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Edinburgh

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What's on in Edinburgh

Travel by train to Edinburgh from London, York and Newcastle with East Coast for cheaper train fares.

Jul/Aug/Sept

Now we’re really into festival season as the big boys come to town. Pick a subject and there’s bound to be a festival around it. Like jazz? You’ll see world-class acts such as Courtney Pine, Chet Baker and the Jacques Loussier Trio at the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (30 Jul-8 Aug). Art connoisseur? The Edinburgh Art Festival explodes into the city’s museums and galleries with intriguing, contemporary displays, including a new commission by Turner Prize-winner Richard Wright and an installation by Kim Coleman and Jenny Hogarth (29 Jul- 5 Sept). Get your laughing gear to the Fringe, which traditionally attracts all the biggest names in comedy stand-up and theatre (6-30 Aug).

Then there’s the International Festival of opera, theatre, dance and classical music, which this year offers the chance to see a multi-media production of Porgy and Bess performed by Opéra de Lyon, and violinist Midori making her festival debut with a programme of Beethoven and Brahms (13 Aug-5 Sept). This coincides with the International Book Festival, featuring talks and readings by world-renowned authors (14-30 Aug).

If that’s not quite enough, there’s the Edinburgh Mela Festival, a feast of culturally diverse arts plus a food and craft market (6-8 Aug) and the ceremonial splendour of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (6-28 Aug), after which you’re invited to retire to a convivial boîte for a well-deserved rest.

The Lewis Chessmen Unmasked, National Museum of Scotland

Until 19 September

The Lewis Chessmen are one of Scotland’s most significant archaeological finds. Found on Lewis in 1831, they are believed to have been made in Scandinavia and to date from the late 12th century. This exhibition casts fresh light on the mystery and intrigue surrounding them, exploring the stories of their discovery and how the characters reflected society at the time they were made.

nms.ac.uk

Usher Hall

The major refurbishment of the concert hall will come to an end this year with an official reopening concert on 10 October, featuring the Houston Symphony Orchestra performing Holst’s The Planets. Much of the hall is already sparkling new, however, and open for concerts such as soprano Katherine Jenkins (31 Jul) and violinist Nicola Benedetti (25 Sept).

usherhall.co.uk

The Pursuit of Fidelity (a retrospective)

30 July-24 October

The first solo exhibition of Glasgow-based artists Alexander and Susan Maris to be held in Scotland explores the last 20 years of the artists’ work. The title is inspired by a 15th-century tapestry in the Burrell Collection that depicts two lovers following a stag through a forest; the Marises use their art to pursue truth through the relationship between myth and landscape.

stills.org

5 things to see and do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Bus Tours

A variety of open-top tours offer the best way to discover the city’s majestic sights. Hop-on, hop-off tickets give you the flexibility to explore the top attractions as you go.
Deep Sea World

Discover the UK’s longest underwater viewing tunnel, mysterious coral reefs, red-bellied piranha and a seal sanctuary at this aquarium in North Queensferry. If you’re brave enough, you can even dive with a 12-foot long Sand Tiger shark.
Royal Botanic Garden

Over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds offer a lush haven only a mile from the city centre. In summer, visitors flock to see the colourful herbaceous border, the arboretum, including the magnificent handkerchief tree, and the glasshouse ponds, blooming with tropical water lilies and sacred lotus.
Palace of Holyroodhouse

The former home of Mary, Queen of Scots, offers much for younger visitors to enjoy, including art workshops, lively audio tours and toys and games for the toddlers. On Sundays in August, the Behind the Ropes family tour offers a rare opportunity to explore a selection of palace rooms with a member of the Education team, hunting for hidden stories in the in the tapestries and furniture.
Museum of Childhood

Five galleries reveal how children have been brought up, dressed and educated through the ages, particularly in Edinburgh. This treasure house also contains toys and games from all over the world, from dolls and teddy bears to train sets and tricycles.

Comprehensive guide and accommodation ideas for Edinburgh

Near the station

Geoffrey Kiltmakers - 57-59 High Street, EH1 1SR

If you’ve ever wondered about kilts—whether your interest is piqued by styles, types, history or the making of these traditional garments—Geoffrey Kiltmakers is the place to go. With a range of tartan items including gents and ladies kilts as well as blankets, scarves and knitware, this is a wonderful store.

National Gallery of Scotland Shop - The Mound, EH2 2EL

The majestic National Gallery of Scotland, nestled at the bottom of the Mound, has an impressive shop that’s worth a visit. Containing books, tableware and gifts inspired by the collections, there is also a new Design and Art Shop featuring unique contemporary glassware and designer jewellery.

Jenners Department Store - 48 Princes Street, EH2 2YJ

Edinburgh’s oldest and finest department store, Jenners has stood on Princes Street since 1838. The building is spectacular and the services and array of shops inside offer everything from hairdressing to garment alteration.

Number One - The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princess Street, EH2 2EQ

One of the capital’s landmarks, The Balmoral Hotel’s five-star standards are reflected in its cuisine at the Number One restaurant. Sample Michelin-starred chef Jeff Bland’s top-notch dishes to give your tastebuds a real treat.

Tower Restaurant - Museum of Scotland, EH1 1JF

The Tower restaurant sits atop the Museum of Scotland and offers excellent food along with unrivalled views of Edinburgh city. The shellfish and oyster dishes are particularly popular and the extensive menu will delight even the most exacting diner.

The Witchery Restaurant - 352 Castlehill, EH1 2NF

The grandeur of The Witchery Restaurant is apparent from the moment you enter this 16th-century building, from the stylish interior to the secret garden and oak-panelled walls of the Old Rectory. The menu has a focus on the highest quality Angus beef, seafood and game dishes.

Bramble Bar and Lounge - 16A Queen Street, EH2 1JE

What could be cooler than a drinks list bound inside the covers of old books? Bramble Bar and Lounge is an innovative, stylish bar in central Edinburgh that serves a variety of cocktails as well as favourite beers and spirits in an elegant setting.

Sygn - 15 Charlotte Lane, EH2 4QZ

Sygn is set in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, making it a popular location for pre- and post- theatre drinks. With an extensive cocktail menu, the bar also serves quality food with a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.

Dragonfly - 52 West Port, EH1 2LD

Dragonfly is an award-winning cocktail lounge with a relaxed vibe and retro feel. The service is good – ask the knowledgeable and passionate bar staff to mix you up something special.

Farmer’s Market - Castle Terrace, Old Town

Nip into the Farmer’s Market and browse the stalls of over 65 specialist food and drink producers. Meet and buy products from local bakers, fisherman, farmers, brewers, fishmongers and growers.

Nelson’s Monument - Calton Hill, EH7 5AA

Visit the monument to Admiral Lord Nelson on Calton Hill and learn more about the heroic battle of Trafalgar. Climb up to the top of the stone monument for some of the most stunning views of the city available.

Jim Garrahy’s Fudge Kitchen - 30 High Street, EH1 1TB

Visiting Jim Garrahy’s Fudge Kitchen is the best way to enter the sweet, delicious world of fudge. Watch as the fudge is made using special marble slabs and even try a sample or two for free.