What Should You Pack for Edinburgh, Scotland?
Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable, so layers are your best friend! In spring and fall, pack a sweater and a light waterproof jacket, as it can be cool and rainy. Summers are mild, so breathable clothing with a light jacket will keep you comfortable during the day, especially if you’re exploring the Royal Mile or Arthur’s Seat. Winters can be chilly, so bring a warm coat, scarf, and gloves for those brisk walks around the city. And no matter the season, waterproof shoes are essential for all the cobbled streets and potential rain showers!
Make sure you’re prepared for: Exploring Edinburgh Castle, hiking up Arthur’s Seat, visiting the Royal Mile, touring the National Museum of Scotland, and enjoying the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in summer.
Dress Code
Edinburgh has a mix of casual and smart-casual dressing, with locals often opting for comfort without sacrificing style. During the day, you’ll fit right in with jeans, sweaters, and comfortable shoes, perfect for walking around Old Town or visiting Edinburgh Castle. For evenings, especially if you’re planning to enjoy the city’s pubs or dine out at a nice restaurant, you may want to dress up a bit—think a nice dress or a shirt and blazer combo. If you’re visiting during the Fringe Festival, anything goes, from casual to creative outfits!
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Spring
40 – 55°F
(4 – 13°C
)
Summer
50 – 65°F
(10 – 18°C
)
Fall
45 – 60°F
(7 – 16°C
)
Winter
30 – 45°F
(-1 – 7°C
)
Spring: Cool and wet, with occasional sunny days
Summer: Mild with some rain, and long daylight hours
Fall: Cool and rainy
Winter: Cold and windy with occasional snow
Spring
2.2 inches of rain
Summer
2.5 inches of rain
Fall
3.0 inches of rain
Winter
2.8 inches of rain (with some snow)
Tops & Layers
1. Short Sleeve Shirts: Great for layering during mild summer days or indoors—I loved having these for museum visits!
2. Long Sleeve Shirts: Perfect for cooler days in spring and fall while walking around the city.
3. Sweaters: A must for layering, especially for cool mornings and evenings near Edinburgh Castle!
4. Tank Tops: Useful for warm summer afternoons—ideal for pairing with a light jacket.
5. Casual Jacket: Perfect for those breezy walks around Arthur’s Seat or along the Royal Mile.
Bottoms & Dresses
1. Pants: Practical and comfortable for exploring the city—I really liked these for walking around Old Town!
2. Leggings: Great for layering under dresses or for casual days.
3. Shorts: Handy for the rare warm days during summer.
4. Dresses: Great for evenings out or daytime sightseeing, especially if you’re visiting Edinburgh Castle or the Royal Botanic Garden.
5. Skirt: A stylish option for casual days or dinners at Edinburgh’s many pubs and restaurants.
Shoes & Accessories
1. Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets—I really liked having mine for touring the Royal Mile!
2. Boots: Ideal for cooler days or winter months, especially for visiting Edinburgh Castle.
3. Flats: Great for evenings out, especially for dining at the city’s stylish restaurants.
4. Hat: Useful for sun protection on bright summer days or warmth in winter—I loved my hat when hiking up Arthur’s Seat!
5. Sunglasses: Even with Scotland’s cloudy reputation, Edinburgh gets sunny spells, so pack sunglasses for outdoor activities.
6. Swimsuit: Perfect for indoor pools or relaxing at hotel spas.
7. Pajamas: Cozy and comfortable after a long day of sightseeing!
Luggage & Packs
1. Carry-On: Ideal for a weekend trip, keeping your essentials handy.
2. Daypack: Great for carrying a jacket, water, and snacks while hiking Arthur’s Seat or exploring the Royal Mile.
3. Purse: Practical yet stylish for dinners or shopping around Princes Street.
4. Tote Bag: Useful for carrying extra items or any shopping finds from the local boutiques in Old Town.
Travel Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day.
- Packing Cubes: Helpful for staying organized rather than ending up with a heap of clothes in your luggage.
- Luggage Tags: Even if you’re not checking luggage, still good to have in case you misplace your bags.
- Luggage Locks: Can be handy even if you’re not checking luggage, making your backpack more pickpocket-proof.
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Dry Bag: An item to bring if you plan to do a lot of water activities or boat trips.
- Water Shoes: Same as above. Great to bring if you plan to do water activities or boat trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Only if you’re going somewhere where it’s going to be wet and rainy (but not too windy).
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: Currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on long flights.
- GoPro: A great camera for underwater photography or adventure activities.
- Memory Card for GoPro: This is the one I use for my GoPro, high-quality and reliable.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Even with my GoPro, I end up using this all the time since phone quality photos are so good now.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring Airpods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry Bag: Great for going through security, and they make it easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel Laundry Detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing or as washer detergent.
- Travel Clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- After Sun Lotion: Great to have if you’re traveling during the hotter months and expect to get a lot of sun.
