One of the most notable things about Edinburgh is its devotion to a number of traditions and festivities. Throughout the year, you’ll bear witness to around four major festivals, which celebrate everything from comedy and theatre to literature and food. In the summer months you can expect to see firework displays from the castle on a nightly basis, and in winter the celebrations continue with Christmas markets, a spectacular New Year party, and Burns Night in late January.
One unmistakeable highlight is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival: over a period of about four weeks, the entire city is transformed by theatre performances and comedy sketches, with a network of bars and street food springing up to connect it all. The Fringe Festival served as the first port of call for the likes of Stephen Fry, Graham Norton, Miranda Hart and Noel Fielding. Not only is it an excellent time to spot some emerging talent, it’s also a time when the entire city comes together.
Food in Edinburgh is a cultural phenomenon in itself - as a resident in the city, your weekend will be dominated by brunch. Head over to Montpeliers in the classy Bruntsfield for the “full monty”—a super-brunch which includes minute steak and haggis. Or check into Checkpoint for a cheaper, edgier brunch experience - expect good food at reasonable prices, against the backdrop of a storage container-esque decor. If the parents are in town for a visit, you can do no better than Thomas J Walls —located in an old opticians, you (and your Mum) will thoroughly approve of their coffee.
You’ll always be surrounded by iconic architecture in Edinburgh. The New Town showcases some of the best Georgian architecture in the country, and with a castle that dates back to the Bronze Age overlooking the city, and a wealth of buildings believed to have inspired Harry Potter, the buildings couldn’t get much better.
There are a few diverse areas within the city that you can choose to live in, depending on what suits you. Stockbridge is a go-to place for families, Leith has a wealth of apartments and food and drink gems, making it popular with young residents. For a village feel, investigate Morningside and Bruntsfield.