top of page
Search

How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh

  • Writer: Lee & Debbie
    Lee & Debbie
  • 4 days ago
  • 10 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Rainy Day in Edinburgh: Top Things To Do, Packing List & Tips


How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh. Rainy Day in Edinburgh: Top Things To Do, Packing List & Tips. By The Organised Explorers.

The UK is known for its rainy weather and Edinburgh is certainly no exception. With September now here and autumn just around the corner, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter a few grey skies during your visit. But don't let a bit of rain dampen your plans. From cosy cafés, beautiful museums and galleries and hidden indoor gems, there’s no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh when the skies turn grey. In this guide, we'll share our top rainy day essentials, packing tips and indoor ideas to help you make the most of your visit. Let’s explore!


Contents



Rainy Day in Edinburgh Check List: The Essentials.


Before you head out to explore this incredible city, make sure you're prepared for whatever the weather may throw at you. Here's a handy checklist to help you stay dry, comfortable and ready to explore, rain or shine.


• Waterproof Jacket. A waterproof jacket is an absolute must when visiting Edinburgh. Sudden showers can occur all year round and the strong winds can sometimes make an umbrella impractical, so we'd suggest wearing a jacket with a hood to keep you dry. If you're visiting Edinburgh in the warmer months, opt for a lightweight, packable rain jacket - they're perfect to keep in your bag while you explore.


• Sturdy Umbrella. If the wind is not too strong, a good quality, wind resistant umbrella can come in handy. Be aware, the winds can get strong, especially on the narrow tunnel-like streets around Old Town and near the castle.


• Water Resistant Shoes or Boots. Nobody wants to walk around Edinburgh with wet feet. Keep your feet dry with water resistant socks and/or shoes, or a pair of boots in the colder months. Watch out for loose flagstones when it has rained, those hidden puddles can easily catch you out.


• Packable Tote Bag. A foldable tote bag is perfect for storing wet clothing or umbrellas and keeping them separate from the rest of your belongings.



Escape the Rain in Edinburgh's Free Galleries & Museums.


Edinburgh is home to a wide range of interesting galleries and museums, many of which are completely free to enter and explore. If you're looking for shelter from the rain, there’s no better way to spend the day than exploring one of the city's cultural treasures. Here are a couple of our favourite spots:


Note: Entry to the galleries and museums mentioned in this section is free, though special exhibitions may carry a small charge.


• Our favourite museum is the National Museum of Scotland, located on Chambers Street. This interactive museum is one of Edinburgh's most popular attractions and is large enough to fill an entire day, offering something for everyone. Highlights include Dolly the Sheep (the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell), the Lewis Chessmen, a great natural history wing (our favourite) and a giant T-Rex skeleton! There is also the Balcony Cafe, which offers plenty of seating and is a great place to relax. This is a great stop for all ages, especially if you're visiting Edinburgh with children. Due to its size, this museum comfortably handles the larger crowds it tends to draw on rainy days, so it never feels too overwhelming.


Location: Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF


Avoid The Rain in Edinburgh's Free Galleries & Museums - The National Museum of Scotland. From the blog post How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh by The Organised Explorers.

• If you're caught in a passing shower, head to The Scottish National Gallery. Located just off Princes Street, this gallery is our favourite spot for art in Edinburgh, housing an impressive collection including works by Monet, Van Gogh and Cézanne. You’ll also find one of Scotland’s most famous paintings, The Monarch of the Glen by Sir Edwin Landseer. The gallery is more compact than the National Museum, so we'd recommend it for shorter rainy spells. For a quieter experience, we recommend visiting earlier in the day.


Location: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL


Avoid The Rain in Edinburgh's Free Galleries & Museums - The Scottish National Gallery. From the blog post How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh by The Organised Explorers.

Here are a few more free galleries and museums worth visiting on a rainy day:


• The Writers' Museum. Tucked away off the Royal Mile in Lady Stair’s Close, this charming museum focuses on the lives and works of Scottish literary names such as Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. This is a must-visit for book lovers.


Location: Lawnmarket, Lady Stair's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA


• The Museum of Edinburgh. Located on Canongate, The Museum of Edinburgh explores the city’s fascinating history. It’s smaller and quieter than other museums on this list, making it a great hidden gem for a rainy afternoon. Ideal spot for children.


Location: 142-146 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD


• Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Housed in a striking gothic-style building on Queen Street, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery offers a wonderful escape from the rain. Here you'll find portraits of notable figures past and present, including Mary Queen of Scots, Sir Winston Churchill and Billy Connolly. This spot is worth visiting for beautiful building alone.


Location: 1 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD


• Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. If you're an admirer of modern and contemporary art, Modern One & Modern Two are well worth a visit. These twin galleries, located near the picturesque Dean Village, showcase an impressive collection of art from the late 19th century to the present day, including works from Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and David Hockney. The galleries are set within beautiful sculpture gardens too, perfect for exploring when the rain stops.


