There’s no denying that Scotland is wet. It’s what makes the country so lush, right? But how do you keep your sightseeing itinerary intact when there is a downpour in the city? No stress! Our guide to things to do in Edinburgh on a rainy day has got you covered.
Speaking of covered, remember to pack a decent raincoat and plan your wardrobe. Check out our packing list for more.
Updated September 2026
| Activity | Type | Area | Price | Postcode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Museum of Scotland | Museum | Old Town | Free | EH1 1JF |
| Museum of Edinburgh | Museum | Old Town | Free | EH8 8AE |
| The People’s Story Museum | Museum | Old Town | Free | EH8 8AE |
| Palace of Holyroodhouse | Historic palace | Old Town | From £18.50 | EH8 8DX |
| Scotch Whisky Experience | Tour/tasting | Old Town | From £40 | EH1 2NE |
| Johnnie Walker Experience | Tour/tasting | West End | From £25 | EH2 2EQ |
| Edinburgh Gin Distillery | Tour/tasting | West End | From £20 | EH3 5ND |
| Scottish Parliament | Tour | Old Town | Free | EH99 1SP |
| National Library of Scotland | Library | Old Town | Free | EH1 1EW |
| Hop On Hop Off Bus | Bus tour | City-wide | From £20 | Various |
| Royal Yacht Britannia | Museum | Leith | From £21 | EH6 6EG |
| Afternoon Tea | Food/drink | City-wide | From £25pp | Various |
| Shopping | Shopping | City-wide | Free to browse | Various |
| Edinburgh Playhouse | Theatre | East End | Varies | EH1 3GP |
| Pubs | Drinks | City-wide | Free entry | Various |
| Chocolatarium | Workshop | Old Town | From £35 | EH1 1RE |
| Brunch | Food | City-wide | From £10pp | Various |
| Bowling (Lane 7 / Roxy) | Activity | City-wide | From £10 | Various |
| NQ64 Retro Games Pub | Arcade bar | Old Town | Free entry | EH1 1EG |
| Indoor Rock Climbing | Sport | Newhaven | From £12 | EH6 6DQ |
| Make a Harris Tweed Purse | Workshop | City-wide | From £35 | Various |
| Cinema (Cameo / Picturehouse) | Entertainment | City-wide | From £10 | Various |
| Edinburgh Castle | Historic site | Old Town | From £23.50 | EH1 2NG |
| Scottish National Gallery | Art gallery | Old Town | Free | EH2 2EL |
| Camera Obscura | Attraction | Old Town | £24.95 | EH1 2ND |
| Mary King’s Close | Tour | Old Town | From £25 | EH1 1RE |
| Dynamic Earth | Science centre | Holyrood | From £23 | EH8 8AS |
| Escape Rooms | Activity | Various | £20–£30pp | Various |
| St Giles’ Cathedral | Cathedral | Old Town | Free (donation) | EH1 1RE |
Things to do in Edinburgh in the Rain
1. National Museum of Scotland
Located on Chambers Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the National Museum of Scotland is one of Edinburgh’s best free things to do.
With ever-changing galleries and collections, there is always something new to see, making it a great way to spend a rainy afternoon in Edinburgh.
The exhibits include art and design, science, Scottish history, nature, cultures worldwide, technology, and more.
It’s full of family-friendly, fun things to do in Edinburgh and has fantastic options to keep everyone entertained.
As a bonus, if the rain clears up, there is an accessible roof terrace with truly amazing city views.
2. Museum of Edinburgh
If museums are your thing, a little further down the Old Town, you’ll find the Museum of Edinburgh.
It’s easy to find on a rainy day because it is bright yellow!
Inside, it’s a maze of 16th-century buildings that tell the fantastic story of Edinburgh, from the glorious to the gruesome.
It has permanent collections as well as frequently changing exhibits that bring something new and fresh to each visit making it a great thing rainy day activity in Edinburgh.
3. The People’s Story Museum
Just across from the Museum of Edinburgh is The People’s Story Museum.
It is a museum inside the historic Canongate Tolbooth that tells the story of Edinburgh’s working-class population from the late 1800s to the present.
The unique part of this museum is that it relies heavily on oral history to tell its stories.
If you’re wanting to get a good look at the life of the average Edinburgher while trying to dry off from the rain, this is the place to do it.
