Photos from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – one of the most special events and festivals in Edinburgh, Scotland – a reminder of what is special about the city and our world
Edinburgh
Travel blogs, photos and stories from one of the world’s prettiest cities, Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city.
Edinburgh Travel Guide
The ultimate guide to the best things to do and see in Edinburgh
Home to the picturesque Edinburgh Castle (as well as a beautiful Old Town), many famous festivals (including the Edinburgh Fringe each August) and hundreds of creative and independent shops, Scotland’s capital is one of Europe’s coolest cities. Start here with my basic Edinburgh travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest Edinburgh travel blogs.
When to Visit
Edinburgh gets busy at all times of year, though January and February are perhaps the quietest months to visit. That said, they are also the coldest!
In August, Edinburgh gets incredibly busy with the international Fringe festival, so make sure to book ahead if visiting then, but the energy is incredible and the weather shows off the best of the city at that time.
New Year’s (locally known as Hogmanay) is also a great time to visit to experience some traditional Scottish cheer!
Top Things To Do
Climb Arthur’s Seat – Just on the edge of downtown Edinburgh in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano that’s an easy climb to get great views of the city’s modest skyline.
Go shopping on Victoria Street – This street in central Edinburgh is full of cool independent boutiques selling everything from cool fashion, stationary and books, homewares and of course whiskey!
Visit the Camera Obscura – This weird and wacky museum of visual illusions right next to Edinburgh Castle houses a really cool (and pretty old!) Victorian camera obscura – a kind of low tech projector – that shows a live image of the city’s skyline in a interesting way.
Edinburgh Tours
Although it’s a relatively small city, taking a tour around Edinburgh will save you time and get you in to some areas of the city you might otherwise overlook, so it’s definitely worth you time to consider one.
LGBTQ – Gay Edinburgh Travel Guide
As the capital of Scotland, and one of the most progressive parts of the UK, Edinburgh is a very welcoming place to LGBTQ travelers, with a thriving scene. These are a few of the best things you should know about visiting gay Edinburgh.
The Street – This modern gay bar and restaurant is slick but welcoming. They host quiz nights, as well as visiting DJs and have a pretty sweet nightclub space in the basement, while upstairs is a restaurant with changing menu of international food.
CC Blooms – If cabaret is your thing, this is the place in town for you! It’s a buzzing gay bar and club spread over two floors and with cool music.
Edinburgh Pride – Annually in June, the streets of Edinburgh are taken over by pride, a colorful and lively event involving the whole community.
More gay travel resources here.
Edinburgh Hotel Deals
Edinburgh has plenty of cool and quirky hotels, as well as all the big chains you’d expect. They’ll likely get full when there’s a conference or special event in town, so definitely consider booking in advance.
Follow @travelsofadam on Instagram for more travel tips!
Edinburgh Travel Blogs
5 great cities in Europe for young travelers – these are budget-friendly destinations that make for great trips and first-time European travelers
February is traditionally the UK’s LGBT History Month. Over the past few years as LGBT individuals have gained more and more equal rights, there’s been a shift in traditional gay culture. And more of an understanding of what it’s like to be gay. “Being gay” is a diverse and uncommon trait, and with more discussion …
Review of the contemporary dance group from New Zealand, Okareka Dance Company’s K’RD STRIP — queer Maori & Kiwi stories told through contemporary dance
Review of the gender-bending, Czech contemporary dance performance ‘Boys Who Like to Play With Dolls’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – to be human
At the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Review of Trans Scripts, a compelling and award-winning performance that centers around the lives of six trans women
Review of the Stay Central Hotel in Edinburgh. Located near the Grassmarket (in Cowgate), this is one of Edinburgh’s prettiest little hotels!
Photos from New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh at the Hogmanay street party – live music, lots of fireworks and a lot of fun!