A fortress above the Royal Mile with the Honours of Scotland, historic buildings and city views. Confirm access to priority exhibits for your date. The Stone of Destiny is now at Perth Museum, not Edinburgh Castle.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's hillside zoo at Corstorphine, home to penguins, chimpanzees, koalas and many more animals, with daily keeper talks and views over the city from the top of the hill.
Over 70 acres of gardens a mile north of the city centre, free to enter, with lawns, a rock garden and wide views of the skyline. The restored Victorian Palm Houses have reopened (ticketed).
Gentle walks at the foot of Arthur's Seat: around St Margaret's Loch below the ruined St Anthony's Chapel, or down to Duddingston Loch for swans and other waterbirds. The southern part of the Radical Road near Duddingston is open, with views of the crags without a summit climb.
Free museum with dinosaurs, Dolly the sheep and hands-on galleries, plus a rooftop view.
Earthquakes, glaciers and a rainforest storm in an interactive science centre by Holyrood Park.
Floors of illusions, mirror mazes and a rooftop camera obscura near the castle.
Queen Elizabeth II's former royal yacht, now berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith. Five decks to explore, from the state rooms to the crew's quarters and engine room, with a junior audio guide for children.
A short climb for one of the best views over the city and the sea.
Free museum of toys and games through the ages on the Royal Mile.