Best Things to Do in Edinburgh in September 2026
17th Aug 2026
September is one of the best times to visit Edinburgh. The summer crowds begin to disperse, autumn colours creep into the landscape and there are still plenty of events, exhibitions and experiences to discover. Watch hundreds of horses ride through the city, peek inside normally closed buildings, explore local artists’ studios, venture into the countryside or step beneath the Royal Mile to uncover the myths and legends that have shaped Scotland’s past.
Why visit Edinburgh in September?
August might get most of the attention, but September has a character all of its own.
As Edinburgh’s enormous summer festivals come to an end, the city begins to settle into a gentler rhythm. The Royal Mile becomes easier to navigate, queues begin to shrink and the first signs of autumn appear across the city’s parks and surrounding countryside.
There is still plenty happening, too.
September’s calendar brings together centuries-old traditions, art trails, exhibitions, gaming events and opportunities to explore some of Edinburgh’s most intriguing buildings.
It is also a brilliant month for exploring outdoors. Temperatures are cooler but generally pleasant, there are still enough daylight hours for day trips and walks, and Scotland’s landscapes are beginning their transformation from summer greens to autumn golds.
And as the nights start drawing in, it feels like an especially good time to delve into some of Scotland’s strangest stories.
Here are some of the best things to do in Edinburgh in September 2026.
Edinburgh in September at a glance
· Average temperatures: around 9°C to 16°C
· Best for: history, autumn walks, cultural events and exploring without the peak summer crowds
· What to pack: layers, waterproofs and comfortable shoes
· Don’t miss: Edinburgh Riding of the Marches, Art Walk Weekends, Doors Open Days and The Real Mary King’s Close’s Myths and Legends Tour
· Top tip: September is quieter than August, but popular attractions and events can still book up. Reserve your must-do experiences in advance.
Discover the best events in Edinburgh this September
Edinburgh’s festival season might officially be winding down, but September still has a packed cultural calendar.
From horses thundering along the Royal Mile to artists throwing open their studio doors, here are some of the events worth adding to your itinerary.
Doors Open Days
Various locations, 26-27 September
Ever wondered what is hiding behind some of Edinburgh’s normally closed doors?
Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival celebrating places, history and architecture. Each year, buildings across the country that are not normally accessible to the public open their doors for tours, talks and special events.
Previous programmes have offered the chance to explore everything from historic buildings to working public spaces, providing a rare opportunity to see parts of Edinburgh you might otherwise walk straight past.
Edinburgh Riding of the Marches
Edinburgh city centre, 13 September 2026
There are not many days when you can stand on the Royal Mile and watch around 280 horses make their way through the heart of Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh Riding of the Marches draws on the tradition of Scotland’s historic Common Ridings and commemorates the return of the city’s Captain of the Trained Band with news of the devastating defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
King James IV and thousands of Scots were killed at Flodden, making it one of the most significant battles in Scottish history.
Today, the event is considerably more celebratory. Expect horses, riders, pipers and plenty of spectacle as the procession makes its way through the city.
Art Walk Weekends
Portobello, 5 and 6 September and 12 and 13 September 2026
September is a very good month to venture east towards Edinburgh’s seaside.
Formerly known as Art Walk Porty, Art Walk Weekends transforms Portobello into a celebration of local creativity.
Artists open studios and unusual spaces to visitors, giving you the opportunity to discover their work, meet the people behind it and perhaps take a piece home.
Pair it with a walk along Portobello Beach and you have a rather lovely September afternoon sorted.
Colony of Artists
Abbeyhill Colonies, 19 and 20 September 2026
Another chance to discover Edinburgh’s creative side arrives later in the month with Colony of Artists.
The festival takes place around the Abbeyhill Colonies, distinctive streets of colony houses originally built as affordable homes for skilled workers during the 19th century.
Today, the area is home to a thriving creative community.
For one weekend, artists and makers welcome visitors into homes, studios and other spaces to discover and buy original work.
Tabletop Scotland
Royal Highland Centre, 4 to 6 September 2026
Dice at the ready.
Tabletop Scotland is one of the UK’s largest festivals dedicated to board games, card games and role-playing games.
More than 120 exhibitors are expected alongside opportunities to try new games, join demonstrations, explore gaming libraries and meet fellow enthusiasts.
You certainly do not need to be an expert to attend. The event is designed for seasoned players and complete beginners alike, making it an excellent option for families and anyone curious about the tabletop gaming world.
Explore Edinburgh’s markets
If you prefer finding your souvenirs somewhere a little more local, Edinburgh has plenty of markets worth exploring in September.
Edinburgh Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday beneath Edinburgh Castle on Castle Terrace, bringing together Scottish producers selling fresh produce, artisan bread, preserves and other treats.
Head to the Grassmarket on Saturdays for crafts, gifts and food, or venture north to Leith Market, where independent traders and producers gather at Dock Place.
