure to find the perfect place to let your hair down for a dance or a sing-song with the locals before heading back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

A sensational city with so much more to offer than Hogmanay or ‘neeps and tatties’, Edinburgh is a fantastic travel destination and has an unlimited supply of entertainment just waiting to be discovered! Whether you are planning a family get away or are looking for activity gifts and experiences for a friend or loved one, Edinburgh has the answer.