Whatever The Weather - Indoor Activities in Edinburgh
When you’re heading to a City like Edinburgh, you can never guarantee the weather. It’s not uncommon for locals to start the day in a thick coat and end it with their sunglasses on; such is life in the city. Not to worry, though, because there are limitless activities to do that don’t require a stroll in the rain (unless you want to).
If you’re headed to Scotland and indeed the City of Edinburgh and happen to get caught in a grey, moody shower, we’ve curated the perfect list of some of our favourite indoor activities for you to enjoy (aside from relaxing in our accommodation, of course). From your perfect cinema excursion to a historical day out, you’re truly spoilt for choice in the city.
A Trip To The Museum
One thing for certain is that in Edinburgh, you’re never stuck for choice when it comes to museums; historical, educational or just plain fun! There are a variety of museums to wander in throughout the city, and here are some of our favourites:
The National Museum of Scotland - located on Chambers Street, opposite our luxurious Museum Apartments. This is one of the city’s largest museums and showcases a range of unique exhibits for you to discover. One of our personal favourite exhibits has to be the prehistoric animals, home to a Tyrannosaurus rex amongst other bones.
The National Portrait Gallery - Located in New Town, it is known for its beautiful balcony and historic paintings. Some of our favourite paintings here include a portrait of Mary Queen of Scots and one of her mother, Mary De Guise. When you enter the gallery, make sure to look up in the centre room and see if you can spot your favourite historical rulers.
The Surgeons’ Hall Museum - A fantastic spot for those interested in biology, showcasing a range of bodily organs and donations for you to browse. The entry to this museum is 10 pound per adult, and it is worth every penny.
Visiting the museums in Edinburgh is one of the best ways to spend a rainy day in the city. Many of these are free and only request donations. You can certainly spend a day in just one of the listed buildings, or perhaps spread your time among a few of them. We know we would.
Alternatively, if you fancy something a bit more interactive and child-friendly, we have some great suggestions below!
Camera Obscura
One of Edinburgh’s most popular indoor attractions is Camera Obscura. Camera Obscura is an illusion museum with a twist; their very own camera showcases the busy city.
This attraction is great for all ages and is also home to a mirror maze guaranteed to confuse and entertain. Our personal favourite is Bewilderworld, an illusion guaranteed to make you dizzy!
Edinburgh Dungeons
The Edinburgh Dungeons is a location that certainly shouldn’t be missed. If you are after something historical entertainment with live actors, this is the attraction for you.
Suitable for ages 8 and older due to the spooky nature of the venue.
Head to the Cinema
There are an abundance of cinemas to visit in the City of Edinburgh, if you fancy something different from your typical Vue or Cineworld visit - these are just a few of our favourites.
The Dominion Theatre
The Dominion Theatre is where you go to watch a movie in style, located in the Morningside neighbourhood, known for its classic interior and atmosphere. Enjoy one of your film favourites or a new release from the comfort of a luxury reclining sofa and traditional setting. With wine available and, of course, popcorn, make the most of your visit to the screening.
Everyman Cinema
The Everyman Cinema is a great choice for those who want to grab a bite to eat alongside a movie; the perfect date night!
The Scotsman Picturehouse
A great spot to celebrate special occasions in style with a trip to the movies. Their luxurious red sofas, delicious beverages and nothing but a good show. The Picture House is located just up (or down) Fleshmarket Close in a historic Newspaper building alongside North Bridge.
Go see a show
Much like the cinemas, there are many spots to see a good show in the city; From classical theatre like Phantom of the Opera to newer additions to the stage like One Day The Musical. Here’s where you can find your next show:
The Festival Theatre
Located just off the Royal Mile and in the heart of Old Town is The Festival Theatre - this theatre has been home to many amazing performances, including The Death of a Salesman.
Usher Hall
Usher Hall, located on Lothian Road just off Princes Street, is a great spot if you fancy some dinner before your show, with local pubs and restaurants on your doorstep
The Lyceum Theatre
The Lyceum Theatre, the sister theatre to Usher Hall, is known for its rounded stage. This stage was recently home to the premiere of the One Day Musical - a great recommendation for any future shows.
The Edinburgh Playhouse
The Edinburgh Playhouse is possibly the most famous theatre in the city, with regular showings of famous names. If you fancy a big-name show with immediate access to New Town, it’s the best pick for you.
Enjoy your time in the city.
We hope you enjoyed our rainy day activities blog post, and we hope you’ve taken inspiration from some of our top picks in the city. For further inspiration, head to our itinerary blog posts to help you curate your perfect stay.
Stay with us
Headed to the City of Edinburgh? Why not curate your perfect stay with us? At Calton Living, we host a range of serviced apartments throughout the city, each with its own unique style and location. You can view our full range of apartments here.
