Edinburgh in Winter: 15 Best Things to Do

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Edinburgh in winter is just a wonderful vibe. There’s something about the moody streets of the city, shiny with rain, and the gorgeous architecture that makes a winter trip so magical. I personally visited the city in December last year and had an absolutely fantastic time in the city. Plus, we got super lucky with the weather because it didn’t rain once!

I didn’t find that the time of year and winter weather had much of an effect on my time in the city. It was still super cosy, I really enjoyed exploring the history, and the Christmas markets were super fun in the evenings. But while we did get lucky with the weather, there’s a much higher chance of rain and even snow in Edinburgh in winter, so you’ll definitely need to come prepared.

15 Things to Do in Edinburgh in Winter

So, if you’re planning on exploring the Scottish capital during winter, here are a few top tips from my own experience, plus the absolute best things to do.

1. Visit Edinburgh Christmas Market

Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are spectacular. They literally transform the city’s historic centre into a wintery wonderland. There are several markets scattered across the city, but the main one is located in East Princes Street Gardens, in the shadow of the mighty Scott Monument. You’ll also be able to see good views of the city skyline from here. 

You’ll find a spectacular Christmas Tree, and wooden cabins selling all kinds of handmade goods from knitwear to furniture, to delicate hand-crafted Christmas decorations. You’ll also find a delicious selection of foods, from traditional German bratwurst, to curious takes on Scottish classics (haggis nachos, anyone?). There’s (of course) plenty of mulled wine and beer to go around, and rides as well. We went on the Ferris wheel and had great views of Edinburgh from above.

As well as the main market, you can also find Christmas markets at:

• West Princes Street Gardens – this is more of a family-friendly market with children’s rides and attractions, 
• George Street – this is where you’ll find Edinburgh’s ice rink, 
• St Andrew’s Square – come here for a magical Santa Claus experience and to meet the big man himself!

In 2023, the markets are running from the 18th of November, until the 6th of January and are all closed on Christmas Day. You can find out more on their official website, here.

2. Admire the Views from Arthur’s Seat

Despite it being much colder in Edinburgh in winter, that doesn’t mean you can’t go hiking. A trip to Arthur’s seat is one of the best things to do in the city and winter doesn’t change this. The views from the top are spectacular, and the hike isn’t too challenging either. 

The location of Authur’s Seat is in Holyrood Park, at the end of the Royal Mile. It was once an active volcano but is not simply a grassy mound that offers stunning views over the city. The highest point is called Authur’s seat. 

There are several routes up to the summit. You’ll start and end at Holyrood Palace. Salisbury Crags offers the easiest route, whereas the climb to Authur’s seat itself is slightly more strenuous. However, overall, the hike shouldn’t take you longer than 2 hours to get up and down. I would definitely recommend wearing a pair of sturdy, comfortable walking shoes however, and bringing a bottle of water as, even in winter, you can get quite warm on this climb!

3. Explore Edinburgh Castle

If you love history, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Edinburgh Castle. Another attraction in Edinburgh that’s on the site of an extinct volcano, this castle is a great way to explore the city’s history. 

With a history dating back over a thousand years, this historic stronghold has witnessed countless battles, royal intrigues, and historic events. The castle’s stunning silhouette dominates the city’s skyline, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. 

Inside the castle, you can see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, wander through an ancient jail cell, and see where the servants of the castle used to sleep. There’s even a section near the exit where you can look up your ancestry based on your surname.

We found the castle incredibly interesting and easily one of the best things to do in Edinburgh in winter. And don’t forget to check out their exciting light display that illuminates the castle at night – it’s truly beautiful.

4. Wander Around Dean Village

In my opinion, this is the most picturesque part of the city. It’s also something of a hidden gem. We found there to be nowhere near as many tourists here as in the other places in the city. 

Dean Village, located just a short walk from the historic centre, is a stunning little area that oozes historical charm. It’s a former milling hamlet and seems almost like a tiny English village in the middle of a big city. 

You’ll find colourful 19th-century buildings, water wheels, pretty stone bridges, and a trickling river running through the middle. It’s a great place to go for a wander down the cobbled lanes and escape the bustling city centre.

5. Walk the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a complete contrast to the peaceful vibes you’ll find in Dean Village. Located in the very heart of the old town, this historic street spans around a mile (hence the name), from Edinburgh’s Castle, down to the Palace of Holyrood.

Lined with centuries-old buildings, the Royal Mile is a collection of cobbled streets, hidden closes, and gorgeous architecture. You’ll probably find it quite busy, even if you’re visiting Edinburgh in winter, but this only adds to the atmosphere. 

