Things to do in Edinburgh
Author: Amber-Louise Large
Mosey around Scotland’s castle-topped capital, ducking into fire-warmed pubs for drams of whisky in the winter or following ringing laughter to Fringe shows in the summer. Even without its links to Harry Potter, this city seems to seep magic. See top sights like Arthur’s Seat and Princes Street. Try top treats like shortbread and deep-fried Mars bars (yes, they’re real – told you this place was magical). Then, when you’re curious to see what else Edinburgh has up its sleeve, consider our list of alternative things to do.
If you missed the Edinburgh Fringe, you can still see comedy at The Stand
This small club, known as Edinburgh’s original comedy venue, hosts wickedly wry and quirky stand-ups every day of the week. The Stand’s stage is iconic: it’s backed by a painting of a dimpled cowboy who shares his spotlight with everyone from novices practising their crowd work to big names testing out new material. Go on a Monday to see new acts taking to the boards during open mic night Red Raw or see if you can catch a special show featuring someone famous like Frankie Boyle. Get your tickets before you go to guarantee entry.
Top tip: There’s seating and standing room. Tickets are usually general admission so arrive early to nab a chair.
If you loved Edinburgh Castle, visit Craigmillar Castle
Of course you’re going to see Edinburgh Castle. It’s practically impossible not to get a glimpse of the Scottish capital’s royal landmark soaring above the city on Castle Rock. There is, however, another castle that hides itself away on a hill just outside the city centre. Inside the medieval ruins of Craigmillar Castle, peek at countless corridors, hidden rooms, staircases and alcoves. History buffs take note: Mary Queen of Scots found refuge here in 1566, only to be jailed by the castle’s owner Sir Simon Preston a year later.
Top tip: Climb the tower for views that include Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat.
Holiday package prices shown exclude local taxes, fees and charges that may be payable at your accommodation. If applicable, these will be displayed in the price breakdown when booking.
If you want a souvenir you’ll actually use, pop into Napiers
Once you’ve browsed the stores on Princes Street (stopping at Waterstones Cafe to savour a brew with a view of Edinburgh Castle on your way), leave the high street shops behind for a boutique. Look for Napiers’ forest-green shopfront at Bristo Place, with its windowsills full of dark jars and dried flowers, and step inside to peruse mystical-sounding tinctures. Victorian botanist Duncan Napier opened this herbalist shop in 1860 and it still sells remedies made from ingredients found on the Scottish hills as well as other beautiful, far-flung places.
Top tip: Buy a logo tote bag to carry your loose-leaf tea, Best British Bitters and Lion’s Mane chocolate. That way you’ll still have a souvenir after the botanical goodies are gone.
If you love great art and the great outdoors, visit Jupiter Artland
Seeking some fresh air? If you’ve already crossed the crags and hills of Holyrood Park and counted rhododendrons in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, discover Jupiter Artland sculpture garden. You’ll enter through the Cells of Life installation containing eight landforms – think hills resembling perfectly scooped swirls of ice cream – surrounding four lakes. Stroll through the remaining meadow and woodlands to stumble on wonders like an abandoned toy shop and 6000 tulips tracing the shadow of a tree.
Top tip: Jupiter Artland usually closes for the winter. Check opening dates before you go.
If you’ve already done an Edinburgh Vaults tour, order a pint at The Banshee Labyrinth
Lurking just past the Royal Mile, The Banshee Labyrinth might be the most haunted pub in Scotland. Half of the pub sits in what was once part of the city’s underground vaults and the other half was once home to a lord who many say believed in witchcraft. Local legend claims if you listen closely, you might hear a banshee screaming in the low-lit labyrinthine halls as you sip your drink. What you definitely will hear is the pouring of pints and the happy chatter of punters.
Top tip: There’s also a cinema room showing spooky and kooky films.
Find inspiration in our travel articles...
