Visiting Edinburgh in autumn is a magical experience! The city brightens up with the changing colours of the season, and the crisp air adds a sense of coziness to your experience. Here are some reasons to visit, and top activities to enjoy during autumn in Edinburgh:
Why Visit Edinburgh in Autumn:
- Autumnal Beauty: Edinburgh’s historic architecture, from its medieval Old Town to its Georgian New Town, is stunning year-round, but in autumn, the city becomes even more picturesque. The parks and gardens are covered with orange, gold, and crimson foliage. Walking around the city feels like stepping into a beautiful painting.
- Fewer Crowds: After the busy summer season, Edinburgh is way quieter in autumn. This means you can explore the city’s attractions more comfortably, without battling large crowds. I deliberately choose where I go on my travels based on the number of people I know will be there at any given time. Less people = way more enjoyable!
- Cosy Atmosphere: Edinburgh’s cozy cafes and traditional pubs take on a special charm in autumn. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a warm drink or a hearty Scottish meal by a crackling fire after a day of exploring. I absolutely loved going into the pubs for a filling meal and warming up by the fire!
4. Cultural Events: While the summer festivals may be over, autumn brings a range of smaller, yet still exciting, cultural events. These include literature festivals, art exhibitions, theater performances, and Halloween celebrations. You can still find many things to do in the city. This website has up to date information about events that you may find useful.
Visiting Edinburgh in Autumn
Beware: THE WEATHER. One of the biggest charms of visiting Edinburgh in Autumn is experiencing the rainy and gloomy mood of the city. As a photographer, it massively adds to the effect of a good photo! However, if you’re not a photographer and don’t want to take some very cool shots around the city, be prepared for rainy days! Funnily enough, when my friend and I went there, we got mostly blue skies which we didn’t actually want lol! Take a waterproof jacket, boots and an umbrella – you will most likely need them.
Things to Do in Edinburgh in Autumn:
1. Explore the Royal Botanic Garden:
The Royal Botanic Garden is breathtaking in autumn. You can wander around the vibrant autumnal foliage, especially in the Woodland Garden and Arboretum. You can also see the autumn trees such as maples and beeches.
2. Stroll Through Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat:
Take a walk up to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that offers incredible panoramic views of the city. In autumn, the surrounding Holyrood Park becomes golden, with many falling autumn leaves, making it even more enchanting.
For more free activities to do in Edinburgh, see here.
3. Walk the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. In autumn, the cobbled streets and historic buildings take on a dramatic, moody atmosphere. Be sure to stop by a cozy cafe and browse the many shops along the way.
4. Attend the Samhuinn Fire Festival
Celebrate Halloween the Celtic way by attending the Samhuinn Fire Festival, usually held on October 31st. It’s a lively spectacle featuring fire performances, drumming, and costumes, all celebrating the ancient tradition of Samhuinn (the Gaelic precursor to Halloween)
5. Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard
In autumn visiting the Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard is a must for a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. There are many colorful leaves scattered among old tombstones and misty air adding to the mystique. It’s famous for a few reasons, including the loyal dog Greyfriars Bobby, eerie ghost stories like the Mackenzie Poltergeist, and historical graves that inspired Harry Potter. This graveyard is perfect for an autumn stroll or ghost tour. The season’s crisp air and early evenings make it an ideal time to explore this iconic Edinburgh site.
Visiting Edinburgh in Autumn
6. Take a Ghost Tour
Edinburgh is known for its spooky past, and in autumn, with its darker evenings, is the perfect time to explore the city’s haunted side. Join a ghost tour that delves into the eerie underground vaults and old cemeteries!
7. Explore Edinburgh’s Festivals
Autumn is full of cultural events like the Edinburgh Art Fair, which showcases contemporary art from Scotland and beyond, and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, which celebrates the power of storytelling through various performances and workshops.
8. Tour Edinburgh Castle
No visit to Edinburgh is complete without exploring Edinburgh Castle. In autumn, the castle’s rugged appearance is complemented by the changing leaves and misty mornings, creating a mystical ambiance.
Visiting Edinburgh in Autumn
9. Visit the National Museum of Scotland
When the autumn weather gets chilly, you can escape indoors to the National Museum of Scotland. This fascinating museum offers everything from natural history exhibits to Scottish history and culture.
10. Enjoy Scottish Comfort Food
With the cool autumnal air, it’s the perfect time to indulge in classic Scottish comfort food. Try warming dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties, Cullen skink (a rich Scottish soup), or a hearty steak pie. Pair it with a dram of whisky to truly embrace the season! My favourite are the steak pies that come with chips and gravy!
11. Discover Dean Village
Dean Village is a tranquil, scenic area along the Water of Leith, just a short walk from the city center. In autumn, the village’s leafy surroundings turn golden, making it perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Autumn is also an ideal time to take day trips from Edinburgh. The surrounding countryside, such as the Pentland Hills and the Scottish Highlands, are stunning in autumn and perfect for hiking or scenic drives. Here I have written a post about the best places to visit in Scotland during autumn.
In summary, autumn in Edinburgh offers a mix of breathtaking scenery, cultural richness, and cozy charm. Whether you enjoy nature, history, or local festivals, the city provides an enchanting autumnal experience that’s hard to beat!