Lose yourself in the buzz of Edinburgh in summer, when the Scottish capital is a vibrant hub of theatre, art, music, dance, books and local culture.
From the sounds of bagpipes to impromptu street entertainment, Auld Reekie becomes an around-the-clock celebration of creativity during the summer months.
Explore the top 16 summer activities around Edinburgh and find out how Bright Bus Tours helps you get the most out of your adventure.
Dressing for Summer in Edinburgh
With its moderate oceanic climate, Scotland’s summers experience average highs of around 18°C, dipping to lows of 11°C. Wear thin layers and don’t forget your umbrella to be prepared for sudden weather changes.
The summer months are famous for their extended daylight hours. From June, you can watch the sunrise around 4:30 a.m. from Calton Hill. It is a glorious start to a nearly 17-hour day of exploring Edinburgh’s festivals and treasures.
What to Do in Edinburgh in Summer
Edinburgh summer events are a lively mix of exhibitions, nightlife, food festivals, live music, comedy and cultural celebrations. Here are some of the unmissable things to do throughout the summer months in Edinburgh.
Warm Up to the Capital in June
June marks the gentle start of the festival season in Edinburgh with inclusive community events.
1. Meadows Festival Edinburgh
Held on the first weekend in June, the Meadows Festival is a charming community-run festival. Buy artisanal goods and local street food while listening to diverse musical performances.
2. Pride Edinburgh
Usually staged on the third Saturday in June, Pride Edinburgh brings together over 40,000 attendees for a colourful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Look out for free, family-friendly events taking place throughout Edinburgh, including drag shows and international music acts.
3. Royal Highland Show
Step into rural Scotland without leaving the capital at the Royal Highland Show. Held over three days across 280 acres, this iconic event celebrates Scottish agriculture, food and country life.
Highlights include sheep shearing competitions, showjumping, livestock displays and Scotland’s Larder, where visitors can sample some of the finest local produce.
What’s on in Edinburgh in July
Summer in the city hits its stride with Edinburgh’s July events. Gothic celebrations, jazz rhythms, foodie delights and motoring marvels; it’s all waiting for you.
4. Deadinburgh Festival
Step into the shadows with one of Edinburgh’s unique celebrations of the night, the Deadinburgh Festival. This Goth culture extravaganza features alternative bands, DJ sets, horror cinema, a Gothic market and burlesque performances during the first weekend of the month.
5. Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
In mid-July, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival makes its passionate presence known in over 100 locations for 10 days and nights. It has a proud tradition of celebrating Scottish musicians and creatives that dates back to 1978.
Local talents share the spotlight with international stars, with past performers including big names such as Van Morrison and Mahotella Queens. The event is a beautiful cultural exchange that honours both Scottish musical heritage and global jazz and blues innovations. From saxophone solos echoing through ancient stone buildings to intimate performances in hole-in-the-wall pubs, the festival offers something for every music lover.
6. Edinburgh Food Festival
At the tail end of July, foodies get their ultimate treat as the Edinburgh Food Festival takes over the George Square Gardens. Eat some of the best local dishes and watch demonstrations from renowned chefs who bring their culinary magic to life right before your eyes.
Whether you’re sampling the perfect haggis dish or curious about contemporary Scottish cuisine, the festival is worth a visit.
7. Scottish Festival of Motoring
Immerse yourself in the Scottish motoring scene at one of the biggest motoring events in the country. The Scottish Festival of Motoring features curated exhibitions, live stunt entertainment, passenger experiences and various motor and motorcycle clubs.
Edinburgh’s Busy August Diary
The festival atmosphere of the early summer months comes to a thundering crescendo in August. Physical theatre, opera, visual art, traditional music and world-class performances fill nearly every corner of the city.
8. Edinburgh International Festival
Since 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival has brought the world’s best in dance, opera, music, children’s shows and theatre to Scotland. Set over three weeks in August, it’s a festival for the whole family.
From deep thinkers and social butterflies to curious explorers and romantics who can’t resist the classics, you’ll find something to love in this curated celebration of the arts.
9. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Fringe owes its existence to eight theatre troupes that showed up uninvited to the Edinburgh International Festival in the 1940s. As many other alternative performers followed their bold example, the establishment of the Fringe Society in the 1950s helped formalise the program to some degree.
Totally open-access, this highly influential festival “gives anyone a stage and everyone a seat.” See free circus and street performances on High Street and The Mound, and groundbreaking theatre, cabaret, spoken word, comedy and dance in over 200 venues around the capital.
10. Edinburgh Art Festival
Since blooming to life in 2004, the Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF) has grown into a vibrant platform where diverse artistic voices find their spotlight. At its core, EAF is passionate about showcasing the art world’s emerging talent.
