How to Spend A Rainy Day in Edinburgh, Scotland
Everything you need to know about what do to when it rains in Edinburgh. Don’t let the rain ruin your vacation plans!
Circus Lane
If there’s one thing you can count on in Edinburgh, it’s the rain. No matter the time of year, you can almost count on getting wet during your visit - but that doesn’t mean you need to be stuck inside your hotel wasting precious vacation time (unless of course that’s where you’d like to be - you do you!).
This guide will outline activities that are indoors and can easily fill a rainy day along with my best tips for what to pack. My best advice is to just embrace the rain and go prepared to get wet, it’s part of the magic and charm of Scotland after all.
How to Prepare for a Potentially Rainy Scotland Vacation
Having a great vacation in Scotland starts by preparing before you leave home. As you prepare for your trip, be sure to pack gear that in my opinion is non-negotiable for any trip to Scotland. Your list should include:
Waterproof rain coat, with a hood.
Waterproof boots or shoes, I personally love a pair of Blundstones for this as they can be dressed up or down, plus they are great for doing a ton of walking (we averaged over 30K steps a day on our last visit).
For those looking to blend in a bit, a pair of classic black Wellington boots are another great option.
For those traveling in colder months, I recommend also including:
Base layers - ideally a merino wool or synthetic blend that is good at wicking moisture.
Warm Hat
Warm Gloves
You’re probably wondering why there’s no umbrella listed here. And, I’ve left it off for a specific reason!
Edinburgh can be very windy at times making umbrellas obsolete. In fact, I’ve had more than one umbrella find their way into the bin thanks to the wind just completely destroying it. Take one if you like, but just not one you’re too attached to as it may not make it home.
Finally, pack your patience and flexibility! Weather and therefore plans can change quickly in Scotland.
Things To Do When It Rains in Edinburgh:
There’s one thing all of these attractions have in common - they are all predominately indoors.
Old Town, Edinburgh
Victoria Street in the rain
Edinburgh Castle
Perched atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress dominates the Edinburgh skyline. Truly - you can see it from many parts of the city.
Even if you don’t go inside, be sure to at least visit the esplanade - the views from here are absolutely stunning. Self-guided as well as guided tours are available if you’d like to explore inside the castle walls. Some of the highlights include Scotland’s crown jewels and the 1 o’clock gun. While you will have to take a short walk outside as you venture from building to building, the majority of artifacts and sights at Edinburgh Castle are indoors.
Real Mary King’s Close
What lies beneath the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town is the hidden history of Edinburgh’s dark past. An underground matrix of hidden closes where people lived, worked and died. Real Mary King’s Close disappeared from view in the 1800’s but you can explore it with family-friendly guided tours for a glimpse into Edinburgh’s past. As it’s located underground, you won’t find rain showers here.
Writers Museum, Edinburgh
Writers’ Museum
Located on the Royal Mile, tucked into the Lady Stairs Close is the Edinburgh Writers’ Museum. The museum features artifacts, personal objects, manuscripts and portraits celebrating the lives and works of famed Scottish authors like Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. Entry to the museum is free.
Holyrood Palace
The Palace of Holyroodhouse sits at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, and has served in this capacity since the 16th century. The palace has historical significance and association with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures including Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
The palace welcomes visitors year-round, except when the Royal family is in residence. Visitors can learn how the it is used today by The King for official engagements in Scotland as well as more about its place in Scottish history.
St. Giles Cathedral
Founded in 1124 by King David I, St. Giles Cathedral has been a working church for over 900 years. The current building was constructed in the 14th century with alterations and additions taking place centuries later - including the addition of the Thistle Chapel in the 20th century.
The church became Protestant in 1559, when the foremost figure of the Scottish Reformation, John Knox became minister. Today, visitors can visit the cathedral, which offers complimentary walking tours at 10:30 am & 2:30 pm daily (reservations recommended).
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Located on towards the top of the Royal Mile, is Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Originally opened as the ‘Popular Observatory’ in its current location in 1853, the Camera Obscura has been wowing Edinburgh visitors and residents for over a century. With five floors and over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits, there is something for everyone here.
