Best Things to Do in Edinburgh in Winter (Beyond the Christmas Markets)
Looking for a city break, or the next destination for your backpacking trip? This winter, consider a trip to Edinburgh – though world-famous for its Christmas markets, there’s plenty to explore in the city on a budget. Whether your vibe is exploring a cosy book shop, crisp walks around picturesque cobbled streets, sipping warm coffee in a leafy park or spending the afternoon in a museum, we’ve got ideas for you.
While in town, you shouldn’t miss the chance to stay at a Scotland’s Top Hostels destination. All located in the city centre’s Old Town, seconds from major attractions, these hostels themselves are historical landmarks with stunning buildings, comfy lounges, daily social events, and prices starting from just £17 this November.
Book your stay through Scotland’s Top Hostels for the best price and flexibility:
Explore Cosy Bookshops around Edinburgh’s New & Old Towns
Edinburgh was named the world's first UNESCO City of Literature for good reason, and its cobbled streets are packed with atmospheric sanctuaries where you can spend hours browsing. If you are bunking at Castle Rock Hostel, High Street Hostel, or Royal Mile Backpackers, you are already ideally placed right in the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by some of the most characterful literary nooks in Scotland.
Just a two-minute walk from Castle Rock Hostel brings you straight to West Port, home to the iconic Armchair Books. It’s an ideal spot to grab a secondhand paperback for your hostel night, spend a quiet rainy morning, or hunt down budget-friendly Scottish folklore tales without blowing your travel budget. Stacked high with pre-loved novels, non-fiction, paperbacks and beyond, right in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, it's a truly unique experience.
Over just past the New Town, Topping & Company Booksellers is a massive, warm bookshop lined with towering handcrafted bookshelves and their signature rolling wooden ladders. What makes it a favorite for budget travellers is their tradition of handing you a complimentary pot of fresh tea or coffee while you flip through their collection. It’s easy to settle in here for an hour, chatting with knowledgeable staff, browsing paperbacks and hardbacks, and soaking up the warmth before heading out to tackle Calton Hill.
For a true taste of Edinburgh’s indie spirit, venture toward Stockbridge and the Southside to hunt out spots like The Golden Hare Books and Blackwell’s. Sitting on St Stephen Street, The Golden Hare is a gorgeous boutique shop complete with a crackling fireplace in the winter months and carefully curated fiction picks. Meanwhile, Blackwell’s on South Bridge, just around the corner from Royal Mile Backpackers, has been serving students and travellers alike since 1879, offering a wealthy collection of new books local maps, and Highland travel guides.
Head out on a Free Museum/Art Gallery Crawl through the National Museum of Scotland, Writer’s Museum, National Galleries & National Portrait Gallery
The National Museum of Scotland
If you only visit one free museum in Edinburgh, most backpackers will likely tell you to make it the National Museum of Scotland. It's massive, right in the middle of the Old Town, and manages to cover everything from Scottish history through to fashion, science, zoology and ancient culture. You could choose to spend an hour speedrunning the place, or easily lose an entire rainy afternoon wandering through the different floors.
Highlights include the stuffed remains of Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned animal, who was born just outside of the city, alongside the Scottish Maiden, an early beheading device that predates the guillotine (if you're travelling with French pals, best not to mention it!). Also make sure to check out the Lewis Chessmen, 12th century walrus ivory chess pieces that were hand carved and found on the distant Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
The Writer's Museum
Squeeze through the tiny opening at Lady Stair's Close on the Royal Mile, just off from the Lawnmarket, and you'll find yourself in Makars' Court - a relatively new part of the city that has become an evolving monument to the literary history of Scotland, with paving slabs featuring quotes from famous books and poems in English, Scots and Gaelige (the three national languages of the country).
Overlooking the court you'll find the Writers' Museum, housed in a 17th-century townhouse, and dedicated to three of Scotland's most famous writers; Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. The exhibits include original manuscripts, letters, portraits and personal belongings that give you a closer look at their lives and work. It's a small museum that makes a great addition to your 'museum crawl', and probably will take you around 30-45 minutes to wander through.
National Galleries of Scotland - National & Portrait
The three locations of the National Galleries are split but all worth visiting. Each one houses a different type of artwork, 'Portrait' & 'Modern' maybe being self-explanatory, but the most expansive exhibition is at the 'National' (yes, it's really called National Galleries of Scotland - National on maps and the like).
Located at the foot of the 'Mound' next to the Old Town, just minutes away from backpacker hubs like Castle Rock Hostel, the National is the easiest to casually drop in while you're wandering around Edinburgh. Right outside you'll find Princes Street Gardens, which makes a neat pairing to visit on a sunny day.
Inside you'll find a vast collection of works from European and Scottish painters, as well as from further afield, including Titian, Rembrandt and Vermeer to Monet and Van Gogh and Picasso, Hockney and Warhol.
