Visit Edinburgh in September

Visiting Edinburgh: September 2023

September is a beautiful time to visit Edinburgh. It’s the start of autumn and the weather is still fairly warm. The flurry of the summer festivals is behind us and the streets are a little quieter, but there’s still so much going on! So let’s take a look at what’s happening in the city this September.

September festivals and events

Although the major summer festivals finished up in August, they make way for lots of wonderful new events. See the traditional Edinburgh Riding of the Marches on 10th September, when hundreds ride on horseback through the city centre, which is quite a spectacle! Don’t miss the Doors Open Days weekend on 23rd and 24th September. Here, you can visit places that are not usually open to the public and discover some hidden gems.

Theatre breaks in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Playhouse (just around the corner from our hotel) presents a varied programme of musicals and entertainment. Musical highlights include the Take That musical, Greatest Days, on until 2nd September and The King and I from 12th to 26th September. For fans of the BBC comedy Mrs Brown’s Boys, see the original TV cast in Mrs Brown Rides Again from 7th to 9th September. See full listings here.

Attraction of the month: Calton Hill

For September, our attraction of the month is Calton Hill. One of our favourite viewpoints in the city. And it’s just next door to our hotel! As autumn arrives in Edinburgh, climb the gentle slope to the top of the hill for superb panoramic views. There is much to see up there too, including historic buildings and monuments, an art gallery and a restaurant. View more Edinburgh attractions.

Offer of the month: Edinburgh Zoo Experience

Go wild this September with our Edinburgh Zoo Experience, which includes two night’s accommodation in a twin or double room, a bottle of prosecco on ice in your room on arrival, full Scottish breakfast each morning, 2 tickets to visit Edinburgh Zoo and even a taxi to get you there! Full details and T&Cs.

Emperor Penguin at Edinburgh Zoo

Day trip of the month: Glasgow

Edinburgh is a great base to explore the rest of Scotland too. With convenient transport links by train and bus, and hire car options available, it’s so easy to get around. This September, why not visit Glasgow? Just hop on a train from Edinburgh and you’ll be there in about an hour. This is Scotland’s largest city, with a fascinating industrial history, a creative arts scene and a vibrant energy. There’s plenty here to keep you busy on a day trip from Edinburgh. See our guide to some of the best things to do in Glasgow.

Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow, with a traffic cone on his head

Our top September blogs

Our Edinburgh Blog features news, guides and travel information to help you plan your visit. Check out our top 5 posts for September:

  1. Things to look forward to in Edinburgh this autumn
  2. Edinburgh museum and gallery exhibitions
  3. The best walks in Edinburgh this autumn
  4. On the hunt for hidden gems in Edinburgh
  5. Touring the east coast of Scotland
A view of Edinburgh Castle through trees of Autumn colour

Visiting us this September

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.