There are two sayings in Scotland: ”There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing” and ”If you don’t like Scottish weather, wait 30 minutes.”
Experiencing winter in Edinburgh can be cold- but it’s also magical. It’s true it can be blue skies one minute and pouring down with rain the next. As long as you pack the right clothing for Scottish weather, you’ll have a great time in Edinburgh during winter.
Keeping the dodgy weather in mind, I’ve compiled this list of best things to do in Edinburgh in winter.
>> Read more: The ultimate guide to planning a trip to Scotland
The Best Things to do in Edinburgh in Winter
‘Coorie in’ at a cosy pub
‘Coorie in’ is a Scots phrase meaning “to stoop, bend, cringe, crouch for protection” and “to snuggle, nestle”.
One of my favourite things to do in Edinburgh during winter is find a cosy pub and warm myself up with a dram of whisky!
Some of my personal favourite cosy pubs include The Black Cat, Brewhemia, The World’s End and Deacon Brodies Tavern.
Whisky- perfect for warming you up on the inside!
Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets
The Edinburgh Christmas Markets at Princes Street Gardens is one of my highlights in Edinburgh in December.
Sip on mulled wine [my favourite] at one of the pop-up bars, explore the stalls selling all kinds of Scottish Christmas gifts, and go on a ride such as the Star Flyer!
The Edinburgh Christmas Markets- one of the best things to do in Edinburgh in winter
Christmas Lights at Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens
One of the coolest things to do in winter is to see the Christmas lights in Edinburgh. Each year the Royal Botanic Gardens put on a magical light display.
The Laser Garden and the Cathedral of Light are especially impressive! This is a ticketed event, so make sure you buy your tickets in advance.
Read more: The perfect 2 day Edinburgh itinerary
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle usually tops the list of things to do in Edinburgh and it is worth a visit during any season, but I think it looks especially bonnie with a coating of snow! For the past couple of years it has snowed in Edinburgh during February, so if you’re visiting then you might be in luck.
Grab your skip the line tickets here [it’s cheaper to buy online rather than at the gate!]
National Museum of Scotland
Is the weather cold and miserable outside? Why not discover the history of Scotland and the rest of the world at the National Museum of Scotland. It’s free and has some fascinating displays including the Lewis Chessmen [one of the best archaeological discoveries in Scotland], the Cramond Lioness [a rare Roman sculpture that was found in Edinburgh], and ancient Pictish carvings.
You’ll also get to see Dolly the Sheep, a [noe deceased] stuffed sheep on display that was the first mammal to be cloned!
Read more: My guide to moving to Edinburgh
Celebrate Burns Night
Burns Night happens in the heart of winter in Edinburgh on January 25 each year. There are usually events held around Edinburgh to celebrate the life of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, with a supper, live poetry and whisky! If you struggle to find tickets to an event [they sell out quickly] I recommend heading to a pub and toasting a wee dram to ol’ Rabbie Burns.
There are also virtual events you can join in, from anywhere in the world.
Read more: What is Burns Night? A Quick Guide
Go for afternoon tea in a cute cafe
Bad weather is an excellent excuse to indulge in this favourite Scottish pastime! Cuddle up with a warm cup of tea, a scone and a book in one of Edinburgh’s many cosy cafes. Black Medicine, the cafe at Waterstones and Lovecrumbs are some of my favourites!
If you want to splurge I also recommend having Afternoon Tea at The Witchery by the Castle. It is totally worth the £30. It’s also a great restaurant in Edinburgh for couples.
Afternoon Tea at The Witchery by the Castle
Hogmanay
Edinburgh’s biggest party of the year, Hogmanay, is one of the world’s biggest New Year celebrations!
Whether you attend the Ceilidh Under the Castle or attend the infamous street party, you’re guaranteed to have one of your most memorable New Year experiences ever!
Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh
Camera Obscura And World Of Illusions
This is actually really fun for all ages! Venture through five floors jam-packed with over 100 illusions and discover the best rooftop views of Edinburgh.
The Camera Obscura is located on the top floor, and only accessible by tour [this is included in your ticket]. A Camera Obscura is ‘a darkened box with a convex lens or aperture that projects the image of an external object onto a screen inside’.
Basically, the streets of Edinburgh outside are projected onto a screen in a darkened room. It’s truly fascinating!
You can buy your tickets here.
Indulge In Retail Therapy
Wander down Princes Street in New Town or get your Scotland fix at the touristy shops that line the Royal Mile.
Edinburgh has some great shopping options, especially during December in the lead up to Christmas.
Read More: 50 Travel Tips for Scotland
Cocktails at the Dome
The Dome in Edinburgh really knows how to celebrate winter in style! The bar and restaurant transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of fairy lights from late October until early January.
Make sure you stop by to try their delicious cocktails.
The Dome with its sparkly winter coat
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse (also known as Holyrood Palace) is the official Scottish residence of the Queen. She stays here for a week each June, but whenever she isn’t visiting the palace is open to the public!
It was once the primary residence of Mary Queen of Scots. It was also the site where her private secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered by her husband, Lord Darnley (which ultimately led to his undoing). You can even view the room where he was stabbed to death 57 times [eerie, yet interesting].
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