4 Green Things to Do in Edinburgh
Attracting 16.1 million overnight visitors and 31.2 million overseas tourists in 2022, Edinburgh is the second most popular tourist destination outside London.
If you’re keen to explore this vibrant city while being environmentally conscious, we’re here to help. Here are five amazing green activities to do across Edinburgh.
- Explore the Open Spaces
There are many picturesque green spaces across the city, where you can enjoy the very best of Mother Nature. The Royal Botanical Garden is only one mile outside of the city centre and has over 70 acres of landscapes to explore. Wander through the Woodland Garden, admire the Rhododendron collection or see the Scottish native plants.
Another fantastic green space is Holyrood Park, which is just a short walk away from Edinburgh Waverley train station. Here you can hike up the iconic Arthur’s Seat, which offers incredible views across the city.
- Visit the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is free and open daily from 10am to 5pm. It’s a must-visit during a trip to Edinburgh, with something for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in Ancient Egypt, meet lions and polar bears in the Animal World, or wonder at life on Earth in the Natural World gallery.
Currently, they’re running an impressive exhibition called Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania which explores “humanity’s damaging relationship with planet Earth”. It explores the change in sea levels, climate change, and plastic waste, and is a great way to learn more about our impact on the planet.
- Head on the Scotch Whisky Experience
Fancy a tipple during your trip? Then the Scotch Whisky Experience may be the perfect activity for you. Head on a tasting tour of many different Scottish whiskies and the stories behind their creation with an expert guide.
It’s assured under the Green Tourism Scheme and provides a sustainable shopping experience, allowing customers to take home environmentally friendly souvenirs. They display green signage to indicate that a product is sustainable and blue signage to state that a product has been created in Scotland.
- Eat Great Vegan food
If you’re keen to eat in restaurants that are doing their bit for the planet, then a visit to Paradise Palms is a must. They state that their “venue and offices are run on 100% renewable energy which includes cooking with bio-fuel gas” in the kitchen. Plus, they have “banned all single-use plastic” and “ensure strict recycling and waste reduction”.
They offer a range of tasty vegan and vegetarian dishes, such as burgers served on vegan brioche buns. Another great eatery is the Black Rabbit – a vegan deli and coffee shop with a range of handmade sweet treats, sandwiches and cheeses to enjoy.
With a huge number of green activities to enjoy in Edinburgh, you can enjoy exploring while being environmentally conscious and responsible. We hope you have a great trip!