Along the Royal Mile, you can explore a treasure trove of shops, restaurants, and traditional Scottish pubs. The street is also home to numerous landmarks, including St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Museum of Edinburgh. You may well run into some kilt-clad locals playing bagpipes too!

6. See the Fireworks on New Year’s Eve

Like London, Edinburgh is one of the best places in the UK to welcome the New Year. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it’s one of the best places in Europe. 

Known as the Hogmanay Street Party, this event is a world-renowned celebration that ushers in the New Year with an explosion of colour, light, and music. Each year, thousands of people from across the globe gather in the heart of the city to witness this spectacular fireworks display. 

The event typically kicks off with a captivating concert and a traditional Scottish Ceilidh dance. Then, as the clock strikes midnight, the night sky over Edinburgh Castle becomes ablaze with a breathtaking fireworks display that illuminates the entire city. This is typically synced to a soundtrack and is a wonderful thing to witness.

7. Admire the Scott Monument

You can’t visit Edinburgh’s main Christmas Market without passing by this structure. Nonetheless, as an important symbol of the city, I thought it deserved its own place. 

The iconic landmark stands as a tribute to the acclaimed Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. This Victorian Gothic masterpiece rises to a towering height of 200 feet above the historic city, making it the largest monument to a writer in the world. 

Its spires are covered with sculptures of characters from Scott’s novels, and you’ll also find a statue of Sir Walter Scott himself. If you fancy even more panoramic views over Edinburgh, you can also climb a narrow spiral staircase to reach the top.

8. Climb Calton Hill

I hope you haven’t grown tired of views because we’ve reached one of the best ones. If you visit Edinburgh in winter, you have got to climb Calton Hill. The hill is the perfect combination of scenery and history.

The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it contains the National Monument of Scotland, although, unfortunately, this was never finished. You’ll find several other sculptures here including the Nelson Monument, designed to resemble an upturned telescope and dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar, and the Dugald Stewart Monument, honouring the Scottish philosopher.

Carlton Hill is quite easy to reach from the city centre and only takes about 10 minutes – much less time than Authur’s Seat. So, it’s a great option if you fancy an easier walk for some great views.

9. Visit Edinburgh’s Museums

The Scottish Capital has a great collection of museums and many of these are great things to do in Edinburgh in winter – particularly if it starts raining!

A few of the best museums in Edinburgh include:

• The National Museum of Scotland houses an impressive collection spanning art, science, and natural history. 
• The Museum of Edinburgh offers a more intimate exploration of the city’s history from medieval roots to modern times.
• The Scottish National Gallery is the perfect place for art enthusiasts as you’ll be able to explore a collection of world-class paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.
• The Museum of Childhood provides a nostalgic journey through the past.
• The Surgeons’ Hall Museum delves into the history of medicine and surgery, showcasing the evolution of healthcare. 
• The Writers’ Museum is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts, celebrating Scotland’s literary greats. 

If you find yourself with a rainy day or simply fancy delving into its rich past, these museums are one of the best things to do.

10. See St Giles Cathedral

Located on the Royal Mile, St Giles Cathedral is another must-see during Edinburgh in winter. With its distinctive crown spire and striking Gothic architecture, the cathedral is a distinctive landmark in the city. 

St. Giles has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The interior is equally impressive, adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stonework.

11. Explore George Street

If Christmas shopping is your reason for visiting Edinburgh in winter, then you won’t be disappointed when you come to George Street. Lined with neoclassical and Georgian-style buildings, this iconic street is known for its fancy shopping, dining, and nightlife scene. 

You’ll find a selection of high-end boutiques, luxury brands, and designer shops – perfect for a bit of retail therapy. Then, you’ll also find a bunch of trendy bars, chic cafes, and great restaurants, perfect for when your feet get tired from all the shopping!

13. See the Royal Botanic Gardens

This world-renowned centre for the study of conservation of plants is a wonderful place to visit. But, it takes on a whole new league of spectacular in winter. From mid-November to the end of December, the gardens put on ‘Christmas at the Botanics’, an after-dark floral-themed light display. 

This is a great way to embrace the Christmas spirit. Plus it’s truly beautiful seeing all the lights and colours in the garden come to life. In 2023, tickets start from £19 and it’s open from 4 pm until 8 pm. 

14. Discover Edinburgh’s Harry Potter Filming Locations

If you’re a huge Harry Potter nerd (like me!), there’s no better place to dive into the magical world than in Edinburgh. There are so many Harry Potter locations around the city, and Scotland in general, that you can spend plenty of time searching for them and finding the places that inspired J.K. Rowling.

