Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and certainly the most gothic city in the UK. In fact, when we use the term ‘gothic’ to describe a place that has a certain “dark” charm, then Edinburgh is most likely the gothic capital of Europe. Let’s put it this way: if we are to believe that Transylvania is the land of vampires, then we might as well argue that Edinburgh is the land of ghosts, roaming the city’s cobblestone streets, haunting Edinburgh Castle, and perhaps lingering around whiskey shops, waiting for tourists like you to discover them. Do any of these vibe with you well enough to consider a new Euro city break? Then here’s a weekend guide that should help you explore much of Edinburgh in 2 or 3 days.
Edinburgh facts most people don’t know
There is evidence of humans wandering around Arthur’s Seat, the city’s extinct volcano, since prehistoric times. The city’s prominence began in the early Middle Ages when a hillfort was established on Castle Rock, the volcanic plug upon which Edinburgh Castle sits. In the 12th century, King David I recognized Edinburgh’s strategic importance and granted it a royal charter, officially designating it as a royal burgh. This status fostered economic growth and attracted merchants and craftsmen, transforming the town into a center of trade and commerce.
Edinburgh was declared the capital of Scotland in 1437. This designation solidified its political and administrative significance, leading to the construction of notable structures. The city’s Old Town, retains its gothic medieval character, being the kind of place that has narrow closes (alleys) and towering tenement buildings.
Edinburgh’s Old Town
There is also a New Town, which started to develop in the 18th century with the goal of alleviating overcrowding in the Old Town. You might figure out you’re in New Town when you notice a grid layout and Georgian architecture.
Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature, likely because it’s the place where writers like Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and J.K. Rowling have been inspired by its streets and stories. Monuments such as the Scott Monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, and institutions like the Writers’ Museum represent this literary tradition.
Walter Scott Monument
Edinburgh for the ghostbuster in you
Edinburgh is known as one of the most haunted cities in the world, and, looking at its architecture, gives some good hints on why this is the case. I mean, if you were a ghost who finds entertainment in spooking people, what city would you choose as your base? It is claimed that the city is full of ghosts and a lot of mysterious things are happening. Is it true? Probably not. Can ghost tours be entertaining anyway? I would say so. With this in mind, let’s take a look at a few haunted places for the ghostbuster in you.
Doesn’t Edinburgh’s old town look like the type of place a ghost would haunt?
The University of Edinburgh – a building that manages to look more haunted than the castle
An important ghostly location is the Royal Mile, a 1.81 km (1 mi) long street that runs through the heart of the city’s Old Town, from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. One of the most supposedly haunted locations is Mary King’s Close, a series of underground streets and dwellings beneath the Royal Mile. Sealed off during the plague in the 17th century, it is now a popular tourist attraction where visitors report encounters with apparitions. The most famous ghost here is a cute little girl named Annie, who is apparently always looking for her lost doll. This story gained prominence after a Japanese psychic claimed to have communicated with her in 1992.
Then, as you might suspect, there’s Edinburgh Castle. Visitors, who may or may not have tried too much Scottish whiskey have reported sightings of a headless drummer and the sounds of a phantom piper, believed to be a young musician who vanished in the castle’s tunnels.
The story of Major Thomas Weir, known as the “Wizard of West Bow,” adds to the Royal Mile’s eerie reputation. A respected figure in 17th-century Edinburgh, Weir confessed to witchcraft and other crimes, leading to his execution. His former residence on West Bow is said to be haunted, with reports of strange occurrences and sightings of his ghost.
And if you like ghost tales, you might want to learn more about that of the Mackenzie Poltergeist in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Sir George Mackenzie, known as “Bluidy Mackenzie” for his persecution of the Covenanters, is said to haunt his mausoleum, with numerous reports of physical attacks and unexplained injuries among those who dare to approach. Speaking of Greyfriars Kirkyard, it is renewed as one of the most haunted graveyards in the world and a place where visitors have reported unexplained scratches, sudden chills, and an overwhelming sense of unease.