Early-career artists have the space to explore themes such as the complex colonial past and forward-thinking exhibits on environmental activism. You can visit thought-provoking works that dive into gender identity, feminist perspectives and urgent climate concerns. Venues include the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Castle Terrace Car Park, the National Museum and The Collective on Calton Hill.
11. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade sets the scene for the magic and pageantry of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Truly unforgettable, the Royal Tattoo is a quintessential Scottish cultural experience, beloved by locals and visitors alike.
The 90-minute show celebrates British military, Scottish heritage and global cultures with over 1,000 local and international performers. Enjoy a fabulous display of bagpipe music, drums, traditional costumes, pyrotechnics and dance.
12. Edinburgh International Book Festival
As the first UNESCO City of Literature, it’s apt that Edinburgh hosts one of the world’s most prestigious book fairs. Usually in mid-August, the Edinburgh International Book Festival features author talks, workshops, book signings and other literary-themed events.
Summer Highlights Beyond the Festivals
These attractions welcome visitors throughout the year, but a visit during pleasant weather reveals an extra layer of charm.
13. Find the Best Ice Cream in Edinburgh
Creamy ice, tart sorbet and gorgeous gelato spots are scattered around the city. If you want the best ice cream in Edinburgh, here’s a good place to start:
- Mary’s Milk Bar: Hop off at the Bright Bus City Tour Greenmarket stop to indulge in ice cream classics. The retro Mary’s Milk Bar also offers daily new flavours for the adult palette. Sample curious flavours like olive oil and basil, or enjoy a hot chocolate float on chillier days.
- S. Luca Dairy Ice Cream: A family-run company for over 100 years, S. Luca Dairy Ice Cream makes its smooth treats from fresh Scottish double cream and whole milk. They also have vegan ice cream options and tasty sorbets.
- Moo Pie Gelato: This small-batch gelato and soft serve brand is a favourite for its generous portions and dreamy ice cream cookie sandwiches. Just a stone’s throw from the Museum of Childhood, Moo Pie Gelato brings the spirit of the classic summer soft serve into the present.
14. Discover the City’s Soul on Bright Bus Tours
Summer in Edinburgh is too beautiful to miss a thing, which is why Bright Bus Tours offer 360° views from the top level.
Our hop-on-hop-off service will take you right to, or a short walk from, the most important and fascinating summer locations around the capital. Our ambassadors will share stories and information you’re unlikely to hear anywhere else, for a local perspective.
We have two comprehensive tours to make the most of your Edinburgh visit:
Bright Bus City Tour
See the best of Edinburgh city centre and the New Town on our City Tour.
- Duration of journey: 1 hour
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes
- Starting Point: Waterloo Place, or hop on at any of our City Tour stops, such as St Andrew Square
- Ticket Price: Starts at £16
Bright Bus Britannia Tour
Our Britannia Tour is one of the rare tourist bus routes to Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Leith Shore.
- Duration of journey: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Frequency: Every hour
- Starting Point: Waterloo Place, or join at any of our Britannia Tour stops, including The Shore
- Ticket Price: Starts at £16
Explore our various ticket options, like the Two Day, Two Tours, where you get 48 hours aboard our Britannia and city tours for only £20.
15. Decompress at Princes Street Gardens
Need a breather from the festival crowds? Princes Street Gardens is a green oasis right in the heart of Edinburgh. Take a leisurely stroll through these beautiful gardens and admire the famous Floral Clock, an intricate garden timepiece crafted from flowers.
The well-manicured gardens also feature permanent sculpture exhibitions and provide absolutely breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle perched above.
16. Watch Fireworks from Calton Hill
For an unforgettable evening experience, head to Calton Hill to witness spectacular fireworks displays light up Edinburgh’s skyline during festivals and special events. The panoramic views of the city from this vantage point are truly magical.
Unlock seven days of unlimited sightseeing with Bright Bus Tours and see Edinburgh your way! Book our Airport Express Edinburgh Explorer with return tickets on our Airport Express for just £25.
Bright Bus Tours: Edinburgh Summers, Brighter from the Top
Bright Bus Tours offers the most fun you can have on a hop-on, hop-off bus in Edinburgh. Here are just some of the benefits of travelling with us:
- A fun and flexible alternative to public transport and walking
- Plenty of room for bikes, prams, and adventure gear
- Private tour options are available
- Our Airport Express is the quickest, most affordable, and most colourful ride to and from Edinburgh Airport
- Bring your dog along — we’re pet-friendly!
- Little explorers under five ride for free
Watch Edinburgh in summer bloom from the best seat in the city. Book your Bright Bus Tours tickets online today!