Planning a trip to Old Town Edinburgh, Scotland? What a treat! Whether you love history or enjoy Harry Potter, you will find charm, character, and a touch of magic in Edinburgh Old Town.

As part of our Travel Diaries series, we’re picking the brains of Travel Money team members to uncover their favourite things to do around the globe and tried-and-tested travel tips.

From ghost hunting to castle exploring to finding Frankenstein, our Social Media and Content Marketing Executive (that’s me!) has rounded up 10 unmissable experiences from a recent trip to Edinburgh.

So, mount your broomstick and get ready to fly back in time!

What to do and see in Edinburgh 

As a lover of all things spooky and quirky, Old Town Edinburgh totally stole my heart.

While meandering the moody, cobbled streets of Old Town Edinburgh with The Smiths in my headphones, I was transported into a quaint world painted with charm and mystery.

Even with only two days in the city, I managed to pack plenty into my itinerary – proof that you can still cover a lot of ground on a short stay.

Without further ado, here are 10 things I recommend doing in Old Town Edinburgh!

Tour Edinburgh Castle and the Witches Well 

Looming over the township, Edinburgh Castle is a marvel to see.

The grounds are expansive, so wear comfortable walking shoes and set aside a good 1.5 hours to explore every nook and cranny. I got the audio guide add-on, and it definitely enriched the castle tour with extra information and context.

While you’re at Edinburgh Castle, be sure to visit the ‘Witches Well’ – a fountain and plaque dedicated to the Scots accused of witchcraft between the 15th and 18th centuries – it was essentially Scotland’s version of the Salem Witch trials.

Witches Well is located at the foot of the castle, before you walk up to the main entrance. If you get a bit lost (like I did), just ask one of the friendly staff at the castle to point you in the right direction.

Tip: Visitors to Witches Well are encouraged to leave a small offering, such as a shell, as protection and guidance for those who lost their lives.

COSTS:

• Edinburgh Castle admission: £21.50 per adult for standard admissions (approx. $47 AUD)
• Audio guide add-on: £3.50 per adult (approx. $8 AUD)

Explore Victoria Street (aka Diagon Alley) 

Victoria Street is a must-see location in Edinburgh. This curved, cobble-stoned street is lined with vibrant buildings, quirky shops, and old-world charm. As most Harry Potter fans would know, the street has been cited as the inspiration for Diagon Alley – and you can feel the magic!

Many tourists flock to the street, so it’s best to go early if you’re planning to get photos along the street. The street is also beautiful at night; I managed to get this pic below with no one else in sight!

There’s an array of interesting shops that line the street, from curiosity stores to pubs to a Harry Potter-themed museum.

COST:

• It’s free to walk down Victoria Street!

Find Harry Potter Characters at Greyfriars Kirkyard 

A graveyard might not be top of the list as a travel stop…but hear me out!

Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery is a true step back in time with its gothic charm and untouched beauty, making it one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. It’s also the resting place of some iconic names.

Similar to Victoria Street, Greyfriars Kirkyard helped inspire elements of the Harry Potter series – including familiar names you’ll spot on headstones like Tom Riddle and William McGonagall. And, if you’re lucky, you might spot some squirrels frolicking among the trees.

Although a tourist hotspot, it’s also a place of worship, so it’s important to be respectful of the graves and Greyfriars Church on the grounds.

COST:

• It’s free to visit, but you can purchase an audio tour for £5 (approx. $11 AUD).

Pay Respects to Greyfriars Bobby 

At the main entrance of Greyfriars Kirkyard, you’ll see a singular tombstone with the name Greyfriars Bobby.

As legend has it, Bobby was a Skye Terrier who spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, Edinburgh policeman John Gray, in Greyfriars Kirkyard until he passed away in 1872. His loyalty touched locals then, and even now. It’s tradition to leave sticks at the foot of Bobby’s grave as a gift to him – a very sweet gesture!

Further down the road outside of Greyfriars Bobby's Bar, a bronze statue of Bobby was erected in 1872 near where his body was buried. The statue has become a beloved Edinburgh landmark with both visitors and locals rubbing its nose for good luck.

COST:

• It’s free to visit Bobby’s grave and touch his statue!

Wander Down the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a stretch of road connecting Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, the Queen's residence in Scotland. It’s lined with historic buildings, shops, museums, and food joints, so give yourself at least 3 hours to comfortably explore the streets.

High Street is arguably the most popular part of the Royal Mile as it’s home to St Giles’ Cathedral, Tron Kirk, shops, and numerous pubs and restaurants, which are popular amongst tourists and locals.