The ghostbuster in you will likely enjoy spending some time at the Edinburg Vaults, a series of chambers beneath the South Bridge. Once home to taverns and workshops, they later became a refuge for the city’s poorest residents and a hotspot for criminal activity. Today, visitors and paranormal investigators report sightings of shadowy figures and unexplained noises within the vaults.
What a lovely night for a ghostbusting tour
Now, unless you are a paranormal activity professional, it may be best to explore all those places with a guided tour. Otherwise, you might get lost, and/or there might be no one to tell those scary ghost stories. One popular tour that is not really a ghost tour is the Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour, which will take you through Old Town and the Canongate Graveyard and tell you a few things about the city’s most notorious citizens. Topics addressed include murderers, thieves, cannibals, hangings and decapitations, witches, and the Plague. Sounds like fun, right?
Another spooky option is the Dark Side Walking Tour. The tour will take you to the Royal Mile, Canongate Kirkyard, Canongate District, and Arthur’s Seat, among others. Topics addressed include the Burke and Hare murders, witch trials and burnings, and Mary Queen of Scots’ lover.
Now, if you want to venture underneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for some ghost stories, then consider taking the Late-Night Underground Vaults Terror Tour. This tour will take you to the vaults of Auld Reekie and give you access to the Torture Exhibition.
If you would rather combine an underground tour to South Bridge vaults with a graveyard tour, then Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour might be your thing. If, on the other hand, you would rather explore the underground vaults at The Lost Close and other parts of Edinburgh in the company of a witch, take a look at Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault.
Finally, let’s not forget Edinburgh is not just ghost, but also high-quality whiskey. So why not go full cliché and take Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky. This tour will be the perfect occasion to explore the presumably haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults while having a drink in a haunted cellar.
Edinburgh for the whisky enthusiast
Speaking of whisky, Edinburgh has lots of it. The history of this drink in Scotland starts in 1494, with the first recorded mention of whisky production in Scotland. It was Friar John Cor, a 15th-century monk and distiller who was granted malt to make “aqua vitae” for the king, as noted in the Exchequer Rolls. The term “aqua vitae” was commonly used during this period to describe distilled spirits, which were initially intended for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. Over time, whisky evolved from these early distillations into the drink we all know today becoming integral to Scottish heritage and economy.
Somewhere in Edinburgh. Now, that’s what I call a wide selection.
If you are a whisky enthusiast, note that Edinburgh’s pub culture is deeply tied to its whisky heritage and there are plenty of establishments where you can sample rare and local drams. There are also whisky shops which offer a vast selection of bottles, including exclusive and collectible options.
Then there’s the Scotch Whisky Experience. Located near Edinburgh Castle, this experience includes a barrel ride through the whisky-making process, tastings of different single malts and blends, and a view of the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky.
If that wasn’t enough, you also have the Glenkinchie Distillery, a lowland distillery that is located just a short trip from Edinburgh and offers guided tours.
Finally, there’s always the option of booking one of the many Edinburgh whisky tours that you can find online.
Edinburgh for the Harry Potter fan
Edinburgh is for Harry Potter what Dubrovnik is for Game of Thrones. Well, sort of, as no Harry Potter filming took place in Edinburgh. The city is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s legendary series. For example, you have the Elephant House Café, which is said to be the “birthplace of Harry Potter,” as it is here where Rowling wrote parts of the series.
Then you have Victoria Street, which allegedly inspired Diagon Alley. Greyfriars Kirkyard was also presumably an inspiration source, as a stroll through this place reveals names like “Thomas Riddell,” believed to have inspired Voldemort’s full name, Tom Marvolo Riddle.
Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town
Finally, there’s the Balmoral Hotel. Room 552, now known as the “J.K. Rowling Suite,” is where she completed the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. A marble bust of Hermes signed by the author marks the room’s significance.
Now, as you can see, some of the locations in Edinburgh associated with Harry Potter are based on assumptions rather than facts. That being said, if you are a Harry Potter fan, you might enjoy one of the several Harry Potter tours Edinburgh offers. One of the most popular ones is Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour – a good option if you want to see the real Grave of Tom Riddle in Greyfriars Kirkyard, pass JK Rowling’s golden handprints outside City Chambers, and test your Harry Potter knowledge base with a quiz.
