Edinburgh
+1Makars Mash Barrestaurant
Royal Mileattraction
+3The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castlepark
Edinburgh is a mad god's dream. | Hugh MacDiarmid
Why visit
May to September brings long northern daylight, mild temperatures, and the city at full tilt. August is festival season, when the Fringe, International Festival, and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo overlap and every venue from cathedral to closet becomes a stage. Climb Arthur's Seat for the view, walk the Royal Mile from castle to palace, and duck into a whisky bar in the Grassmarket as the rain starts.
When to avoid
August accommodation prices triple and book out months ahead. Plan early or visit shoulder-season. Winters are dark (sunset before 4pm in December), wet, and bitterly windy off the Forth. Hogmanay (New Year) crowds are massive. Expect closed central streets and packed pubs. For Edinburgh, avoid widening the route after the day is underway. In Edinburgh, it is usually better to choose a nearby church, market, cafe, gallery, or walk than to cross town for a secondary stop.
