29 January 2025
While the city is ancient, its population is young, and there are many fun things to do in Edinburgh for young adults. Bright Bus Tours is a simple and safe way for young people travelling with family and friends or alone for the first time to explore the city centre.
Explore the Edinburgh city centre on our City Tour or go a little further off towards the shore on the Britannia Tour. Here are some fun, unusual, traditional and free Edinburgh attractions for young adults along both routes.
There are so many things to do in Edinburgh for young adults that won’t cost you a penny! From museums to sights and photo spots, these stops are excellent value for… your time.
For those who embrace Edinburgh’s nickname as the “Athens of the North,” Calton Hill stands proudly as its Athenian Acropolis. The volcanic hill offers varied paths, perfect for a gentle morning stroll or a slightly more challenging climb for adventurous explorers.
The panoramic views of the city make the hill a favourite for sunrise and sunset photos. It also features monuments commemorating significant historical events, such as the Nelson Monument and neo-classical structures, like the City Observatory.
Spread across 72 acres, the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is home to over 10,000 plant species from around the globe. This impressive botanical collection is one of the largest in the world. It’s divided into unique sections, each with different types of vegetation. These sections include the serene Chinese Hillside, the vibrant Rock Garden and the peaceful Woodland Garden.
Access to the grounds is free, but there is an admission fee for the greenhouses and if you want to take part in some botanical and art-focused short courses. The facility also includes a herbarium and a library with archives, which are open to the public by appointment.
Explore thousands of artefacts from Edinburgh’s rich history and world cultures at the National Museum of Scotland. The T-Rex, Dolly the Sheep and the Millennium Clock are among the popular exhibits you can’t miss.
A good starting point to experience modern and contemporary art is the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The gallery comprises two Georgian mansions and sculpture gardens with interactive exhibits. Keep an eye on their schedule for special exhibitions and guided tours for community groups.
The lush gardens on Princes Street offer a peaceful escape from the bustling sidewalks. It invites you to slow down and soak in the scenery — perhaps even glancing at the time on the working floral clock. If you visit in April, you might catch the cherry blossoms. Be sure to look out for seasonal concerts and events that bring the space to full bloom.
The area has beautiful views of the city and Edinburgh Castle. For those seeking a bit of a challenge, you can get your heart rate up by climbing the 287 steps of the Scott Monument, a striking tribute to Sir Walter Scott.
With some clever googling tricks, you can find some of your favourite programs and film locations in Scotland’s capital. These are some of our favourite Edinburgh filming locations:
Arthur’s Seat, the highest peak in Holyrood Park, is wrapped in lore and mystery. Overlooking the Holyrood Palace, this extinct volcano sits 251m above sea level and gives 360-degree views of Edinburgh, particularly beautiful at dawn.
It’s the ideal spot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The entrance is free, but budget about two hours to complete the climb.
Pro Tip: Though not gratis, frugal travellers can stretch their pounds by taking advantage of our Bright Bus Perks. Your ticket entitles you to many discounts from select local businesses.
As a city with four universities and many educational institutions, the Scottish capital offers a diverse nightlife for the youth to experience.
Whistlebinkies is a cavernous late-night bar with live acts — and an obscene variety of whisky — every night. The Bongo Club and Sneaky Pete’s are also great spots for local and international acts. For a more refined music experience, try The Usher Hall, perfect for ‘elder’ young adults.
One of the city’s most laid-back clubs is The Hive Nightclub, a true student hangout with free entrance from Sunday and Thursday, cheap drinks and trendy bops. New Town’s George Street is lined with nightclubs with dance floors and DJs catering to diverse music tastes, such as Shanghai Nightclub, Why Not Nightclub, Lulu Bar and Nightclub.
Tucked away in a small alley in Old Town, you’ll discover the Secret Arcade: Vodka Bar. Grab a seat by candlelight and vibe with friends while exploring the 100+ vodka varieties.
Note: The legal drinking age in Scotland is 18, and children under 16 may not enter a pub or bar with an adult.
In a world where unicorn coffee and golden arches are basically on every corner, it’s hard to find something truly unique. But, there are plenty of Edinburgh activities for young adults, which are perfect for unique and unusual social media moments that’ll get a trend started.
On Bright Bus Tours, dogs are as welcome as any other travel companion. In fact, Edinburgh itself is a dog-friendly zone. The city’s history is full of furry friends memorialised in public art, hidden gems often in plain sight.
The most famous dog in Edinburgh is Greyfriars Bobby, who stood vigil at his late master’s grave for 12 years. In the Grassmarket market area, he is honoured by a statue and pub. In the 1970s, Edinburgh exchanged a statue of Bobby with its twin city, San Diego, for another tribute to a good boy with a similar story: Bum.