Location: 73 & 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR



Take Shelter in One of Edinburgh's Cosy Bookshops.


On a dark, rainy day, there’s nothing better than stepping into a cosy bookshop. Edinburgh has plenty of inviting spots to explore. Here's three of our top picks for a rainy day:


• Topping & Company is our favourite bookshop in Edinburgh. You’ll find a wide selection of new releases, classics and beautiful editions here along with rolling ladders and plenty of nooks and quiet corners to settle into. There’s also a large children’s section, perfect if you're exploring Edinburgh with little ones.


Location: 2 Blenheim Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5JH


Take Shelter in One of Edinburgh's Cosy Bookshops - Topping & Company. From the blog post How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh by The Organised Explorers.

• For second-hand books, head to Armchair Books on West Port. This charming shop is a booklover's dream, where you can easily lose track of time browsing its towering shelves. This spot can get crowded during peak hours, so we recommend heading here earlier in the day for the most relaxed experience.


Location: 72-74 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LE


• Waterstones on Princes Street may be one of many Waterstones in the UK, but this particular location stands out for its spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle. The large, open space makes the perfect spot to browse and relax on a rainy day.


Location: 128 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 4AD



Hide from the Rain in Edinburgh’s Best Shopping Neighbourhoods


When the weather turns grey, Edinburgh's shopping scene shines. Whether you're hunting for familiar high street favourites or quirky local finds, the city has something for every style and budget:


• Princes Street is at the heart of Edinburgh’s shopping scene, where you'll find high street favourites such as UNIQLO, Primark and H&M, set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh castle. For designer brands, Multrees Walk is home to luxury retailers including Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols and Gucci.


• If you'd prefer independent boutiques and quirky finds, head to Stockbridge. This charming neighbourhood is home to a number of bookshops, record stores, vintage clothing boutiques and giftshops. It’s the perfect place for a slow, rainy-day wander. Grassmarket and Broughton Street are also great spots for independent shops and unique gifts.



• For an Instagram-worthy shopping experience, wander down the vibrant Victoria Street, a favourite among tourists for its colourful storefronts and magical vibe. It’s home to two popular Harry Potter-themed shops, The Whisky Shop and plenty of giftshops. Just a short walk away, the cobbled Cockburn Street offers a similar mix of shops, along with cosy cafés and bars, just off Edinburgh's Royal Mile.


Fun fact: Cockburn Street appeared in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) where Vision and Wanda are ambushed by Thanos’s henchmen whilst walking the streets of Edinburgh.


Victoria Street, Edinburgh. From the blog post How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh by The Organised Explorers.


People Watch in One of Edinburgh's Cosy Cafés.


One of our favourite ways to spend a rainy day in Edinburgh is taking shelter in one of the city's many cosy cafés, preferably with a good book and a window seat for people watching. Edinburgh’s café culture is strong and is something to be embraced while you're here. With so many to choose from, it's hard to go wrong, but here are a couple of our favourite spots:


• If you're looking for a spot with great bakes, head to Mimi's Bakehouse. We made our way to Mimi's after a drizzly walk up Arthur's seat and it was the perfect little spot to avoid the downpour that soon followed. The bakes here are delicious. There are a couple of locations around Edinburgh but we recommend heading to the City Art Center café on Market Street for its plentiful seating and central location.


Location: 1 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE


• The Milkman is easily one of Edinburgh’s most beloved coffee spots and for good reason. Located on Cockburn Street in the heart of Old Town, The Milkman offers exceptional coffee in a warm, minimalist setting. This spot is quite small for such a busy street and tends to fill up quickly when the rain starts, so head there early to grab a seat and enjoy some people watching.


Location: 7 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP


The Milkman, Edinburgh. From the blog post How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh by The Organised Explorers.

• If you're after a drink with a view, head to the café inside Waterstones (pictured below) or to Starbucks, both located on Princes Street. While they may be chains, they both offer great views of Edinburgh's magnificent castle and are great spots to watch the world go by.


Location (Waterstones): 128 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 4AD


Location (Starbucks): 118 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 4AA


Photo by Ziyao Xiong on Unsplash. From the blog post How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh by The Organised Explorers.


Enjoy One of Edinburgh's More Unique Indoor Experiences.


Edinburgh is full of immersive and cultural experiences that are perfect for those days when the weather isn’t on your side. If you’re looking to warm up with a dram of whisky or learn more about the city’s incredible history, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy that are unique to Edinburgh. Here are some of our favourites:


Note: Unlike the galleries and museums mentioned earlier in this post, these are paid for attractions and experiences, where you may need to book in advance.


