Edinburgh's Christmas Days Out

27 Nov - 25 Dec 2008 (annual)

Britain's biggest open-air ice-rink, Edinburgh's Winter Wonderland is set up annually in Princes Street Gardens. The city's Christmas festivities also include a market and kick off with the lighting of the Christmas lights.

The Hoog - New Year at the Assembly Rooms

31 Dec 2008 (annual)

One of the great alternative venues in Edinburgh, the Assembly Rooms' annual ceilidh-cum-dance party, The Hoog, is one of the city's most popular parties on Hogmanay night. Unsurprisingly, the tickets are like gold dust.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

29 Dec 2008 - 1 Jan 2009 (annual)

Bearing in mind the Scottish propensity for old-fashioned revelry, one would expect a few choruses of Auld Lang Syne on New Year's Eve. In this spirit Edinburgh hosts four days of festivities including processions, concerts and a world-famous street party.

Great Winter Run

10 Jan 2009 (annual)

Too much Christmas and New Year indulgence? Turn over a new leaf and join Edinburgh's Great Winter Run. It's the sister event of the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run (held in May) and gets the muscles working in a 5km circuit around spectacular Arthur's Seat.

National Home & Design Show

7 - 8 Mar 2009 (annual)

The National Home & Design Show at Ingliston's Royal Highland Centre is aimed at providing recognition for the best in the industry of the highest quality products and services within the property and home interior markets.

Edinburgh International Harp Festival

Mar - Apr 2009 (annual)

First held in 1982, and organised by the Clarsach Society, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival features a programme of concerts, workshops and exhibitions in the imposing surroundings of Merchiston Castle School. In 2006 there were special celebrations for the 25th festival and it's second quarter-century starts here, in 2007.

Edinburgh International Science Festival

Mar - Apr 2009 (annual)

The Edinburgh International Science Festival attracts around 175,000 visitors for a variety of hands-on activities, workshops and shows for children, demonstrations, exhibitions, talks and tours, offering more than 200 events in 20 venues throughout the city.

Waiting for Godot

13 - 18 Apr 2009

Sean Mathias directs Samuel Beckett's 20th-century classic Waiting for Godot at Edinburgh's King's Theatre, as part of a short UK tour before transferring direct to the West End. The play reunites Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart as Estragon and Vladimir.

Dead by Dawn Horror Film Festival

Apr 2009 (annual)

Dead by Dawn - the UK's only festival devoted entirely to horror film - returns to the Edinburgh Filmhouse for four days of fear...

Triptych

Apr 2009 (annual)

An enviable mix of gigs and DJ sets in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen makes up Scotland's Triptych Festival, which has been running since 2001. Among this year's highlights are local boys, Mogwai, Wu Tang Clan legend, the Rza and Radio 1's Gilles Peterson.

Calton Hill

Daily

Calton Hill in the New Town offers an easier climb than Arthur's Seat with equally rewarding views of Victorian buildings and chimneys. It's sprinkled with neo-Renaissance structures such as the unfinished replica of the Parthenon and the telescope-shaped Nelson Monument.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Daily

The red-sandstone building of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in the New Town is easy to spot. Inside, you get a glimpse of the faces that have shaped Scottish public life and culture, from Mary Queen of Scots to Sean Connery.

Borough

Daily

At stylish Borough in Edinburgh, let skilled barstaff mix you one of their cocktails. The venue itself is airy and open-plan, furnished with orb lighting and large sofas to help you relax in style.

Victoria Street

Daily

Victoria Street was built in the 18th century as an access route from Grassmarket to George IV Bridge and the Royal Mile. Sweeping up the hill in a wide S shape, it is known for its boutiques and their grand facades.

Howies

Daily

Howies has established itself at the forefront of the Scottish culinary rebirth. Gone are stodgy deep fried foods, replaced by fresh Scottish ingredients cooked in imaginative ways. Try haggis croquettes or meaty pheasant stuffed with apple and apricot and wrapped in bacon.

Edinburgh Zoo

Daily

Edinburgh is recognised as one of the world's leading zoos; it gives its animals the highest quality care, and in doing so provides its visitors with the best possible day out.

The Grassmarket

Daily

Nestled in the heart of the historic Old Town, the Grassmarket area is one of the most historic, vibrant and popular parts of Edinburgh.

Pivo Caffe

Daily

A popular pre-club venue for Edinburgh's hipsters, Pivo has a selection of Czech lagers on tap as well as a shooter menu for those looking to really make a night of it. The low-ceilinged bar features DJs spinning a variety of music from hip-hop to soul and Latin.

