Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

May to June, September to October

Months to avoid: August (Edinburgh Fringe, extraordinary cultural event but prices triple, accommodation is impossible unless booked far in advance, and the city is at absolute capacity)

Recommended stay: 3-5 days

Plan Edinburgh for May to June, September to October. Give it 3-5 days. The window to avoid is August (Edinburgh Fringe, extraordinary cultural event but prices triple, accommodation is impossible unless booked far in advance, and the city is at absolute capacity).

What the season gets you

• Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano inside the city limits, takes 45 minutes to climb and puts the entire skyline at your feet with no entrance fee
• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on Queen Street is the real thing: members-only feel, rare casks, knowledgeable staff who won't talk down to beginners
• The closes off the Royal Mile, dark stone alleys that squeeze between buildings, each one leads somewhere unexpected: a courtyard, a pub, a view down to Princes Street Gardens