Welcome to No Fuss Travel Guides!
12 January 2024
No Comments
A lot of fuss is made about Edinburgh as a great city to visit in the summer, largely thanks to its vibrant festivals. The immensely popular Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August has played a huge part in introducing some brilliant comedians to the stage – and turning them into household names!
However, Edinburgh is also the perfect destination for a magical winter break! From mid-November to early January, the city is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland. During this time, you can expect to see twinkling fairy lights, festive markets, an ice rink, and much more! If you’re staying over the New Year, you can join in the city’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations, featuring street parties, concerts, and dazzling fireworks!
Aside from all the festivities, there’s plenty of other good reasons to take a winter trip to this magnificent city. We’ve cherry-picked some of the best things to do in Edinburgh this winter to ensure your city break is one you’ll remember.
Along the way, you’ll discover why Edinburgh is one of the most captivating cities in Europe. Beautiful architecture, cobbled streets, a rich and fascinating history – Edinburgh has got it all!
One of the great things about Edinburgh is the fact it’s quite compact. This means it’s easy to roam around the city and discover loads of different gems. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you need to rest your legs, simply hop on a bus or take the tram!
Edinburgh has plenty of choice depending on your budget. New Town and the West End areas of the city offer plenty of upmarket options, while you’ll find more affordable hotels, hostels and self-catering apartments in the Old Town and Southside areas.
If it’s your first time visiting Edinburgh, you can’t really go wrong with the Old Town as your base. It’s the beating heart of the city, full of historic charm, making it a great place to stay while you’re ticking off your list of the best things to do in Edinburgh!
Decent hotel options in this area include Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel, handily located just below Edinburgh Castle! Meanwhile, Market Street Hotel offers stylish rooms and a Champagne bar where you can enjoy stunning views of the city. Another option to consider is the historic Hilton Edinburgh Carlton. Located just a short walk from the Royal Mail, it’s a convenient base from which to explore.Â
There’s a whole host of eateries in Edinburgh, catering for all tastes. If you’re in the Old Town area, there’s some wonderfully warming comfort food – including vegan options – at Makars Mash Bar! Other casual eateries in this area include The Piper’s Rest, 3 Blind Mice Pizza, and Oink Victoria Street. Meanwhile, locals love The Last Drop for hearty pub grub! And if you fancy some fine dining, visit The Witchery by the Castle Restaurant or book a table at the Michelin-starred Timberyard.
Edinburgh Castle
Did you really think you could visit Edinburgh and not put the castle on your to-do list? Think again! The magnificent castle is easily one of the most iconic tourist attractions you’ll find in Edinburgh. The 11th century fortress, situated high above the city, is one of Europe’s oldest sites. It also offers amazing panoramic views of the city. In the evenings during winter, the attraction features illuminated displays for the annual Castle of Light show.
Princes Street Gardens
This beautiful 37-acre park dates back to 1820 and separates Edinburgh’s Old Town from the New Town. While it’s a great picnic spot in the summer, with excellent views of the castle, you won’t want to miss this in the winter either. From mid-November, it becomes a sparkling winter wonderland! The gardens are transformed with festive markets, an ice rink, fun fair, big wheel, and more! Put simply, it’s the perfect place to soak up some Christmas cheer.
The Royal Mile
Let’s face it, no trip to Edinburgh is complete without a walk down the historic Royal Mile. The cobbled street is packed with character and some of Edinburgh’s finest landmarks. It stretches from the castle to the stunning Palace of Holyroodhouse. Enjoy a spot of shopping along the way and you’ll also find some of the city’s best pubs.
The Real Mary King’s Close
Get ready to step back in time for an underground adventure! Join this awe-inspiring history tour and discover the hidden alleyways of Old Town. You’ll be whisked back to the 17th century as you explore this well-preserved historical site, learning the stories of the people who lived and worked in this area. However, these history tours are super popular and get booked up quickly, so don’t miss out!
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
There’s plenty of fun for all the family here! Prepare for some mind-blowing optical illusions that will leave your head spinning! Take a trip through a five-floor interactive maze with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Additionally, there’s a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city.
Museum on the Mound
It’s all about the money at this museum! However, it won’t cost you a penny to visit. That’s right, this is a free museum which delves deep into the story of money in Scotland. You’ll be able to see cash up close – from Scotland’s oldest banknote, to a cool £1 million!
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
This is the King’s official residence, found right at the bottom of the Royal Mile, and is every bit as grand as you’d expect. The palace has a rich history, with parts dating back to the 12th century. Everyone from Mary, Queen of Scots to Bonnie Prince Charlie have walked these halls, so it’s a must for history buffs!
Dynamic Earth
This science centre is a fantastic place to visit if you’re interested in the natural world – from the darkest depths of the ocean to outer space! We recommend the planetarium, which offers a fascinating opportunity to experience the wonders of the universe.
Museum of Edinburgh
Found along the Royal Mile, this free-to-enter museum should be on your to-do list. A great indoor attraction on a cold and wintry day! Here, you can discover centuries of history from Edinburgh. There are loads of artefacts and exhibits from the First World War and you’ll also find the National Covenant of 1638, which led to civil war.
Holyrood Park
If the weather is not too unkind, you’ll love exploring this 650-acre landscape of hills, cliffs and crags. There are stunning views in every direction. Additionally, you can admire the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat, which marks the highest point of the park.
The National Museum of Scotland
This is one of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions and is free to enter. You’ll be able to discover the history of Scotland as well as an array of fascinating exhibits from other cultures. Art and design, science and nature, it’s all here – even Dolly the Sheep!
Calton Hill
For fabulous views of Edinburgh, the short but steep walk up Calton Hill is well worth it. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, only a stone’s throw from the city centre. Along the way, you’ll discover the National Monument and the Nelson Monument. Take your camera with you to get some panoramic photos of the city!
The Chocolatarium
We conclude our list of the best things to do in Edinburgh with something sweet! This 90-minute interactive tour is an absolute must for chocoholics. You can even try making your own chocolate treat! It’s a popular activity so we recommend checking ahead to book your spot.
We hope our list of the best things to do in Edinburgh in winter has given you some inspiration. Of course, there are many more things to see and do in this wonderful city. Check out The No Fuss Guide to Edinburgh here – it’s packed with must-see attractions, tips and tricks to ensure you get the best out of your city break!