A few of my favourite Harry Potter filming locations to discover in winter include:

• The Elephant House Café
• Tom Riddle’s Grave (located in Greyfriars Kirkyard)
• Victoria Street (said to be one of the inspirations for Diagon Alley)
• The Balmoral House

You can also book a Harry Potter walking tour to learn more about the influence of the city on the magical novels.

To book a Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh, click here.

15. Visit the Edinburgh Winter Festival

The Edinburgh Winter Festival pretty much encompassed everything that the Scottish capital does to welcome in the Christmas season. 

It includes the 4 main Christmas markets on Princes Street Gardens, George Street, and St Andrew’s Square and the Hogmanay Celebrations on New Year’s Eve. But you’ll also be able to see the Castle of Lights, a dazzling light display across the castle walls, a Night After Disco Party on the 30th of December, and the Concert in the Gardens, which is also at the Hogmanay Party. 

This spectacular festival lasts the entirety of December and a little bit of November and January too. This year (2023), there’s also a torchlight procession on the 29th of December to mark the 30th Anniversary of the festival. So, you won’t want to miss this one!

Where to stay in Edinburgh in Winter

Edinburgh is a fairly large city, so, naturally, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit a range of budgets and desires. Here are some of the best places to stay if you’re visiting for the winter season:

• £££ – Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – A fantastic 5* hotel with stunning views over the city, this is the perfect place to stay if you want a little luxury. With elegantly designed rooms, cool artwork, and roll-top bathtubs, you’ll find the ultimate comfort here.
• ££ – Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge – This chic 4* hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. You’ll find cosy, modern rooms, a rooftop bar with views of the castle, and a fitness centre.
• £ – Cityroomz Edinburgh – Simply designed and affordable, this hotel is just a few metres from Princes Street. The rooms have comfortable beds and free WIFI, and some even offer self-catering facilities like a mini kitchenette and table and chairs.

Getting Around Edinburgh in Winter

We found without a doubt the easiest way to get around Edinburgh was to use public transport. The bus systems are very reliable and you can pay via debit card or contactless via Apple Pay which makes it easy to use them. Plus, the buses run pretty much the whole city and outskirts, so if you’re staying slightly outside the centre, this is a good way to get around. A single ticket is £2 and a day ticket is £5.

If you’re driving to the city, be sure to check whether your accommodation has parking. Parking can be pretty pricey – and pretty busy in the winter months.

You can also take the train from London and other destinations in the UK, but bear in mind that this will be quite a long journey. However, the good news is that the main train station (the Waverley Train Station) is less than a 10-minute walk from the centre of the city. So, you won’t have a very long journey at all to get from the train station to the Christmas markets.

If you’re arriving at Edinburgh airport, you’ll have several options to reach the city centre. A taxi will take you about 35 minutes but will be the most expensive mode of transport. You can also book a tram, which links directly to the train service.

The trams run every 7 minutes between 7am and 7pm. They’ll drop you off at either Edinburgh Gateway, Edinburgh Park, Haymarket or Edinburgh Waverley, and from there, you can easily reach the city centre.

Alternatively, there’s a bus stop directly outside the terminal which has a direct connection to the city centre. Buses from the airport leave as often as every 10 minutes. Although, be sure to check their website for specific times, especially if your flight lands quite late.

Once you’re in the city centre itself, you can pretty much walk everywhere. The city is very easy to navigate and you can reach most things on foot.

Top Tips for Visiting Edinburgh in Winter

Edinburgh in winter is a magical experience with a festive atmosphere and Christmas lights adding to the city’s beauty. But there are a  few things you’ll need to know.

Here are a few of my top tips based on my visit last year:

• Prepare for limited daylight. One of the main things I forgot to account for during my trip was the limited daylight in winter. It starts getting dark as early as 4pm in winter which is a stark contrast to the long summer days, so bear this in mind when you’re planning activities. 
• Dress appropriately. Edinburgh in winter can be chilly and wet, so you’ll need to wrap up warm with layers and invest in a sturdy waterproof coat and comfortable shoes that won’t soak through if the heavens open!
• Embrace the seasonal treats. Warm up with traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties, and indulge in some delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine from the Christmas markets.
• Be mindful of opening hours. Some of the city’s attractions might have reduced opening hours or be closed on certain days throughout the winter period. So remember to double-check schedules before heading out.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Edinburgh in Winter

Overall, I think winter is a great time to explore Edinburgh. The rain adds to the city’s moody atmosphere, and the festive season and Christmas lights make everything sparkly and pretty. That, paired with the fact that the city holds some of the best Christmas celebrations in the UK, makes the winter months a great time to visit this historic Scottish city.

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