It’s very easy to see how Edinburgh’s Old Town has captured the imagination of writers and visitors for centuries. Its rich history can be seen at every turn, through its medieval tenements buildings, old pubs, and historic landmarks. The Old Town’s history dates back to the 12th century, with attractions such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse just some of the many places to visit. There are plenty of unusual things to do in Edinburgh’s Old Town as well – if you know where to look.
If you’re interested in digging a little deeper into the history of the Scottish capital, you’ll find no shortage of hidden gems and forgotten corners just waiting to be explored. Even if this isn’t your first time visiting Edinburgh, you’ll no doubt come across quite a few parts of the Old Town that you hadn’t noticed before.
Is Edinburgh’s old town walkable?
The good news is that Edinburgh’s Old Town is very walkable. The best way to explore it is on foot, but you do have the option of hopping on a bus or taking a taxi to some of the main locations. If you’re planning on walking around Edinburgh, make sure you pack comfortable shoes and clothing. Many of the streets in the Old Town featured cobblestones, and you’ll come across a lot of steps and hills if you’re coming from the New Town or the base of the Royal Mile.
If you’re tired out from a full day of walking, there are some very unique bus tours that go around the city. Alternatively, you can join a walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town so you can learn about its history with the help of a professional.
Unusual things to do in Edinburgh’s Old Town
1. Visit the oldest remaining wall in Edinburgh
The Flodden Wall is the oldest remaining defensive wall in Edinburgh, and you can find it just a short distance from the Royal Mile. It was built in the early 16th century, after the Battle of Flodden, to protect the city from the risk of an English invasion. Sections of the wall are still standing today, with the largest part located around Greyfriars Kirkyard and at the top of The Vennel. If you’re not looking for it, chances are you’ll walk right past it, but it’s still an interesting piece of Edinburgh’s Old Town to admire.
2. Find the grave of Tom Riddle
One of the most unusual things to do in Edinburgh’s Old Town is to wander the grounds of Greyfriars Kirkyard. This is where you can find a number of tombstones that the author of Harry Potter used as inspiration for some of her character’s names. One of these tombstones bears the name of Thomas Riddell, which inspired the name Tom Riddle.
The grave itself dates back to the early 19th century. Although it’s not confirmed that J.K. Rowling used the grave specifically, it’s believed that she walked through the kirkyard during her early writing years. It’s a very eerie place to walk around, especially in dull weather, making it the perfect off the beaten path location to explore on foot.
3. Take a ghost tour in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Old Town is filled with mystery and intrigue, so it’s only natural that some of the best tours on offer are ghost tours. Besides walking tours, visitors to the Scottish capital can enjoy a ride at night on the Edinburgh Ghost Bus. This tour takes you to all the most haunted spots in the Old Town, with a bit of dark comedy and storytelling thrown in.
The interior of the bus is fully decorated to match the vibes of the tour as well, so you’re in for a spooktacular experience. Even if you’re not much of a ghost enthusiast, this is one of the most unusual things to do in Edinburgh’s Old Town, so it’s definitely worth considering.
4. Spit on the Heart of Midlothian
Blink and you might miss it. In the heart of the Royal Mile, outside of St Giles’ Cathedral, is a heart-shaped mosaic built into the cobblestones. It’s known as the Heart of Midlothian, and it’s a tradition for locals to spit on it as they walk by.
This tradition has deep roots, as this spot marks the location of the old Tolbooth Prison and the site of public executions. Spitting on the heart is a way to show disapproval to the local authorities. The stone can get a bit wet at times, so make sure you walk around it if you’re not taking part in the tradition!
5. Look at the collar and feeding bowl of Bobby
There are a lot of free museums in Edinburgh to visit, and one of them is home to the collar and feeding bowl of Bobby. The Museum of Edinburgh has a display case dedicated to Greyfriars Bobby, who famously watched over his owner’s grave for 14 years. Although the statue outside the churchyard is the famous one, this copy lets you get up close to the legendary terrier without the crowds, and you can learn more about his real life story.
