From physically-challenging activities certain to get the
adrenaline flowing, to the (only ever so slightly) more sedate
pastime of shopping, as well as award-winning dining, clubbing and
gig-going, Scotland’s inspiring capital has plenty to offer younger
visitors looking for an active break in one of the most engaging,
enchanting and cosmopolitan cities in the world. We’ve pulled
together a summary of just some of the options available to you to
create a starter itinerary of things to do in Edinburgh.
To make finding your way around Edinburgh as easy as possible,
all our itineraries are completely interactive, with each
suggestion marked by a numbered icon that corresponds with its
actual location on the expandable map at the top of the page.
Morning
Edinburgh
International Climbing Arena
(view in map)
Fashioned out of a disused quarry, the spectacular EICA at Ratho
is the world’s largest indoor climbing arena, offering some of the
toughest climbs you’ll find anywhere. Don’t worry though, if you’re
new to the sport, or still relatively inexperienced, there’s ample
opportunity to try something a little less scary with one of their
expert instructors. You can also try your hand at abseiling,
bouldering and the aerial assault course and there are plenty of
child-friendly activities on offer too to occupy the young ones
while you tackle something a bit tougher. And if all that’s not
enough for you, the facility also boasts a state of the art fitness
and spa suite.
Glentress and Innerleithen
(view in map)
A little over 30 minutes drive south of Edinburgh you’ll find
arguably the best mountain biking centre anywhere in the UK –
Glentress, with the demanding Innerleithen trails just a few miles
away. From easy starter trails to tough climbs and epic,
nail-biting descents, they have it all - offering more than 50
miles of forest mountain biking trails. There’s a new £8.5m visitor
centre with all the facilities you could need, including specialist
bike shop and equipment hire, and plenty of walking trails,
orienteering and horse-riding too if you fancy a break from the
two-wheeled pursuit.
Saughton
Skatepark
(view in map)
Devised in partnership with local skaters and riders, as well as
pro-rider and celebrated park designer Dave Sowerby, Saughton
Skatepark was an instant hit since opening just over a year ago,
drawing skaters, bladers and BMXers from all over the country, who
quickly rated it as one of the UK’s premier skateparks. Measuring
over 2000 square metres, it’s a huge, sprawling site in the west of
Edinburgh with a mix of bowls and street features, as well as
numerous murals and designs from street artists. And best of all,
it’s completely free to use.
Afternoon
The Fruitmarket
Gallery
(view in map)
With five internationally-renowned galleries playing host to the
National Galleries of Scotland’s fabulous collections, you might
well think Edinburgh already has more than its fair share of
fabulous art. You’d be right – but don’t let that stop you visiting
the Fruitmarket Gallery, where you’ll find world class contemporary
art, including exhibitions by the likes of Turner Prize winner
Martin Creed. Throw in a quirky little bookshop and chic cafe space
downstairs and you could easily while away the best part of an
afternoon here.
Vintage Fashion
Whether you’re a diehard vintage fashion aficionado, or just
want to make sure you don’t turn up to a party wearing the same as
someone else, then Edinburgh has plenty of terrific specialist
outlets to keep you happy. Armstrongs
(view in map) have three stores, each
a labyrinth of retro outfits, unique one-offs and elaborate fancy
dress. Also not to be missed is The
Frayed Hem
(view in map) while
Barnardos 
(view in map) have
a specialist vintage charity shop full to the brim with period
pieces too. There’s plenty more bargains to be had across the city
too, with a plethora of well-stocked charity shops, especially in
Stockbridge and Morningside.
Evening
Chop
Chop 
(view in map)
It might not look anything special from the outside, but once
the food starts to arrive at your table, you’ll soon discover for
yourself why this Chinese restaurant stands head and shoulders
above its competitors. Delicious dumplings are the specialty here,
stuffed with all sorts of meats, vegetables and spices. Little
wonder then that the eatery featured so prominently in Channel 4 TV
show The F-Word, and was voted Britain’s Favourite Chinese
Restaurant in 2010.
Brewdog
(view in map)
Located in the Cowgate, this recent addition to the city’s pub
scene has pushed its way straight to the top of the charts. Serving
a huge range of craft beers, created by both master brewers around
the world and the Brewdog boys themselves, it’s well worth a visit.
They treat beers like fine wines, with the emphasis on quality, not
quantity, and the knowledgeable staff can talk you through a
tasting session which will open your eyes to just how enjoyable
beer can be and help you discover your inner beer connoisseur.
Sneaky
Pete’s 
(view in map)
Dark, dingy and downright delightful, this tiny venue just off
the Grassmarket plays host to terrific live gigs and cutting-edge
club nights; indie, electro, dub, hip-hop, techno – you name it,
they cater for just about any niche. Top Scottish bands share the
bill with from all over the UK, and beyond, including
internationally-acclaimed acts, so, if you want to catch the ‘next
big thing’ before they become the ‘next big thing’, then Sneaky
Pete’s is the place to do it.
