Are you looking for the best place to be in August? With so many things to do in Edinburgh, choosing this Scotland destination won’t be wasted.
During August, Edinburgh goes all out with epic festivals like the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe Festival, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, filling the streets with art, music, and performances.
The weather is also perfect for exploring, with mild temperatures that make it easy to wander around. With this Edinburgh travel guide, you’ll discover why this city is a must-visit.
There’s so much to see, from the history at the National Museum of Scotland to the fun illusions at Camera Obscura, so keep reading!
Immerse yourself in the Edinburgh International Festival
Photo from The Edinburgh International Festival Official Website
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Edinburgh in August, the Edinburgh International Festival is the ultimate art celebration. It’s popular for having top-notch performances in music, theater, opera, and dance, with amazing artists from all over the world. Watch incredible shows, join a huge international event with a 75+ year history, and soak up the awesome festival vibes all over the city.
From August 2 to 25, 2024, you can look forward to the opening weekend with The Macallan whisky brand, Opera-Comique’s new “Carmen” production, a magic show by Scott Silven, the “900 Voices” sound installation celebrating Edinburgh’s 900th birthday, the Philharmonia Orchestra Residency, and Usher Hall turning into a 17th-century tavern for “The Alehouse Sessions.”
Experience the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Photo from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Official Website
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, from August 2 to 26, 2024, is the biggest arts festival in the world. There are thousands of performances in theater, comedy, dance, music, and more. It’s one of the cool things to do in Edinburgh because anyone can join in and perform, so the lineup is diverse and full of surprises.
You should soak in the amazing atmosphere, find new talent, and enjoy various shows from new artists and big names. Some highlights are seeing shows before they become famous, watching the lively street performances on the Royal Mile, and exploring Edinburgh’s beautiful historic venues. With over 3,000 shows playing this year in around 300 venues, the Fringe offers something for everyone and an unforgettable experience.
Witness the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Photo from the Royal Edinburgh Royal Tattoo’s Official Website
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular annual event from August 2 to 24, 2024. This show features military bands, precision drill teams, and cultural performers worldwide, with the stunning Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop. It mixes Scottish tradition with military precision and international performances, featuring over 1,000 musicians, pipers, drummers, singers, and dancers.
Witness the amazing talent, dive into Scottish culture, and watch the breathtaking sound and light show on the castle walls. Highlights include the Massed Pipes and Drums, international performances, the Lone Piper finale, and nightly fireworks. This year’s show, called Journeys, will celebrate nautical themes and take the audience on a musical trip worldwide, with performances from Switzerland, the UK, India, Australia, Canada, and the USA, all led by the Royal Navy.
Explore Edinburgh Castle
Sitting on top of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most famous fortress and a must-see, especially in August. That’s when it hosts the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a nightly show with music, dance, and military performances featuring over 1,000 artists worldwide.
In August, this Edinburgh city attraction is extra special because of this amazing spectacle. You get to see the castle’s incredible history, from being a royal home to a military base, while enjoying the Tattoo’s annual cultural performances with the castle lit up in the background. Highlights include the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and St. Margaret’s Chapel.
Hike up Arthur's Seat
Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano and the tallest peak in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. Hiking may be tough due to steep and uneven terrain, but the views are incredible. August is the best time to go since the nice weather makes the hike even better and the views more awe-inspiring.
At the top, you get 360-degree views of Edinburgh’s tourist attractions. Spot Edinburgh Castle from afar, explore the ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel just a slope below Arthur’s Seat, and walk around the Salisbury Crags. It’s easy to get there from the city center, such as taking Lothian buses that stop near Holyrood Park, so it’s a fun and convenient adventure for everyone.
Visit the National Museum of Scotland
Photo from the National Museum of Scotland Official Website
The National Museum of Scotland, right in the middle of Edinburgh, is packed with everything from Scottish history and natural sciences to world cultures, art, and tech. The best part is it’s free! The museum is worth visiting with its mix of old Victorian and modern architecture.
You’ll find ancient Egyptian artifacts, the famous Lewis Chessmen, and even Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal. Some highlights are the interactive displays, the stunning Grand Gallery, and the rooftop terrace with epic views of Edinburgh. They also have special exhibitions like “Game On,” all about the history and culture of video games.
The museum is family-friendly, too, with baby changing facilities on every level, high chairs in cafes, a buggy park in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery, and more.
Stroll Down the Royal Mile
Visiting The Royal Mile is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh. This historic Old Town is an iconic street about one Scots mile from the majestic Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s packed with history and culture, making it a must-visit spot, especially during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.
What makes the Royal Mile so special is the historic buildings, hidden closes (alleyways), and loads of shops, restaurants, and pubs. Dive into Scotland’s royal history, marvel at medieval architecture, and soak up the lively vibes with street performers, bagpipers, and buzzing crowds.
Stroll through Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens is an urban park stretching over 37 acres and separating the Old Town and the New Town. This beautiful green space was created in the early 19th century by draining the old Nor’ Loch. As one of the most attractive places in Edinburgh, visitors should check it out to escape the city life. The gardens are in full bloom in August, so you can admire the amazing floral displays (like the famous Floral Clock) and soak in the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle towering above.
Some must-sees include the Ross Fountain, an elaborate 19th-century cast-iron fountain with mermaids and cherubs restored in 2018. There are also many statues and memorials, like the Scott Monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, and the Royal Scots Grey Memorial, honoring the Royal Scots Greys regiment.
Be Amazed by Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Photo from Camera Obscura Official Website
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is Edinburgh’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction, blending history, science, and fun since 1853. The 19th-century camera obscura device gives real-time panoramic views of Edinburgh, plus five floors of mind-blowing optical illusions and hands-on exhibits.
Enter a world of visual trickery, learn about the history of photography, and enjoy stunning city views from the rooftop terrace. Visitors should check out the camera obscura, a fascinating device that uses daylight and mirrors to project a live, 360-degree image of Edinburgh onto a viewing table.
The Vortex Tunnel is a dizzying experience that makes you feel like you’re spinning even though you’re standing still. The Mirror Maze is a mind-bending labyrinth of reflective surfaces. The Ames Room is an optical illusion that makes people and objects appear to change size as they move around the room. With over 100 interactive exhibits, it’s a blast for everyone.
Attend the Edinburgh International Book Festival
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is the ultimate book lover’s dream, every August in Edinburgh. In 2024, it runs from August 10 to August 25. It’s the biggest book festival in the world, featuring over 800 authors from more than 55 countries in a 16-day event.
If you attend, you can hear from famous and up-and-coming writers, dive into discussions, and join events like author talks, writing workshops, and panel debates. Plus, the festival is about being inclusive, showcasing diverse voices and offering a fantastic kids’ program. You can also explore indie bookshops with exclusive titles.
Set in Edinburgh’s rich cultural scene, the book festival offers intellectual stimulation, creative inspiration, and a chance to join a global literary community.
Takeaway
In August, Edinburgh bursts with energy, hosting events like the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, featuring music, theater, opera, and dance. Beyond the festivals, visitors can explore historic Edinburgh Castle, stroll through Princes Street Gardens, and enjoy mind-bending exhibits at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.
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