Things to do in Kirkwall

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A historic church with a prominent tower and a surrounding graveyard.
A historic stone castle with multiple towers and turrets, surrounded by lush green trees.
A narrow stone pathway flanked by old buildings and a tree-lined street.
A narrow stone alley with a green door, white-framed windows, and red shutters.
A church interior with high vaulted ceilings, red brick columns, wooden pews, and a central aisle leading to a stained glass window.

Things to do

Orkney Day Trip: Meets the Scrabster - Stromness Ferry

Orkney Day Trip: Meets the Scrabster - Stromness Ferry

$160
per adult
Orkney Day Trip: Meets the Scrabster - Stromness Ferry
Skara brae

Private Full Day Tour in Orkney

$214
per adult
Private Full Day Tour in Orkney
Orkney Heritage Tour

Orkney Heritage Tour

$214
per adult
Orkney Heritage Tour
Kirkwall: Smugglers, Pirates, and Gin Tour with Tasting

Kirkwall: Smugglers, Pirates, and Jacobites interactive tour

$55
per adult
Kirkwall: Smugglers, Pirates, and Jacobites interactive tour
Orkney: Private Tour with Local Guide

Orkney: Private Tour with Local Guide

$1,333
per traveler
Orkney: Private Tour with Local Guide
Standing Stones of Stenness

Private Tour to Explore Orkney's Neolithic Sites

$569
per traveler
Private Tour to Explore Orkney's Neolithic Sites
Private Orkney Spirits: A Whiskey Journey Through Time

Private Orkney Spirits: A Whiskey Journey Through Time

$2,989
per traveler
Private Orkney Spirits: A Whiskey Journey Through Time
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Recommended things to do in Kirkwall

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Kirkwall

 

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Stay near popular Kirkwall attractions

A historic church with a prominent tower and a surrounding graveyard.

St. Magnus Cathedral

9.4/10 (104 reviews)
Examine the intriguing 17th-century tombstones housed inside this stunning sandstone cathedral.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Kirkwall worth visiting?
Whether you want to experience the cultural hotspots and local charm or sample unique foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Kirkwall.
How do I spend a day in Kirkwall?
Kick your day off with a visit to Balfour Castle and Orkney Museum. Then, check out different areas of Kirkwall for tasty eats and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kirkwall?
You can't go home without checking out Balfour Castle, rated the top tourist attraction in Kirkwall.
Is three days enough to stay in Kirkwall?
Book a break in Kirkwall for three days and you'll have enough time to check out its most popular sights and get a taste for the local way of life. For the chance to see highlights in the surrounding areas and venture off the beaten path, consider staying for a week or longer.
What are some activities to do in Kirkwall with kids?
Planning what to do in Kirkwall with kids has never been easier. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.
What to do in Kirkwall for adults?
Highland Park Distillery and Scapa Distillery are just a couple of the things to do in Kirkwall. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Kirkwall?
In Kirkwall, Scapa Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a great way to learn about the best free things to do in Kirkwall.

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