Things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city where historic battlegrounds have given way to a vibrant modern capital, steeped in folklore and legend, where ancient stone streets meet contemporary charm. From the port in South Queensferry, you’re within easy reach of Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified places in Europe, standing proudly atop Castle Rock and offering sweeping views across the city it has guarded for centuries — once a royal residence, military garrison and prison.
The UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns reveal two striking sides of the city: the Old Town stretches along the Royal Mile, lined with historic alleyways dating back to the Middle Ages and centuries-old stone buildings, while the New Town opens into elegant Georgian terraces and grand squares. Just off the Royal Mile, Mary King’s Close offers a rare glimpse beneath the surface — a preserved network of 17th-century streets and homes built over during the plague, where Edinburgh’s layered past still lingers.
Shore excursions to explore in Edinburgh
These excursions reveal a city as rich in parks, gardens and open green spaces as it is in castles, museums and centuries of legend. Climb Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat for sweeping views, stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, wander beside the peaceful Water of Leith or explore the postcard-perfect charm of Circus Lane and nearby Stockbridge. For literary enthusiasts, visit The Elephant House café — known as the birthplace of Harry Potter, where J.K. Rowling wrote the first five books — and step into Greyfriars Kirkyard, said to have inspired some of the series’ most famous names.
Explore itineraries with cruises to Edinburgh
A cruise to Edinburgh via South Queensferry means arriving by tender and stepping into Scotland’s storybook setting. The anchorage lies just across the Forth, with transfers to the city center in under an hour. Once in Edinburgh, you’re surrounded by castles, museums and pubs within walking distance. South Queensferry itself offers views of the Forth Bridges and a small-town charm that makes the gateway just as memorable as the destination. It’s a must-experience port on any British Isles or European cruise.
Discover Edinburgh on your next cruise
Edinburgh has shaped literature, philosophy and politics, and today it buzzes with festivals, music and food. With Princess, you can explore everything from the Royal Mile to St. Andrews, then return to onboard comforts like world-class dining and entertainment. Edinburgh cruises give you the best of both worlds: Scotland’s history by day and your ship’s luxury and ease by night.
Gaze up at Edinburgh Castle towering over the city from its dramatic volcanic perch.
Feel the energy of Princes Street as Edinburgh’s iconic clock tower keeps watch.
A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.
Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.
Discover our ships
Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards.
No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.
Cruises to Edinburgh FAQs
*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.
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