Things to do in Edinburgh: a student’s guide

With its stunning surroundings and historic buildings on almost every corner, Edinburgh has a certain magic to it. Add to that several top universities and a vibrant cultural scene, and you have one of the most sought-after student cities in the world.

Heading to the Scottish capital for your studies? There’s certainly no shortage of things for students to do in Edinburgh – and in this guide, we’ll run through the best so that you can experience everything this wonderful city has to offer...

Arts & culture

From grand museums and theatres to major international festivals, Edinburgh’s arts scene is right up there with the best in the world. For many students, it’s one of the city’s biggest draws and offers endless ways to fill your free time.

National Galleries of Scotland

Made up of three separate art galleries – the National, Portrait and Modern – at different ends of the city centre, the National Galleries of Scotland should be one of your first calling points after moving to Edinburgh.

As the names suggest, each gallery has its own collection catering to different artistic styles and periods. Best of all, the galleries are completely free, so they’re perfect for popping in for a study break as and when you please.

Arts venues

If you’re into your performing arts, you’ll be pleased to hear that Edinburgh has plenty of amazing venues ranging from large-scale theatres to more intimate, underground settings where up-and-coming artists hone their craft.

Festival Theatre is the place to go for West End productions and other touring acts, while Royal Lyceum Theatre mixes big names with local talent (also offers student discounts!). Dominion Cinema, which puts on musicals as well as films, is also worth checking out.

Arts festivals

Known as the world’s leading festival city, Edinburgh comes alive in August when the Fringe Festival and International Festival run concurrently. Many students choose to head home over summer, but it’s worth sticking around to experience the city’s unique energy.

From comedy and live music to theatre and dance, all sorts of events take place throughout the city, attracting established artists and emerging talent. Fringe Festival in particular includes plenty of street performances and unticketed events which you can enjoy for free.

Food & drink

From cosy cafes and bakeries to trendy restaurants and award-winning eateries, Edinburgh’s food scene is another big tick against the city’s name. And while there are few better places to sample hearty Scottish fare, there are lots of international options too.

Restaurants

If you know where to look, you can find some amazing restaurants in Edinburgh that won’t break the bank. Ting Thai Caravan, which started as a stall at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, is a long-standing student favourite that's a must-visit for lovers of Thai food.

Namaste Kathmandu is another great option near the university quarter with a mouthwatering mix of Nepalese and Indian dishes. Into your Italian food? Head over to Taste of Italy for freshly prepared pizza and hangover-curing fry-ups.

Cafes & bakeries

If you fancy a change of scenery from the library, Edinburgh has some great cafes where you can grab excellent coffee and settle down for a study session. Wellington Coffee, The Milkman and Lowdown Coffee – all near the city centre – are top picks.

Lovecrumbs is another popular spot known for its quirky decor and delicious homemade cakes. Harry Potter fans must also make a stop at The Elephant House, which is where JK Rowling wrote the first book in the famous series.

Street food

You may be surprised to hear that Edinburgh boasts an amazing street food scene. And don’t worry: the city’s best street food spots are indoors, so you don’t have to contend with unpredictable weather when trying to eat!

Based on Leith Street, Edinburgh Street Food houses some amazing independent traders serving up foods from all around the world, seven days a week. Bonnie & Wild is another food court worth checking out, though slightly more upmarket.

History

With its cobblestone streets and medieval buildings, Edinburgh is a place with a palpable sense of history. In fact, a large chunk of the city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can get a good sense of its past simply by walking around the centre.

Edinburgh Castle

Sat on top of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is the city’s most famous landmark and a must-visit even if you don’t consider yourself a huge history buff. It's played a key role in Scotland’s past, serving at different times as a royal residence, military stronghold and even a prison.

The castle complex is huge, with highlights including the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel and the Royal Palace – home to the oldest crown jewels in the UK. You’ll also get some of the best views over Edinburgh from the grounds.

National Museum of Scotland

Easily one of the best museums in the UK, the National Museum of Scotland is home to a huge collection of artefacts covering everything from Scottish history and the natural world to global cultures, science, technology and art.

With so much to see, you can easily spend a whole day here. And even if you don’t make it round all the exhibitions, entry is free so you can return whenever you like. Make sure to visit the little-known rooftop terrace for great views of the city!

Royal Mile

Running through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Royal Mile is a series of streets stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse lined with iconic landmarks and historic buildings.

Lots of walking tours take place along the Royal Mile, but you can easily explore the area at your own pace, diving into its quirky shops and old-school pubs as and when you please. The best spots are often tucked away in the alleyways, so make sure to check these out.

Nightlife

Whether you’re looking for a big night out or just a few casual drinks, Edinburgh has an endless supply of pubs, bars, nightclubs and live music venues – many of which heavily cater to students.

Pubs and bars

There are some excellent student bars in Edinburgh, ranging from trendy spots where you can grab a cocktail to traditional pubs that have stood for centuries. If the latter is what you’re looking for, you can't go wrong with Bow Bar or The World's End.

