Edinburgh certainly has a lot to offer visitors of every age, and if you are planning to visit the city for a few days this summer to take in the history, culture, and various attractions, you’re in for a treat – and the time of your life. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a fascinating destination – it boasts stunning architecture, a rich and diverse history, and an array of entertainment and cultural options. Summer is an especially exciting time as the city comes alive with festivals and various shows and theatre performances. To add to the thrill, the city has balmy, pleasant weather during the summer! So what are the best ways to spend the summer in Edinburgh? What’s there to do and see in this vibrant city? Let’s find out.

Photo by Jörg Angeli on Unsplash

An important warning!

Before you head out on your Edinburgh adventures, you must first take heed and protect your skin and feet. Exploring Edinburgh can be a lot of hard work, so take special care of your skin and feet. Remember that the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, so prepare for all eventualities by bringing sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Next, before you can begin exploring (and a lot of exploration in Edinburgh is often done on foot!), you should wear comfortable, very supportive shoes – such as sneakers or walking boots – to avoid having sore feet and blisters. This is especially true if you suffer from a fungal nail infection – bring your fungal nail medication with you. 

Also, when you are busy exploring the city, it’s easy to forget to drink water – but staying hydrated is essential. The good news is that Edinburgh’s tap water is safe, so bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the city’s water fountains. Lastly, make sure you take breaks and rest your feet throughout the day.

Explore the Old Town

Now we can finally explore! An excellent place to begin your exploration is Edinburgh’s Old Town. This historic area is home to some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Royal Mile. Take a stroll down the narrow alleyways and streets of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, marvel at the architecture, and discover Edinburgh’s fascinating history.

Enjoy the great outdoors

Needless to say, you will quickly notice that Edinburgh has abundant green spaces, perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. One of the places that is a must-see for every visitor to Scotland is Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with one of the best views overlooking the city. The Royal Botanic Garden is also a must-see, with its incredible collection of plants and flowers from around the world. In addition, the Victorian Palm House within the Garden is impressive, so make sure to take a peek, too.

Attend festivals and events

A visit to Edinburgh isn’t complete without attending a festival or event or two! Edinburgh is renowned for it, and the summer months are the perfect time to catch a festival or event. The Edinburgh International Festival is held every August, and it celebrates music, dance, and theatre. Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is also in August, and it’s the largest arts festival in the world.