Your essential guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh this June

There’s something special about June in Edinburgh. The days stretch long into the evening, the city’s gardens burst into bloom, and there’s an energy in the air that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, summer in Scotland’s capital offers up a feast of festivals, markets, exhibitions and day trips just waiting to be enjoyed.

So, if you’re wondering how to make the most of your time in Edinburgh this June, read on. We’ve rounded up the very best things to do, see and experience in and around the city, with a few quirky surprises along the way.

Spend your weekends with Edinburgh’s best markets

Nothing beats a weekend wander through Edinburgh’s vibrant markets. Whether you’re on the hunt for street food, local crafts, or just a good flat white, there’s something for everyone.

• The Edinburgh Farmers Market on Castle Terrace is a Saturday staple, packed with local produce, seasonal treats and spectacular views of the castle.
• Nearby, the Grassmarket Market buzzes with indie stalls and handmade treasures every Saturday.
• Down by the docks, Leith Market serves up everything from fresh bread to artisan skincare — all with a side of community spirit.
• On Sundays, the Stockbridge Market transforms Saunders Street into a foodie’s dream, with small-batch bakes and international flavours.
• And running all month long, the Neighbourgood Market at Portgower Place in Stockbridge blends food trucks, drinks, music and picnic vibes into a laid-back summer hangout.

Bring your appetite and prepare to linger.

Celebrate Pride month in the heart of the city

June is Pride month, and Edinburgh doesn’t hold back. This year, Pride Edinburgh returns on Saturday 21 June, filling the city with colour, music and powerful messages of love and equality. The march kicks off in front of the Scottish Parliament and leads to a free festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with live performances and community stalls.

To dive even deeper into the city’s queer history, Pride Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close run every Saturday throughout the month. These special tours uncover hidden stories of LGBTQ+ individuals who lived and loved in Edinburgh centuries ago. Step beneath the Royal Mile to explore how gender and identity were shaped in the 17th century, and discover the voices that history almost forgot.

Get your culture fix with Edinburgh’s top exhibitions

From bold brushstrokes to royal snapshots, this June’s exhibitions are as varied as they are fascinating.

• At Dovecot Studios, The Scottish Colourists: Radical Perspectives shines a light on four of Scotland’s most celebrated painters and their innovative use of colour.
• Over at the Writer’s Museum, Disrupting the Narrative reimagines traditional storytelling with a fresh and diverse lens.
• The King’s Gallery hosts Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography, a captivating journey through a hundred years of royal history in snapshots.
• And at the National Galleries’ Portrait branch, The World of King James VI and I brings to life one of Scotland and England’s most complex monarchs with rare artworks and historical context.

Perfect for a rainy day or a slow afternoon, these exhibitions offer the chance to dig deep into art, literature and royal intrigue.

Take a day to escape the city

When the sun’s out, there’s no better time to explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Edinburgh. Here are our top picks for day trips that are easy to reach and rich in character.

• South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island: Wander cobbled streets with views of the Forth Bridges, then hop on a boat to explore the monastic ruins and seals of Inchcolm.
• North Berwick: A classic seaside escape with sandy beaches, bird-spotting boat tours and delicious fish and chips by the harbour.
• Dunbar: Head east for clifftop views, harbour walks and proper fish suppers by the sea.
• Melrose: Hop on the Borders Railway and be in the land of abbey ruins and rolling hills in under two hours.
• Isle of May: Sail from Anstruther to this wildlife haven in Fife, where puffins, seals and seabirds rule the roost.

Each destination offers a dose of fresh air, stunning scenery and the chance to slow down.

Explore Edinburgh at its very best

Prefer to stay city-side? There are plenty of ways to soak up the summer without leaving town.

• Lauriston Castle and Cramond Island: Step back in time in this grand Edwardian home, then time your walk across the tidal causeway to explore the tiny island beyond.
• Arthur’s Seat: Hike to the top for sweeping city views and a reminder that an extinct volcano lies at the heart of Edinburgh.
• Duddingston Village and Dr. Neil’s Garden: A peaceful pocket of history tucked behind Holyrood Park, perfect for a romantic ramble.
• Princes Street Gardens: Pack a picnic and settle under the castle for an afternoon of people-watching and sunbathing.
• Royal Botanic Garden: A world of plants, glasshouses and hidden corners — an oasis just a stone’s throw from the city centre.
• Water of Leith Walkway: Stretch your legs along this leafy path linking Dean Village, Stockbridge and Leith, with plenty of photo stops along the way.
• Artisan gelato: Treat yourself to a scoop or two from Moo Pie Gelato or Mary’s Milk Bar. We won’t judge if you try both.

Step down into Edinburgh’s hidden history

To round off your Edinburgh June adventure, make time for a visit to The Real Mary King’s Close — one of the city’s most atmospheric and intriguing attractions. Beneath the cobbles of the Royal Mile lies a perfectly preserved slice of 17th-century Edinburgh. Here, real stories echo through the centuries, and the past is brought vividly to life.

This month, we’re offering not one but two unforgettable tours:

• True Crime Tours (Fridays and Saturdays): Go beyond the headlines and deep into the city’s dark past. Discover how crimes were committed, solved and punished — and meet the people who lived through it all.
• Pride Tours (every Saturday): An eye-opening journey into the lives of LGBTQ+ people from Edinburgh’s history. Hear their stories and step into their world, hidden beneath the streets.

Both tours are led by our passionate, knowledgeable guides who bring each story to life with flair and authenticity. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious visitor, or a local looking to see your city through new eyes, a visit to The Real Mary King’s Close is the perfect way to end your June itinerary.

No matter what brings you to Edinburgh this summer, there’s something magical waiting around every corner. So get out there, explore, and let the city surprise you.

And if you fancy walking in the footsteps of those who lived, worked and dreamed beneath the Royal Mile — you know where to find us.