• We have to start this section with Edinburgh's most recognisable experience - Edinburgh Castle. Whilst some parts of the castle are exposed to the elements, there are plenty of indoor areas to explore and keep dry. It's a great place to spend a rainy afternoon learning about some of the dramatic events that have unfolded on this site over the centuries. Discover the real-life story that provided inspiration for George R.R. Martin's infamous Red Wedding from Game of Thrones, see what life was like for the castle prisoners and get up close to the beautiful Scottish crown jewels.


Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG


Edinburgh Castle. From the blog post How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh by The Organised Explorers.

• Take shelter from the rain and warm up with a dram at The Scotch Whisky Experience. This interactive activity is located next door to Edinburgh Castle and offers a range of tours designed to suit everyone - from beginners to whisky experts and even families. Here you can learn how Scotland’s national drink is produced, enjoy a guided nosing and tasting session and explore the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky. It’s an unmistakably Scottish experience and a great way to escape the rain and warm up.


Location: 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE


• Not a whisky drinker? Swap the drams for something sweet with a visit to The Chocolatorium. This fun, family-friendly experience includes a guided tour of Edinburgh's very own chocolate micro factory, where you can learn about the history and production of chocolate, sample chocolate in the Tasting Room and enjoy a hands-on experience where you can make your own chocolate bar to take away with you. This is a great spot if you're visiting Edinburgh with children.


Location: 3-5 Cranston St, Edinburgh EH8 8BE


• For an atmospheric activity, head beneath the Royal Mile into The Real Mary King’s Close. This award-winning attraction brings to life the stories of those who lived (and died) here centuries ago. Costumed guides lead you through the hidden underground streets of Edinburgh, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's past. Equal parts spooky and educational, it’s a must for any rainy day itinerary.


Location: 2 Warriston’s Close, Edinburgh EH1 1PG


• At the opposite end of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Edinburgh, is a beautiful place to explore on a rainy day. Wander through the grand state apartments, step into the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots and learn more about Bonnie Prince Charlie's life at Holyroodhouse. If the weather clears up, be sure to head out and explore the elegant palace gardens and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.


Location: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX

Website: www.rct.uk


• Rainy days and cosy pubs are a perfect match. Edinburgh’s pubs are full of history, warmth and character, making for the perfect spot for a long lunch or a dram of whisky by a roaring fire. Check out some of the favourite spots of tourists and locals such as The World's End, The Last Drop, Bow Bar and Brass Monkey. There's so many to choose from, you could easily turn a rainy afternoon into a pub crawl.



Bonus Tips for Experiencing Edinburgh in the Rain


• Dress the Part. Layers are your friend in Edinburgh. The weather can change quickly, so pack a light waterproof jacket, carry a compact umbrella and opt for comfortable, water-resistant shoes. For a more detailed list, be sure to check out our rainy day essentials checklist at the start of this post.


• Embrace the Weather. You can’t change the weather, so you may as well work with it. Thankfully, Edinburgh has a certain charm in the rain. The glistening cobblestones, misty silhouette of Edinburgh Castle and dramatic skies all add to the city’s atmosphere. So don’t let a little bit of rain ruin your plans - go for a walk and embrace it!


Dean Village. From the blog post How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh by The Organised Explorers.

• Use the Rain to Your Advantage. When the rain starts, the streets tend to quieten down. If it’s only a light shower, it can actually be a great time to visit typically busy spots such as Calton Hill, the beautiful Dean Village (pictured above) or the Vennel Steps (pictured below). You might find yourself alone with some of the best views in the city, framed by mist and moody clouds. Rain has a way of making even the most photographed places feel like hidden gems.


Vennel Steps. From the blog post How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh by The Organised Explorers.

• Don’t Avoid Outdoor Spaces Entirely. Whilst we have listed plenty of indoor spaces and activities to keep you dry, Edinburgh’s gardens are still worth visiting in the rain. The Royal Botanic Garden and Princes Street Gardens can be peaceful and atmospheric when it’s wet out. However, we recommend sticking to the main footpaths and avoiding grass and muddy areas.


• Keep This List Handy. Save this post and keep our suggested dry spots handy. Download the map below to your phone so if a sudden downpour catches you out, you’ll know exactly where to head for shelter, whether that’s a cosy café, a tucked-away bookshop or a nearby museum.



We hope you enjoyed our guide to making the most of Edinburgh in the rain. Which activities will you be adding to your next rainy day itinerary? If you have any other tips or suggestions, please share them in the comment box below.


To stay updated on our latest blog posts and travel tips, subscribe to our mailing list here.





Save This Post For Later:


How To Make The Most of a Rainy Day in Edinburgh. By The Organised Explorers


(Waterstones view photo by Ziyao Xiong)

Comments

bottom of page