What is a Camera Obscura and how does it work? It is part pinhole camera, part periscope. A metal tube pass through the ceiling and roof of the tower above into the open air. Outside, it’s covered by a protective hood with a tiny window in one side, letting in daylight. Once the light rays enter the tube, they hit a mirror that beams downwards to a set of three lenses. These lenses focus a stunning image of Edinburgh onto a viewing table.
Scotch Whisky Experience
One cannot visit Scotland without partaking in a wee dram. Is this a tourist attraction, honestly yes. But, if you don’t have time or ability to venture out of Edinburgh to visit a distillery, the Scotch Whisky Experience on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is a good crash course in all things Scotch. The attraction includes a guided tour of the art of whisky making plus a nosing and tasting of Scotch amidst one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland houses multiple galleries and thousands of objects ranging from the natural world, science & technology , Scottish history and fashion. The most memorable display to me was the opportunity to see the infamously cloned Dolly the sheep. With a sprawling campus, you could easily spend an entire day at this museum.
The museum is free and Open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
New Town, Edinburgh
Galleries
Edinburgh is home to several art galleries spread throughout New Town including:
The National Galleries of Scotland are spread across three locations:
‘The Mound’ - This gallery features the National collection including European masterpieces & Scottish works, with seasonal exhibitions.
Modern 1 & 2 - These galleries feature a modern art collection from Miro to Hockney, alongside new exhibitions, a sculpture park and cafe.
The Royal Scottish Academy - Founded in 1826, and located on ‘The Mound,’ The Royal Scottish Academy supports art and architecture in Scotland. Their collections contain some of the best works by Scottish artists and architects.
Jonny Walker Experience
Located on Princes Street in Edinburgh’s New Town, step into an immersive whisky experience at Johnnie Walker. The Signature Experience includes interactive projections, live performances and custom tastings to match your flavor profile.
Purchase tickets in advance here.
Other Areas of Edinburgh
Royal Yacht Britannia
Her Majesty’s Yacht, Brittania was in service from 1954 to 1997, sailing over one million nautical miles in that time. Now retired from royal service, Britannia is permanently docked in Leith, Edinburgh. Visitors today can explore the yacht’s five decks and learn about this history of Royal Yachts dating back to 1660.
The Yacht is open daily, for more information on hours and tickets click here.
Grab A Pint or Cuppa
No matter what area of Edinburgh you find yourself in, you’re just a stones throw from a pub. Some of the pubs are older than the USA and have incredible architecture that makes them worth checking out regardless. I love watching them pump the old school taps, but my go-to order is a Strongbow Black (Strongbow with black current juice).
If you aren’t into alcohol, Edinburgh has plenty of cozy coffee shops that have the most picturesque windows where you can sit and watch the rainy day go by. The 2nd floor of the Waterstones on Princes Street or either of the Milkman locations are my top picks.
About Edinburgh, Scotland
The Location:
Edinburgh is located along the Firth of Forth on the eastern side of Scotland. It is about 7.5 hours north of London by car.
The Weather:
Edinburgh has a temperate maritime climate thanks in part to its proximity to the North Sea. It is a common misconception that it is perpetually rainy - averaging only about 27 in annually (compared to Seattle’s 37 in annually). Visitors can expect long summer days and winters with shorter daylight periods.
Winter (December - February): Temperatures are often in the mid-30’s (F), this time of year sees more frequent rainfall with occasional snow. The days are short, with the sun rising as late as 8:30 a.m. and setting as early as 4 p.m.
Spring (March - May): Temperatures are more mild but certainly not hot in the spring in Edinburgh. Daytime highs can range from the low 40’s to mid-50’s this time of year.
Summer (June - August): The average daytime temperatures for summer in Edinburgh are in the mid-60’s. The days are also much longer - sunrise can be as early as 4:30 a.m. and sunset at 9:30 p.m.or later.
Fall (September - November): Fall temperatures are often in the mid-50’s in Edinburgh. The days start to become longer and the wind begins to pick up as you head into the winter months.
