Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are the obvious starting point, but the city's underground vaults — sealed-off 18th-century chambers beneath South Bridge — are what turn a standard sightseeing day into something more memorable. Pair a castle/Old Town walking tour with a food tour through the Old Town and Leith if you want a full day that mixes history with Scotland's food and drink scene, and leave a spare day for a Highlands or Loch Ness day trip if you're staying more than two nights.