Things To Do In Edinburgh In Winter

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and it is a popular destination for tourists all year round. Winter is no exception, and the city is alive with activities, experiences and things to see and do. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for a week, there’s something for everyone in Edinburgh during the winter season. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in Edinburgh in winter.

Explore the Historic City of Edinburgh

The city of Edinburgh is a historical and cultural melting pot, and offers plenty of activities for tourists to enjoy. The old town of Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to some of the city’s most important historical landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, The Real Mary King’s Close, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. For a panoramic view of the city, take a climb up Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill and take in the stunning views of the city.

Aside from the historic sites, Edinburgh also has a great selection of museums and galleries, such as the National Museum of Scotland, the National Gallery of Scotland, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. There are also a number of small independent galleries to explore, such as the Modern Edinburgh Gallery and the Talbot Rice Gallery.

Enjoy the Edinburgh Festival of Lights

The Edinburgh Festival of Lights is an annual event that takes place in November and December and is an unforgettable experience. Every year, the city’s streets and parks are lit up with colourful illuminations, and there are a variety of events to enjoy as part of the festival. Some of the most popular events include the Christmas lights switch on in Princes Street Gardens, the Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens, and the light show in St Andrews Square.

Visit Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets

Edinburgh has a number of wonderful Christmas markets throughout the city during the festive season. The Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens is one of the most popular, offering a range of traditional gifts and unique handmade items. The Christmas market in St Andrew’s Square is another great place to shop for unique gifts, with over 40 wooden chalets offering everything from art, crafts, food and drink.

Explore Edinburgh’s Shopping Scene

Edinburgh is known for its unique shopping scene, and there are plenty of great places to explore during the winter season. Head to Princes Street for some of the city’s most iconic shops, including Jenners and Harvey Nichols. The Grassmarket and Victoria Street both offer a great selection of independent stores, while George Street is the perfect place to find designer brands.

Experience Edinburgh’s Unique Pubs and Bars

Edinburgh has a great selection of pubs and bars, with everything from traditional pubs to craft beer bars. The city is also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic whisky bars, such as the Whiski Rooms, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and the Bow Bar. For a truly unique experience, try one of the city’s underground whisky bars, such as the Apex City Bar or the Bow Bar.

Take a Walk Through Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is one of the city’s most beautiful attractions and offers an array of stunning plants and flowers all year round. During the winter season, the gardens are a great place to enjoy a peaceful stroll and admire the beautiful winter blooms. The gardens also have a number of special events during the winter season, including a Christmas lights show and a festive market.

Try Scotland’s Traditional Cuisine

When visiting Edinburgh, be sure to experience some of Scotland’s traditional cuisine. There are plenty of great places to sample some of Scotland’s most famous dishes, such as haggis, neeps and tatties, Scottish smoked salmon and whisky. Be sure to try some of the local delicacies, such as shortbread, clootie dumpling and Cullen skink.

Take a Day Trip to the Highlands

Edinburgh is the perfect base for exploring Scotland’s beautiful countryside. Take a day trip to the Highlands and explore the stunning mountain scenery, visit iconic landmarks such as Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, or take a ride on the famous Jacobite Steam Train.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is a great destination for a winter getaway, and there are plenty of activities and experiences to enjoy. From exploring the city’s historic attractions to experiencing Scotland’s traditional cuisine and unique pubs and bars, there’s something for everyone in Edinburgh during the winter season. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for a week, be sure to take advantage of all that Edinburgh has to offer during the winter season.