Edinburgh Holidays

Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a delightful blend of culture and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for city-themed vacations. Visitors can explore vibrant shopping areas, enjoy educational attractions, and immerse themselves in the local theatre scene. For those seeking fun, the city also boasts various amusement centres that promise to entertain all ages. Experience the charm and creativity of this historic city while indulging in its diverse offerings.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Livingston Designer Outlet, an excellent shopping mall with a vibrant atmosphere. Visit The Hub for unique gifts, and don’t miss Scottish Gems, a charming shopping centre ideal for family-friendly finds and local treasures in the heart of Edinburgh.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Murrayfield Stadium, where you can enjoy exhilarating sports events. For a serene outdoor escape, Muirfield Golf Course offers stunning landscapes and a challenging game of golf. Finally, immerse yourself in the cultural vibes at Queen's Hall, where captivating performances await.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho, where you can tackle various climbing walls in a vibrant atmosphere. For snow sports enthusiasts, the Midlothian Snowsports Centre offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Alternatively, unleash your adventurous spirit at A1 Paintball Edinburgh, perfect for adrenaline-fuelled fun.

Nightlife

For an unforgettable night in Edinburgh, catch a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre for a cultural experience. If you're seeking adventure, explore Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. For a more relaxed evening, enjoy drinks at Greyfriar's Bobby, where romance and entertainment abound.

Find the best attractions in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a rich cultural experience perfect for family and city-themed holidays. Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as castles, vibrant streets, and nearby beaches. The city caters to those seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and relaxation by the sea, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy during their stay.

• Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into Scotland’s history. Explore its ancient stone walls, the Crown Jewels, and the poignant National War Museum, all while soaking up the romantic and cultural atmosphere.
• Princes Street: A vibrant hub of activity, Princes Street is the ideal spot for shopping and dining. Enjoy the bustling city vibes as you stroll past iconic shops, relax in the beautiful gardens, and take in the stunning views of the castle looming above.
• University of Edinburgh: As one of the world’s oldest universities, this historic institution boasts stunning architecture and a rich academic heritage. Explore its picturesque campus, which exudes culture and learning, and visit the notable museums that showcase its scholarly contributions.

Best time to go to Edinburgh

The best time to visit Edinburgh can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Edinburgh falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Edinburgh falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh

Edinburgh provides numerous ways to save money during your visit. Many attractions, such as Princes Street and the Royal Mile, are free to explore. For affordable transport, utilise the bus or tram services. The best time to visit is from January to March when hotel prices are lower; avoid Saturdays for the most expensive rates. Booking through platforms like Expedia allows you to find deals, particularly if you combine your hotel, flights, and activities. Don't forget to check for last-minute discounts and consider eco-friendly hotels for a budget-friendly stay.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Edinburgh are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Edinburgh about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Edinburgh is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Edinburgh is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you customise your preferences by choosing your budget, desired location, and additional criteria. You can organise your search results to display prices in ascending order, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel in Edinburgh with your flights and activities.