Stockbridge Market takes place every Sunday and is particularly good for street food, crafts and original artwork, while Ocean Terminal Market runs on Saturdays and Sundays.
There is also a special September edition of the Castle Street Fair, running from 7 to 13 September 2026, with independent designers, makers and food traders setting up beneath one of Edinburgh city centre’s most famous views.
Step into Scotland’s myths and legends
As Edinburgh moves towards autumn and darkness begins arriving that little bit earlier each evening, September feels like the right time for a good story.
Fortunately, Scotland has a few.
Throughout history, people have told stories to make sense of things they could not explain. Strange lights flickering across marshland. Disappearing children. Mysterious creatures lurking in lonely landscapes. Witches accused of impossible crimes.
Some were entertainment. Others became warnings. And some had very real consequences.
Myths and Legends Tour at The Real Mary King’s Close
Selected Saturdays and Sundays throughout September 2026
This September, step beneath the Royal Mile and discover some of the strange stories that have echoed through Scotland for centuries on our Myths and Legends Tour.
From witches and the reign of King James VI to will-o’-the-wisps, glaistigs, ghostly pipers, headless drummers and mysterious miniature coffins, the tour explores the stories people once told and, more importantly, why they believed them.
Because behind even the strangest legend, there is often a glimpse of something very real.
Discover how folklore helped people explain an unpredictable world, how superstition shaped everyday behaviour and how belief could have dangerous consequences for those accused of witchcraft.
It is a journey through Scottish storytelling where history and legend meet beneath the streets of Edinburgh.
The Myths and Legends Tour runs on Saturdays and Sundays throughout September, lasts 1 hour and is suitable for visitors aged 5 and over.
Step beneath the Royal Mile on a Signature Tour
If you would rather stick firmly to the real stories of Edinburgh’s past, our Signature Tour runs every day.
Beneath the buildings of the Royal Mile lies a network of preserved streets and spaces that were once part of Edinburgh’s bustling Old Town.
Led by one of our expert storytellers, you will follow in the footsteps of former residents and discover what life was really like here centuries ago.
Meet the people who lived, worked and traded on these streets and uncover stories of commerce, community, disease and daily life in one of the most densely populated cities of its time.
The stories may occasionally sound extraordinary, but there is no legend required here. Research is at the heart of what we do, and the people you encounter on the Close were very real.
Discover a different side of Edinburgh at its museums and galleries
September also brings plenty of reasons to head indoors, whether you are escaping a shower or simply looking for your next cultural fix.
Catherine Opie: To Be Seen
Scottish National Gallery, until 1 November 2026
American photographer Catherine Opie explores questions of identity, community and visibility through portraits and landscapes.
The exhibition brings together work from across her career, offering an opportunity to discover one of the most influential photographers working in the United States.
The Edwardians: Age of Elegance
The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, until 6 December 2026
Step into the glamour of the Edwardian era through paintings, fashion, jewellery and decorative objects from the Royal Collection.
Behind the opulence lies a society experiencing enormous change during the years leading up to the First World War.
Gwen John: Strange Beauties
National Galleries Scotland, until 4 January 2027
Marking 150 years since Gwen John’s birth, Strange Beauties explores the artist’s career and development, from her early years in Wales to her life and work in Paris.
Drawings and watercolours help reveal the development of her distinctive, introspective style and the influence of French modernism and spirituality upon her work.
Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop
Dovecot Studios, until 16 January 2027
Costume fans, this one is for you.
Celebrating 60 years of costume house Cosprop, this exhibition goes behind the seams of period costume created for film, television and theatre.
Costumes, sketches and accessories reveal how historic clothing is researched, designed and recreated for productions including Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice.
Scotland’s First Warriors
National Museum of Scotland, until 17 May 2027
Travel thousands of years into Scotland’s past through archaeological objects connected with warriors and warfare.
From Bronze Age swords to the arrival of Roman professional soldiers, the exhibition explores how conflict, defence and ideas of the warrior evolved across ancient Scotland.
Take an autumn day trip from Edinburgh
One of the best things about visiting Edinburgh in September is having enough daylight to venture beyond the city while catching the first hints of Scotland’s autumn colours.
Pack your waterproof, lace up your walking shoes and take your pick.
Walk through The Hermitage
Head to Dunkeld and into the towering woodland of The Hermitage.
Created as a pleasure ground for the Dukes of Atholl in the 18th century, the landscape has attracted famous visitors including Queen Victoria and artist J.M.W. Turner.
Follow woodland paths towards the thundering Black Linn Falls and Ossian’s Hall, surrounded by some of Scotland’s most impressive trees.
As September progresses, the first autumn colours make the landscape even more atmospheric.
Explore Culross
With cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and distinctive historic buildings, Culross is one of Scotland’s best-preserved historic villages.
Explore Culross Palace and its gardens, wander through the old streets and discover why the village has become particularly familiar to fans of Outlander.