Edinburgh for the Tartan enthusiast
Edinburgh is a great place for those of you who like tartan stuff, a symbol of Scotland’s culture and clans. For those who wonder, tartan is a traditional Scottish textile pattern consisting of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Historically, it was associated with Scottish clans, with each clan having its unique tartan pattern. The origins of tartan date back to ancient times, with early examples of woven cloth found in Scotland from as far back as the 3rd century CE. However, the association of specific patterns with clans gained prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries. During this time, tartan became a visual representation of loyalty and status within Scottish society. The wearing of tartan and kilts was banned after the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. This ban was lifted in 1782.
If you are particularly interested in this tradition, consider paying a visit to the Tartan Weaving Mill, situated at the foot of Edinburgh Castle. This working mill showcases the tartan production process and also sells tartan products. You may also want to dive into the history of Scottish clans at the Museum of Scotland and learn about traditional kilt-making techniques or even design your own tartan at kilt-making workshops such as Kinloch Anderson or 21st Century Kilts.
Scottish bagpiper & kilts
Edinburgh for the scenic view seeker
If you want to take some panoramic pictures of Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill are some really good options. If you find the idea of sitting on an extinct volcano that rises approximately 251 m (823 ft) above sea level at least somewhat entertaining, then start with Arthur’s Seat.
For your information, archaeological evidence suggests that Arthur’s Seat was a site of human activity during the Bronze Age and the hill is part of an ancient volcanic system that includes nearby Castle Rock. Its name is often associated with King Arthur, with some suggesting it was a possible location for the legendary Camelot. While the connection is uncertain, the mythology arguably adds to its allure. The hike to the summit is accessible for most fitness levels and takes about 30 minutes. Once at the top, you will get views of Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and even the Highlands on a clear day.
Arthur’s Seat
If you want to hike Arthur’s Seat in the company of other tourists and a guide, feel free to take a look at Guided Arthur’s Seat Hike. This tour lasts for two hours and guides you through Arthur’s Seat as well as Holyrood Park.
Calton Hill is part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes a few notable structures:
- The National Monument of Scotland, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, commemorates Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars.
- The Nelson Monument, dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson, provides panoramic views from its tower.
- The Dugald Stewart Monument, a neoclassical structure dedicated to the Scottish philosopher and mathematician Dugald Stewart.
View of Edinburgh in the evening from Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a venue for festivities, including the Beltane Fire Festival, which is all about ancient Celtic traditions manifested in the form of dramatic performances and fire displays.
Edinburgh for the castles lover
Imagine a castle that is rather grimy, allegedly full of ghosts, and sits on a volcano plug called Castle Rock. That castle is Edinburgh Castle and is arguably the coolest thing to see in Edinburg. Archaeological evidence suggests that the site was inhabited as far back as the Iron Age yet its documented history begins in the 12th century with the reign of David I (mentioned earlier), who built a chapel dedicated to his mother, Saint Margaret. St. Margaret’s Chapel, still standing today, is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the castle served as a royal residence, a military fortress, and a symbol of Scotland’s monarchy. It played a pivotal role during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, changing hands multiple times between the Scots and the English. One of its most dramatic sieges occurred in 1314 when it was recaptured by forces loyal to Robert the Bruce. Later, during the Jacobite Risings of the 17th and 18th centuries, the castle’s role shifted to that of a military garrison, cementing its reputation as a stronghold.
Today, Edinburgh Castle is home to some of Scotland’s most important artifacts. More specifically, you can see the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown Jewels in the British Isles, and the Stone of Destiny, a rectangular sandstone block that has been a part of coronation ceremonies for centuries. The castle also houses the Great Hall, an example of medieval architecture, and the National War Museum, which chronicles Scotland’s military history.
Edinburgh Castle
Even if you’re not a history buff, you might enjoy going to the castle to see the arguably pretty views of Edinburgh and the surrounding area. Its elevated position provides a stunning vantage point for the city’s skyline, including the Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, and Calton Hill. And if you want to explore the castle in the company of someone who knows the castle’s history, take a look at Edinburgh Castle tours.