6. Locate the grave of Greyfriars Bobby
And once you’re done reading all about Bobby at the Museum of Edinburgh, it’s only fitting that you find the grave of Greyfriars Bobby next. Just inside the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard is where you’ll find the headstone of Bobby, who died in 1872. Dogs weren’t usually buried in this graveyard, but due to his devotion to his owner’s grave he was given a special honour. It’s very common for visitors to leave sticks or flowers by the grave as a tribute to this famous Skye Terrier.
Outside the gates of the churchyard is where you’ll find the famous bronze statue of Bobby on top of a drinking fountain. It’s one of the most popular landmarks in Edinburgh, and people will often rub his nose for good luck.
7. Outlander filming locations
Since Edinburgh’s Old Town looks like it’s been frozen in time, it’s naturally a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. Any fans of Outlander will be pleased to know that there are a few filming locations in the Old Town, as well as several that are accessible by car outside of the city limits, or through an Outlander Locations Tour.
One of my favourite filming locations is Bakehouse Close, which can be found tucked down an alley off of the Royal Mile. This spot was used as the exterior for Jamie’s print shop in season 3, so it’s a fantastic spot to take a photo. The Signet Library was also used during filming, and it acted as the Jamaican Governor’s mansion, but it was given a colonial twist.
8. Visit a market inside a church
Another unusual thing to do in Edinburgh’s Old Town is to do some shopping inside a church. The Tron Kirk Market is located within a 17th century church along the Royal Mile, and it’s open seven days a week. Inside, you’ll find a nice selection of stalls selling all sorts of Scottish crafts, and some of them make great souvenirs or keepsakes. There are over 20 vendors here, and the setting inside the church adds to the uniqueness of this indoor artisan market in Edinburgh.
9. Find the Grassmarket’s execution site
The Grassmarket is a popular spot for eating and drinking in Edinburgh, sitting at the base of Victoria Street. However, it has a dark history that’s worth exploring. In the 17th century especially, the Grassmarket was the site of public executions. Over 100 people were executed here between 1661 and 1688, at a time when political and religious turmoil rocked the city.
Today, there’s a memorial stone that marks the site of where the gallows would have stood. If you want to learn more about the grim history of the Grassmarket, I’d recommend taking a guided walking tour of Edinburgh.
10. Queen Mary’s Bath House
One location that’s often overlooked in Edinburgh’s Old Town is Queen Mary’s Bath House. It’s located outside the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and it has a history dating back to the 16th century. Although it’s named after Mary, Queen of Scots, it’s unlikely she ever used it, so the bath house is still shrouded in mystery. It was likely used as a garden pavilion or summer house, and it stands as a unique example of late 16th century architecture.
Places to eat and drink in Edinburgh’s Old Town
Makars Mash Bar
Edinburgh is a food lover’s dream, regardless of what part of the city you’re spending time in. If you’re in the Old Town, you have to try Makars Mash Bar. This restaurant is located next to the Royal Mile, and its menu is centred around homemade mashed potatoes and Scottish comfort food.
You have full control over your order, with a variety of mashed potatoes flavours and meats to choose from. The cheese and bacon mashed potatoes are their most popular, but other unique flavours are available too. Makars Mash Bar is growing in popularity due to the online hype, so getting a table here last minute can be tricky. There are two restaurants located practically next to each other though, so if one is fully booked don’t forget to try the other location too.
Blank Street Coffee
Blank Street Coffee is a very popular modern cafe chain that’s known for their iced matcha lattes – both traditional and specialty versions. Their Blueberry Matcha is particularly well known, but for me, nothing quite beats the taste of a regular matcha. All of their matcha lattes are crafted using ceremonial-grade matcha and oat milk, and you can also find some tasty baked goods here, as well as espresso-based drinks and teas. Their location along Victoria Street is ideal if you’re looking for a quick drink before exploring the rest of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Little Larder
One of the best places for breakfast in Edinburgh is the Little Larder. Their sister venue, Edinburgh Larder Cafe, sits next door but it’s often full so this is the next best option. The food quality in both cafes is incredible thanks to their commitment to serving locally sourced and seasonal Scottish produce. The Little Larder is walk-in only, so arrive as early as you can to avoid queuing.