Dean Gallery

Daily

The Dean Gallery was opened in 1999 to complement the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, which stands opposite, and to house the latter's collection of Dada and Surrealist art and work by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. A converted orphan hospital built in the 1830s, it is yet another of the Scottish National Galleries' lavish and prestigious museums, and an Edinburgh art "must-see".

Our Dynamic Earth

Daily

One of the Millennium Commission's success stories, Our Dynamic Earth is a testament to the forces that shape our planet. A fantastic journey takes visitors through the fascinating story of earth, with a multi-sensory insight into the past, present and future.

Crombie's

Daily; not Sun

The award-winning Crombie's butcher has been on Broughton Street for more than 45 years and is known across Scotland for its quality cuts. Selling a delicious haggis, it is most famous for its 40 different varieties of sausage.

Cafe Royal Oyster Bar

Daily

The Cafe Royal Oyster Bar has been a fixture on the Edinburgh dining circuit for years, tucked away on West Register Street. With eight large stained glass windows and the tables smartly decked out in white tablecloths it feels like a step back in time.

Arthur's Seat

Daily

Edinburgh has an extinct volcano at its heart. Rising above Holyroodhouse Palace, Arthur's Seat is an easy get-away from the bustle of the centre. Climb the well-trodden paths to take in the panoramic city views.

Harvey Nichols

Daily

Exclusive department store Harvey Nichols in the New Town's St Andrews Square is for shoppers with deep pockets. It's worth visiting for stylish clothes for men and women, elegant displays of beauty products and the top-floor gourmet hall, restaurant and brasserie.

Oloroso

Daily

Edinburgh's beautiful people gather to eat and drink at Oloroso. The roof terrace, which provides views of the castle on one side and the Firth of Forth and Fife on the other, is particularly special.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Daily

Set in a beautiful sculpture garden in Dean Village, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art contains the best of post-war European art.

Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World

Daily

At Edinburgh's Butterfly & Insect World visitors can wander through a tropical rainforest (regardless of the weather) and see a wide variety of exotic and beautiful butterflies as well as other more creepy creatures!

Cloisters

Daily

Cloisters is converted from part of an old parsonage and is an oasis of calm. A malt-of-the-moment is available every day at a reduced price; savour it at one of the large wooden tables by the open fire.

Royal Mile Whiskies

Daily

The wonderfully old-fashioned Royal Mile Whiskies shop in the Old Town contains over 300 varieties of single malts, blended whiskies and bourbons. Its staff are helpful and very knowledgeable; sample tastes are provided on request.

HBOS Museum on the Mound

Daily; not Mon

A new addition to Edinburgh's museums, the HBOS Museum on the Mound explores the heritage of the city through artefacts and information on trade, technology, art and design, crime and security and money. Exhibits include the oldest Scottish bank note (from 1716).

Edinburgh Castle

Daily

Above the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city and is at the epicentre of Scottish history. Tour guides tell of former royal residents, showing visitors the crown jewels and Stone of Destiny, as well as the dingy Vaults below.

Royal Botanic Garden

Daily

The plants of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Stockbridge live in their own secluded world. Visitors can stroll among ponds, a rock-garden and rare flowers, or experience 10 different climate zones in the glass-houses. Some species are 200 years old.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Daily

The 12th-century Palace of Holyroodhouse in the Old Town is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. When she's absent, the apartments and galleries are open to the public. Audio guides tell of Mary Queen of Scots witnessing a murder here.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Daily

Having served the Royal family for more than 40 years, travelling over a million miles, the Royal Yacht Britannia is now moored on Leith's waterfront. A fascinating insight into the Royal lifestyle, it is one of Edinburgh's most popular attractions.

Greyfriars Kirk

Daily

Greyfriars Kirk - officially Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk - was the first church built in Edinburgh after the Reformation, in 1562, on the grounds of the old Franciscan convent.

National Gallery of Scotland

Daily

Housed in a grand neo-Classical building on the New Town's Mound, the National Gallery of Scotland boasts one of the world's best collections of European art. Admire the extensive Scottish collection, and look out for Raeburn's famous Skating Minister.

Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmaker & Weavers

Daily

At family-run Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmakers and Weavers in Edinburgh's Old Town, there is a large selection of classic Highlander kilts for adults and children. Or swap tartan for a 21st-century kilt made from leather or denim.

National Museum of Scotland

Daily

The award-winning National Museum of Scotland building in the Old Town showcases Scotland's history. The imaginative displays bring to life the light and dark sides of Scottish life. Look out for replicas of Scottish burghs and Dolly the Sheep.

Jenners

Daily

The oldest and most beloved department store in Edinburgh exudes old-world grandeur. Browse six floors of beautifully displayed fashion, homewares, cosmetics, gifts and toys, and a small whisky shop. The top floor food-hall and café are heaven for foodies.

