Things To Do

Edinburgh has earned itself the reputation as the festival capital of Europe and there seems to be some sort of celebration going on all year round, but it’s in the summer months that the Scottish capital really comes to life.

(above) The Edinburgh Festival celebrations in full “swing”

Don’t be fooled by the singular term ‘The Edinburgh Festival’, it’s a blanket name for all the different types of festivals that take place during August. If you want to experience a cultural, artistic, musical explosion, then Edinburgh is the place to be. There are so many different types of festivals that your only problem will be choosing which ones you want to attend! There’s something for everyone’s tastes; jazz and blues, science, books, military tattoo, storytelling, theatre, art, comedy, the list is endless! Every corner you turn, you’ll find something interesting to join in with. The many international festivals have also made Edinburgh famous globally, with festivals celebrating books, art and politics building on the city’s reputation as a centre for culture.

Edinburgh at Christmas

After the sun has long since departed, there’s still fun to be had, as Edinburgh’s calendar is full during the winter months too. Festivals are still a large part of the city’s day to day life, but the capital really comes into it’s own at Christmas. The German market rolls into town each year, offering a beautiful seasonal shopping experience and tasty European treats. There’s also the Winter Wonderland ice rink, which transports visitors and locals alike to another world of yuletide celebration. Hogmanay is the Scottish term for the period covering the last few days of December and the first couple of January; it’s a non-stop party. Everyone takes to the streets to dance, drink and welcome in the New Year with a torchlight procession, music and an amazing fireworks display.

Every year 100,000 people celebrate together in real Hogmanay style.

If you’ve had your fill of festivals, and big parties aren’t really your thing, there is still plenty on offer in Edinburgh. It’s many historic sites are fantastic for families to learn about the city’s roots, and the beautiful castles are well worth a look – in particular the famous Edinburgh Castle, which sits at the heart of the city. There plenty of other places for the whole family to enjoy too, Our Dynamic Earth, the science centre, is always popular, as is the Butterfly and Insect World, along with the countless nature trails and parks open to the public.