Rute MartinsEDINBURGH, SCOTLAND. Located far away from central Europe, Edinburgh has around 480 thousand inhabitants and is considered to be the 7th biggest city in the UK, meaning it has a lot to offer visitors. Full of cultural activities ranging from exhibitions to celebrations, Edinburgh can’t be missed, and you can start right this spring.
Scotland’s capital is rich in history, and you can find amazing architecture in churches and buildings like the Edinburgh Castle. Museums, galleries, theater, and music are some of the things that the beautiful Victorian city presents every year. Although trends come and go, there are some important festivals to attend from July to September every year.
The Edinburgh International Festival is known as the biggest annual international arts festival in the world, with hundreds events occurring during the summer. For 11 months Edinburgh may seem quiet, but prepare for August and for the cultural atmosphere in the air. Many other festivals occur simultaneously, like the Fringe Festival – the largest comedy gathering in the world – or Edinburgh’s Art Festival, with many special exhibitions on display.
Puppet master in Old Town during the festival | byronv2
There’s also the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, which takes place in various venues and starts a week before the Fringe in late July. Enjoy the concerts, performed during the day or night, by several local and even famous musicians like Van Morrison and the party atmosphere that invades the Scottish streets.
For spring, dive into Scotland’s dark history with the Mary King’s Ghost Fest. Late March is the perfect month for a spooky excursion and exploring the paranormal of the capital’s haunted streets. A week of talks, bus tours, and guides that will send chills down your spine with tales about the plague, murder, and intrigue among the underground streets in Old Town.
The International Science Festival is a great example of Scotland’s love for culture, science, and all things intellectual. Held in April, this is considered one of the biggest science festivals in Europe, celebrating the love of technology with new and inspiring projects, discoveries, and entertaining exhibitions for all ages.
A night during Edinburgh’s crowded festivals | neil roger
And last but not least is the Scottish Real Ale Festival, a favorite for beer lovers that takes place in July. By paying an entrance fee, you will taste over 130 choices of real Scottish ale, which means the beer still contains live yeast and undergoes secondary fermentation in casks.
Accommodation during the festivals can be tricky. Book it now and good luck; it’s going to be crowded! And keep an eye out for Edinburgh’s events during the rest of the year.