Your guide to wellness inspired things to do in Edinburgh.
There’s something about Edinburgh…It’s beautiful. It’s atmospheric. And it gets under your skin.
History blankets every street and there’s a piece of heritage around every corner. Add in the distinguished sounds of bagpipes that echo in the air and it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
With its Medieval Old Town alongside its Elegant Georgian New Town (enough to make anyone swoon), it’s a must-see destination.
If you’re like me and also see travel as a way to rejuvenate, there’s no reason you can’t experience some wellness along the way too! So, today I’m sharing 8 great wellness things to do in Edinburgh.
I immediately fell in love with Edinburgh on my first trip, over 20 years ago. In fact, Scotland is one of my happy places and a regular travel destination.
Why? Because spending time there is inspirational, as well as the amazing outdoor experiences engage the mind & body.Which suits my travel motivations, as I’m a huge advocate for well-being.
I’ve found that traveling with thought & attention to health & well-being, or wellness travel, just makes life & travel that much richer.
With some thought & wellness planning, you can make any itinerary in Edinburgh one that supports your health & well-being.
It’s quite easy, so dive in below to find out how!
Wellness Inspired Things To Do In Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a compact and walkable city. That makes it easy to stay in shape as you explore the many historical sites.
So whether you explore the historic cemeteries, wander off the beaten path in Dean Village, or stroll the Water of Leith Walkway….you can count on tracking some miles.
There are plenty of museums for learning & discovery, green & blue spaces to help you digitally detox from modern life, good food, and more!
In addition, a relaxing slow travel weekend in the capital is a good way to recharge the batteries every once in a while.
Here are a few of my favorite wellness things to do in the city.
Along with some engaging self-care or mindful photography , these activities will help you to travel well & be well in Edinburgh!
Start Your Day at The Milkman
In my world, all good days start with the taste and aroma of a quality roast. And on this note, The Milkman Coffee & Espresso Bar delivers!
The coffee shop is conveniently located just around the corner from Waverley Train Station and right across the street from The Royal Motel One (which I highly recommend for its ease on the wallet & central location).
This makes it a great place to kick off your day or stop for an afternoon pick me up.
If you’re headed for Arthur’s Seat or plan to do a lot of walking, they also offer a selection of fresh-baked treats to fuel your adventures!
Recharge at The Hula Juice Bar
A juice bar and more, The Hula Juice Bar & Eatery is ideal for a healthy breakfast or mid-day smoothie stop.
Located right around the corner from the vibrant Grassmarket area, it’s conveniently located right in the heart of the Old Town.
Their organic Scottish oats are a satisfying way to start the day.
If you’re more of a smoothie bowl person, try the Maca Nana. With peanut butter, fresh fruit, and granola, it’s a healthy indulgence!
Savor Dinner at Hendersons
For years, Hendersons was an Edinburgh institution.
Their restaurant on Thistle Street was the longest-running vegetarian restaurant in the UK. Sadly, it closed in 2020. But…
In 2021 the owner’s grandson opened a new version! It’s a place worth celebrating if your are craving vegetarian and vegan fare.
Supporting local businesses like this is good for people & the planet!
The only challenge you’ll have is deciding which plant-based goodness to devour! And which dessert suits you, the homemade affogato with almond ice cream or the chocolate lava brownie with poistachio ice cream!
Explore The Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is more than 350 years old, that’s a lot of blooms!
Located just one mile from the city center, it’s 72 acres of plant heaven and a mindful haven of tranquility to explore.
The Botanic Gardens are an opportunity to get back in touch with nature and a visit here will bring a bit of calm to your day.
Before you leave be sure to climb to the top of the Rock Garden and take in the Edinburgh skyline.
Walk Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Garden is a must-see park.
Located in the valley between the historic Old Town and New Town, it’s the perfect way to unwind and connect with nature.
Right in the heart of the city, it’s the most convenient wellness thing to do in Edinburgh!
This park is the energized, yet peaceful heart of the city. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself there more than once as you crisscross Edinburgh.
The view of the Edinburgh castle is breathtaking, an early morning walk or run is blissfully quiet, and there are plenty of benches for relaxation & contemplation.
Time spent here is good for the mind & body.
Climb to Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the highest point on a group of hills located at the end of The Royal Mile.
If you want to get your heart pumping, breathe in the fresh air, and take in spectacular panoramic views…then this is the place for you.
Exploring the grass-covered hills, actual remnants of a volcano, is invigorating. It’s the kind of afternoon adventure that just makes you feel good.
There are multiple routes for exploring, and you can find a simple color-coded route map at Geowalks. Try going up one route and coming down another route, and definitely wander off the trail to explore the soft grassy areas.
Walking here is a lovely way to experience mindful Edinburgh.
Relax & Unwind at Tribe Yoga
If you’re on the lookout for a flow or yin yoga class, Tribe Yoga doesn’t disappoint.
Tribe Yoga offers more than 225 yoga & fitness classes in their three studios around the city. So, whether you seek relaxing & restorative or sweaty & aerobic, there’s something for you
This self-care is good for the mind, body, & spirit!
Rejuvenate at The One Spa
Speaking of wellness things to do in Edinburgh, you can absolutely find your inner calm at the urban One Spa!
Located at The Sheraton Edinburgh, One Spa offers traditional spa treatments as well as a pool, thermal suite, and hydropool. Making it an ideal stop for some rejuvenation.
The signature treatment “Escape at One” is three hours of access to the pool, rooftop hydropool, and thermal suite. And that’s all the time you need to rebalance & refresh your mind & body.
While I loved the heated reclined seating in the dry salt room, the star of the show is the rooftop hydropool. This indoor-outdoor warm water experience will transport you to another world.
The floor jets will blissfully relax you and the swan neck showers will melt away the tension. And all the while you can watch the clouds float across the sky as you breathe in the fresh air.
You will leave feeling lighter than when you arrived, guaranteed!
Edinburgh has a special energy. Even on a cold & rainy day, it’s something quite spectacular. And adding in a few wellness things to do will only help you return home feeling better than when you left!
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
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