Edinburgh

Edinburgh is celebrating a massive milestone, 30 years since UNESCO recognised the Old and New Towns as a World Heritage Site! To mark the occasion The City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh World Heritage Trust and Historic Environment Scotland are running a photography competition. Whether you love the winding closes of the Medieval Old Town or the energy of our Living City, there are 12 categories to enter. The Winning images from each category will be featured in an exclusive year-long calendar sold at Historic Scotland sites, Council Museums, and Edinburgh World Heritage events. All proceeds go toward protecting and managing our stunning World Heritage site for the future. 🏛️ Think you’ve got the winning shot? Find out more here. 👉 bit.ly/4cFzxlU

It's Record Store Day, and Edinburgh is celebrating in style! 💿🎵 With a wide variety of music and vinyl shops across the city, today there are exclusive events in many different shops featuring special releases and live in-store music. We've highlighted 4 of our fantastic record stores here, but make sure to check out everything happening today across Edinburgh if you're out and about!

After the resounding success of last year's first event, the Edinburgh Tartan Parade returns in just a few weeks' time - Saturday 9th May 2026. An annual celebration of heritage, culture and inclusivity, this year's event is set to be even bigger and better than the last, showcasing a display of tartan-clad participants marching through the historic streets of Edinburgh. ✨ You can watch the parade beginning on the Royal Mile at 1pm, which will march down to Princes Street Gardens, followed by a Ceilidh in the Gardens from 2pm onwards.

Check out Edinburgh's newest coffee spot! Bono officially opened its doors for the first time yesterday, Wednesday 15th April ☕ Co-owner Alejandro Castillo hails from a small town in Mexico and has lived and studied in Edinburgh for two years, coming up with the idea of Bono Coffee together with his sister Daniela. Having created a welcoming and inclusive space for all, the café on South Clerk Street is warm and cosy, all whilst serving up delicious coffee, tea and baked goods. 🧡

Indulge in a culinary journey through Vietnam at Nam Vietnamese Restaurant, located in the Haymarket area of Edinburgh's city centre. 🍜 Serving up a variety of authentic Southern Vietnamese dishes, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients - the menu is a celebration of taste and tradition. From savoury spring rolls to customisable bowls of pho, a visit here is a warm and comforting experience all round. 📍 46A Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh

Right in the midst of Edinburgh city centre, Hawksmoor offers exceptional dishes drawn from Scottish produce, including seafood from around the Scottish coast and beef from grass-fed native breed cattle. 🍽️ Located in the beautiful former National Bank of Scotland Banking Hall on West Register Street, Hawksmoor is well-known for their sustainable and delicious steak and seafood dishes, Sunday roasts and cocktails. 📸 © Hawksmoor Restaurants

The Scottish Tulip Festival at Craigie's Farm starts today, 13th April! 🌷 Wander through fields bursting with colour, as you're surrounded by over 220,000 blooming tulips. Expect endless photo opportunities, vibrant countryside views, delicious street food, and live music creating the perfect feel-good atmosphere. Just outside of Edinburgh, it's the picture-perfect spring day out with family and friends. Running until 4th May 2026. 💐

Exclusively for residents with an EH postcode, this World Heritage Day, enjoy free or discounted entry to a range of Edinburgh’s top landmarks and cultural sites! Taking place this Saturday, 18 April 2026, whether you choose to scale new heights on an outdoor climbing session, hear the stories behind Scotland’s national drink, explore the city on a guided tour, or visit a royal floating palace, it’s a great way to save money whilst enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of your city. Explore World Heritage Day offers 👇 edinburgh.org/residentreward…

It’s important to pause every now and again from the hustle and bustle of modern life, to stop and take in how truly beautiful our city really is. 😍 The Old Town is filled with layers of the past, and every corner has a story to tell. Centuries gone by blend into the present day perfectly. 📍High Street, Edinburgh 📸IG/timdrew_

Looking down from Edinburgh Castle, you can catch a glimpse of The Gardener’s Cottage nestled quietly among the trees of Princes Street Gardens. 🌿 The cottage originally served as the home of the head gardener responsible for maintaining the park. Today, it’s no longer a residence, but many may recognise it as “Great Aunt Lizzie’s Cottage” in the children’s TV series "Teacup Travels" when it was featured on CBeebies in 2015. 🫖 📍Princes Street Gardens 📸IG/fabian_beusch

In the centre of Edinburgh's Old Town, Forrest Road sits adjacent to Greyfriars Kirkyard. Only a short street, each side is lined with independent gift shops, delicious eateries and historic buildings. From cosy cafes and pubs to local theatres, don't forget to take a wander down Forrest Road when strolling through Old Town.

Opened back in summer of 2025, Patatino brings a touch of Italy's Amalfi Coast to the Haymarket area of Edinburgh.🍋🍝 With beautiful décor and a menu inspired by Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Patatino sits within Scotland's first Hoxton Hotel on Grosvenor Street. Bringing together the best of local produce and classic Italian dishes, this charming restaurant is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre for a short time.

Spring has sprung at Lauriston Castle! 🌼 Surrounded by beautiful gardens, at this time of year the castle sits amongst blooming flowers and majestic trees around the building and Japanese garden. The gardens are open to the public, where visitors can enjoy charming walks with neighbouring views across the Firth of Forth.

With various locations across Edinburgh, Paper Tiger is your one stop shop for unique gifts, cards, stationery and much more! Since 1981, Paper Tiger has been proud to represent products from local Edinburgh creatives and Scottish brands, with a wide range of designer cards and heartfelt gifts. 🩷

The Scottish Tulip Festival is coming soon to Craigie's Farm, bringing a stunning display of over 220,000 vibrant tulips to South Queensferry. Stroll through breathtaking fields of colour, take in the fresh air, and snap some amazing photos. It’s the perfect day out with friends, family, or someone special.🌷 📆 13th April - 26th April Don’t miss one of Edinburgh's most colourful spring events! Find out more. bit.ly/4slNrzj

Nestled among landscaped gardens adjoining Holyrood Park, The Scott is a boutique hotel, elegantly combining modern and traditional luxury. Within the walls of an 1750s Baronial family home, the hotel retains many original features and characteristics, with no two bedrooms the same. By evening, guests and non-residents can enjoy dinner in Bonnar's Restaurant within the hotel, showcasing seasonal menus highlighting the best in Scottish flavours with a flair.

Easter in Edinburgh is the perfect time to gather together friends and family, enjoy a relaxed meal and make the most of the school holidays. Even better, several of the city’s bars and restaurants are offering Kids Eat Free promotions - the perfect excuse to treat the whole family! 🍽️🐰 Discover all restaurants taking part here 👇 edinburgh.org/blog/kids-eat-…

Happy Easter! We hope you have a wonderful day, whether that’s enjoying a Sunday roast with family, heading out on an Easter egg hunt, or simply indulging in a well-deserved chocolate treat. 🐣🌷 📍Princess Street Gardens

Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 kicks off today, with a jam-packed programme of explosive shows and hands-on activities for all ages. Running since 1989, this year's theme is 'Going Global', showcasing Scotland's contribution to scientific advances across the world through research, innovation and it's extraordinary people. 🌍🚀 From interactive workshops for little ones to inspiring discussions for adults, there's something for everyone. Running until Sunday 19th April 2026. 📽️ @EdSciFest

Edinburgh has a wide range of fantastic activities and events to enjoy this Easter, with plenty of options to entertain the whole family. Check out our recommendations below and make this Easter egg-stra special! 🐣👇 edinburgh.org/blog/top-thing…