And, finally, you have the ghosts.
Edinburgh for the night owl in you
Edinburgh’s nightlife is more than just ghostbusting tours. It’s also pubs, whisky bars, and nightclubs. Of course, with Edinburgh being Edinburgh, some of these are allegedly haunted.
Much of the action takes place in Grassmarket and Cowgate. Grassmarket is a historic square located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is the place to go for pubs, bars, and restaurants. A short walk from Grassmarket, Cowgate is the go-to area for those of you seeking a high-energy night out, as it’s the place where you’ll find several nightclubs and live music venues.
Edinburgh getting ready for some ghost parties
Since you’re in what is often regarded as the world’s most haunted city, it’s understandable if venturing out at night feels a bit daunting. But don’t worry—those ghosts are likely everywhere, including your hotel or wherever you’re staying. To play it safe, why not join a pub crawl? Whether you’re going out by yourself or with a few others, joining a pub crawl means you’ll be surrounded by a lively crowd of fellow partygoers—a group dynamic that may well discourage any spooky activity.
One pub crawl option you have is the Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots. This tour takes place in the old town and, as the name suggests, includes 7 venues and 6 shots, as well as a 25% discount on certain bars and clubs. Another option is the 7 Bar Pub Crawl with 7 Shots & Discounts. This tour is very similar to the previous one except that it offers one extra shot, which, if you ask me, shouldn’t be enough to make you decide one way or the other.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
While all of Edinburgh’s neighborhoods might be haunted, they also differ in some important points. The coolest place to stay is, in my opinion, the Old Town. This assumption is based on the fact mornings tend to look prettier when you’re in a modernized medieval town and the fact, that it is the place where most of the action takes place.
I believe the New Town is the second-best option, as it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town and also has some architecture that many will find pretty.
Old Town view that can make add some charm to your coffee time
And this is Edinburgh’s New Town
If neither of these is your thing, then how about you stay in Leith? This port area is a trendy district known for its waterfront charm and creative arts vibe. It’s a great choice for those of you looking to explore beyond the city center and enjoy a more contemporary side of Edinburgh.
Leith
Finally, another interesting option is Stockbridge. This is a quainter neighborhood that feels like a small village within the city. It’s the place to go for boutique shops and the weekly Stockbridge Market.
Stockbridge
Best time to visit Edinburgh
The best time to visit Edinburgh is obviously on Halloween. After all, this is the most haunted city in the world and looks fairly Hallowenish. That being said, the city is a year-round destination and some might even enjoy it more when it’s cold, cloudy, and dark.
Even if Edinburgh’s vibes resonate well with colder seasons, summer is still the city’s peak season. It’s also the time when you can participate in some relatively well-known events, such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, an art festival held in August. This is the time to be if you want to see the city transformed into a vibrant stage for theater, comedy, dance, and more. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the Fringe means creativity and artistic freedom.
Now, is December a good time to visit Edinburgh? I would say no because the Christmas vibe resonates better with more colorful and snowy cities. But if you disagree with me, check out Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s famous New Year celebration which spans three days of festivities, including a torchlight procession, street parties, concerts, and a cool fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle.
Public Transportation in and around Edinburgh
If you stay in the Old or the New Town, you probably won’t need to use public transportation a lot. In case you do need to rely on it, worry not, as the transportation system is effective. The primary bus operator in Edinburgh, Lothian Buses, offers over 50 routes covering the city and the Lothians. Services run frequently, with day buses operating from 6 am to midnight, and night buses covering the late hours. A single adult fare is £2.00, and a DAYticket, allowing unlimited travel for a day, costs £5.00. Tickets can be purchased on the bus using exact change or via the Transport for Edinburgh app.
For travel between the city center and Edinburgh Airport, the Airlink 100 express bus operates 24/7, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. Skylink services (200, 300, 400) connect the airport to various parts of the city. Tickets can be bought online, from ticket machines, or directly from the driver.
