Edinburgh holidays

Best time to go to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a brilliant year-round destination, with each season offering something unique. Winters (November to March) can be cold and often see a dusting of snow, adding a festive feel to the city—perfect if you're after a magical Christmas market experience or a cosy winter break. Spring (April to May) brings bright skies, blooming parks and fewer tourists, making it a great time for relaxed sightseeing.

From May through to September, the city enjoys longer days, with July and August being the warmest months. You can expect highs of around 20°C and up to 10 hours of sunshine, ideal for exploring on foot or enjoying Edinburgh’s beautiful green spaces. Summer is also when the city truly comes alive, with the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe, International Festival, Book Festival and more all taking place—especially in August, when the atmosphere is electric. Be aware, though, that it's the busiest (and priciest) time of year.

For a calmer visit with decent weather, consider travelling in April, May, September or early October, when the city is still buzzing with culture, but the crowds have eased.

How to get to Edinburgh

Getting to Edinburgh from Ireland is quick and simple, with several direct flight routes and excellent onward transport links:

• By air: Direct flights to Edinburgh are available from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Belfast. The flight takes under an hour, making it a convenient choice for a short break or long weekend.

• From the airport: Once you land, it takes less than 30 minutes to reach the city centre by taxi. Alternatively, you can hop on the Airlink 100 express bus or the tram—both affordable options that take around 35 to 45 minutes and run frequently throughout the day.

• By ferry and rail: If you prefer not to fly, you can travel via ferry to Holyhead or Cairnryan and continue the journey by train or coach. The scenic rail route from Glasgow or Newcastle to Edinburgh makes for a memorable alternative.

Getting around Edinburgh

Once you're in Edinburgh, getting around is a breeze. The historic centre is compact and very walkable, with many major attractions—like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the National Gallery—within easy reach of each other.

If you fancy venturing further afield, Lothian Buses cover the whole city and beyond, including spots like Portobello beach and Leith. Single tickets cost £2.00, or you can pick up a day pass for unlimited travel. The city’s modern tram system is another great option, especially for airport transfers or getting to key stops like Princes Street and Haymarket.

For exploring a bit more of Scotland, you’ll also find regular trains from Edinburgh Waverley to nearby gems like Glasgow, Stirling and the Highlands.

Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is awash with things to do, from outdoor activities to sprawling galleries and museums to a plethora of shopping opportunities. Here are just a few:

• Edinburgh Castle: An impressive, 11th century castle home to the crown jewels and the National War Museum of Scotland.

• Royal Botanic Gardens: 70 acres of gardens with stunning glasshouses and palm houses.

• National Museum of Scotland: Traditional museum home to natural history and Scottish history exhibits.

• National Galleries of Scotland: One large national collection housing masterpieces from across Europe and various eras, one grand portrait gallery and two sprawling modern art galleries in Dean Village.

• Palace of Holyroodhouse: 16th century Stuart Palace with tours of the interior.

• Museum of Edinburgh: Local and industrial history museum.

• The Edinburgh Dungeon: 1000 years of Scottish history presented via underground tours, live exhibitions and rides.

• Whisky Experience: Sample the traditional local tipple at one of several distilleries and whisky experiences in Edinburgh.

• Lauriston Castle: A 16th century castle near Cramond, home to Georgian and Victorian relics, with pretty gardens.

• Craigmillar Castle: It is a medieval castle with a tower, dungeons, and grounds.

• Day trip to Cramond Island: If you have a day to spare, head out to scenic Cramond island, which is connected to the village of Cramond only by causeway when the tide is right.

Activities for families in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is certainly a family-friendly city, with plenty of activities and attractions that span all generations.

• Edinburgh Zoo: An impressive zoo that needs no introduction, frequently hosting events, exhibitions and activities for families.

• Museum of Childhood: Fascinating museum of toys throughout the ages.

• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions: Five floors of hands-on, whimsical and downright unusual immersive exhibitions for all ages.

• The Royal Yacht Britannia: Famous ocean liner used by the Royal Family for over forty years, now open for interior tours.

• Dynamic Earth: Interactive and family focused exhibitions of history, right from the dinosaurs to modern day.

• Wonder World Soft Play: If you find yourself at a loose end on a rainy day in Edinburgh, Wonder World might be your saviour. Slightly out of the town centre, this is a large, indoor amusement centre with ball pits, slides and more.

Free things to do in Edinburgh

Luckily, you needn't break the bank while you're here. You may wish to splash out on a few higher-ticker experiences and then spend the rest of your Edinburgh holiday making the most of the city for free.

• Harry Potter sightseeing: Edinburgh is famous for many things, but one more recent addition to the list is that it was the inspiration for so many names, characters, and locations in the Harry Potter franchise. You can easily find a list of the top Harry-Potter-related sights in the city and wander between them for free, ticking off your Potter Bucket List.

• Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat: In this delightfully green city, you never feel far from the countryside. Holyrood Park is an enormous and rugged-feeling natural space that's only steps from the city. There are myriad walks to try here, but a popular weekend activity is hiking to the top of Arthur's Seat and taking in the view.

