It might only be October, but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on George Street! It won't be too long until the streets of Edinburgh are glowing with twinkling lights and the festive period begins. Are you visiting us here in Edinburgh this winter? ✨

Halloween is just around the corner, and there's plenty of spooktacular experiences for all ages across Edinburgh! Whether it's pumpkin picking with the whole family, exploring Edinburgh's dark history, or a haunted house party with friends, there's a Halloween event for everyone this spooky season. 🎃👻 Check out our full list of events 👇 edinburgh.org/blog/halloween… 📸 Mercat Tours (1), Dynamic Earth (2), Flight Club Edinburgh (3), Dalkeith Country Park (4)

The world’s most famous annual road cycling race, Tour de France, is coming to Edinburgh in 2027. The Grand Départ will set off from Edinburgh Castle on 02 July 2027, travel through the city centre to the southside area, before heading into Edinburgh’s southern suburbs, onto Midlothian and the Scottish Borders and beyond. Find out more and explore the interactive route map here 👇 edinburgh.org/tour-de-france…

Spooky season is upon us, it's officially autumn in Edinburgh and the city is looking as beautiful as ever. Golden leaves are lining pavements, gorgeous sunrises are taking over the sky, and we're starting to look ahead to winter time in Scotland's capital.

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival returns tomorrow, Wednesday 21st October, running until 31st October. 📚 Exploring this year’s theme ‘Bird and Beast’, enjoy 10 days of events that dive into myths, folklore and stories from Scotland and beyond. With a packed programme of events, the festival is the perfect chance to let your imagination run wild. Check out @ScotStoryCentre for the full programme of events. 📸 Scottish Storytelling Festival, Ludovic Farine (2), Neil Hanna (3).

As the city starts to wake up for the day, autumn mornings bring the most beautiful sunrises. Before the hustle and bustle of city life begins, it's the perfect time to appreciate the beauty and calm of the skyline.

A wander through Circus Lane on a rainy day, a street just as beautiful come rain or shine. ☔ 📸 IG/gracegallowayfilm

Looking up at the Scott Monument at night - even in the dark, it still steals the show. 📸 IG/themoss.witch

Craigies Pumpkin Festival is back again this spooky season! From seeking out your favourite pumpkin to exploring mazes and unforgettable photo opportunities, Craigies is the perfect spot for a day of family fun. 🎃 And there's even more! On selected dates, you can go pumpkin picking after dark! At night you'll find an illuminated pumpkin patch, live music and a whole lot of spooky fun. ✨

Owners Mairidh and Lowrie joined forces and opened Joys of Edinburgh last year, in August 2025. The retail space was previously owned for decades by Mairidh's grandmother, Joy, bringing a charming multigenerational legacy to Candlemaker Row. 🛍️ Joys now specialises in highlighting local Scottish makers and small businesses, stocking everything from custom ceramics and hand-crotched items to mystery prints from the in-store pink vending machine. A beautiful shop, built on a beautiful story! 🩷

The Wee Waddle is back at @EdinburghZoo! 🐧 Watch as the gentoo, rockhopper and king penguin colony take a stroll along the walkway next to Penguins Rock and take part in feeds along the way. The Wee Waddle is included in your ticket to the zoo, taking place at 2:15pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during Autumn and Winter.

Three Marys is located on Henderson Street, in the heart of Leith - a friendly neighbourhood bar in a converted Victoria townhouse. Offering delicious cocktails, craft beers, fine wines and live music - it's the perfect spot to spend a cold winter's evening. 🍻 Even better, they happily welcome your furry friends too! 🐶

This past weekend, Edinburgh's Whisky Festival returned to Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium with an unforgettable celebration of Scotland's national drink. Guests met the people behind the bottles, heard stories behind the whisky and enjoyed pours from across Scotland and beyond. The festival was also proud to support My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, helping raise awareness and funds for research into Motor Neurone Disease. In a city full of incredible whisky bars, where is your favourite spot to stop for a wee dram? 🥃

📣 Your chance to WIN tickets to two of the city’s most fascinating exhibitions. 📣 Catherine Opie: To Be Seen, presented by the National Galleries of Scotland, is the first solo exhibition in Scotland by the acclaimed and influential American photographer Catherine Opie, at the Royal Scottish Academy. Enter below for the chance to win a pair of tickets. Entries close on 13 October 2026. Catherine Opie Competition 👇 edinburgh.org/residentreward… A major new exhibition is coming this November, at the National Museum of Scotland, shedding new light on the Roman occupation in Scotland. Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire will tell new stories of Roman occupation and reshape our understanding of Scotland’s relationship with the Roman world. Enter below to win a pair of tickets to the exhibition’s private view on the evening of 12 November 2026, and be one of the first to visit this new exhibition before it opens to the public. Entries close on 25 October 2026. Roman Scotland Competition 👇 edinburgh.org/residentreward… Both previews are open to those aged 18+ years old. T&C apply.

Just off Edinburgh's Royal Mile, Dunbar's Close is a sheltered, tranquil garden hidden away from the busy Old Town. Laid out in the style of a 17th century garden, its narrowed cobbled path leads to a peaceful autumn retreat of golden leaves, quiet corners and a perfect place to sit and slow down.

Abbey Strand, viewed from the Physic Garden. Tucked beside the Palace of Holyroodhouse and dating back to around 1490, this oldest section of Abbey Strand, may have been the Abbot's mansion. Over the centuries, the buildings have served as homes, workshops, shops and lodgings. A fascinating piece of old Edinburgh.

Looking for things to do in Edinburgh this October break? 🍂 From exciting adventures and days out to peaceful walks and creative spaces, there's something for every kind of day. Some activities won't cost a penny, while others are just perfect for keeping the whole family entertained when you're after a little more excitement.

Logan Malloch is an independent gift shop at the foot of Leith Walk, packed with art, prints, plants, books, stationary and plenty of unique finds from Scottish makers and artists. 🖼️ Whether you're looking for a gift or just fancy a browse, there's always something new to discover here.

Autumn at Corstorphine Hill 🍂 Standing at the top of Corstorphine Hill, the tower was built in 1871 as a memorial to Sir Walter Scott, following the success of the Scott Monument in the city centre. Today, it's one of the area's most recognisable landmarks, surrounded by woodland and beautiful views across Edinburgh.

A cosy spot right in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, Mackays on the Mile serves up a menu inspired by Scottish produce and classic favourites, with plenty to enjoy from breakfast through to dinner. The perfect place to stop for a drink or bite to eat while exploring the city. 🍽️✨ And if you're an EH postcode holder, there's even more reason to visit this month! Residents can enjoy 30% off food at Mackays on the Mile with Resident Rewards, throughout October. 📸 Old Town Pub Co.