Read next: The Top Ten Museums in Edinburgh
4. The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Holyroodhouse is the King’s official residence in Scotland, where he stays when he makes his annual trip up north to fulfil his royal engagements.
Located at the far end of The Royal Mile, Holyroodhouse is open for visitors all year (not when the Queen visits) and offers various exhibitions, courses, lectures, activities, and private tours.
The perfect afternoon for anyone fascinated by the Royal Family to escape a sudden rainstorm.
Note: The end of the tour is outdoors.
5. Scotch Whisky Experience
When looking for things to do in Edinburgh on a rainy day, look no further than the Scotch Whisky Experience near Edinburgh Castle.
They offer various tour options, tastings, a shop, and even a restaurant—you could spend nearly the entire day there.
Experts will help you in your search for the perfect dram by showing the best regional whiskies that Scotland has to offer.
6. Johnnie Walker Experience
Learn more about Johnnie Walker Whisky during a 90-minute guided West End multi-floor bar tour.
Visitors take a taste test, which determines which whisky high balls they’ll like.
I’m not the biggest whisky fan, but I enjoyed the immersive tour.
If it’s still raining when the tour ends, head up to the rooftop for a lovely bar atmosphere.
7. Edinburgh Gin Distillery
If whisky isn’t your thing and you prefer gin, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery is a great thing to do in Edinburgh when it rains.
Located in Edinburgh’s hip West End, visitors can pre-book tours of the distillery and indulge in a tasting that will leave you with a Scottish pep in your step.
8. Scottish Parliament
Whether you’re a political buff or not, the Scottish Parliament is an ideal thing to do on a rainy day in Edinburgh.
The pre-booked tours show various parts of the building, and if you’re lucky, you might even witness Parliament in action!
You can also share your opinion of the building’s design, a divisive topic among Scots.
9. National Library of Scotland
Book lovers will adore the National Library of Scotland, one of the biggest in the United Kingdom, making it a great way to escape the rain in Edinburgh.
Among its numerous collections and texts are Shakespeare’s First Folio, the last letter written by Mary Queen of Scots, and the world’s most extensive collection of Scottish Gaelic material.
10. Edinburgh Hop On and Off Bus Tour
The Edinburgh hop-on/off-bus tour isn’t for every type of visitor, but hear me out.
The bottom deck is covered, the guide is informative and entertaining, and there are three routes to choose from.
The majestic tour goes as far as the Royal Yacht Britannia in the lesser-known area of Leith, which is our next suggestion.
A great option if you only have one day in Edinburgh.
The official starting point is St Andrews Square in the New Town, but you can hop on or off at any of the stops.
Or consider a 1-day Highlands day trip where most of the time will be spent admiring the landscape from the bus window.
11. The Royal Yacht Britannia
If you are a fan of The Crown, a short trip up to Leith will take you to The Royal Yacht Britannia, as seen in season two.
The royal family used the yacht for over 40 years to sail worldwide.
The interactive tour includes a free audio guide so you can explore at your own pace and learn as much as you desire, making it a perfect indoor thing to do in Edinburgh.
Reserve your ticket here.
12. Afternoon Tea
A trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without having an afternoon tea.
If you’re hoping for some luxury, look no further than The Colonnades at the Signet Library.
The seasonal menu offers sweet and savoury options to suit every tastebud, and the library is the embodiment of grandiosity.
If you’re on a budget, a secret tea room on Princes Street lies above the Romanes & Paterson shop.
If you’re lucky enough to get a window seat, you’ll get a gorgeous view of the Old Town, Princes St Gardens, and Edinburgh Castle.
For full details, here’s our afternoon tea in Edinburgh guide.
13. Go Shopping
St James Quarter is the popular shopping area in the city centre which is also home to restaurants, bars, and entertainment such as bowling.
Stockbridge is famous for its row of charity shops, filled with fabulous and quirky finds (all supporting amazing causes).
Here, you can buy everything from a wedding gown to a vintage tea set.
In Leith, Ocean Terminal has a cinema, different food options, and many shops—many of which support local independent Scottish artists.
There is even an indoor park for skateboarding and rollerblading.
14. Edinburgh Playhouse
The Playhouse is an iconic Edinburgh staple that deserves a visit, whether rain or shine.
It is the United Kingdom’s biggest working theatre and has been around for nearly a century.
