22 Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh on a Rainy Day

Rainy day in Edinburgh umbrella on Circus Lane

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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.

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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. 

Flying plane at National Museum Scotland 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.

Edinburgh Castle House Tops Edinburgh Old Town Views From National Museum

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. 

Yellow building, red doors of Museum of Edinburgh Royal Mile 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

The People's Story Museum Sign Scotland

4. The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Holyroodhouse is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, where she stays when she makes her annual trip up north to fulfil her 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.

Holyrood Palace Scotland Edinburgh Activities_

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.

Whisky Experience Activities Royal Mile Edinburgh Toilets

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.

Johnnie Walker Experience sign today's rain is tomorrow's whisky

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.

Scottish Parliament Arthurs Seat Edinburgh

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.

Best Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh trays of cakes, sandwiches and scones

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.

Seat 47 circle views Beauty and the Beast poster Edinburgh Playhouse theatre

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.

Cold Town House Pizza Beer Rooftop Bar Food Grassmarket Edinburgh

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.

Tasting Type of Chocolates The Chocolatarium Activities Tours on Royal Mile Edinburgh

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.

Nobles brunch vegetarian breakfast Leith

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.

Door of Roxy Lanes Rose Street

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.

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.

Things to do in Edinburgh on a rainy day - Girl with umbrella on top of hill, dark skies on colorful building

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