And even if art galleries aren't your thing you are bound to enjoy a trip to Portrait, the building itself is remarkable with huge red sandstone gothic walls covered in murals, dramatic arches, stained glass windows and one of the most impressive entrance halls of any museum I've seen in Europe.
The gallery itself tells a surprisingly engaging story of Scotland through portraits of those who have shaped the country, from Kings and Queens through to musicians, actors, activists and more. They play a little fast and loose with the term 'portrait' too, don't go in expecting a stuffy old art museum, as Portrait is impressively diverse and up to date.
Explore our full guide to Edinburgh's best free Museums and Portrait Galleries below:
Walk Along the Water of Leith to Stockbridge, Dean Village and National Galleries – Modern
Connecting Edinburgh to the suburb of Leith (formerly a separate Burgh in itself, and with its own distinct identity) is the Water of Leith, and a scenic walk along it called the Walkway, which is clearly signposted and easy to access, a short walk from both Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, most easy to spot if you arrive in the neighbourhood of Stockbridge.
A real bonus is to pair this walk with a visit to Stockbridge Food Market, which runs on Sundays only just steps away from the river at Jubilee Gardens.
From Stockbridge, you can either head left or right along the Walkway and be greeted with plenty to see, and lots of beautiful golden trees marking the way. Heading left, you'll soon find yourself at Dean Village, a historic milling area that is known for its old stone buildings, small bridges, and quaint leafy park that hugs the river. Heading right, you'll head towards Leith proper through some quiet and peaceful parts of the city.
Once you arrive at Dean Village, it's a short walk further along the Water of Leith Walkway to the West to arrive at the National Galleries - Modern, another of the city's free galleries to visit.
Check Out These Cosy Coffee Shops and Pubs to Get All Nice and Warm Again
Staying at Castle Rock Hostel, High Street Hostel, or Royal Mile Backpackers puts you within easy stumbling distance of the city's finest specialty coffee shops and cosy night-time watering holes with roaring fireplaces.
If you're staying at Castle Rock Hostel, be sure to take a wander down to the newly renamed Greenhouse (formerly called 'Lovecrumbs'), located just up in the West Bow and conveniently close to the aforementioned Armchair Books, if you want to find a spot to start digging into your paperback! It's lovingly decorated, with excellent homemade cakes to boot.
Later, be sure to head a short way further up towards the meadows and visit Cloisters Bar, an absolute sanctuary for craft beer fans and travellers looking for a proper, unpretentious pub vibe. Housed in a striking former parsonage with real log fires and stained-glass windows, you won't find any loud music or TV screens here, instead just great conversation and an outstanding drink selection. With an ever-changing board of guest real ales, craft ciders, and an extensive wall of single malt whiskies, it's one of the cosiest spots in the city to pull up a seat after a cold walk across the Old Town and sample some of Scotland's finest small-batch brews.
Meanwhile, for those staying at High Street Hostel, be sure to take a visit down to Cappucino on Jeffrey Street. This cosy, laid-back spot serves up rich, expertly crafted espressos, velvety flat whites, and massive mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows that are perfect for thawing out after exploring the Royal Mile. The vibe inside is welcoming and unhurried, ideal for pulling up a window seat, grabbing a freshly baked pastry or warm breakfast roll, and watching the morning rush of wintery Edinburgh.
Finally, take a wander up the Royal Mile to local's favourite pub The Jolly Judge, with its wood-burning stove and local Scottish beer. Whether you're playing board games with bunkmates or swapping travel tips with off-duty locals, its warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it an essential spot for any backpacker exploring the Old Town this winter.
Where to Stay During Edinburgh this Winter for Backpackers? Explore High Street Hostel, Castle Rock Hostel or Royal Mile Backpackers
High Street Hostel - for Backpackers Who Want a Mix of Charm, Character and Warm Social Evenings
You'll find High Street Hostel located just off of the Royal Mile in the centre of the bustling Old Town. Every bed comes equipped with sheets, two plug sockets, and USB connections (so you don't even need to buy a UK adaptor for your phone charger!).
The best part is that High Street Hostel is very affordable - offering a continental breakfast for just £4 each morning, towel hire for just £2, and free daily events to connect with other backpackers from around the World. Dorms range from the budget 18 bed mixed dormitory up to 4 beds, and female-only dorms are available.
There are plenty of things to get involved in. Every Monday night you can take part in the legendary Hostel Quiz, where you'll be paired up with backpackers from all around the world and tested on your trivia. Every Tuesday night there's a Pool Tournament that normally leads into people heading out to a bar after.