Other notable pooches to have their own statues include Madia, sitting at Sir Walter Scott’s feet at his monument, Coolin, the furry companion of Jekyl and Hyde author Robert Louis Stevenson, and Toby beside the chair of influential physicist James Clerk Maxwell.
The portrait of Callum, the Dandie Dinmont terrier, hangs in the Scottish National Gallery and will remain there for as long as the gallery is open. This unusual arrangement stems from a condition a wealthy art patron placed when donating a generous sum to the institution in 1919.
The capital might be known as a ‘dog person’ city, but it still has plenty to offer cat lovers. One of Edinburgh’s newest attractions is Maison de Moggy, a charming cat café perfect for feline fans.
There are museum exhibitions on Scottish history, and then there’s the immersive Real Mary King’s Close experience. The company offers guided tours led by guides in character as residents from as far back as the plague.
They cover the city’s history between the 16th and 19th centuries, from hidden LQBTQ stories and royal histories to public executions. The excursion begins at the company’s Royal Mile offices across the St Giles Cathedral and requires pre-booking.
Anyone who’s been to the Fringe Festival will agree that this performance art festival is delightfully unusual. You’re bound to discover incredible, unexpected and downright bizarre productions.
Are you unsure if theatre is your thing? Keep in mind that iconic international hits like Fleabag and Baby Reindeer started right here at this legendary festival.
Scottish author J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series inspired several attractions across the capital. From spots believed to have influenced the author to places she frequented and even purpose-built locations, all witches, wizards and muggles will leave enchanted.
Victoria Street, often dubbed Edinburgh’s Harry Potter Street, is a must-visit for Potterheads on a Potter trail. This charming curved road is said to have inspired Diagon Alley and is home to shops believed to have sparked ideas for Flourish & Blotts and Ollivanders.
Many pages of the early manuscript were penned at The Elephant House, one of the “cheap coffee” cafes J.K. Rowling frequented in Old Town. You can see her bronze handprints at the Edinburgh City Chambers on the Royal Mile for a more tangible tribute.
Some of the most fun things to do in Edinburgh have been done for hundreds of years, like having a tipple at your local pub or besieging Edinburgh Castle. These attractions are hailed as “one of Edinburgh’s best things to do,” and we can’t help but co-sign.
An unmissable Edinburgh experience is a whisky tasting. It’s a city where even tiny pubs can boast impressive collections of liquor.
Scotch Whisky Experience, however, has a selection that is more than impressive. It is one of the world’s largest collections of whisky. Based in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Experience makes the bougie liquor accessible to all through exhibits and tastings.
An alternative, or addition, is the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, which is a short walk away. But be cautious, after all, gin is colloquially called Mother’s Ruin across the UK.
Edinburgh’s oldest attractions tower over its skyline at 135 metres (443 feet) above sea level. The site of the majestic Edinburgh Castle, Castle Rock, has housed some form of royal dynasty since the first King of Scotland, who reigned between 1058 and 1093.
Aside from the incredible views, other points of interest include St Margaret’s Chapel, the highest point on the site, the National War Museum and the tea rooms for when you’re feeling peckish.
Visiting Dean Village isn’t about ticking off activities — it’s about soaking in the vibe. Snug against the Water of Leith, the main river running through Edinburgh, the hamlet offers small-town Scottish charm without really leaving the capital. Stroll along the Leith Walkway and let the serene atmosphere transport you to another time.
You could spend a whole week in Edinburgh without venturing beyond its most famous street, the Royal Mile. This historic thoroughfare offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s past, present and future.
Discover history at landmarks like Holyrood Palace and Knox House, experience modern Scotland through its bustling shops, pubs and eateries, and catch a glimpse of the future with street performers and art galleries showcasing its creative spirit. The Royal Mile captures the essence of Edinburgh in every step.
Visiting Edinburgh is as simple as clicking buy ticket. Friendlier than public transport, our knowledgeable Bright Bus ambassadors can give you tips on all the hidden gems that locals won’t share on social media!
Since 2019, Bright Bus Tours has been creating unforgettable journeys and lasting memories. As Scotland’s official open-top tour and airport connection service, we go beyond offering incredible hop-on, hop-off adventures to attractions like the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh.
Our Bright Bus Airport Express provides the quickest and most affordable way to travel from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre, especially on a rainy day when you don’t want to find a driver.
At Bright Bus Tours, our adventurers come first. We constantly strive to improve, earning us a 5-star customer service rating and a 4-star quality assurance award from Visit Scotland. More than just selling tickets, we aim to curate memorable experiences, share insider tips, and champion local businesses.
Inspired by all the fantastic things to do in Edinburgh for young adults? Secure your seat on Bright Bus Tours!
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