What to do in Balerno

Activities, attractions and tours

Great view across the Threipmuir Reservoir
Great view across the Threipmuir Reservoir
Beautiful Pentland Hills. Awesome walk through Threipmuir Regional Park.
Kaimes Hill
A lovely little detour from the main path.
Photo by subberculture (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Balerno Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Balerno has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Balerno, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Balerno with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Balerno

Balerno is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Balerno, and make it a breeze to explore Balerno and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Balerno to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Balerno, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Balerno.

Balerno attractions

Balerno has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Balerno to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Balerno.

Looking for things to do in Balerno can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Balerno or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Balerno attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, the oldest building in the city, sits high on a craggy volcanic rock just near the city center. During its history, which spans almost a thousand years, the stronghold has witnessed sieges, served as a military base and provided refuge for Scottish monarchs.
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Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland

2. Royal Mile

Go for a sightseeing trip along the Royal Mile, a series of streets that forms the main artery of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the oldest part of the city. This ancient cobblestone route stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It has been used by pedestrians for hundreds of years, and houses some of the city’s most fascinating old buildings.
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sunset time, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland

3. University of Edinburgh

Explore the campuses of the University of Edinburgh and soak up the academic atmosphere in its museums and galleries. Sights such as the quad of the Georgian Old College and the Gothic towers of New College on the Mound are iconic parts of the cityscape.
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University of Edinburgh which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

4. Edinburgh Zoo

Escape to the Edinburgh Zoo for a few hours of animal-based adventures. Spread over an 82-acre (33-hectare) site, the zoo has a collection of more than 1,000 animals representing almost 200 species.
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Edinburgh Zoo showing marine life and zoo animals

5. National Museum of Scotland

Be engrossed for hours in the National Museum of Scotland’s fascinating exhibits. This celebrated attraction packs hundreds of displays into its high-ceilinged galleries and white-marble corridors. A comprehensive look at Scottish history adds local interest, while exhibits dedicated to anthropology and technology give the museum a global perspective.
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National Museum of Scotland showing interior views

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Recommended things to do in Balerno

Number of things to do
622
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Edinburgh: Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour: £4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Balerno

Popular places to visit

Edinburgh Castle which includes heritage elements and a castle

Edinburgh Castle

4.5/5(1,009 reviews)

Fortress, palace and repository of the crown jewels, this landmark overlooking the city has played a crucial role in Scottish history.

Edinburgh Castle
Royal Mile featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

Royal Mile

4.5/5(575 reviews)

Explore this area in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town to find ancient buildings, historic relics, shops, museums and range of dining options.

Royal Mile
Walter Scott Monument in the Rainy Day, Edinburgh, Scotland

Princes Street

4.5/5(628 reviews)

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Princes Street. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Princes Street
Aerial view of Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Roseburn St, Edinburgh, VK

Murrayfield Stadium

4.5/5(181 reviews)

Catch an event at Murrayfield Stadium and enjoy other activities in Edinburgh such as golfing.Discover the lively festivals and shops in this walkable area.

Murrayfield Stadium
Edinburgh Zoo showing land animals and zoo animals

Edinburgh Zoo

4.5/5(204 reviews)

See rare and endangered species and learn about the efforts to conserve them at Edinburgh’s largest wildlife attraction.

Edinburgh Zoo
University of Edinburgh which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

University of Edinburgh

4.5/5(233 reviews)

The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.

University of Edinburgh
Scenic sight in Edinburgh with the Castle in the background. Scotland.

Grassmarket

4.5/5(442 reviews)

During your visit to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Grassmarket. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Grassmarket
Edinburgh royal playhouse theater

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

4.5/5(187 reviews)

Enjoy a performance at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
National Museum of Scotland featuring interior views as well as a large group of people

National Museum of Scotland

4.5/5(539 reviews)

Science, nature, history and culture come together in this spectacular museum, which celebrates learning about the world and all its wonders.

National Museum of Scotland

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Balerno

Calton Hill which includes a sunset, skyline and a city

Edinburgh

Lovely and unseasonably warm February day - about to tackle the hills in the distance!

Penicuik

Newbridge Dartmoor Devon

Newbridge

West Hill Camp prehistoric site, Kirknewton, Northumberland. Early palisade trench then Iron Age rampart settlement then Romano-British. View to West

Kirknewton

West Kip, East Kip and Scald Law on a stunning Novembral day...

West Linton

Frequently asked questions

Is Balerno worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor adventures and history, there are loads of fun things to do in Balerno. Make sure to discover the area's blend of unmissable attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Balerno?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo. Then, check out different areas of Balerno for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Balerno?
You can't go home without checking out Edinburgh Castle, rated the top tourist attraction in Balerno.
Is three days enough to stay in Balerno?
Three days in Balerno is plenty of time to visit the city's main attractions. Many travellers book for three days on average. Edinburgh Zoo, The Braid Hills and Blackford Hill are among the most popular sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Edinburgh.
Is Balerno a walkable city?
With attractions like Bonaly Country Park close by, Balerno is every bit a place to experience on foot. Like to visit some cool neighbourhoods within walking distance of the city centre? Dalmahoy is just 3 kms (2 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Balerno with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all ages, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Balerno with kids.

What to do in Balerno for adults?
Scotch Whisky Experience and Edinburgh Gin Distillery are just a couple of the things to do in Balerno. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Balerno?
In Balerno, The Braid Hills is a top spot for anyone looking to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a good way to explore the best free things to do in Balerno.