Top ten things to do in Barcelona
There's a reason Barcelona is one of the world's most visited cities: it's beautiful inside and out, and packed with sights. Get to grips with Gaudí and go gourmet in the city with our Barcelona top 10.
Classic London
Start planning your trip to see London’s favourite sights. With its iconic history, charm and glamour, visitors looking to explore the capital can find top-notch spots all over the city centre. Browse through our informative guides, so you’ll be able to pack the best bits into a mesmerising 48 hours.
Cities to fall in love with
You might have ticked the classic capitals of romance off your list years ago in the early stages of your love story, but there’s an undeniable charm to seeing them again with fresh eyes. And when you book your special city break with British Airways Holidays, you can rest easy knowing that every detail of your trip will be taken care of.
Terms and conditions
- Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
- Package vacation prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
- Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
- Package vacation prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in USD per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
- Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
- Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through British Airways outlets or travel agents.
- Combine and save on Vacations: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ vacation including more than one hotel and / or car.
- Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply.
- Offer can be booked online at ba.com or through a travel agent. If you book through a British Airways call center, you will be charged an additional $25 per ticket for processing.
- This promotion applies to round-trip Club World business class cabin between New York (JFK or Newark) and London only. Sale fares are for new bookings made between January 27 and Feb 11, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.
- Travel outbound August 1 – 24, 2026; Inbound August 4 - 30, 2026
- A Saturday night stay is required.
- Lowest business class price is for weekday travel, outbound travel Tuesday and Wednesday, with return on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. For weekend travel a surcharge of $250 applies in each direction.
- Refunds from previously purchased higher fare types are not permitted. All operated promotional flights are non-refundable.
- Use of issued voucher - if you are holding a voucher from a previous cancelled trip, the voucher can be used as payment, or part payment, for a future booking. An eVoucher is valid until the expiry date shown and cannot be renewed or exchanged for cash.
- Prices may vary based on the dates selected for outbound and inbound flights as part of a return journey.
- Club members can earn Avios points per the terms and conditions of The Club.
- Infant discounts (under 2 years of age) may apply if no seat is required. No children discount for children over 2 years of age.
- Open to US residents paying in US dollars only, with travel originating in NYC (JFK or Newark).
- Promotional travel must be booked, ticketed, started and finished in NYC.
- Individual travel dates are subject to availability. Promotional travel is subject to availability and capacity control, and availability may be limited over peak periods. The number of seats available on each flight at a particular fare may be restricted and it is possible that seats allocated to a particular fare on a particular flight may be fully booked even though seats are still available for sale at a different fare or booking class in the same cabin.
- The promotion is for flights operated by British Airways except where shown, to be operated by American Airlines. The promotion does not apply to travel on any other BA franchisee or alliance airline, or any flight operated by a codeshare partner.
- Promotion does not apply to group bookings (10 or more passengers in one booking).
- This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, promotion, or deal, including but not limited to: (i) redemption bookings; (ii) travel agent or industry discount fares (including but not limited to agency, industry and employee discounts), inclusive holidays, group discount fares, children/infant fares, or senior citizen fares, whether or not booked in the qualifying classes; (iii) bookings made with vouchers (e.g. shareholder’s discount vouchers); or (iv) upgrades.
- Promotional materials form part of these terms and conditions. These terms and conditions shall prevail if there is any conflict between these and the promotional materials.
- All travel on BA flights is subject to BA's General Conditions of Carriage for Passengers and Baggage (see ba.com) and the notice and conditions of contract contained on each ticket and itinerary. Travel on services operated by American Airlines, Iberia or Finnair or any other partner carriers are subject to the conditions of carriage of the relevant carrier.
- British Airways is not liable for the reproduction of this offer or indirect access via third party websites of these terms and where such reproduction misstates or omits any of the information or terms and conditions connected with this promotion.
- Cannot be combined with any other offer.
- This offer may be withdrawn or limited by British Airways without notice.
- Other significant restrictions may apply.
- WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL ANY BOOKINGS THAT VIOLATE ANY OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.