The 7 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh in Winter

Edinburgh is the second-most visited city in the UK, just behind London. The Scottish capital is known for its rich history, old-world charm, and spectacular scenery. And it's during the winter months that Edinburgh really comes alive. Home to one of the UK’s best Christmas Markets, Edinburgh is the place to be when the nights draw in and the days get colder. Here are the 7 best things to do in Edinburgh in winter.

What Can I Do in Edinburgh in Winter?

1. Edinburgh Christmas Markets

The best place to start planning a winter trip to Edinburgh is by making sure to visit the city’s iconic Christmas markets.

Often cited as the best in Scotland and even the best in the UK, Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are found along the city’s famous Princes Street and Prince’s Street Gardens.

The Bavarian-style stalls showcase the multicultural side of the Christmas markets, with stallholders coming from as far afield as Japan and Peru to sell their wares, whether that’s handmade crafts or traditional food.

The markets can get busy – particularly in the week leading up to Christmas – but they are open from 15th November to 4th January for the 2025/26 season, giving you plenty of time to go and visit them to see what they’re all about.

If you fancy getting into the festive spirit early and avoiding the crowds, we recommend visiting either in November or after Christmas Day.

2. Explore the Old Town

Edinburgh’s Old Town is glorious at any time of the year, but in the winter months, the charm of the medieval streets really comes alive.

The Old Town’s streets have lined the Scottish capital since the 7th century, and have remained largely unchanged since at least the 12th century. Their narrow structure and winding routes give the streets an almost Dickensian feel, as if you’ve stepped right into Oliver Twist – or, to keep with the winter theme, A Christmas Carol.

The Old Town’s streets are lined with restaurants and pubs, many of which are hundreds of years old, so if history’s your thing, step out of the biting Edinburgh winter cold and into a warm pub with an even warmer atmosphere for a wee dram or a pint of local ale.

Wood-burning stoves are present in almost every pub in the Old Town, which adds to the aesthetic and the atmosphere, making a visit to this part of the city essential for any winter trip.

3. Eat and Drink at The Dome

Going from a charming Old Town walk to a more luxurious experience, eating and drinking at The Dome is a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience in Edinburgh during the winter months.

The Dome, on George Street, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and during the winter months, the pillars outside are lit up, which gives it a festive and warming feel to the building. The festive decor returns to The Dome this year from 20th October until 11th January, making it the ideal place to get those Instagram-perfect shots if you’re planning on visiting this winter.

Inside, you’ll be seated under the building's namesake, an incredible circular dome, while you choose from one of the exquisite menus. Whether you fancy a winter warmer gourmet style like the Scottish classic haggis, neeps and tatties or simply your favourite winter cocktail under the lights and glitz of The Dome, the choice is yours.

The afternoon teas are also a popular choice, and a great way to escape the cold during the late afternoon, especially when you can include a glass of champagne with your tea for a little extra per person.

4. A Day at Edinburgh Zoo

Who doesn’t enjoy a day at the zoo? And with over 2,500 animals, it’s a great way to spend a day in Edinburgh during the winter months.

While most people shy away from outdoor activities, the zoo is the perfect place to be on a winter’s day. Fewer crowds mean a better chance to see the animals, and quieter days make it easier to find your way around the zoo, too.

With animals such as alpacas, Japanese macacques, penguins, wild horses and wildcats which thrive in cold climates, winter is the perfect time to see these animals outdoors in their enclosures.

Plus, many of the enclosures for animals who need warmer habitats, such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, giraffes, reptiles and more have indoor areas where they can be viewed in the warmth of their heated enclosures, offering an up-close and personal experience that just isn’t possible in the summer months.

With numerous sustainability initiatives, each donation received as part of the ticket price at Edinburgh Zoo goes towards saving wildlife habitats across the globe – so if that’s your priority, it’s worth visiting for that alone.

5. Visit Edinburgh Castle

Over 900 years old, Edinburgh Castle is arguably Edinburgh’s most famous landmark. 

Standing proudly at the end of the Royal Mile, the views from the castle’s ramparts are outstanding, and you can see a 360° view of the city from the top.

Aside from the view of snow-covered hills and buildings from the castle, it’s what’s inside that makes it an excellent place to visit in winter. Think a traditional roaring fire in the great hall, the Stone of Scone (which was used to crown Scottish monarchs) and a warming atmosphere inside – the perfect place to escape the cold and learn about the history of Scotland inside one of the country’s best-preserved castles.

Plus, on your way up to Edinburgh Castle, there are lots of cosy pubs on the way, and if it’s particularly windy, you might find yourself accidentally blown into one for a swift pint by the fire!

6. The Botanical Gardens

For those who prefer outdoor activities, even during the winter months, a visit to The Botanical Gardens is a must.

And it’s not just a daytime activity, either – at nighttime, the gardens are brightly illuminated, making them the perfect place to stroll around in the late afternoon or evening with a loved one.

Every winter (this year between 20th November and 30th December), an event known as ‘Christmas at the Botanics’ is held at The Botanical Gardens, where they are lined with Christmas lights and every night, Santa Claus is there to greet any families with small children.

This is a superb family-friendly activity under the lights of the Botanics, and one that your children will cherish forever.

7. Take a Hike up Arthur’s Seat

On the outskirts of Edinburgh, a city built on hills, is the Scottish capital’s most famous hill: Arthur’s Seat.

The hill (an inactive volcano) stands at 521m above sea level and can be a challenging hike in wintry conditions, but it is worth every step. It offers incredible panoramic views over the city and Holyrood Park below, as well as a unique angle of Edinburgh Castle.

If you are planning on hiking up Arthur’s Seat this winter, make sure to pack the right gear, including lots of carb-heavy snacks, water, suitable clothing and boots, and make sure that you go with someone or with a tour group.

The walk down is thankfully much easier, and it gives you a great opportunity to take in the sprawling city below, and plan exactly where you’ll be stopping for a post-walk pint or a steaming hot chocolate to warm you up after your walk.