Here are 86 things you can do in Edinburgh this September:

Festivals and Events

1. Edinburgh Riding of the Marches (15th September) – Experience this historic event with hundreds of horses parading down the Royal Mile.
2. Doors Open Days (28th-29th September) – Explore Edinburgh’s hidden architectural gems for free.
3. Blood Brothers at Edinburgh Playhouse (24th-28th September) – Watch this classic musical in one of Edinburgh’s most iconic theatres.
4. Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift (27th September) – Enjoy Taylor Swift’s hits performed by candlelight in St Mary’s Cathedral.
5. Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition (28th-29th September) – Plan your dream wedding at Murrayfield Stadium.
6. Tim Peake: Astronauts, The Quest to Explore Space (29th September) – Attend this engaging talk by the famous astronaut at Edinburgh Playhouse.
7. Silent Disco Adventure Tour (selected dates) – Dance through the streets of Edinburgh with your own silent disco.
8. Gin Tour and Tasting at Lind & Lime Distillery (selected dates) – Discover the art of gin-making and enjoy a tasting.
9. Edinburgh Ceilidh Club (various dates) – Dance the night away at a traditional Scottish ceilidh.
10. Neon Brush: Sip & Paint Workshop in the Dark (26th-29th September) – Get creative in this unique art class at PDT Please Don’t Tell.

Tours and Walks

11. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour (1st-24th September) – Explore Edinburgh at your own pace with this flexible bus tour.
12. Historical Walking Tour (1st-29th September) – Dive into Edinburgh’s rich history on a guided walking tour.
13. The Mountebank Comedy Walk (1st-30th September) – Enjoy a comedic take on Edinburgh’s history with this walking tour.
14. Hidden & Haunted Ghost Tour (selected dates) – Explore the darker side of Edinburgh with tales of ghosts and ghouls.
15. Terror Walking Tour (12th August-26th October) – A spine-chilling walk through Edinburgh’s haunted locations.
16. The Ghost Bus Tour (1st-29th September) – A spooky bus ride through Edinburgh’s most haunted sites.
17. Capital View Walk in Pentland Hills (selected dates) – Enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh on this guided hill walk.
18. Some Kind of Tours: Dark Historic Walking Tours (selected dates) – Learn about Edinburgh’s 5 million years of history in a unique way.
19. Backstage Tours at Edinburgh Playhouse (20th September) – Go behind the scenes of one of the UK’s largest theatres.
20. Tea and Talks (selected dates) – Join in for a casual talk on various topics at different locations around Edinburgh.

Museums and Galleries

21. National Museum of Scotland – Explore exhibits ranging from Scottish history to natural sciences.
22. Scottish National Gallery – Marvel at works by famous artists like Van Gogh and Monet.
23. Royal Yacht Britannia – Discover the royal history aboard this famous yacht in Leith.
24. St Giles’ Cathedral – Admire the Gothic architecture and learn about Scotland’s religious history.
25. Georgian House – Step back in time and see how Edinburgh’s elite lived in the 18th century.
26. Edinburgh Castle – Visit Scotland’s most iconic castle and explore its rich history.
27. The Museum of Edinburgh – Learn about the city’s past from prehistoric times to the present day.
28. Scottish National Portrait Gallery – See portraits of Scotland’s most famous figures.
29. The Writers’ Museum – Explore the lives of Scotland’s great literary figures.
30. The People’s Story Museum – Discover the everyday lives of Edinburgh’s residents through history.

Markets and Shopping

31. Edinburgh Farmers Market (every Saturday) – Shop for fresh local produce at Castle Terrace.
32. Grassmarket Weekly Market (every Saturday) – Explore this vibrant market in the heart of Edinburgh.
33. Leith Market (every Saturday) – Find unique crafts and artisan goods at this dockside market.
34. Stockbridge Market (every Sunday) – A popular market with gourmet food and handcrafted items.
35. Castle St Fair (2nd-8th September) – Browse local crafts and gifts in this outdoor market.
36. Craft & Flea Market (15th September) – Discover vintage treasures and handmade goods at Assembly Rooms.
37. Edinburgh Car Boot Sale (every Saturday & Sunday) – Hunt for bargains at this popular car boot sale.
38. Waverley Market – Shop for souvenirs and local goods at this central market.
39. Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre – Browse a wide range of shops with stunning views of the Firth of Forth.
40. Princes Street Shopping – Explore the bustling main shopping street in Edinburgh.

