Do you think Edinburgh is better in the summer rather that winter/xmas ?

[AceKitten]

I’d love to see it all decorated Christmassy

but not sure if it would do my head in if it’s extremely crowed like Im sure it is
At Christmas

Edinburgh is fab at Christmas. The Christmas markets open on 15th nov. It’ll start getting steadily busier the closer to Christmas, but I don’t think it’s ever been heaving when I’ve been. It would be our go to city for Christmas markets/christmassy shopping due to where we live.

The Xmas markets are pretty full of tourist tat & hugely over-priced. It’s dark by 3.30-45 over the festive period.

But in August when the festival is on, it’s swarming with tourists & so incredibly busy.

I’d visit May to July or September.

I don't particularly enjoy Edinburgh at Christmas. Although I love the lights at the Dome. But the market is horrible, overpriced and busy. I know some people love it though. And I hate wet, cold, dark days.

I live in Edinburgh and hate it at Christmas…the market especially. Festival time is the same. I’d say Feb-Jun will give best experience.

The markets are definitely overpriced and they are a copy and paste of every Christmas market in cities, but I do love Christmas in Edinburgh and the lights around the city.

I live here too and 100% agree with this. Christmas/New Year is one of the worst times to come! Especially if you don't like crowds.

I live nearby, and I think it's FAB at Christmas. The Dome is excellent, with a giant Tree and smells all Christmassy. I would say be careful to book anything you want to do, and book restaurants ahead, as it will be busy.

It is great in summer too of course, and if you visit in August be sure to get tickets for the Military Tattoo, it's the BEST show in town.

I always recommend taking the time to go to South Queensferry, but a lot of people don't know it exists. It's a very old and quaint town, on the shores of the River Forth. It's cobbled streets are lined with pubs and restaurants. You can also do a boat tour from here, and in summer there are Jazz and Disco cruises. They are run by The Maid of the Forth and The Forth Belle. You can also get food and drinks at The Hawes Inn, where Robert Louis Stevenson stayed when he was writing his novel "Kidnapped".

I love Edinburgh!

Can you visit more than once? Edinburgh is always gorgeous. Hogmanay is insanely crowded but before Christmas you could enjoy the festive vibe and lights. June is amazing. It’s light aaaall the time. Long, long days to explore and see the sights. August is incredibly buzzy but so crowded and expensive.

If I were only to visit once, I would choose June/ July.

I am Scottish. Do not underestimate how dark it is at Christmas. Dark from 4pm and not light until 9pm. Contrast with June, when it's light at 3am and not dark until 10pm.

Also agree that the Christmas markets are tourist tat.