- Face Sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body Sunscreen: Reef-safe, easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Lip Balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Dry Bar Blow Dryer Brush: Another luxury item. It’s bulky to bring (and I don’t always bring it), but it’s a versatile tool for looking more put together in non-humid destinations.
- Heat Protectant Spray: For the Dry Bar Brush.
- Bug Spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Travel Medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
What to Know Before You Pack
- Layers: Edinburgh’s weather can shift quickly, so layers will keep you comfortable throughout the day.
- Waterproof shoes: With the cobblestone streets and frequent rain, good waterproof shoes are essential for exploring.
- Smart-casual for dinners: While daytime attire can be relaxed, many restaurants in Edinburgh prefer smart-casual outfits for dinner.
- Bring a rain jacket: Even in summer, the occasional rain shower is likely, so don’t forget a rain jacket or umbrella.
Edinburgh, Scotland Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND?
August is the best month to visit Edinburgh due to the vibrant Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which brings the city to life with performances and events. August’s also great because the weather is relatively mild, and the city is full of energy. If you prefer fewer crowds, September offers cooler weather and fewer tourists, making it ideal for sightseeing.
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND?
Edinburgh Fringe Festival (August): The world’s largest arts festival, with thousands of performances across the city, great for solo travelers and groups who love the arts.
Edinburgh International Festival (August): A prestigious event featuring world-class music, theatre, opera, and dance, perfect for couples and culture lovers.
Hogmanay (December/January): A massive New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks and live performances, great for families, couples, and party-goers.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND?
Edinburgh is filled with iconic landmarks and hidden gems. One of my favorite places to visit is Arthur’s Seat, a short hike that rewards you with stunning views of the city. Don’t miss Edinburgh Castle, which sits majestically on a hill overlooking the city. Strolling along the Royal Mile is also a must, with its historic buildings, shops, and street performers. For art lovers, the Scottish National Gallery offers a beautiful collection, while the city’s many cozy pubs are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND?
3-4 days is ideal for exploring Edinburgh’s main attractions, including its historic sites, museums, and outdoor areas. A long weekend will cover most highlights.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: On day one, explore Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile, and visit the National Museum of Scotland. On day two, hike up Arthur’s Seat in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring the Scottish National Gallery and the Royal Botanic Garden.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary and add: On day three, visit Holyrood Palace and walk through Holyrood Park. Spend day four enjoying a whisky tasting tour in the city. On day five, take a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel or the Forth Bridge.
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary and add: Spend day six exploring Dean Village and the Water of Leith Walkway. On day seven, visit Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city, then enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner in a local pub.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary and add: On day eight, visit the Edinburgh Zoo or take a day trip to the nearby Pentland Hills. Spend day nine shopping on Princes Street and visiting local cafes. On day ten, explore the Surgeons’ Hall Museums or take a ghost tour of the city’s hidden underground streets.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary and add: On day eleven, visit the Scottish Parliament and the Dynamic Earth exhibition. On day twelve, take a day trip to Loch Lomond or Stirling Castle. Use the remaining days to explore more local neighborhoods, cafes, and parks.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND?
2 Days
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 1 Dress
- 2 Pairs of Socks
- 2 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
5 Days
- 4 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 5 Pairs of Socks
- 5 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
1 Week
- 5 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 6 Pairs of Socks
- 6 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
10 Days
- 6 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Dresses
- 3 Pairs of Pants
- 7 Pairs of Socks
- 7 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
2 Weeks
- 7 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 4 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 4 Dresses
- 4 Pairs of Pants
- 9 Pairs of Socks
- 9 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND?
High heels: Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets and steep hills make walking in high heels impractical.
Heavy winter coat: Edinburgh’s winters are cold but layering with a medium-weight jacket and sweaters is sufficient.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND ?
Airfare: $500-$1,200 depending on your starting location and season. Prices rise during the Fringe Festival and Hogmanay.
Accommodation: $100-$300 per night depending on location and time of year.
Transportation: $30-$60 for public transport or taxis; Edinburgh’s bus and tram system is very convenient.
Meals: $40-$80 per day depending on whether you dine at pubs or restaurants.
Activities: $30-$50 per day depending on whether you visit attractions like Edinburgh Castle, museums, or take tours.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s common to round up the bill in restaurants, cafes, and taxis. A tip of 10-15% is appreciated for good service in restaurants.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND BEFORE I VISIT?
- Bring layers: Edinburgh’s weather can change quickly, so dress in layers to stay comfortable.
- Use public transport: Edinburgh’s buses and trams are an easy and affordable way to get around.
- Explore on foot: Many of Edinburgh’s attractions are within walking distance, so pack comfortable shoes for walking.
- Visit early: Popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile can get crowded, so go early to avoid the rush.