Discover Perth
Around an hour and 20 minutes from Edinburgh by train, Perth makes an easy day trip.
Explore museums and galleries, wander along the River Tay or use the city as a base for discovering nearby historic sites.
September is also an excellent time to sample Perthshire’s food and drink as the region moves into the autumn harvest season.
Visit Dundee and RRS Discovery
Head north to Dundee to step aboard RRS Discovery, the ship built in the city for Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s first Antarctic expedition.
The waterfront is also home to V&A Dundee, while Broughty Ferry offers a historic castle and coastal views just outside the city centre.
Discover Pitlochry
September is a beautiful time to visit Highland Perthshire.
Pitlochry combines woodland walks and mountain scenery with a long association with Scotch whisky.
Nearby distilleries include Blair Athol and Edradour, while the surrounding landscape offers plenty of opportunities to experience the first signs of autumn.
Cruise through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
September still offers enough daylight to venture west towards Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Explore lochs, forests and mountains on foot or take to the water for a completely different perspective on the landscape.
Walk through Dollar Glen to Castle Campbell
Woodland, waterfalls, deep ravines and a medieval castle make Dollar Glen an excellent September escape.
Walking trails wind upwards through the glen towards Castle Campbell, the historic stronghold of one of Scotland’s most powerful families.
The views from the top are worth the climb.
Explore the abbeys of the Scottish Borders
Head south from Edinburgh to discover some of Scotland’s most evocative medieval ruins.
Melrose, Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso abbeys each reveal a different chapter of the turbulent history of the Scottish Borders.
If myths, legends and centuries of Scottish history have caught your imagination beneath the Royal Mile, this is a fine place to continue the story.
Walk or cycle the Water of Leith
You do not actually have to leave Edinburgh to find a little peace and quiet.
The Water of Leith Walkway stretches for almost 20 kilometres through the city, passing areas including Balerno, Murrayfield, Dean Village, Stockbridge and Leith.
Follow as much or as little of it as you fancy for a very different perspective on the capital.
Explore the Pentland Hills
Just beyond Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills offer miles of walking and cycling trails across reservoirs, moorland and rolling hills.
September can still bring purple patches of late-flowering heather, while the changing season begins to introduce warmer autumn tones into the landscape.
What is Edinburgh weather like in September?
September marks the beginning of autumn in Edinburgh, but temperatures are generally still fairly mild.
Average temperatures range from approximately 9°C to 16°C.
The weather can, naturally, be unpredictable. Sunshine, rain and a brisk breeze can all make appearances during the same day, occasionally with impressive efficiency.
There are still roughly 11 to 13 hours of daylight each day, although this decreases noticeably as the month progresses.
That means September remains a good month for walking, exploring the city and taking day trips, particularly earlier in the month.
What to wear in Edinburgh in September
Layers. Scotland rewards layers.
A waterproof jacket with a hood should be near the top of your packing list, along with comfortable, water-resistant shoes.
Long trousers, long-sleeved tops, jumpers and cardigans will give you plenty of options as temperatures change throughout the day.
If you are planning walks outside the city, bring appropriate walking shoes or boots and consider packing insect repellent, particularly for rural and woodland areas.
Sunglasses and sunscreen are worth bringing too. Autumn might be arriving, but the Scottish sun has not completely packed its bags.
Tips for visiting Edinburgh in September
September is considerably calmer than August, but Edinburgh remains a popular destination, so a little planning is worthwhile.
- Book accommodation in advance. Prices may begin to ease after the festival period, but good-value central accommodation can still disappear quickly.
- Reserve popular attractions. Booking ahead gives you a better choice of times and means less time spent organising things once you arrive.
- Prepare for changeable weather. Waterproofs, layers and comfortable footwear will make exploring much more enjoyable.
- Make the most of the daylight. Days become noticeably shorter throughout September, so plan countryside walks and longer day trips accordingly.
- Check event dates before travelling. Some September programmes are still being finalised, particularly Doors Open Days, PHASE and Edinburgh Art Fair.
- Explore beyond the Royal Mile. Portobello, Stockbridge, Leith, Dean Village and the Water of Leith all reveal different sides of Edinburgh.
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh in September
Step into Edinburgh this September
September catches Edinburgh at an intriguing moment.
The great roar of August’s festivals has faded. The evenings are drawing in. Autumn is beginning to colour the landscape, and centuries-old streets feel just that little bit more atmospheric.
It is a month for exploring.
Follow horses down the Royal Mile. Wander into an artist’s studio in Portobello. Search for autumn colours in ancient woodland. Discover the stories hidden inside Edinburgh’s museums and historic buildings.
Or step beneath the streets and travel somewhere stranger.
Because Scotland has spent centuries telling stories about witches, mysterious creatures, ghostly pipers and things glimpsed in the darkness.
This September, come and discover why.
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