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What to do in Edinburgh for a day: The ultimate Edinburgh travel guide.

Wondering what to do in Edinburgh with your kids? Take a look over our ultimate Edinburgh travel guide to find out all of tastecard’s top tips for visiting the Scottish capital. Whether you’re out in the Scottish capital for just the day or are making yourself at home for the weekend, Edinburgh is a city brimming with history and culture and is absolutely worth your time. In this tastecard guide, we have plenty of ideas for what to do in Edinburgh during your time on the cobbled streets. Be sure to get your hands on our dining out deals and take a look at our discounts on days out in the historic city.

Tom Pressman

13-04-2023

Our Edinburgh travel guide.

When it comes to things to do in Edinburgh, you’re spoilt for choice. There is so much on offer to anyone visiting that it can even be tricky to know where to start! If you’re undecided on what to do in the city, take a look at tastecard’s ultimate Edinburgh travel guide to be in the know. Sign up to tastecard today for discounted days out on top tourist attractions mentioned in this guide, restaurant offers, and more:
Chicken burger and chips

Edinburgh travel guide tip 1: The taste of the capital.

There are plenty of outstanding restaurants to provide some unforgettable dining experiences in Edinburgh. With so many cuisines, Edinburgh is a cultural hotspot! With tastecard, you can sample some of the most delicious foods that Edinburgh has to offer, all whilst keeping your bank account happy. Try some gastro-pub delicacies at The Blackbird, get a real taste of Italy at Zucca, or enjoy the rich flavours of India at Ignite Bengali & Indian Restaurant

Enjoy your trip for less with us at these top restaurants and explore plenty more brilliant choices with tastecard.

Edinburgh Dungeons

Travel back in time at Edinburgh Dungeon.

Do you like your history with a theatric dash of spookiness mixed in? If you do, this Edinburgh travel guide recommends not missing out on Edinburgh Dungeon. At this attraction, you'll discover the dark history of Edinburgh in a way that’s just as playful and fun as it is terrifying! With 360 immersive sets, exhilarating underground rides and live actors to really set the mood, you’re guaranteed to have a laugh (and a scream) at this thrilling attraction.

View of Edinburgh Arthurs Seat

Discover Arthur’s Seat.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities in the picturesque city of Edinburgh, hike up to the ancient volcano known as Arthur’s Seat.

Sitting 250m above the city, it's one of the best ways to see the sights Edinburgh has to offer. On your hike up Arthur's Seat, you’ll spot rolling hills, scenic meadows, and rocky outcrops. Take a picnic with you and treat yourself to a day of discovery and adventure.

Visit Edinburgh Castle.

As an iconic landmark of Edinburgh, it’s one of the top tourist attractions for a reason. Overlooking the city on top of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is simply impossible to miss! 

Get some great views of the city while exploring this distinctive landmark as you perch atop the capital. Take a guided tour and learn the castle’s rich history, become mesmerised by the Scottish Crown Jewels and make sure to see the One O'Clock Gun - traditionally fired at 1 pm every day since 1861.

Family of four at the cinema watching movie with popcorn and drinks

Escape into another world at the cinema.

There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good film! Sinking into a cosy seat, tucking into a box of popcorn and letting a good story unfold on the big screen is an amazing experience for people of all ages.

The best part about this idea is that you can save an average of 25% when you get your cinema tickets with tastecard. Choose your preferred venue from a whole range of cinemas, purchase your e-codes with us, redeem them online, or even exchange them for tickets when you get to the big screen for amazing cinema ticket discounts!

Don’t forget, you can also save on selected popcorn and drinks combos!

man and woman stood outside Caffe Nero holding blue take out coffee cups

Edinburgh travel guide tip 3: Grab a coffee.

During a day adventuring through the historic city of Edinburgh, you’re going to need a good bit of fuel to keep them legs moving. Did you know that with tastecard, you’re a part of the nation’s largest coffee club? So be sure to treat yourself to 25% off barista-made drinks at Caffè Nero and plenty of Edinburgh’s independent coffee shops! Whether you prefer a warm latte or a cool iced coffee, you’ll feel spoilt for choice in front of our talented tastecard baristas.

Thousands of restaurants at your fingertips.

Italian, American, tapas - it’s all available to you at tastecard. Get ready to enjoy the flavours of the world without even having to leave the UK with tastecard!

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