Their full Scottish vegetarian breakfast was a big highlight for me, and it comes served in a rustic tin which adds to the experience. There are smaller options available though, and they have a great selection of hot drinks, including matcha lattes. Having breakfast at the Little Larder is the perfect start to a weekend in Edinburgh.
House of Gods
There may be a lot of unusual things to do in Edinburgh’s Old Town, but what about quirky cocktail bars? House of Gods is a lavish hotel located along Cowgate, with an equally indulgent cocktail bar that’s open to the public. The bar has a great selection of curated cocktails that are inspired by cultural icons, and the menu is designed like a magazine which is a nice added touch.
You’ll no doubt want to spend a few hours here when you see all the fantastic cocktail concoctions available, and why not? The atmosphere and interior design is unlike anything else in the city.
Civerinos
Edinburgh is a food lover’s dream, regardless of what part of the city you’re spending time in. If you’re in the Old Town, you have to try Makars Mash Bar. This restaurant is located next to the Royal Mile, and its menu is centred around homemade mashed potatoes and Scottish comfort food.
You have full control over your order, with a variety of mashed potatoes flavours and meats to choose from. The cheese and bacon mashed potatoes are their most popular, but other unique flavours are available too. Makars Mash Bar is growing in popularity due to the online hype, so getting a table here last minute can be tricky. There are two restaurants located practically next to each other though, so if one is fully booked don’t forget to try the other location too.
Best hotel in Edinburgh’s Old Town
House of Gods
If you’re planning to stay in Edinburgh’s Old Town but you want a hotel that offers something a little different, then you won’t want to miss the opportunity to book a room at House of Gods. This eclectic hotel in Edinburgh is situated amidst the historic streets of the old town, just a short, uphill walk to the Royal Mile. It offers a decadent escape, with rooms and a bar area that are designed with vintage opulence in mind.
Their Classic Room is very extravagant, featuring a four-poster bed, a hidden TV mirror, a beautiful marble bathroom, and oak-panelled walls. There’s also plenty of space to store your luggage and a mini-bar where you can treat yourself to a drink or two. All of their Versailles-inspired rooms feature plush velvet interiors too, which makes it very reminiscent of a night on the Orient Express.
For a truly memorable stay at House of Gods, I’d recommend upgrading to the “Treat Me Like I’m Famous” package, which is designed for two people. It includes a welcome drink at the bar, a box of luxury chocolates in the room, gold rose petals and balloons on the bed, a bottle of Prosecco on ice, a pair of “Millionaire’s Cocktails” that are crafted right at your door, and a £40 bar tab.
And if that wasn’t enough, unlimited milk and cookies are served late into the night at the press of a button too. In the morning you’ll be treated to a breakfast hamper, complete with Mimosas, of course. This package is the perfect way to enjoy either an evening or a weekend in Edinburgh, and a late checkout time will ensure you enjoy your experience to the fullest before returning to normalcy.
If you want your own VIP moment in Edinburgh, you can use the code HOGlovesKrista for 20% off your stay!
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Is Edinburgh worth visiting?
The city of Edinburgh is one of the best places to visit in Scotland, even if you’ve been before. There are always plenty of unusual things to do in Edinburgh’s Old Town, and you’ll no doubt come across hidden gems along the way too. Edinburgh is worth visiting at any time of the year, but if you come in the off season you’ll find it much more comfortable to walk around, due to the cooler temperatures as well as the smaller crowds.
If you have any questions about visiting Edinburgh’s Old Town, or you think something should be added to this list, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Alternatively, check out my Instagram or TikTok accounts where I’m always sharing helpful travel tips.
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