Opal Lounge

Daily

The Opal Lounge is a stylish bar in Edinburgh city centre where an award-winning mixologist creates the cocktails for a chic crowd. Make sure you dress to impress, as the clientele like to make an effort at this popular hangout.

New Town

Daily

Edinburgh's New Town is now the most extensive area of Georgian architecture in the world and is still delighting visitors with its grace and beauty.

Tackno

28 Dec 2008 (monthly)

Tackno has been dominating the last Sunday of every month in Edinburgh for well over a decade, first at Club Mercado and now at Club eGo at the top of Leith Walk.

Triptych

Apr 2009 (annual)

An enviable mix of gigs and DJ sets in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen makes up Scotland's Triptych Festival, which has been running since 2001. Among this year's highlights are local boys, Mogwai, Wu Tang Clan legend, the Rza and Radio 1's Gilles Peterson.

The Hoog - New Year at the Assembly Rooms

31 Dec 2008 (annual)

One of the great alternative venues in Edinburgh, the Assembly Rooms' annual ceilidh-cum-dance party, The Hoog, is one of the city's most popular parties on Hogmanay night. Unsurprisingly, the tickets are like gold dust.

The Edge Festival

Aug - Sep 2009 (annual)

Fighting rock music's corner in the oversubscribed Edinburgh festival market is The Edge Festival which takes place in a number of the city's best live music venues, including the Liquid Room, Corn Exchange, Cabaret Voltaire and St Cecilia's Hall.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Oct - Nov 2009 (annual)

John Knox house reopened in May 2005, so the Scottish International Storytelling Festival can once again stretch its limbs from the Netherbow Arts Centre and the Storytelling Centre.

Scottish Home Improvement & Self Build Show

Oct 2009 (annual)

The Scottish Home Improvement & Self Build Show at the Royal Highland Centre on the outskirts of Edinburgh is one of the largest and most exclusive self build, renovation and home improvement shows in Scotland.

Scots Fiddle Festival

Nov 2009 (annual)

Celebrating the music of Scotland, the Scots Fiddle Festival comes to the historic Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. Amidst a welter of workshops and masterclasses, the fiddling fun includes concerts, ceilidhs and recitals.

Samhuinn Festival

Oct 2009 (annual)

The Beltane Society presents the Samhuinn Festival, a spectacular procession of music, folk dance, physical theatre and pyrotechnics illuminating the city of Edinburgh this Halloween.

Royal Highland Show

Jun 2009 (annual)

The Royal Highland Centre plays host to Scotland's annual Royal Highland Show. Running since 1822, the event embraces every conceivable pastime and pursuit related to farming, the countryside and rural living.

RSA Annual Exhibition

Nov - Dec 2009 (annual)

In addition to leading RSA Members' works, The RSA Annual Exhibition showcases the best of both established and emerging artists selected from across the country, presenting a comprehensive cross section of contemporary art in Scotland.

National Home & Design Show

7 - 8 Mar 2009 (annual)

The National Home & Design Show at Ingliston's Royal Highland Centre is aimed at providing recognition for the best in the industry of the highest quality products and services within the property and home interior markets.

Mary King's Ghost Fest

May 2009 (annual)

Edinburgh has given birth to numerous legends and myths, none so intriguing as the tales of ghosts and ghouls that abound in this ancient city. Mary King's Ghost Fest explores this paranormal side of Edinburgh with activities aimed at young and old alike.

Great Winter Run

10 Jan 2009 (annual)

Too much Christmas and New Year indulgence? Turn over a new leaf and join Edinburgh's Great Winter Run. It's the sister event of the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run (held in May) and gets the muscles working in a 5km circuit around spectacular Arthur's Seat.

Great Scottish Walk

Jun 2009 (annual)

The Great Scottish Walk, in Edinburgh offers three routes of one, six and twelve miles commencing at 10.30am from Meadowbank Stadium and proceeding down to Holyrood Park for the official 11am start. The event attracts over 6000 walkers per year and raises over £1million for charity.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

29 Dec 2008 - 1 Jan 2009 (annual)

Bearing in mind the Scottish propensity for old-fashioned revelry, one would expect a few choruses of Auld Lang Syne on New Year's Eve. In this spirit Edinburgh hosts four days of festivities including processions, concerts and a world-famous street party.

Edinburgh's Christmas Days Out

27 Nov - 25 Dec 2008 (annual)

Britain's biggest open-air ice-rink, Edinburgh's Winter Wonderland is set up annually in Princes Street Gardens. The city's Christmas festivities also include a market and kick off with the lighting of the Christmas lights.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

7 - 29 Aug 2009; not Sun (annual)

Against the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Edinburgh Tattoo has been a must since its first outing in 1950 and its blend of military bands and displays, including an eclectic mix of international visitors, never fails to please.