Want to hear from backpackers about their stay? Here's what a recent review had to say about their stay at High Street Hostel:
"I really liked my stay there. Very friendly staff and the location was just perfect. Nice chill out area with a pool table and a cozy vibe. Would recommend!" - A review of High Street Hostel from Hostelworld in October 2026
Book your stay through Scotland's Top Hostels and you'll always get the best price and flexibility:
Castle Rock Hostel - for Backpackers Who Want Energy, Unbeatable Vibes, Pub Crawls and Days Out Together
You're sure to have an unforgettable social experience at Castle Rock Hostel. Every Monday night you can take part in the legendary Hostel Pub Quiz, with cheap drinks at nearby Bar Salsa, and the chance to meet up with fellow travellers from all over the world. On Tuesday nights you'll find a fantastic Whisky Tasting, with 6 whiskies from across Scotland and a local guide to talk you through them.
You'll find Castle Rock Hostel located in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, seconds from the Royal Mile. There's a vibrant social atmosphere with inclusive daily social events, most of which are free. Every bed comes equipped with sheets, two plug sockets, and USB connections (so you don't even need to buy a UK adaptor for your phone charger!).
The best part is that Castle Rock Hostel is very affordable - offering a continental breakfast for just £4 each morning, towel hire for just £2, and free daily events to connect with other backpackers from around the World. Dorms range from the budget 16 bed mixed dormitory up to 4 beds, and female-only dorms are available.
Want to hear from backpackers about their stay? Here's what a recent review had to say about their stay at Castle Rock Hostel:
"Amazing hostel! I did my first solo trip and it could not have been better. It’s clean, the staff are awesome and there are activities all the time. I will definitely be coming back!" - A review of Castle Rock Hostel from Hostelworld in October 2026
Book your stay through Scotland's Top Hostels and you'll always get the best price and flexibility:
Royal Mile Backpackers - for Backpackers Who Want Relaxed, Laidback Energy Without the Fuss
With just 38 beds, Royal Mile Backpackers feels sometimes more like a backpackers' flatshare. There are board games stacked high in the cosy nook lounge, a book exchange on the shelves in the reception lounge, with free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate 24/7.
Meanwhile in the well-equipped kitchenette, there's limited space to cook which avoids overstimulating smells, and if you need a little more space to cook you can head across the road to High Street Hostel where use of their larger kitchen is included in your stay. This makes Royal Mile Backpackers a perfectly quiet hostel in Edinburgh Old Town.
The best part - you can take advantage of the events taking place at nearby sister hostels High Street and Castle Rock - where there's something happening every evening. Staying at this hostel is like a choose-your-own-adventure book, where you get to decide whether you want to have a cosy night in with a book, or you can decide last minute to join in for Scottish Folk Dancing or a Pool Tournament.
Want to hear from backpackers about their stay? Here's what a recent review had to say about their stay at Royal Mile Backpackers:
"Loved my stay at Royal Mile. It’s perfect for someone who want to stay somewhere quiet and peaceful with the benefit of being able to attend events and meet people at the partner hostel across the street." - A review of Royal Mile Backpackers from Hostelworld in October 2026
Book your stay through Scotland's Top Hostels and you'll always get the best price and flexibility:
FAQs about Planning a Trip to Edinburgh During the Winter
Q: What is the weather like in Edinburgh during winter, and what should I pack?
A: Winter in Edinburgh (November to March) brings crisp, cold days with average daytime temperatures ranging between 1°C and 7°C (34°F–45°F). Snow falls occasionally, but chilly winds off the Firth of Forth and frequent winter rain are far more common. Daylight hours are less than usual, with the sun setting around 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM in mid-winter. Pack thermal base layers, a quality windproof and waterproof coat, a warm hat, gloves, and sturdy waterproof boots if you can.
Q: Where is the best area to stay in Edinburgh on a budget during winter?
A: Staying in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town puts you within walking distance of major winter attractions, cosy pubs, and central transport links without needing taxis or buses. Budget travellers and backpackers should look to Scotland’s Top Hostels, which offers three central Old Town options: Castle Rock Hostel (perched right beneath Edinburgh Castle), High Street Hostel (just off the Royal Mile on Blackfriars Street), and Royal Mile Backpackers. Staying here keeps accommodation costs low while placing you minutes from Waverley Train Station, vibrant nightlife, and affordable eateries.
Q: Is Edinburgh worth visiting in the winter, or is everything closed?
A: Edinburgh is a fantastic winter destination. Major attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery, and Palace of Holyroodhouse, remain open year-round. Winter brings a magical atmosphere to the city, from the festive Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens and the world-famous Hogmanay celebrations in December to quiet, crowd-free museums and cozy pub nights by open log fires throughout January and February.
Q: How many days should I spend on a winter trip to Edinburgh?
A: A stay of 3 to 4 days is ideal for covering Edinburgh’s main highlights at a relaxed winter pace. This gives you enough time to explore Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile, climb Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat for sunrise views, duck into cozy independent bookshops and historic pubs, and spend an afternoon visiting free indoor galleries.
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