Things to do in Musselburgh

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Sharon Dutton
Photo by Sharon Dutton
Photo by Sharon Dutton
Photo by Sharon Dutton

Musselburgh Attractions

It's hardly surprising that so many people head to Musselburgh every year. This alluring city is full of wonderful things to do. Whether you're interested in visiting local sights or trying more adventurous experiences, you'll never have a boring moment here.

Learn what makes Musselburgh tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Scroll through our {516 fun activities in Musselburgh fun activities in Musselburgh}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most popular activities in Musselburgh

Tours & day trips

See all 472 activities
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 73 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $95 per adult
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 167 activities
Edinburgh: Scottish Tasting Platter at The Tolbooth Tavern

Edinburgh: Scottish Tasting Platter at The Tolbooth Tavern

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $36 per adult
Edinburgh: Scottish Tasting Platter at The Tolbooth TavernOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 23 activities
Scottish Highlands, Castles, Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

Scottish Highlands, Castles, Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

Activity duration is 11 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $302 per adult
Scottish Highlands, Castles, Glencoe Day Trip from EdinburghOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 19 activities
Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $40 per adult
Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with WhiskyOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 10 activities
Queensferry: Maid of the Forth 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

Queensferry: Maid of the Forth 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $25 per adult
Queensferry: Maid of the Forth 1.5-Hour Sightseeing CruiseOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Musselburgh

Number of things to do
516
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Edinburgh: Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Musselburgh

Things to Do in Musselburgh with Kids

There's fun for the whole family no matter where you wander in Musselburgh. Here are some family friendly experiences to enjoy together that promise to make your trip unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Musselburgh? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Musselburgh

Edinburgh Castle showing chateau or palace and heritage elements

Edinburgh Castle

4.5/5(1,415 reviews)

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

Edinburgh Castle
The Royal Mile which includes heritage architecture, a house and street scenes

Royal Mile

4.5/5(408 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
Princes Street

Princes Street

4.5/5(346 reviews)

You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Princes Street, a favorite shopping spot in Edinburgh. Experience the fascinating museums and lively festivals in this walkable area.

Princes Street
University of Edinburgh which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture

University of Edinburgh

4.5/5(279 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
Edinburgh Zoo featuring land animals and zoo animals

Edinburgh Zoo

4/5(48 reviews)

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

Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

4/5(53 reviews)

Get tickets for a show at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
February 2015 A view along Grassmarket in Edinburgh, taken while spending a weekend in this great city. There are many areas of Edinburgh to explore and having spent a couple of hours on a walking tour here, I would thoroughly recommend this as a way of getting to know those places off the usual tourist track.

Grassmarket

4.5/5(240 reviews)

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

Grassmarket
George Street

George Street

4.5/5(162 reviews)

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at George Street. Check out the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

George Street
Edinburgh International Conference Centre

Edinburgh International Conference Centre

4/5(36 reviews)

Learn about the events happening at Edinburgh International Conference Centre during your trip to Edinburgh. Discover the area's lively festivals and notable monuments.

Edinburgh International Conference Centre

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Musselburgh

East Coast Mainline at Newhailes
Photo by M J Richardson (CC BY-SA)

Newcraighall

While Newcraighall might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Portobello Beach and Musselburgh Racecourse.

Newcraighall
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Musselburgh

Calton Hill which includes a sunset, skyline and a city

Edinburgh

Edinburgh which includes street scenes as well as a small group of people

Dalkeith

Photo by Jock Watson

Tranent

Photo by ‎RahulAchar

Prestonpans

Photo "Millerhill" by M J Richardson (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by M J Richardson (CC BY-SA)

Millerhill

Photo "Fisherrow" by M J Richardson (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by M J Richardson (CC BY-SA)

Fisherrow

Photo "Crossgatehall" by james denham (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by james denham (CC BY-SA)

Crossgatehall

Photo by Sharon Dutton

Carberry

Frequently asked questions

Is Musselburgh worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Musselburgh is visit Edinburgh Castle. Check this major sight off your list, then discover more of this area's golfing and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Musselburgh?
Start your day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo. Then, tour other parts of Musselburgh for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Musselburgh?
Edinburgh Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Musselburgh and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Musselburgh?
You can easily enjoy top attractions like Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre and Grassmarket with a three-day stay in Musselburgh. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so linger longer and head to Edinburgh.
Is Musselburgh a walkable city?
Some top sights in Musselburgh, including Portobello Beach and Joppa Shore, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 miles from central Musselburgh is Portobello and Brunstane is 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Musselburgh with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all the family, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Musselburgh with kids.

What to do in Musselburgh for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Musselburgh, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Scotch Whisky Experience or Glenkinchie Distillery.
Are there free things to do in Musselburgh?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Musselburgh is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without taking your wallet out. Grassmarket is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.