Edinburgh Mela

Aug 2009 (annual)

The Sanskrit word Mela traditionally denotes a community festival on the Asian subcontinent. In the same spirit, the ethnic communities in Scotland's capital have gathered together since 1995 to celebrate Scottish diversity in a reinvented Mela each year adjacent to Ocean Terminal in Leith.

Edinburgh Marathon

May 2009 (annual)

First held in Fife in 1999 but now completely re-invented, the Edinburgh Marathon is an annual fundraiser for a number of charities. Successfully ballotted entrants and those with guaranteed entry from the London Marathon and Great North Run meets now over the late May Bank Holiday for a 26.2 mile run through Scotland's historic capital.

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

Jul - Aug 2009 (annual)

Every year the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival - sponsored by Starbucks since 2004 - brings together top quality performers in venues all over the city. Founded in 1978 when jazz guitarist and banjo player Mike Hart booked a weekend of bands at the long-gone Astoria Ballroom, it is now the longest-running jazz festival in the country.

Edinburgh International Tango Festival

May 2009 (annual)

Argentine passion and flair come to Edinburgh during the International Tango Festival, which offers attendees the opportunity to watch and learn from some of the best practitioners of the dance in the world.

Edinburgh International Science Festival

Mar - Apr 2009 (annual)

The Edinburgh International Science Festival attracts around 175,000 visitors for a variety of hands-on activities, workshops and shows for children, demonstrations, exhibitions, talks and tours, offering more than 200 events in 20 venues throughout the city.

Edinburgh International Harp Festival

Mar - Apr 2009 (annual)

First held in 1982, and organised by the Clarsach Society, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival features a programme of concerts, workshops and exhibitions in the imposing surroundings of Merchiston Castle School. In 2006 there were special celebrations for the 25th festival and it's second quarter-century starts here, in 2007.

Edinburgh International Film Festival

17 - 28 Jun 2009 (annual)

The Edinburgh International Film Festival is the world's oldest continually running film festival. In 2008 it moved to June, while retaining its wide programme, including international premières and retrospectives on show at the Edinburgh Filmhouse.

Edinburgh International Festival Closing Firework Concert

Sep 2009 (annual)

Europe's largest annual firework display with live music, a long-standing final fling to the Edinburgh International Festival, the Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert is presented by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in Princes Street Gardens.

Edinburgh International Festival

14 Aug - 6 Sep 2009 (annual)

One of the world's great arts festivals, the Edinburgh International Festival joins the Military Tattoo, Fringe, Jazz and Book festivals to make Edinburgh a hotbed of artistic excellence every August.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

15 - 31 Aug 2009 (annual)

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is one of the biggest literary festivals in the English-speaking world. In 2008 some 800 writers came to Charlotte Square Gardens to appear in 750 events in just 17 days.

Edinburgh Gunners Rugby Season - Magners League

5 Sep 2008 - 15 May 2009 (annual)

Rugby union side Edinburgh Gunners welcome Magners League teams to the Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh for the 2008/2009 season. Please visit the club's website for full details of all fixtures.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

7 - 31 Aug 2009 (annual)

While the official Edinburgh International Festival concentrates on what some like to call "the high arts," the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival is more eclectic, developing out of a spontaneous, grass-roots response to the international high-flyers up the road.

Edinburgh Fireworks Display

Nov 2009 (annual)

Meadowbank Stadium is filled to capacity each year when it hosts Edinburgh's largest firework display. There is no bonfire or Guy, but the light show is set to be spectacular, with rockets shooting high above the city to the sound of music.

Dead by Dawn Horror Film Festival

Apr 2009 (annual)

Dead by Dawn - the UK's only festival devoted entirely to horror film - returns to the Edinburgh Filmhouse for four days of fear...

Children's International Theatre Festival

May - Jun 2009 (annual)

Edinburgh hosts Britain's biggest performing arts festival for children, a week of shows from leading international children's theatre groups across six countries.

Beltane Fire Festival

Apr 2009 (annual)

Held every year at the top of Calton Hill, the Beltane Fire Festival is one of Edinburgh's less conventional festivals - a neo-pagan fertility ceremony in which costumed revellers dance around the hill accompanied by drummers, musicians and spectacular props.

BUPA Great Edinburgh Run

May 2009 (annual)

Formerly the Capital City Challenge and a part of the BUPA Great Caledonian Run, the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run attracts several thousand runners each year.

No biennial events available.