For something more modern, the Bon Vivant and Boteco Do Brasil are two fun-loving bars that take inspiration from abroad. Panda & Sons – a speakeasy-style bar with vintage decor – is a great option if you’re looking for something a bit different.

Nightclubs

For a relatively compact city, Edinburgh has a huge number of nightclubs where you can party until the early hours. You’ll find many of these in Cowgate, including student favourites like Hive, La Belle, Subway and The Liquid Room.

Special student nights (with cheaper drink prices) take place pretty much every day of the week too. On Monday, you’ve got Big Cheese at Edinburgh University’s student union, Milk Tuesdays at The Liquid Room, Why Not Wednesdays and Lulu’s Thursdays!

Live entertainment

If clubbing isn’t your thing, or you just fancy something different, there are plenty of other ways to let loose after a day of lectures. Monkey Barrel Comedy and The Stand Comedy are two top comedy clubs where you’ll find a mix of local and international talent.

For live music, Usher Hall and the O2 Academy are the places to go for big-name bands and international acts, while Sneaky Pete's, Leith Depot, Wee Red Bar and The Liquid Room are all excellent venues for a more intimate gig.

Outdoors

Edinburgh is one of the best places to experience the great British outdoors – in one direction, you’ve got shoreline, sandy beaches and the North Sea, and the other there are forests, valleys and even an extinct volcano!

Royal Botanic Garden

For a peaceful retreat within the city bounds, you won’t do better than the Royal Botanic Garden. Set over 72 acres not far from the city centre, the gardens house a huge collection of over 13,000 plant species.

It’s divided into different sections, with some of the highlights being the Chinese Hillside, the Rock Garden and the Woodland Garden. There are a few tropical greenhouses where you have to pay to enter, but other than that the gardens are free to visit.

Arthur’s Seat

A trip up Arthur’s Seat is a rite of passage for any student in Edinburgh. This ancient volcano (now extinct, thankfully!) looms over the city and offers breathtaking views. On clear days, you can see for miles out towards the North Sea and the east coast of Scotland.

The hike takes around an hour and can be challenging in places, but the views at the summit make it worthwhile. If you’re not in the mood for a full hike, there are easier trails elsewhere in Holyrood Park where you can still snap some amazing photos.

Portobello Beach

Edinburgh’s beloved seaside escape, Portobello Beach is a two-mile stretch of fine sandy beach based just a 20-minute bus ride from the city centre. It's really the best place to be on sunny days!

There’s a classic Victorian promenade that runs the length of the beach lined with cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours. During the summer, you can also get involved in beach volleyball and various watersports.

Shopping

Edinburgh has all the big brands you’d expect from a major city, but it also boasts a vibrant independent shopping scene, making it an excellent place to indulge in a bit of retail therapy!

St. James Quarter

One of Europe’s largest shopping centres, St. James Quarter is home to over 80 brands – including student favourites like H&M, JD Sports and Zara – along with numerous bars, cafes and restaurants.

And it doesn’t stop there – you've also got bowling at Lane7, social darts at Flight Club and an Everyman cinema, so there's plenty of other things to do once you’ve exhausted all the shops.

Princes Street

Edinburgh’s main shopping street, Princes Street is a major thoroughfare that divides the Old Town and the New Town. Stretching out over a mile, you’ll find plenty of high-street brands and flagship stores here.

Some of the most popular shops for students are Uniqlo and Dr Martens, as well as Apple for any tech needs. Princes Street Gardens sit just off the street, where the annual Christmas market and monthly farmers’ market are held.

Grassmarket

If you prefer independent stores to the high street, the Grassmarket is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of the Old Town, this historic area is filled with vintage shops, quirky boutiques and second-hand bookshops.

There’s also a weekly market held on Saturdays, where you can shop for gifts and sample delicious homemade foods from local traders. It’s a great place to wander around at your own pace and take in the beauty of the Old Town.

Edinburgh: a student city

With its mix of history, culture and amazing scenery, Edinburgh really is a special place for students. What’s more, you can enjoy many of the top attractions for free, so you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a memorable time here.

Now that you know about the best things to do in the city, why not check out our guide on Edinburgh’s universities? Or if you’re already planning your move to the city, start browsing our range of student accommodation in Edinburgh!

Frequently asked questions

What are some of the top things to do in Edinburgh?

If you’re new to the city, walking along the Royal Mile is one of the best ways to get a feel for its historic roots. En route, you can also dive into the National Museum of Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland. On sunny days, take a trip up Arthur’s Seat or head to Portobello Beach – and in August the Fringe Festival is simply unmissable.

Where are the best places to eat in Edinburgh?

If you're looking for a range of options, Edinburgh Street Food serves up delicious street food from all around the world – mostly at affordable prices too. Other student favourites that won’t break the bank are Ting Thai Caravan, Namaste Kathmandu and Taste of Italy.

What free things are there to do in Edinburgh?

One of the best things about Edinburgh is that there’s so much to do for free. That includes visits to the National Museum and Galleries of Scotland, a trip to the Royal Botanic Garden or a hike up Arthur’s Seat. You can also spend hours exploring the city’s hidden alleyways tucked away in areas like the Grassmarket.

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