The tram line runs from Edinburgh Airport through the city center to York Place, with 15 stops along the route. Trams operate from early morning until late evening, with services every 7 minutes during peak times. An adult single ticket within the city zone is £2.00, while a journey to or from the airport costs £7.50. Tickets must be purchased before boarding, either from ticket machines at tram stops or via the Transport for Edinburgh app.
Black cabs can be hailed on the street, found at taxi ranks, or booked by phone. Services like Uber also operate in Edinburgh.
A few things to know about the UK and Scotland
While the UK is a rather well-known country, not all of you understand the exact meanings of UK, Great Britain, Scotland, or England. The United Kingdom encompasses both Great Britain and Northern Ireland while Great Britain is made of the three nations that reside on the island: England, Scotland, and Wales.
Scotland became part of the UK in 1707 through the Act of Union, which united the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England into the Kingdom of Great Britain. This was primarily motivated by economic concerns, political pressures, and the desire for shared benefits such as access to English trade routes. Since 1999, Scotland has had its own devolved parliament in Edinburgh, which has power over areas like health, education, and justice. However, key areas such as foreign policy and defense remain under UK control.
Scotland has a strong independence movement, with many citizens feeling that their distinct culture and values are better served outside the UK. In a 2014 referendum, 55% of Scots voted to remain in the UK, but discussions about independence have intensified, especially following Brexit, which Scotland opposed.
The currency used in Scotland, as in the rest of the UK, is the British Pound Sterling (£). Banknotes issued by Scottish banks are legal tender throughout the UK, but they may not always be accepted in other parts of the country. Ensure you carry some cash, but most places accept contactless payments.
As you probably already know English is the primary language, but you may encounter Scots and Gaelic influences, especially in place names. The Scottish accent is markedly different from the English one, especially the Southern English one.
Another thing you might find useful to know is that the UK uses Type G power sockets, with a standard voltage of 230V. If you’re traveling from a country with a different plug type, you’ll need an adapter.
Finally, in Scotland, like in the rest of the UK, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you plan to rent a car, ensure you’re comfortable with this arrangement. Also, be aware of urban congestion charges and limited parking in Edinburgh’s city center (rac.co.uk).
Where to go next: Loch Ness, Skye Island, or London?
Edinburgh’s location makes it a good place for exploring the most famous destinations in Scotland or for going for a city break in London. While still in Scotland, consider paying a visit to Lock Ness. Yes, this is the place famed for the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Whether you believe this monster actually exists or not, you might find Lock Ness worth a visit for the Highlands scenery and the ruins of the Urquhart Castle. You can reach the lake via car (3 hours drive), train, or bus. Lock Ness tours from Edinburgh are also available.
Also famous in Scotland is the Isle of Skye. This island is the place to go if you want rugged landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and charming villages, all in Scottish style. Attractions include the Quiraing, a landslip with otherworldly rock formations, Fairy Pools, which are crystal-clear waterfalls in Glen Brittle, and Portree, the island’s colorful harbor town. The Isle of Skye is reachable from Edinburg on a 5-6 hour drive or accessible via train to Kyle of Lochalsh and a short bridge crossing.
Finally, there’s London, arguably one of the coolest cities on the planet and probably the best city in Europe in terms of flight connections. The best way to reach London is via a 4.5-hour train journey from Edinburgh on the high-speed LNER line or a short 1.5-hour flight. We don’t recommend driving unless you must, as the distance between Edinburgh and London is around 655 km (407 mi).
Bottom line: Edinburgh is not just ghosts, but it’s a lot of them
Edinburgh is the kind of place where almost any place that is at least a bit interesting also has a ghost story. Or so it seems. When you also take into account the ghost tours, the castle, the creepy-looking university, and the sometimes scary-looking medieval streets, you can only conclude that Edinburgh must be a lot of fun on Halloween.
That being said, Edinburgh is not just a great destination if you’re a haunted historian. It’s also a place that can be enjoyed by those who like darkish medieval architecture, century-old castles, high-quality whisky, and, why not, Harry Potter. Is any of these you?
