I’m so happy to welcome you back to my Scotland travel series! If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that I completely fell in love with this beautiful country during my trip. In previous posts, I shared five incredible places to visit in Edinburgh. If you missed it, be sure to catch up there first before continuing this guide!

One thing I quickly discovered is that Scotland is overflowing with breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, centuries-old castles, charming cobblestone streets, world-famous attractions, and unforgettable viewpoints. No matter how many days you have for your Scotland itinerary, you’ll find yourself wishing you had just one more extra day to explore.

Out of everywhere I’ve been, Edinburgh has easily become one of my favorite cities in the world. It has everything I look for in the perfect destination. Starting with rich history around every corner, beautiful architecture, walkable streets, fascinating museums, cozy cafes, incredible viewpoints and a magical atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another century.

If you’re planning your very first trip to Edinburgh or searching for the best things to do, I hope this guide helps you discover even more unforgettable places to add to your bucket list.

Take a Scenic Walk Along the Union Canal

If you’re searching for free things to do in Edinburgh, don’t overlook the beautiful Union Canal. Stretching for around 30 miles between Edinburgh and Falkirk, this peaceful waterway is one of the city’s best hidden gems and the perfect escape from the busy streets.

Whether you enjoy a relaxing stroll, cycling through scenic landscapes, or just sitting by the water, the Union Canal offers a slower side of Edinburgh that’s so worth experiencing. The towpath is mostly flat, making it ideal for walkers, runners, cyclists, and even families looking for an easy outdoor adventure.

What some visitors don’t realize is that the Union Canal has a fascinating history. It was originally built to transport coal by boat from Falkirk to Edinburgh, playing an important role during Scotland’s Industrial Revolution. Today, you’ll find colorful narrow boats, local wildlife and beautiful views that make it one of the most relaxing places to visit in the city.

I LOVED spending a few quiet hours here. After exploring Edinburgh’s historic streets and climbing to some incredible viewpoints, it was the perfect place to slow down for a bit. For me, the best travel memories come from the places where you can simply pause and take it all in.

If you’re visiting Edinburgh during the summer, try to plan your trip around the Edinburgh Canal Festival, held every year on the third Saturday in June. The canal comes alive with live music, food vendors, family activities, boat trips, arts/crafts and a vibrant festival atmosphere. It’s a great way to experience a different side of Edinburgh while enjoying one of the city’s most unique annual events. I can’t wait to go one day!

Wander Through the Fairytale Streets of Dean Village

Do not…I repeat, DO NOT skip Dean Village!

Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Edinburgh. It’s charming, peaceful, picturesque, and every part of it feels like a fairytale. With its historic stone cottages, flower-filled pathways and the gentle flow of the Water of Leith, it’s easy to see why Dean Village has become one of the city’s most photographed locations.

Because it’s such a popular attraction, don’t be surprised if you arrive to find photographers and visitors all hoping to capture the perfect shot. Everyone wants that iconic photo! The good news is there’s plenty of room to wander, take your time, and find your own beautiful corner.

Our visit was actually quite short. My one regret from my time in Edinburgh is that we didn’t spend longer exploring this magical little neighborhood. However, if you have a little extra time, I would recommend stopping at The Dean Cafe for a coffee or a bite. With its adorable outdoor seating area, it’s the perfect little spot to recharge and enjoy the slower pace of one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems.

Trust me, this is one destination you’ll still be thinking about long after your trip is over. Dean Village is the most Instagram-worthy places in Scotland for a reason.

Explore the Famous Victoria Street

The iconic Victoria Street, known for its vibrant, colorful buildings and curved cobblestone road, it’s an absolute must-see during your trip.

From unique independent boutiques and souvenir shops to cozy cafes, restaurants, pubs, and stores, there’s always something to discover here. The lively atmosphere makes it one of the best places to experience the heart of Edinburgh.

One tip I highly recommend is making your way up the Victoria Terrace steps, which lead to the elevated walkway above Victoria Street. From here, you’ll be amazed by the views overlooking the colorful storefronts below. It’s one of my favorite photo spots in the city!

If photography is high on your Edinburgh bucket list, set your alarm early! We visited at around 6 a.m. during our February trip, and although it was still dark and incredibly chilly on the walk there, it was definitely worth it. We had the street almost entirely to ourselves, making it much easier to snap pictures without crowds. As the morning went on, Victoria Street quickly filled with visitors, so those early hours really paid off.

If you identify yourself as a Harry Potter enthusiast, Victoria Street was one of the inspirations behind Diagon Alley in the series, making it an even more exciting stop for fans of the Wizarding World.

Meet Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh’s Most Loyal Little Legend

One of the CUTEST and most heartwarming stops on any Edinburgh itinerary is the famous Greyfriars Bobby statue.

You’ll probably notice something a little unusual about the bronze statue. Bobby’s tiny nose is bright and shiny compared to the rest of him! That’s because visitors from all over the world stop to gently rub his nose for a little extra good luck before continuing their adventures around Edinburgh.

So, why is this little Skye Terrier so famous?

Greyfriars Bobby became a symbol of loyalty after spending around 14 years faithfully watching over the grave of his owner, John Gray, following his passing. His dedication captured the hearts of the people of Edinburgh, who cared for Bobby throughout the rest of his life. His story has since become one of Scotland’s most beloved legends. It continues to inspire visitors from around the world!

Just across the statue you’ll spot the historic Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar, one of the area’s most famous pubs. You’ll notice it the moment you arrive that this corner of the city is always buzzing with tourists. All in the name of Edinburgh’s most adorable pup!

While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery, where both Bobby and his owner are remembered. Bobby’s grave is usually covered with sticks, tennis balls or treats, left by dog lovers from around the world. It’s a touching tribute that shows just how much his story continues to warm people’s hearts.

The most emotional part for me was seeing Bobby and his owner remembered side by side, just a few steps away from each other. So beautiful… maybe bring some tissues with you!

Take a Scenic Road Trip Through the Scottish Highlands

If you have an extra day or two, I highly recommend adventuring on a Scottish Highlands road trip. Even though this adventure took us outside of Edinburgh, it ended up becoming one of the BIGGEST highlights of our entire trip.

Originally, we had plans on driving to Inverness for a football match. Sadly, it was cancelled, but we thought, “Why not make a day of it anyway?” I’m so glad we did!

The journey through the Scottish Highlands was hands down one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever experienced. Everywhere we looked there were dramatic mountains, winding roads, dreamy lochs, and endless stretches of breathtaking countryside. Around every corner was another view that made us want to pull over and simply take it all in.

One thing I was especially excited about was spotting the famous Highland cows. I had been on the lookout the entire drive, and when I finally saw a few in the fields, I was TOO EXCITED! I couldn’t stop talking about them for the rest of the day. If seeing these iconic fluffy cows is on your Scotland bucket list, the Highlands are one of the best places to find them.

Since we visited in February, we were even lucky enough to see snow along parts of the route. Some of the mountains and hillsides were completely covered in white, making the Highlands feel even more magical. It honestly looked like something straight out of a movie, and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.

Don’t limit your Scotland adventure to just Edinburgh. Venture into the Scottish Highlands, take the scenic route, keep your eyes peeled for Highland cows. hahaha! It’s one of the most unforgettable road trips you’ll ever take. Plus, I have a feeling you’ll fall in love with Scotland all over again!

Have you been to Scotland?