If you’re an urban photographer, you’ll be stopping every two minutes to capture the moody aesthetics of the streets!

COST:

• It’s free to walk down the Royal Mile!

Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour 

With so much history, it’s no wonder Old Town Edinburgh is home to a ghost story or two! There are a bunch of ghost tours on offer, but I chose to go with the City of Edinburgh Tours based on their excellent ratings.

The tour guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and funny – even dressing up as a ghoulish figure from Edinburgh’s past. The tour wound through the streets of Old Town, stopped at key sites in Greyfriars Kirkyard, and ventured beneath the city into its mysterious vaults.

Expert tip: Stop at a local pub for a pint of liquid courage before embarking on the ghost hunt!

COSTS:

• Ghost tours start from £16 per adult (approx. $34 AUD).

Get a Themed Drink at Frankenstein’s Edinburgh 

If you’re thirsty for a unique drinking hole in Old Town Edinburgh, Frankenstein and Bier Keller is a must! Housed in a 19th-century church, this kooky bar isn’t hard to miss with a huge Frankenstein statue in the doorway.

Inside, you’ll find spooky décor, groovy music, and horror-themed food and drinks. Every hour, a Frankenstein mannequin rises from the ceiling, and 'comes alive' in a show with green lights and fog.

COSTS:

• Cocktails start from £8.50 (approx. $19 AUD).

Dine at The Witchery Edinburgh 

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a fancy dinner while you’re in town, The Witchery is the place to go. Dubbed Scotland's most famous restaurant, the restaurant offers some of the best local produce and dining atmosphere.

You'll find The Witchery at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, housed in a 16th-century building brimming with gothic opulence and medieval marvel.  It's definitely an Insta-worthy place to be spotted, so be sure to book ahead!

COSTS:

• Main meals start from £30 each (approx. $64 AUD).

Catch a Bagpipe Performance 

Nothing says Scotland more than the sound of the Bagpipes, and you’re bound to find a musician serenading the streets. I stopped by a performer near Edinburgh Castle and loved the experience – from head to toe, he looked every bit the classic Scottish bagpiper.

After the performance, he was even kind enough to take photos with everyone, which was a nice little memento of this beautiful city and cultural spirit.

COSTS:

• It’s free to stop and watch a Bagpipe performance, but you’re welcome to donate a few Euros as a thank you!

Thrift Your Heart Out in Edinburgh’s Vintage Shops 

If you love the thrill of thrifting, Edinburgh is home to some amazing vintage stores. One standout is Armstrongs Vintage, a true step back in time! Dressed to the nines with quirky finds, you’re bound to walk out with a treasure or two. The décor and styling alone make it worth the visit!

There are plenty of vintage stores sprinkled around Old Town Edinburgh and the city centre, so do a little research and map out the ones you don’t want to miss exploring.

COSTS:

• Prices vary, but I picked up a 1970s mini dress for £25 (approx. $53 AUD).

There you have it, folks! My travel diary of Old Town Edinburgh - full of spooky, ooky, and kooky things to do in see just in time for the Halloween season. 

Keep reading to find some tried-and-tested Edinburgh travel tips, and how to exchange AUD for GBP before you take off.

Top Edinburgh Travel Tips 

• Edinburgh is a relatively walkable city, particularly Old Town, so travel by foot as much as possible – you don’t know what quirky shop or monument you’ll find along the way! Definitely invest in a good pair of walking shoes, especially on the cobblestones!
• This one may sound like a no-brainer but remember to book tours in advance! Top attractions like Edinburgh Castle, ghost tours, and Harry Potter-inspired attractions can book out quickly.
• Bring layers with you before heading out for the day, including a waterproof jacket. The weather can change in a heartbeat, and you’ll want to be prepared.
• Take both Great British Pounds and a travel card, like Travel Money Oz’s Currency Pass, with you! While card payment is widely accepted, you’ll want a bit of cash for things like tipping and bagpipe street performances!
• Opt for independent cafes, bars, and restaurants instead of chain franchises. Some of the best food and drink is found at local establishments and is often cheaper than touristy hotspots.

Where to Convert AUD to GBP

Whether you’re just travelling through Edinburgh and Scotland, or stopping into other corners of the United Kingdom, you’ll want Great British Pounds in your pocket.

Travel Money Oz makes it easy as pie to stock up on Great British Pounds, both in-store and online. The best part is that you can use their Click and Collect service, or get foreign cash delivered straight to your door – perfect if you’re in a rush!

^Disclaimer:

^{This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication (First Published September 16th, 2025). Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation.}