Quick Summary:

  • Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and is the seat of the Scottish government and the Scottish Supreme Courts.
  • The city attracts almost two million visitors annually, making it the second most popular tourist destination in the UK and its second-largest financial center.
  • The history of Edinburgh dates back to the Middle Ages, with evidence of habitation as early as 8500 BC.
  • The city is still steeped in history, and many of the attractions in Edinburgh celebrate Scottish heritage.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Burntisland ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Burntisland | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© Armin Lehnhoff/stock.adobe.com

2. Crail ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Crail | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© mountaintreks/stock.adobe.com

3. Elie

Elie | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© jimmyeao/stock.adobe.com

4. Falkirk

Falkirk | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© creativenaturemedia/stock.adobe.com

5. Fife Coastal Path

Fife Coastal Path | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© Afunbags/stock.adobe.com

6. Glasgow

Glasgow | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© ArTo/stock.adobe.com

7. Glencoe

Glencoe | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© chromoprisme/stock.adobe.com

8. Glentress Forest

Category: Activities
Glentress Forest | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© Prostock-studio/stock.adobe.com

9. House of Bruar

House of Bruar | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© Nobilior/stock.adobe.com

10. Inverness

Inverness | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© Guillaume/stock.adobe.com

11. Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© TreasureGalore/stock.adobe.com

12. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© ARIJEET/stock.adobe.com

13. Loch Ness

Loch Ness | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© Jenifoto/stock.adobe.com

14. North Berwick

North Berwick | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© t0m15/stock.adobe.com

15. Perth

Perth | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© godam07/stock.adobe.com

16. Pitlochry

Pitlochry | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© Birgit Puck/stock.adobe.com

17. Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© ChristianFroberg/stock.adobe.com

18. Scottish Owl Centre

Category: Attractions
Scottish Owl Centre | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© William/stock.adobe.com

19. St Abbs

St Abbs | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© creativenature.nl/stock.adobe.com

20. St Andrews

St Andrews | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© Jiri Patava/stock.adobe.com

21. Stirling

Stirling | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© Uwalthie Pic Project/stock.adobe.com

22. The Highlands

The Highlands | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© e55evu/stock.adobe.com

23. The Lammermuirs

The Lammermuirs | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© photomic/stock.adobe.com

24. Wemyss Bay

Wemyss Bay | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© James/stock.adobe.com

25. Lake Windermere

Category: Activities
Lake Windermere | Weekend & Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland
© elenarostunova/stock.adobe.com

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