MAKING THE MOST OF edinburgh WITH GROUPON

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a native of the capital or if this is your first time visiting, Edinburgh has something to offer everyone. With so many things to do in Edinburgh today, from meeting the animals at the zoo to walking the walls of the castle, at Groupon we’ll get you pointed in the right direction for a fun time out.

Free things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh might be one of Scotland’s most up-scale cities, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of free things to do in Edinburgh. Access to the city’s many picturesque parks is completely free and even some of the museums offer free entry, like the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland.

You could also pay a visit to one of the city’s more famous landmarks at Greyfriars Kirkyard. This small kirkyard is home of a monument to one of Scotland’s most loved animal companions, known as Greyfriars Bobby. The Kirkyard is an extremely pretty spot, and the history of the location is enough to draw lots of visitors every day.

What to do at the weekend in Edinburgh?

The Scotch Whisky Experience is an essential stop for any weekend in Edinburgh. Hosting in-depth tours about the whisky industry – including tastings and events – the Scotch Whisky Experience is a must for any lover of Scotland’s national export.

Heading to the New Town in Edinburgh on the weekend is always a solid bet, with lots of great shopping to be found on Princes Street during the day. When it gets dark you can head to the area’s many chic cocktail bars, restaurants and comedy clubs for things to do in Edinburgh at night.

If the weekend hustle and bustle of the town gets a little too much, then this is also a great opportunity to head out into Edinburgh’s surrounding area to see the beautiful scenery of the local Lothian countryside in Holyrood Park. This could even be your chance to head further north and see the great wilds, with a Scottish Highlands Tours day trip.

What can I do in Edinburgh with kids?

Keeping the kids happy in Edinburgh is always easy, with lots of family-friendly attractions and sights to see. The Edinburgh Zoo is a long-lasting favourite for children – especially animal lovers. Dynamic Earth is another much-loved attraction, offering interactive exhibits on nature and how our planet works – make sure to give the volcano room a try.

Older children might also appreciate a visit to The Edinburgh Dungeon to learn about the city’s darker past and experience the interactive shows and underground rides.

Things to do in Edinburgh’s Old Town

The Old Town is fit to burst with lots of fantastic things to do, from restaurants and cafes to shops and attractions. The Royal Mile is the natural place to start, especially if you’re looking for some tartan or shortbread souvenirs, but there’s more to be seen in the closes that run off the street. One example is Mary King’s Close, a perfectly preserved subterranean 17th-century street and a fascinating insight into how people used to live in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh’s Old Town is also the perfect spot if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Edinburgh, with cosy places to eat and romantic little streets ideal for an evening stroll. The Edinburgh Filmhouse cinema on Lothian Road is the ideal location for an impromptu date, with its snug interior and romantic ambiance.

Essential travel hacks for Edinburgh

If this is your first foray into Edinburgh, you might like to follow some of our essential travel tips and hacks:

• A lot of the central areas still have their wonderful cobbled streets, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear when walking around town
• For convenience make sure to pay before getting on a tram. Tickets can be purchased from the machines at any tram stop
• Keep an ear open for the 1pm artillery gun salute from Edinburgh Castle
• If you’re visiting in August, just know that the streets get incredibly busy as thousands descend upon the city for The Fringe

What’s the weather like in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s weather is very typically Scottish, with a tendency to be overcast with light rain showers. Since the weather can change throughout the day, it is best to keep up to date with the most recent forecasts.

How do I get around Edinburgh?

Getting from place to place in Edinburgh is easy. Most of the Old Town can be explored by foot, but don’t be shy to jump in one of the many local black cabs. Trams are one of the best ways to get from one side of Edinburgh to the other, with a stop right outside of Edinburgh Central Train Station for convenience.

Most visitors will arrive in the city via Edinburgh Central Train Station or Edinburgh Airport, and these hubs offer very easy connections. Edinburgh Central Train Station runs right alongside Princes Street and you can catch a tram or the Airlink/Skylink buses straight from the airport into the city centre.

We hope these tips help you out when you’re getting about Edinburgh. With a little help from Groupon you can now look forward to getting the very most out of your time in Edinburgh.