• Scott Monument and Princess Street Gardens: This Victorian memorial to Sir Walter Scott is one of the city's most-famous pieces of architecture and definitely worth a stop on the way to the delightful Princess Street Gardens.

• Picnic on The Meadows: A picnic anywhere is a fantastic free activity and Edinburgh has plenty of parks and green spaces, big and small, to choose from. However, our top pick would be The Meadows; a favourite student haunt surrounded by historic streets and buildings.

• Dean Village: Another popular city walk is through picturesque Dean Village, along the river banks, crossing the several pretty bridges to snap pictures of the chocolate-box scene.

• **Scavenger hunt: **Scavenger hunts are often free or very cheap to download on your phone and make a great budget-proof activity for friends and families alike. Plus it's a great way to get to know unexpected parts of the city.

• **Royal Mile: **While shopping is certainly not a free activity, window shopping always is, and Edinburgh has some fantastic, notable streets on which to promenade and window shop. Try Royal Mile, Princes St, Cockburn Street, Candlemaker Row and Grassmarket.

Most popular beaches in Edinburgh

Edinburgh sits on Scotland's pretty east coast, nestled in where the River Forth reaches the sea. It has a few well-rated beaches, all within an easy bus ride of the city centre and all very popular in summer.

• Portobello Beach: Probably the city's most popular family beach, Portobello Beach is a traditional, Victorian seafront with an esplanade and a long, sandy stretch of shore. A sauna cabin is a recent addition to the beach's facilities.

• Musselburgh Beach: This is a more rugged and quieter beach, close to a small harbour and popular with locals. The nearby lagoons are very popular with birdwatchers.

• Silverknowes Beach: A wide, sandy estuary beach popular for picnicking and paddling in summer, and for walking in winter.

• Cramond Island: Just a short bus ride from the city centre, Cramond is a quaint, former-fishing-village with a causeway leading (at low tide) to tiny Cramond Island. Barely a kilometre in length, the island has a few pretty cove-like beaches.

• Gullane Beach & Yellowcraig Beach: Further afield from Edinburgh, towards North Berwick, you'll find more delightful beaches, including Gullane and Yellowcraig. Both are wide, sandy and unspoilt, backed by dunes and greenery.

What to eat in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's enchanting capital, offers a culinary journey as diverse and captivating as its historical and cultural landscape. From traditional Scottish fare to international cuisines, the city's food and drink scene promises delightful experiences for every palate. Here, we guide you through Edinburgh's gastronomic highlights, ensuring your holiday is as tantalising to the taste buds as it is to the soul.

Vibrant Markets

Begin your culinary adventure at Stockbridge Market, a Sunday haven for foodies. This bustling market features an array of local produce, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked goods, and gourmet street food. It's an ideal spot to sample local delicacies or pick up ingredients for a picnic in the picturesque Royal Botanic Garden nearby.

Grassmarket is another must-visit, located in the heart of the Old Town. This historic market area is surrounded by pubs and cafes, offering a perfect blend of shopping and dining experiences. On Saturdays, the area comes alive with the weekly market, where you can find everything from Scottish crafts to international eats.

Traditional Scottish Cuisine

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without indulging in Scotland's traditional dishes. Haggis, a savoury pudding containing sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, spices, and stock, is a must-try. It's traditionally served with "neeps and tatties" (turnips and potatoes). For the adventurous foodie, it's an experience not to be missed.

For seafood lovers, Edinburgh's coastal location means fresh seafood is abundant. Cullen Skink, a thick Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, offers comforting warmth, especially on chilly Edinburgh days.

Distinctive Restaurants and Pubs

Edinburgh's restaurant scene is as varied as it is exquisite, with several establishments boasting Michelin stars. The Kitchin in Leith presents modern British cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques, with a focus on the finest Scottish ingredients. Meanwhile, Number One at The Balmoral offers an elegant dining experience with dishes that blend Scottish produce with international flavours.

For a taste of history, visit The Witchery by the Castle. Located in a 16th-century building near Edinburgh Castle, it serves sumptuous Scottish dishes in a setting filled with antiques and a gothic ambience.

Pubs are an integral part of Edinburgh's charm, offering a warm welcome alongside a pint of ale or whisky. The Last Drop in Grassmarket, named after its proximity to the last hanging spot in Edinburgh, provides a cosy atmosphere to enjoy traditional pub fare and a wide selection of Scottish whiskies.

Innovative and International Flavours

Edinburgh is also home to a thriving international culinary scene. From the Italian delights of Valvona & Crolla, an Edinburgh institution since 1934, to the authentic Indian cuisine of Mother India's Café where you can enjoy tapas-style Indian dishes, the city caters to global tastes with local hospitality.

Edinburgh's food and drink scene is a reflection of its history, culture, and global connections. From the historic markets to the luxurious dining rooms, traditional pubs to international eateries, the city offers a gastronomic journey that complements its scenic beauty and rich heritage. On your Edinburgh holiday, be prepared to indulge in flavours that are as memorable as the city's landmarks.