The Playhouse hosts concerts, touring musical theatre performances, comedy acts, and everything in between, so there is always something to see and the best things to do at night when raining in Edinburgh.
15. Head to the Pub
If when in Rome, you do as the Romans do, then when you’re in Scotland, you do as the Scots do – and that means go to the pub.
Many pubs don’t open until late afternoon, so this option is best if you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh at night.
The Sheep Heid Inn, located near Holyrood Palace, is the oldest pub in Edinburgh.
It first opened in 1360 and is still running today, thankfully with a more modernized menu-less sheep heads and a more traditional pub fare.
If you’re in the Old Town when the rain clouds hit, Cold Town House, located in Grassmarket, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike due to its quirky layout, amazing pizza, and (covered) rooftop bar.
Here’s a list of our very favorite pubs in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
16. Make Chocolate and Sample Haggis Chocolate
Just off the Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s only chocolate tour, The Chocolatarium!
Don’t be fooled.
While this is a fun activity for kids, adults also get a big kick out of the chocolate experience.
Learn how bars of chocolate are made, and then make one yourself!
The tour lasts 90 minutes, during which time you get to drink, make, and sample chocolate, one of which is haggis-flavoured.
17. Eat Brunch
Edinburgh has an amazing array of places to eat brunch, some serving all-day menus.
Many brunch spots welcome dogs and are kid-friendly so that you can enjoy your pancakes with the pack.
18. Bowling
The movies Grease 2 and Drive made a baby named Lane 7.
Think neon lights, graffiti, dirty burgers, cocktails and Gen Z and you are in the right lane. Boom boom.
Open from 11am until late at St James Quarter, a rainy day Edinburgh activity that can be enjoyed with drinks or not. Strike!
Not into scoring?
Play pool, darts, shuffleboard, ping pong or mini-golf instead.
Roxy Lanes (Rose Street) offers similar, plus ice-free curling and American pool.
19. NQ64 Retro Games Pub
Sticking with the game’s theme, Lothian Road is where you will find NQ64 the pub rammed with retro games such as Pacman, Street Fighter (get over here) and Mariokart.
Over 18s only, this is a late-night arcade bar that serves game-themed cocktails.
You’ll also find NQ64 in our cool things to do in Edinburgh guide.
20. Indoor Rock Climbing
Don’t climb the walls when it rains; boulder at Alien Rock instead.
Scotland’s first dedicated indoor climbing centre opened in Newhaven in 1994 and provides safe climbing environments for beginners through to advanced climbers.
It also caters for group bookings.
Other indoor climbing places include the EICC and Eden Rock.
21. Make a Purse
Making a Harris tweed purse is one of the most popular activities for first-time visitors to Edinburgh and locals looking for something more unique.
Join the experts at the Islander Workshop Experience, which has various locations dotted around the city.
22. See a Movie
Edinburgh has really impressive cinemas in nearly every neighbourhood.
Support the independent cinemas Cameo and Edinburgh Film Theatre, which play mainstream and niche shows.
Buy drinks and sit on comfortable sofa seats at The Scotsman Picturehouse (image below) and The Dominion.
This is a recommended date idea.
For more read our romantic things to do in Edinburgh guide.
More Rainy Day Activities in Edinburgh
Still looking for things to do in Edinburgh on a rainy day? These top attractions are missing from the list above but are firm favourites with locals and visitors alike when the Scottish skies open.
23. Edinburgh Castle
It might seem obvious, but Edinburgh Castle is genuinely one of the best rainy day outings in the city. Much of the visit is indoors – the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the National War Museum and the half-timbered halls of the royal palace all sit under cover.
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
Opening: Daily 9.30am – 6pm (Apr–Sep), 9.30am – 5pm (Oct–Mar)
Admission: Adult from £23.50 online, child (7–15) from £14
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Book tickets online in advance – they often sell out, especially in summer. Allow at least two hours to see the main attractions.
24. Scottish National Gallery
Sitting on The Mound between Princes Street and the Old Town, the Scottish National Gallery is one of the finest free attractions in Edinburgh. The permanent collection spans Renaissance to Impressionist masterpieces – Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Raeburn and Van Gogh hang side by side.
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL
Opening: Daily 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free (some temporary exhibitions charge)
No ticket or booking is needed for the permanent collection. It’s an ideal way to spend a wet afternoon without spending a penny.
25. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Perched right at the top of the Royal Mile opposite the Castle esplanade, Camera Obscura packs six floors of interactive illusions, a holograph gallery and the original Victorian camera obscura showing a live panorama of the city on a rooftop screen.
Address: 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND
Opening: Daily from 9am (hours vary by season, open until 8–10pm in summer)
Admission: Adult £24.95, child (5–15) £17.95, under 5s free
The original camera obscura show needs daylight, so book a daytime slot. It’s one of the few Edinburgh attractions open on Christmas Day.
26. The Real Mary King’s Close
Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, The Real Mary King’s Close is an award-winning underground tour through a sealed 17th-century street. A character guide leads you through the original rooms and closes where former residents lived, worked and died.
Address: 2 Warriston’s Close, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Opening: Daily, tours from 9am – last tour 9pm (Sep)
Admission: Adult from £25, child (5–15) from £18.25
Time needed: 75 minutes
Book well in advance – it sells out weeks ahead in summer. No under 5s allowed for safety reasons.
27. Dynamic Earth
At the foot of Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth is Edinburgh’s science centre and planetarium. Interactive galleries take you from the Big Bang to the present day, with a 360° planetarium show included.
Address: Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
Opening: Daily 10am – 5.30pm (Jul–Aug to 6pm); closed January for maintenance
Admission: Adult annual pass £23, child (4–15) £15, under 4s free
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Tickets are sold as annual passes giving unlimited return visits. The planetarium alone is available from £8.
28. Escape Rooms
Edinburgh has a strong lineup of escape rooms perfect for a rainy afternoon. Can You Escape? near the Grassmarket (5 Holyrood Road, EH8 8AE) offers award-winning rooms for 2–16 players. Locked In Edinburgh at Summerhall (1 Summerhall Place, EH9 1PL) uses the atmospheric rooms of a former veterinary school.
Most rooms cost £20–£30 per person and last 60 minutes. Book online in advance, especially at weekends.
29. St Giles’ Cathedral
Right in the middle of the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral is the mother church of Presbyterianism. The crown spire is one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks, and inside you’ll find the exquisite Thistle Chapel, built in 1911 as the chapel of the Order of the Thistle.
Address: High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Opening: Mon–Fri 10am – 6pm, Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 1pm – 5pm
Admission: Free (suggested donation £10)
The audio tour costs £5.50 and is well worth it. Saturday mornings have a Quiet Hour (9am–10am) for neurodivergent visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do in Edinburgh on a rainy day?
The National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle are the top picks. Both have extensive indoor areas, are open year-round, and can easily fill two to three hours. The Scottish National Gallery is the best free option – world-class art with no ticket needed.
Is Edinburgh good to visit in the rain?
Absolutely. Edinburgh has more than enough indoor attractions to fill several rainy days – world-class museums, historic castles, whisky experiences, escape rooms, theatres and cosy pubs. Many of the city’s best attractions are completely free, and the Old Town’s narrow streets are atmospheric even in a downpour.
What do locals do in Edinburgh when it rains?
Edinburgh locals head to pubs (the Sheep Heid Inn has been doing it since 1360), catch a film at the Cameo or Dominion cinemas, browse the National Library of Scotland, or book a whisky tour. Escape rooms and bowling at Lane 7 are popular social options. For something quieter, the Scottish National Gallery and City Art Centre are free and peaceful.
Are Edinburgh museums free on rainy days?
Yes – the National Museum of Scotland, the Museum of Edinburgh, the People’s Story Museum and the Scottish National Gallery are all free every day, rain or shine. The Scottish Parliament also offers free guided tours. Booking in advance is recommended for the Parliament tours during term time.
What are the best family-friendly rainy day activities in Edinburgh?
Dynamic Earth (science centre and planetarium), Camera Obscura (six floors of illusions), the National Museum of Scotland (interactive galleries) and bowling at Lane 7 are all excellent for families. Edinburgh Castle and Mary King’s Close work well for older children. Most pubs with arcade games, like NQ64, are also a hit with kids.
Final Words
No more wondering what to do in Edinburgh in the rain! This guide will help you duck undercover when the Scottish skies open, which, let’s face it, might just happen while you visit!
Read next: 101 Things to Do in Edinburgh.
