New things to see, do and experience in Edinburgh in 2025.
From attractions to food and drink, new sights to iconic architecture, here are just a few of the reasons to visit Edinburgh this year.
There are many reasons to take a trip to Edinburgh this year, but the ease of getting here is near the top of the list. Frequent trains from Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester, Newcastle and London drop you in the heart of the action – the Old Town, New Town, Princes Street and the St James Quarter all right in front of you. It’s also handy for many of the city’s newest places to stay, including The Resident Edinburgh. A short walk from both Princes Street and Charlotte Square, its stylish rooms offer a range of breathtaking views including Edinburgh’s skyline, Edinburgh Castle and exceptional views north over the Firth of Forth.
If you’re looking to get the adrenaline pumping, there’s plenty of choice for thrill seekers. The new state-of-the-art competition bouldering wall at The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) makes the venue the only climbing centre in the UK with Olympic/International standard facilities for lead climbing, speed climbing and bouldering. For fun on the track, Xtreme Karting has recently undergone an impressive upgrade, unveiling a stunning multi-level track, complete with banked corners and a corkscrew descent. First time surfer or looking to hone your skills? Lost Shore Surf Resort offers surf lessons for all abilities in what is Europe’s largest wave pool.
If 2025 is the year you want to discover the benefits of yoga, Hotpod Yoga could be just the thing. Using patented pods to form an immersive yoga environment, they offer a variety of classes, catering for all experience levels.
After all that exercise, re-fuel in one of the city’s newest bars and eateries. Located at Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, just off the bustling east end of Princes Street, Liberté Café-Bar & Brasserie offers a refined, European inspired dining destination with a menu showcasing the best of Scotland’s larder. Accompanying it is Bar 1819, an elegant bar and lounge with an impressive range of drinks and signature cocktails.
Following their move from Leith to Granton, The Pitt is now set up in their new purpose-built home on the promenade. Enjoy street food, drinks, entertainment and events, all under one roof. It’s free to enter, and family and dog friendly. While for coffee lovers, Blank Street opens its first Scottish store on Edinburgh’s Victoria Street at the end of January 2025.
Fancy learning more about how gin is created? In Edinburgh Gin Distillery’s state-of-the-art distillery and visitor centre at the Arches on East Market Street, step into a world of gin craftsmanship. Whether you’re here for a Classic Tour & Tasting, a private dinner with gin pairing, or visiting the Distillery Bar or shop, each experience immerses you in the history and magic behind their gin creations.
National Galleries Scotland’s venues offer the double whammy of exciting new exhibitions and spectacular architecture. The work of renowned Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay will be marked in a new free display of his work at Modern Two from 08 March to 26 May 2025. The exhibition will feature over 30 sculptures, installations and prints as well as extensive archival materials. Marking the 400 year anniversary of King James’s death, The World of King James VI and I charts his remarkable reign through stories of friendship, family, feuds and ambition. From 26 July until 02 November 2025, immerse yourself in the major large-scale Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years, which will take over the upper and lower galleries in the Royal Scottish Academy.
Edinburgh’s theatres also provide the chance to experience a piece of the city’s heritage while taking in something new. The 2025 programme at the 96 year old Edinburgh Playhouse includes visits from Moulin Rouge, Miss Saigon and Mamma Mia. There has been a theatre on the site of the Festival Theatre in the Southside since 1830, and the venue hosts a variety of bumper shows this year, including Little Women, Calamity Jane and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
For live music events, Edinburgh is set to put on a great show, with global icons such as Robbie Williams, Billy Joel and Oasis coming to Scottish Gas Murrayfield. The mighty backdrop of Edinburgh Castle while be hosting a variety of musical performances as part of Castle Concerts.
2025 is also a year of big birthdays. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will use its 75th anniversary to tell its history and shine a light on the heroes across the Tattoo, military and wider society in Scotland who help better the lives of others. For fans of (one of) the local football clubs, 2025 will see Hibernian Football Club celebrate their 150th anniversary with a variety of events.
Explore what’s on in Edinburgh
From exhibitions and theatre, to walking trails and festivals, find out more about upcoming events coming to Scotland’s capital.
