Location: Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
The 7 Best Events in Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Edinburgh International Events
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 142 reviews
The Edinburgh International Festival is one of many festivals that take place in the beautiful vibrant city of Edinburgh. The festival is a world-class event, bringing in artists from all over the world, and follows the Edinburgh Fringe Festival every August. It is recommended to book accommodation well in advance to have a chance of finding anything near the centre.
Reviewed By madmadeleine - Los Angeles, United States
I want to review the Fringe Festival however, tripadvisor only has a listing for the main festival and not for the Fringe. They should change that. The Fringe Festival is huge and it is not the main festival. It only exists because 70 years ago the snooty people who ran the main festival turned away several groups of performers who came to participate, and instead of going home with their tails between their legs, they started the most lively and inclusive arts festival in the world. Over 3000 different performances over one amazing month in August. They deserve their own listing. There were so many choices. With over 400 pages of show descriptions, the Fringe guide included a map and several comprehensive indexes including show title and venue. I used it along with the Fringe site and the Fringe app to find shows, and then used a low tech solution, pen and paper, to create a one page calendar with time slots so we knew what show were were headed to next. We had an amazing time. If you love theatre, music, comedy, street performers and being in the center of a lively arts scene, book your lodgings early and go. I wore my Fitbit and it told me I averaged walking about 9 miles a day and climbing the equivalent of 33 flights of stairs. The venues are distributed throughout the Old Town and the New Town and walking is the best way to get around. Traffic is often snarled so taking a taxi or a bus would probably be slower. Wear comfortable walking shoes and get in shape. It is a kind of marathon.
2. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,529 reviews
The Royal Edinburgh Military tattoo is an annual series of Military tattoos performed at the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and International military bands and display teams. This is held during the month of August each year which coincides with the Fringe Festival and International Festival. This really is a must when visiting Edinburgh and really provides for the experience of a lifetime. Dress warmly for the outdoors as the seating in the esplanade is uncovered.
Reviewed By 691paulineg - Finghall, United Kingdom
Love the tattoo. So professionally done This year is brilliant Top secret Swiss drummers - outstanding Mexicans - colourful and great fun American Air Force - incredible timing and captivating Shetland fiddlers - gorgeous as always Brilliant dancing Pipes and drums just amazing Belgian buglers - incredibly moving Well done on another fabulous evening and superb fireworks
3. Scottish Open
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
The Scottish Open is a golf tournament which is played once a year since 1972 in various prestigious golf courses around Scotland. The Scottish Open has become very popular and now attracts crowds in excess of 300,000 per year with the prize fund having increased from £10,000 back in 1972 to a whopping £3 million today. It is always highly recommended to book accommodation well in advance.
4. Whisky & Wizardry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Come enjoy a dram of Scottish whisky and an amazing close-up magic show performed by the amazing Wilf Keys at The Lost Close underground vaults below CoDE Hostels The CoURT.
Reviewed By granteasdon
Located in a historic building on The Royal Mile, Wilf puts on a great show! I was expecting a small social event for the hostel, but with Wilf's showmanship and talented magic tricks - this was one of my favorite parts of my trip. This is a great way to start a night out in Edinburgh!
5. Edinburgh Christmas Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By joanhen35 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
We came to Edinburgh Christmas market for a day out as we hadn't been before not expecting it to be a huge as it was it was a terrific day out plenty of stalls to browse through and quite a few rides and things to keep the kids entertained. There are quite a few different food stalls so the aroma was really awesome we will definitely be going back well done Edinburgh for hosting such a wide range of cultures
6. Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 280 reviews
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the UK’s (if not the world’s) leading New Year Festival lasting 3 days in Scotland’s stunning capital city drawing an estimated 150,000 people from Scotland and around the world. Opening with the Torchlight Procession on 30 December, where 20,000 torchbearers blaze their way through Edinburgh's City Centre. 31 December sees the city centre come alive with one huge Street Party where street performers, DJs and bands entertain crowds, and major music stars headline the Concert in the Gardens. An epic fireworks displays over Edinburgh Castle signals the start of the new year. On 01 January, the Loony Dook takes place at South Queensferry with thousands of dookers taking a bracing dip in the Firth of Forth.
Reviewed By BCardell - Boulder, United States
If you have a chance to celebrate New Years Eve in Edinburgh, you really MUST go. This was a once in a lifetime event that was nothing short of magical. If you go, really go and participate you will be tired but you won't be sorry. The 30th, there is a torchlight parade that is expensive but worth every penny to participate in, it is beautiful, try and march near a drum and bagpipe group to triple the joy. One New Years, there are many options. Have a good dinner and head out to either dance under the castle (Beyond fun), take a short stroll on the Princes street party (Wild and drunken style partying) or book the evening in a small pub with bands and snacks. Regardless, dial in your view of the castle for beautiful fireworks at midnight, sing Auld Lang Syne (based on a Scottish poem) and prepare to dance until late for the party is only getting started !!!! It is worth the trip
7. Mercatini di Natale a Edimburgo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
