8 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh This Summer

With almost 18 hours of sunlight a day during the Edinburgh summer, it’s the best season for long strolls and city views. For a vigorous walk, ascend cliff-face Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park to Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views from this famous dormant volcano. Nearby, Calton Hill has an assortment of monuments at its gentle peak, including the incomplete acropolis originally built as the National Monument of Scotland.

You can pick up the riverside Water of Leith walkway from the city centre, winding its way through the villages of Dean and Stockbridge, emerging into the Firth of Forth in Leith. Don’t leave your Edinburgh hotel without a hat, sunblock and a jacket for unexpected downpours.

Get to grips with Highland culture at this prestigious agricultural show, going strong since 1822. Top sheepdogs run rings round their woolly charges and prize cattle line up for inspection. Kids will love the playground with a giant tractor and prize-winning beasts being shown off in the animal parade.

Be prepared to explore the culinary delights of Scotland, as local farmers and producers come out in force to sell their wares. Pick up some delicious Scottish treats, from haggis to whisky, then go to watch some showjumping or catch some music at the Hoolie.

Once the downtrodden docks, this northern region of Edinburgh has enjoyed a recent facelift. Take a summer evening stroll along the waterfront walkway and choose a fish restaurant for dining al fresco or a cocktail while the sun sets over the Firth of Forth waters. For something more casual, on weekends the Pitt Street Food Market is available with mouthwatering options on offer, so you can make your own picnic.

Leith is easy to get to via tram, so you don’t need to worry about travel. To work up an appetite, head to the Biscuit Factory for art galleries and cultural events, or seek out one of the many microbreweries to taste local brews.

Founded in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh really come into bloom in summer. The Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden is split into 4 distinct areas of the world, with plants from Asia, Europe, North America and the southern hemisphere. Look out for special summer events, such as guided walks with expert horticulturists and botanical art courses.

Enjoy the peace of the Woodland Garden and its towering trees, and walk the paths of the Chinese Garden, listening to the burbling water of the stream. You can even stroll through natural history in the Diversity garden, where plants are arranged in order of when they evolved.

The dividing line between the New Town and Old Town, Princes Street Gardens are a peaceful oasis even in the frenetic festival season. Buy food from Princes Street food halls for a decadent picnic, alongside locals enjoying a lunchtime break. The castle also overlooks the gardens, offering up some exquisite photo ops.

Further south, and popular with students from the nearby university, The Meadows’ huge swathe of green is dotted with Frisbees and footballs and snaked with cycle paths. It even has its own festival in June, so you might have your picnic serenaded by some live music.

Pipe bands and Highland dancing take centre stage at this Edinburgh Castle show, but it’s more than just bagpipes, kilts and military costumes. Parachute displays and performers from over 40 countries impress the crowds, but the event's highlight is a lone piper performing Sleep Dearie Sleep on the castle ramparts. Every performance also features a dazzling firework display over the castle as well as light projections.

The show is around 1.5 hours and you should plan in some extra time for queuing. If you’ve got younger children, there’s an earlier Saturday show to make bedtime easier.

This mammoth 3-week event is one of the world’s largest arts festivals. Book early for big names and check out the grand opener Festival Cavalcade, led by over 150 motorbikes, floats and bands. Theatrical performances, live concerts and a feast of other cultural offerings abound. You’ll be spoiled for choice.

Running alongside are countless other festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where contemporary comedy and edgy theatre take place. From famous stand-up favourites to up and coming new acts, there’s something going on behind every door, it seems. Meanwhile bookworms might want to check out the book festival to hear from their favourite authors.

During August, the West End Fair brings together almost 100 exhibitors selling unique selections of contemporary jewellery, clothes and handicrafts. The Royal Mile is the place to find all things tartan and pick up the best malt whiskies. Browse Stockbridge’s vintage shops for quirky clothes and accessories, and scour the summer sales at Princes Street’s top stores, with late-night shopping on Thursdays.

As you might expect, there’s a host of traditional Scottish crafts, foods and clothing available, great for souvenirs, gifts or just to treat yourself.