Outdoor Activities

41. Climb Arthur’s Seat – Hike up this extinct volcano for the best views of Edinburgh.
42. Walk along the Water of Leith – Enjoy a peaceful stroll along this scenic river.
43. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Explore 70 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.
44. Calton Hill – Take in panoramic views of the city from this historic hill.
45. Holyrood Park – Explore the expansive park and its many trails.
46. Circus Lane in Stockbridge – Wander through one of Edinburgh’s prettiest streets.
47. Portobello Beach – Relax by the sea at Edinburgh’s local beach.
48. Princes Street Gardens – Enjoy a walk in these beautiful gardens in the heart of the city.
49. Walk the Royal Mile – Stroll along Edinburgh’s historic main street.
50. Dean Village – Visit this picturesque area just a short walk from the city centre.

Food and Drink

51. The Marshmallow Lady – Try giant gourmet marshmallows in a hot drink.
52. Afternoon Tea at The Balmoral – Indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea at this iconic hotel.
53. Explore Edinburgh’s Whisky Bars – Sample some of Scotland’s finest whiskies.
54. Dine at The Witchery by the Castle – Enjoy a meal in this atmospheric restaurant near Edinburgh Castle.
55. Sip a Pumpkin Spice Latte at a Local Café – Celebrate autumn with this seasonal favourite.
56. Edinburgh Beer Tour (1st-29th September) – Discover the city’s best craft beers on this guided tour.
57. Visit the Edinburgh Food Studio – Experience innovative Scottish cuisine at this unique restaurant.
58. Sip Cocktails at Panda & Sons – Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in this speakeasy-style bar.
59. The Dome – Have a meal or a drink in one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings.
60. Fudge Kitchen – Watch fudge being made and sample some for yourself.

Arts and Culture

61. Edinburgh International Film Festival (August-September) – Catch some of the best new films from around the world.
62. Attend a Theatre Production at The Lyceum – See a play at one of Edinburgh’s leading theatres.
63. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August) – Experience this iconic event featuring military bands from around the world.
64. Edinburgh Art Festival (August-September) – Explore contemporary art exhibitions throughout the city.
65. Visit the Festival Theatre – Enjoy a variety of performances including opera, ballet, and musicals.
66. Scottish Storytelling Centre – Attend a storytelling session or workshop.
67. Watch a Comedy Show at The Stand – Enjoy a night of laughs at Edinburgh’s top comedy club.
68. Edinburgh Playhouse – See a West End musical in this historic theatre.
69. The Queen’s Hall – Attend a concert in this intimate venue.
70. Summerhall – Visit this arts venue for exhibitions, performances, and more.

Unique Experiences

71. Potion-Making Experience (every Sat & Mon) – Create your own magical potion in this fun workshop.
72. The Edinburgh Dungeon – Experience the darker side of history in this interactive attraction.
73. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions – Explore this museum filled with optical illusions and interactive exhibits.
74. The Real Mary King’s Close – Discover Edinburgh’s hidden streets beneath the Royal Mile.
75. Climb Scott Monument – Test your limits by climbing 287 steps for a view over the city.
76. Visit the House of Binns – Explore this historic stately home just outside Edinburgh.
77. Craigie Farm Pumpkin Patch – Pick your own pumpkin at this family-friendly farm.
78. Liberton Kirk – Visit this beautiful church covered in autumn ivy.
79. Carlowrie Castle – Admire the autumn colours at this stunning castle.
80. Tea and Tarot at The Salisbury Centre (selected dates) – Explore the symbolism of the Tarot in this open group.

Day Trips

81. Visit Rosslyn Chapel – Take a trip to this famous chapel just outside Edinburgh.
82. Explore Linlithgow Palace – Visit the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.
83. Stirling Castle – Take a day trip to one of Scotland’s most important castles.
84. The Kelpies – Visit these iconic sculptures near Falkirk.
85. Falkirk Wheel – See this impressive feat of engineering in action.
86. North Berwick – Spend a day by the sea in this charming coastal town.