Edinburgh Summer Bucket List
There’s something so magical about summer in Edinburgh. The days are longer (it doesn’t get dark until 11pm!) and everyone’s excited to soak in any bit of sunshine they can get. Whether you’re visiting for the summer festivals or exploring the city for the first time, I hope these activities give you some ideas for how to spend your summer in Edinburgh.
If you need any other recommendations I offer a map of all my favorite spots in the city and personalized travel itineraries. I also have a packing checklist for summer in Edinburgh to help you plan for your visit.
Picnic in Princes Street Gardens
Summer is the best time to enjoy all of the amazing green spaces in Edinburgh - the picturesque Princes Street Gardens is one of my favorites. For lunch, stop at the Victor Hugo Deli on George Street to pick up a delicious croissant sandwich or grab ice cream from Mary’s Milk Bar to enjoy in the gardens.
Catch a sunset on Calton Hill
In my opinion, Calton Hill is the best spot in the city to watch the sunset because you get so many different perspectives of the city. You can see across the Firth of Forth, spot hikers on Arthur’s Seat, and watch Princes Street light up with Edinburgh Castle looming above.
Visit Lauriston Castle
Take a quick bus journey from the city center to explore the beautiful Lauriston Castle. Perched above Silverknowes Beach, this is such a relaxing getaway that feels like being transported right into a fairytale. This would be the perfect place to spend a summer day taking in the sea views, enchanting gardens, and beautiful architecture.
The grounds are free to enter and they offer guided tours in the afternoon. There is also an adorable onsite bakery.
Plan a beach day
There are several gorgeous beaches that are just a bus or train ride away from Edinburgh. My favorite is North Berwick, a quaint seaside town with a lovely sandy beach. It’s such an easy day trip - you can go from the bustling city to lounging in the sun listening to the waves crashing in just under an hour. The town has plenty of cafes and shops so if the weather takes a turn, you can always take cover and get a coffee while you wait for the sun to come back out.
Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are beautiful year-round, but the vibrant blooms in the summer are truly spectacular. A quick walk from Stockbridge, the gardens are the perfect place for a wander on a sunny day.
Explore Holyrood Park
Many people put climbing Arthur’s Seat at the top of their Edinburgh bucket list, but it’s quite a strenuous walk that might not be for everyone. However, Holyrood Park is so beautiful, that it’s still worth exploring even if you’re not up to the bigger hikes.
The walk around St. Margaret’s Loch is stunning with swans and views of Arthur’s Seat and the ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel in the background. The walk towards Duddingston is also very scenic and you can visit the oldest pub in Scotland while you’re there!
If you’re still looking to get views of the city and do a bit of hiking, my favorite path is to start at St. Margaret’s Loch and walk along Queen’s Drive until you get to Dunsapie Loch. From there, climb up the grassy hills until you can see the city below. I find this route a lot easier to navigate and you still get great views and a decent workout. There’s also usually an ice cream van near Dunsapie Loch which is the ultimate post-hike treat!
Befriend a Highland Cow at Swanston Farm
If you’re just as obsessed with Highland cows as I am, but don’t have time to visit the Highlands during your visit, Swanston Farm is a great option for seeing a few adorable coos in Edinburgh. A short bus ride from Morningside, the farm is at the foot of the Pentland Hills and has gorgeous natural scenery and views of the city . There are cows in a field near the entrance, but you can also venture up into the hills to spot the free-roaming herds.
Swanston Farm has a brasserie where you can enjoy a meal after your time with the cows - I highly recommend going in the morning for their delicious breakfast!
