Best Things to Do in Edinburgh in March

As the city of Edinburgh awakens from the long winter months, we shed light onto coming buzz of the warmer months ahead! From brighter evenings and longer nights arising, there is no shortage of inspiration when planning your journey here to Auld Reekie!

March not only sees the turn of the seasons but also marks the Spring Equinox on the 20th of March – a time of rebirth and the opportunity to begin new journeys that will help shape the rest of the year!

For visitors, it is one of the best times to explore. The summer crowds have not yet arrived, temperatures are on the rise, and there is space to experience the city’s world-renowned attractions at a gentler pace, including The Real Mary King’s Close with extended opening hours.

From hidden gardens to immersive theatre, lively markets to powerful historical talks, here is our guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh in March.

Why Visit Edinburgh in March?

March offers the perfect balance. The festive rush has faded, yet the city hums with anticipation ahead of the summer festival season. Streets are calmer, attractions are easier to access, and longer evenings allow more time to explore both indoors and out.

It is Edinburgh at a more relaxed rhythm.

Best Events and Festivals in Edinburgh in March

Indoor Music, Performance and Theatre for Unpredictable March Weather!

The Edinburgh International Improv Comedy Festival

Edinburgh’s thriving comedy scene welcomes the Edinburgh International Improv Festival, bringing spontaneous, quick-witted performances to the stage.

5 Mar to 8 Mar 2026 | Monkey Barrel Comedy

Matilda the Musical

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed adaptation of Matilda celebrates its 15th anniversary with a UK tour, arriving in Edinburgh this March.

4 Mar to 22 Mar 2026 | Edinburgh Playhouse

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts

This debut stage adaptation brings a new murder mystery to life, perfect for fans of classic detective drama.

3 Mar to 7 Mar 2026 | Festival Theatre

Edinburgh Ceilidh Club

Across the city this month, The Edinburgh Ceilidh Club will be hosting a variety of opportunities for all new or experienced dancers to come along to ceilidh dance – a staple in Scottish culture!

Tues 3 March to 31 March across different venues

Orchestral Tribute to Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy by Moonlight:

A haunting tribute to all things macabre and whimsical by Illuminated Orchestra. Boasting performances inspired by the gothic scores of Tim Burton’s cult classic films – truly a spellbinding performance not to be missed!

Thur 26 Mar at Edinburgh Playhouse

Special Events

Enlightenment: An Immersive Light Show

An enchanting audiovisual show set to Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons’, this dazzling show will mesmerise with its extraordinary light journey through the four seasons!

Sat 31 Jan to Sun 15 Mar 2026 at McEwan Hall

The Hidden Women of St Cecilia’s Hall: Women’s History Month Talk

March marks Women’s History Month! Led by Dr Jenny Nex, this talk will delve into the hidden tales of women’s roles in the 18th/19th-century musical instruments trade.

Sat 31 Jan to Sun 15 Mar 2026 starting at Surgeon’s Hall

“Women Hidden in Plain Sight” In-Person Walking Tours

Continuing to celebrate International Women’s Month with an invigorating 2-hour-long walking tour uncovering the lives of female rulers, renegades and rulebreakers who broke the mould and cemented their places in the history of Scotland’s capital city!

Selected dates from Wed 4 Mar to Sat 28 Mar, starting at Surgeon’s Hall

Leith’s St Patrick’s Day Party

March also marks St Patrick’s Day, when the city will celebrate with Irish/Celtic music, dancing, and more! In the vibrant neighbourhood of Leith, Malone’s Bar will be hosting their own party, fuelled with Irish culture and unbeatable music!

Tues 17 Mar at Malones Leith

Eat Out Edinburgh Festival

An exciting culinary festival that spans across 60 different restaurants, cafés and bars throughout March! With the opportunity to experience a diverse range of food, flavours and culture, this highly expected festival is one for the foodies visiting the city!

 Sun 1 Mar to Tue 31 Mar across different venues

Drawing the Italian Renaissance

Ending mid-March in The King’s Gallery, this exhibit showcases the world’s greatest collections of Italian Renaissance works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, drawn from across Italy between the 15th and 17th centuries!

Sat 21 Feb to Sun 8 Mar at The King’s Gallery

The Night Market UK

Edinburgh is proud to display independent businesses through the markets that pop up around the city! Returning to The Biscuit Factory, this vibrant market will feature over 60 local artisans, designers, and food vendors, alongside a pulsating atmosphere with live DJs at this family- and dog-friendly event!

Fri 27 Mar from 18.00 to 23.00

Things To Do Outdoors in Edinburgh in March

The Women of Holyrood Park

Explore the 350-million-year-old extinct volcano looming over Edinburgh’s skyline while learning about the history of Women who helped define Holyrood Park in modern-day. What better way to get outdoors to the best views of Edinburgh while learning along the way?

Fri 6 Mar 2026 to Sun 8 Mar at Holyrood Park

The Royal Botanical Gardens

Emerging from winter, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh begins to bloom with early spring colour. Home to more than 13,000 plant species from around the world, it offers a peaceful retreat within walking distance of the city centre.

Daily from 10:00 to 17:00

Dr Neil’s Garden

A true hidden gem in Edinburgh, this pond-side, tranquil garden can be found on the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat! Founded by two doctors in 1963, this collection of conifers, heather and plants is perfect for taking an afternoon stroll in during the emerging spring!

Daily from 10:00 to 17:00

Dean Village

A perfect photography location sat amongst a former 17th-century milling hamlet along the Water of Leith. This picturesque site is perfect for getting some fresh air on a crisp spring morning!

Accessible 24/7

The Grassmarket Market

Set below the watchful eye of Edinburgh Castle, this market features independent businesses showing off crafts, clothing, food and gifts perfect to take home from your Edinburgh adventures!

Every Saturday from 10.00 to 17.00

What Is Happening at The Real Mary King’s Close?

A Herstory Tour

Returning on 8 March, our specially curated Herstory Tour shines a light on the women who shaped Edinburgh’s story. From Sophia Jex-Blake and the Edinburgh Seven to Mary King herself, discover how determination and defiance left their mark beneath the Royal Mile.

Sun 8 Mar at The Real Mary King’s Close at 14.00 and 16.00

Above & Below Edinburgh

In collaboration with The Lost Close, this two-part immersive tour uncovers the above and vast underground history of Old Town Edinburgh while walking along the preserved 17^th century site of Mary King’s Close, before then exploring the newly found site of the Lost Close!

Standard Tours

Step down into Edinburgh’s uniquely preserved 17th-century streets and meet the real residents who once lived and worked here. Guided tours run throughout the day.

Daily departures every 10 to 20 minutes.

Is March a Good Time to Visit Edinburgh and What Do I Need to Know?

In short, yes.

March offers space to explore, time to linger and a glimpse of the city as it shifts towards spring. While Scotland’s weather remains famously unpredictable, a good waterproof coat and sensible footwear will ensure you are prepared for whatever the skies decide.

Pack:

• A waterproof coat
• Comfortable footwear for cobbles and climbs
• Card payment for largely cashless venues
• A reusable water bottle for Scotland’s free Top Up Taps

With world-class heritage, vibrant community events and stories waiting beneath your feet, March is a quietly powerful time to discover Edinburgh.

And if your steps bring you along the Royal Mile, we would be delighted to welcome you underground at The Real Mary King’s Close.