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Student city guide to Edinburgh: top 10 things to do

Edinburgh is a beautiful city and a top destination for any student. We take a look through the top 10 things to do in the Scottish capital, from Arthur’s Seat to Cowgate...

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
16 Jan 2024

So, you’ve chosen to come to Edinburgh for your higher education. Excellent choice. You’ll get four years of ‘unay’, unlike the three you’d get for a standard degree in the rest of the UK, and you’ll be spending your extra time in arguably the most beautiful city in the United Kingdom.

Here’s a look at the top 10 things that Edinburgh has to offer...

1) Arthur’s Seat

Good for: A 360 degree view of the entirety of the city, and the opportunity for a classic freshers’ week selfie that will make all your friends feel jealous.

What is it: Essentially, a large mound of earth in the middle of the city.

Why you should go: Trekking up Arthur’s Seat is a beautiful experience on one of Edinburgh’s admittedly rare sunny days, and the views from the top give you an unrivalled appreciation of the city’s geography and major landmarks.

2) Murrayfield Stadium

Source: Youtube

Good for: Watching Six Nations rugby fixtures.

What is it: A rugby stadium that also plays host to a variety of music concerts.

Why you should go: To watch Scotland get hammered by other countries! The University of Edinburgh has students from all over the UK, and the rest of the world. Because of this, it’s almost obligatory for students at the university to go and watch their home nation when they play Scotland at Murrayfield.

3) The Meadows

Good for: Barbecues, sports, and hanging out in the summer months.

What is it: A large park, less than a minute’s walk from the university’s central campus.

Why you should go: Big cities often lack green space; Edinburgh certainly doesn’t. Its location, sandwiched between the student capital of Marchmont to the South, and the George Square university campus to the North, means that The Meadows is just moments away for most students, and is therefore the ultimate chill out spot in the summer months.

4) Cowgate

Good for: An excellent and cheap night out.

What is it: A long stretch of clubs and bars, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Why you should go: To enjoy the cheaper end of Edinburgh’s nightlife. During the day, the Cowgate’s position, below the elevated streets of South Bridge and George IV Bridge, means it can be gloomy and dark, but at night, the stretch of road really comes alive. For a student budget, the Cowgate is the place to be.

5) Edinburgh Trams

Good for: The pure novelty of a tram trip around the centre of Edinburgh.

What is it: A recently completed tram system that has caused huge amounts of controversy amongst Edinburghers.

Why you should go: To truly appreciate what seven years and over £500 million can do. £100 million over budget, and two years after its projected completion, Edinburgh’s tram system is something that everyone loves to hate. It can take you to Edinburgh Airport from the centre of town, but at a slower speed and a heftier price than the bus. Still, it’s cool to have a tram system in the middle of your city… isn’t it?

6) The Pear Tree

Source: 10best.com

Good for: Having a nice beer in a lovely beer garden.

What is it: A pub, located on West Nicholson Street, less than quarter of a mile from Edinburgh University’s Central Campus.

Why you should go: Edinburgh is well renowned for having a large number of nice pubs, but not particularly known for its beer gardens. This is probably because they can only be used on a select few sunny days each year. The Pear Tree is an exception to this rule, and this, when combined the live bands and big screen sport it shows, make it a contender for the best pub in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

7) The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile Edinburgh Source: Flickr.com

Good for: Seeing Edinburgh’s tourists in full swing.

What is it: A succession of streets that lead up to Edinburgh Castle, passing many landmarks on the way.

Why should you go: It is probably the busiest tourist street in the city, and contains numerous points of interest, including the allegedly haunted Tron Kirk, and Holyrood Abbey. It culminates in Edinburgh Castle, at the top of the mile. During the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, the Royal Mile is packed with street-performers and buskers.

8) Portobello

Good for: Relaxing on the beach in the summer months.

What is it: A beach resort, located around three miles from Edinburgh’s city centre.

Why should you go: To believe that anywhere as windy and cold as Edinburgh once contained a thriving seaside resort, you really have to see the evidence first-hand. In recent years, the resort has undergone a redevelopment, and now hosts numerous fairs, as well as a kayaking and sailing club!

9) Scottish Parliament

Scottish Parliament Source: Flickr.com

Good for: A bit of politics.

What is it: Exactly what it says on the tin. This is the building where the devolved parliament of Scotland meets.

Why should you go: It’s a fully accessible building, meaning anyone visiting can enter the debating chamber, receive a full free tour, or admire the building itself and its modern architecture.

10) Grassmarket

Grassmarket Edinburgh Source: Flickr.com

Good for: A good selection of pubs and restaurants with a history, and an awesome view of the castle.

What is it: A historic marketplace that lies directly south, and beneath Edinburgh castle.

Why should you go: The viewpoint north of the Grassmarket, which is dominated by the castle, is a favourite for artists and photographers, and is one of the most iconic in Scotland. The Grassmarket also plays host to a large number of pubs and restaurants, including the smallest pub in Scotland, ‘The Wee Pub’.

Key info about Edinburgh


Crammed full of culture and history, Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and home to Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University, and – of course – the University of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh has acquired an impressive reputation as an international culture hub, largely thanks to the annual Fringe festival (which takes place every summer and sees thousands of street performers, stand-up comics and actors taking their latest shows to the city). It's this mixture of culture, varied nightlife and local attractions make Edinburgh an incredibly popular uni destination. 

Thinking about studying in Edinburgh, but not sure what subject is right for you? Start searching for courses here.

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