Visit Edinburgh in May
Visiting Edinburgh: May 2024
We love Edinburgh in May. The weather is warming up and the flowers are in bloom. What’s more, it’s Whisky Month in Scotland! So let’s take a look at what’s happening in the city this May.
May festivals and events
Edinburgh TradFest takes place from 3rd to 13th May and is a celebration of traditional music from Scotland and beyond. The programme features concerts and events held at the Traverse Theatre, Assembly Rooms, Scottish Storytelling Centre and Queen’s Hall. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Scottish culture and enjoy traditional music from around the world. View the programme.
This is also the month of the Hidden Door Festival, which happens on 10th and 11th May. Each year, this music and arts festival opens up a forgotten space in the city and transforms it into a vibrant festival venue, with music, art and performances to explore. 2024 is the event’s 10th birthday and the secret venue is yet to be revealed! Tickets on sale now.
Theatre breaks this May
Our hotel is just around the corner from Edinburgh Playhouse, a fantastic theatre that presents a varied programme of live shows throughout the year. This month, stage musicals include The Drifters Girl until 4th May, Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners on the 19th, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang starting on the 28th. The Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals tour will be here on 18th May. And there’s comedy from Romesh Ranganathan on the 16th and 17th. See full listings here.
Attraction of the month: Scotch Whisky Experience
As May is Whisky Month, it’s only right that our attraction of the month is one of Edinburgh’s top whisky experiences! The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile takes you on a journey through the world of whisky. The tour includes an introduction to the whisky-making process, a tasting of single malt or blended Scotch whisky, and a viewing of one of the largest Scotch Whisky collections in the world. There is also a gift shop for souvenir shopping, and a fantastic whisky bar and restaurant. Plan your visit.
Offer of the month: Spring Special
Our Spring Special hotel package includes 2 nights in a twin or double room at our central Parliament House Hotel, a full Scottish breakfast on both mornings and a chilled bottle of prosecco on arrival. Available in March and April 2024, this is a blooming good spring deal! It’s the perfect time to visit our beautiful city. Full details and T&Cs.
Day trip of the month: Linlithgow
Edinburgh is a great base from which to explore the rest of Scotland. With convenient transport links by train and bus, and hire car options available, it’s so easy to get around. Our day trip of the month is Linlithgow, situated 20 miles west of Edinburgh in West Lothian. The journey takes around 20 minutes by train from Waverley Station, making this a very easy day trip from Edinburgh. Here you can explore the historic ruins of Linlithgow Palace, take a walk around Linlithgow Loch, learn about the town’s history at Linlithgow Museum and enjoy a boat cruise on the Union Canal.
Our top May blogs
Our Edinburgh Blog features news, guides and travel information to help you plan your visit. Check out our pick of the best blogs for May:
- Hidden gardens in Edinburgh
- Spending a spring day in Edinburgh
- What’s on in Edinburgh this spring?
- Spring/Summer Festivals in Edinburgh
- Your Edinburgh questions answered
Visiting us this May
So, book your stay at Parliament House Hotel in Edinburgh and start planning your adventures. Remember, we have further information on attractions, shopping, itineraries, road trips and more in our Edinburgh Guide. And we are always here, should you need any help planning activities during your stay.
