Contrary to popular opinion, it doesn’t always rain in Edinburgh! At other times it feels like it goes on for days and will never end. And on days like today, with the rain lashing down, the city, under its moody, grey skies with its dramatic architecture and shining cobbles, looks even more stunning. So, our advice is just embrace it and try out some of our ideas for spending a perfect rainy day in the city.

These darker days are ideal for photos and some of our favourite spots to capture on rainy days include the Vennel, with its many steps and classic castle view; the Playfair Steps leading from the top of Market Street down to the square at the base of The Mound where you’ll find the National Gallery; winding, cobbled Cockburn Street with its iconic coffee shops and finally the curve of the lushly-planted, cobbled Circus Lane in Stockbridge.

The Vennel

So, let’s start the day in the Grassmarket, head up to the top of the Vennel steps and soak up that iconic view of the castle, while people run up and down the steps, huddled under their umbrellas.

St Giles Cathedral

Next stop has to be a cosy coffee shop to shelter from the rain and find a perfect corner for people- watching. So, head up the iconic curve of cobbled Victoria Street, with its colourful shops (don’t miss the view from Victoria Terrace, above) and along the Royal Mile. At this point take a few minutes to head into the glorious St Giles Cathedral to admire its beauty and atmosphere. From here, head down the cobbled Cockburn Street.

The Milkman, Cockburn Street

Can you find a more ideal spot than the soulful coffeeshop The Milkman at the foot of Cockburn Street for a warming hot chocolate or coffee along with a cinnamon bun, while the rain streams down the windows? It is the perfect corner for people-watching and catching up on a chapter of your current book or making plans. From here you can watch people making their way up and down the steep steps of Warriston’s Close and immerse yourself in the vibe of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

The Playfair Steps

After wandering in and out of some of Cockburn Street’s independent vinyl, vintage and antique shops, make for one of Edinburgh’s many art galleries via The Playfair Steps, designed by the architect William Henry Playfair, who was also the architect of the Scottish National Gallery. With its street lanterns and the School of Divinity with all its Hogwarts vibes as a backdrop, this is a real architectural gem.

The Scottish National Gallery

The next stop would be to get a culture fix at one of the city’s art galleries. We like to head for the Scottish National Gallery and relive some of the many hours spent there while studying History of Art at Edinburgh Uni. Its free to enter and losing yourself in this world for a while feels like such a rare treat.

The Ox, London Road

Following this a cosy, rustic pub lunch and a big glass of red wine will most definitely be calling, and we love to make for The Ox in London Road, at the bottom of Broughton Street. You’ll find hearty onion soup, beef and Guinness pie, fish and chips all cooked to perfection, not to mention their Sunday roast on Sundays only, which is highly recommended!

Circus Lane

Work off your lunch with a wander through the refined Georgian New Town towards Stockbridge where you can enjoy strolling through the prettiest of Edinburgh streets, the cobbled Circus Lane. You may even find you have the street to yourself when it’s wet!

The Last Word Cocktail Saloon, Saint Stephen Street

Spend some time in the bookshops, and other independent stores in the characterful Saint Stephen Street and time it perfectly for a chilled, late afternoon at our favourite basement bar, The Last Word Cocktail Saloon. With its dark, wooden floors and tables and lit by candles you can forget the world outside for a few hours while sampling some whiskies or inventive cocktails. Ask behind the bar where they keep a few decks of cards and while away a wet afternoon blissfully.

So, the rain can be the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy some quality time in and around Edinburgh’s stunning streets, galleries, indie stores and memorable eateries, coffee shops and pubs. A good reason to love a rainy Edinburgh! We hope you have enjoyed this and look out for some more Edinburgh insider tips coming soon.

A Perfect Rainy Day in Edinburgh