During the summer, Edinburgh comes alive with celebrations and activities. There are street entertainers, musicians, and comedians on practically every corner, and the energy is high. The city offers a wide variety of outdoor activities as well. Consequently, let’s examine some of the top summer activities in Edinburgh.
1. Dive headfirst into the bizarre world of the Fringe Festival.
Spontaneity is a hallmark of Edinburgh’s renowned Fringe Festival. The festival, which takes place at several locations throughout the city, features hundreds of shows, including concerts, creative performances, and stand-up comedy.
Plenty of free events are available for you to attend if you want to take advantage of the Fringe without spending a lot of money (many shows cost between £10 and £20). Additionally, there is live street entertainment every single day on the Royal Mile.
You might be able to get some shows for free if you’re in Edinburgh on the first weekend of the Fringe. Since many performances are subject to reviews by critics and journalists the first weekend, many artists offer free tickets to their debut performances in an effort to fill the theater.
2. Be there at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Military bands and dancing schools from several nations come together for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Bagpipe tunes with a unique ethnic flavor are played during each performance.
The performance is held on the castle esplanade, where vibrant lighting and animated projections are displayed on the walls. Fireworks are typically set off at the conclusion of the event, weather permitting. Attempt to purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale because the performance frequently sells out.
3. Visit Portobello Beach and go swimming.
Portobello is a charming coastal community with a series of exquisite Victorian homes facing a significant portion of sandy beach. On a balmy summer day, you can take a leisurely stroll down the promenade or have a refreshing swim in the ocean.
The journey by bus to Portobello from Edinburgh’s city center only takes 20 to 30 minutes. As an alternative, you might travel to Musselburgh, another charming seaside community, and stroll down the waterfront to Portobello Beach.
4. In The Meadows, have a picnic.
A favorite hangout for residents is The Meadows. A picnic or barbecue would be perfect in this lovely park. There are a lot of sunbathers to be seen on hot days. If you’re in Edinburgh during festival time, you can purchase some food from the stalls in nearby George Square and have lunch in The Meadows.
5. The Union Canal while bicycling
Those who prefer to bicycle through Edinburgh’s less popular areas should use the Union Canal trail.
The canal passes by various lovely neighborhoods in Edinburgh, notably Polwarth. You can take a little break in Harrison Park or stop by one of the independent cafés in Fountainbridge to get something to eat.
If you don’t enjoy cycling, you can go for a relaxing nighttime stroll along the canal and snap pictures of the vibrant barges.
6. In South Queensferry, indulge in ice cream.
Visit South Queensferry if you feel the urge to escape away from the chaos of the Fringe. The Forth Bridge, a 19th-century building that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is recognized as an engineering wonder, is located in this lovely town that views out over an estuary.
The town center is home to a number of pastel-colored homes, a few excellent restaurants (try the fish & chips! ), and ice-cream shops with a wide selection of flavors.
7. Sunbathe at Princes Street Gardens
In the summer, people like to lay out in the sun in Princes Street Gardens. The lush slopes are dotted with picnickers, sunbathers, and greedy birds on a beautiful day.
Place yourself in a peaceful corner of the grounds if all you want to do is relax in the summer heat for the afternoon.
West Princes Street Gardens has a charming kiosk and cafe where you can buy delectable ice cream. From here, you can see Ross Fountain, the castle, and other nearby attractions.
8. Eat out in Leith.
The restaurant scene in this less popular area of Edinburgh is growing. On a pleasant summer evening, you may eat outside at one of the eateries along Leith’s waterfront, often known as The Shore.
Leith’s Commercial Quay, a contemporary office and shopping complex, is another fantastic place to eat. A variety of unique cafes, bars, and restaurants with outdoor seating can be found in this neighborhood.
9. Use a kayak or a canoe.
You desire to leave the busy city center. Take a kayaking or canoeing adventure!
Renting a canoe or kayak will allow you to travel the entire length of Glasgow’s Union Canal.
Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge is the starting point of the Union Canal, which travels through some of the city’s most scenic neighborhoods.
10. Visit the botanical garden in the afternoon.
This location resembles a labyrinth and is made up of various landscapes, including the Rock Garden, the Woodland Garden, and the Chinese Hillside. Additionally, the botanic park is home to eleven glasshouses that each contain exotic plants from various climatic regions, such as hot, dry deserts and tropical rainforests.
On a hot summer day, you should go to this location. The glasshouses require a separate admission fee from the garden, which is free to enter. You can relax in a number of lovely locations while reading a book and absorbing some vitamin D.
The Terrace Cafe, which is located on a small hill with breathtaking views of Edinburgh, also serves up a delectable meal.