Edinburgh’s History:
While there is evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times in Edinburgh, the city was officially grated its status of a royal burgh by King David I in the early 12th century. During this time, the first stone structures of what is now Edinburgh Castle, including St. Mary’s Chapel, were constructed atop “Castle Rock.” From there the town spread down the hill in what is now lovingly referred to at “Old Town.” It is here that you will notice architecture that characterizes the medieval time period in which it was built (the 1400-1500’s).
In the 15th century, Edinburgh became home to the primary royal residence and the site of Scotland’s Parliament - solidifying its place as the capital of Scotland. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city saw much growth leading to over crowding and grisly living conditions, earning it the nickname ‘Auld Reekie.’ It was in the 1700s that the city expanded across what is now referred to as ‘Princes St. Gardens’ into “New Town,” characterized by its Georgian architecture and grid structure - influencing European urban planning.
Today, both Old Town & New Town are listed at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Famous Residents of Past & Present:
Edinburgh has a literary tradition, leading to its designation as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2004. Some notable authors include:
Sir Walter Scott (Rob Roy, Ivanhoe)
Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes)
Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting)
Ian Rankin (Inspector Rebus)
JK Rowling (Harry Potter)
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Treat yourself with one of these luxury accommodations:
💸 💸 💸 100 Princes Street
💸 💸 💸 Virgin Hotel Edinburgh
💸 💸 💸 The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh
Edinburgh doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget options, hostels like Kickass Greyfriars are a great option.
💸 Kickass Greyfriars - My experience at Kickass Greyfriars was one of the best of all the hostels I stayed in across Europe. Accommodations were top notch (I selected a quad room), it is centrally located in Old Town, and they host weekly events - perfect for travelers looking to make new friends on their adventures.
How to Get to Edinburgh
Flying into Edinburgh:
The closest airport to Edinburgh is…. Edinburgh Airport (EDI). It is located in the Ingliston area of Edinburgh about a 20 minute drive from the main city center. This international airport has several direct flights available to/from the United States as well as major airports throughout Europe.
Airport Transfers:
🚋 By Tram: Trams are one of the easiest ways to get to Edinburgh’s city center. They depart every 7 minutes between the hours of 7am - 7 p.m. The journey to the City Center (Waverley Station) takes about 30 minutes. Tickets can be pre-purchased online or at the airport before boarding. There are several stops along the route that may be closer to your lodging - be sure to check the route map in advance to select the stop that best fits your needs.
🚌 By Bus: Bus services are available to Edinburgh as well as other cities throughout Scotland. Utilize the Airlink 100 route or Airport Express services for the most efficient routes into Edinburgh’s City Center. For a more affordable option, though less efficient, take the 17 or 18 Lothian Bus to reach the city center - expect this option to take about an hour or more. More information on bus routes and options can be found here.
🚕 By taxi: The taxi rank can be foudn in the East Terminus near the arrivals area. You can make a booking online in advance or upon your arrival at the rank. Fares are set by the City of Edinburgh council and apply to all taxis that operate at the airport. A copy of the fare table can be found here.
Arriving to Edinburgh by Train:
Edinburgh is easily accessible by train from other areas of the UK including London, Glasgow and Manchester to name a few. If you are looking for a truly unique experience, consider booking a ticket on the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Edinburgh. Most trains will stop at Edinburgh Waverley station located in the heart of the city center. From there you can walk, take a taxi or bus to your accommodations.
Getting Around Edinburgh:
Do you need a rental car in Edinburgh? Honestly, no - probably not. The only reason to rent a car is if you plan to explore beyond the city up into the Highlands or other areas of Scotland.
Edinburgh is very walkable, if you’re up for climbing some hills. If you prefer to take a ride, there is abundant public transportation including a robust bus system that can get you most anywhere. Taxi’s are also very easy to find in Edinburgh and reasonably priced. Was it even a proper trip to the UK if you didn’t take a ride in a classic black cab?
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Hi, I’m Jess
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