After the unbelievable cold spells and wintery weather we saw in March, here’s to hoping for some decent weather now. While we can’t control the weather, we can control what we do, and Edinburgh is not shy of places to go. So, we’ve gathered up a list of the most exciting things to do in Edinburgh this April.
1. Sail away on a gin-tasting cruise along the Union Canal
We adore boats and gin, and the two combined make for the perfect day out. Summerhall Drinks Lab is starting its open-air Gin Cruises at Fountainbridge. Visitors will be able to enjoy a two-hour gin-tasting experience gliding away on the colourful Lochrin Belle canal boat. Gin lovers will be able to sample five Scottish gins both on their own and in mixed drinks and cocktails. What is more, gin connoisseurs will also be onboard, guiding guests through each gin, telling the stories behind each gin and walking them through the combination of all the flavours.
2. Witness a Candlelight concert dedicated to ABBA
You can lay all your love on this Candlelight concert dedicated to the iconic hits of ABBA on April 20, in a cosily dimmed stunning venue of Nicolson Square Edinburgh. The merging of the beloved Swedish band’s songs, the whispers of golden candle hues and architecture that was lost for years are sure to make a lasting impression. You can book your tickets on Fever.
3. Get immersed in the familiar story of Pretty Woman The Musical
Edinburgh Playhouse is hosting another smash-hit musical this week, and this time it’s Pretty Woman. The tour will stay until after Easter, between April 2 and 15. The musical shows the seductively heartwarming tale from the famous Julia Roberts and Richard Gere movie, easily one of the most successful romantic comedies of all time.
4. Go cherry blossom spotting around the city
Towards mid to the end of April, we will start noticing the gorgeous cherry blossoms emerging around Edinburgh, delighting passers-by with their yearly majestic displays. Of course, we always love to see all the blossoms around Princes Street, with picture-perfect photo ops of a fairy-tale background that is Edinburgh Castle. Once you’ve passed Princes Street, head to St Andrew Square, where more beautiful trees will await you. The Meadows also boasts an impressive amount of Japanese trees, where visitors and locals alike can not only marvel at their beauty but also update their profile pictures. Stockbridge is another central hotspot for cherry blossoms, with plenty of random trees planted around the neighbourhood. My personal favourite is sitting atop the hill overlooking the pond in Inverleith Park, where the view of the city is complemented by cherry blossoms.
5. Have brunch with a sea view in Edinburgh’s best neighbourhood to live
The Sunday Times listed Portobello as the best place to live in Edinburgh within their ‘Best Places To Live In The UK 2023’ list last year. So, why not treat yourself to a brunch with a view at The Beach House Cafe after a wee stroll on the prom. The café also offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or drinks, and the cinnamon sugar and chocolate sauce waffles are worth a try. So, just sit back and marvel at the view of Edinburgh and its surrounding areas that can be admired either from inside the café or from the outdoor seating with blankets.
6. Play out your Lord Of The Rings fantasies by staying at these tiny hobbit houses an hour away from Edinburgh
While this is not exactly in Edinburgh, a serene getaway from the busy city life never hurts. Especially, when the said getaway is in quirky houses surrounded by nature and animals. Guests can now make their Lord of the Rings fantasies come true by staying in tiny Hobbit-like houses in Dunblane. Craighead Howf is a place where guests can relax in a unique setting, be it in the land of Hobbits, an actual tree house or the small cute cottages from a fairy-tale that were hand-built by the owners themselves.
7. Check out amazing waterfalls in and around Edinburgh
One thing is clear: Scotland is abundant with picturesque views and bodies of water. Nature’s calling, and it’s right on our doorstep. When it comes to nature walks, the adventures become even more alluring when it involves chasing waterfalls. From Crammond Falls to Loup of Fintry, there are plenty of days out to be had whether it’s closer to home, or an hour’s drive away. Check out our guide to the best waterfalls around Edinburgh.
8. Check out Edinburgh Seafood Festival
St James Quarter is bringing tasty seafood culinary masterpieces from the Quarter and beyond from Friday, March 31 and Sunday, April 2. The festival will showcase a selection of locally sourced seafood as well as talks with some gastronomic experts. Visitors looking to brush up on their culinary skills can also enjoy a range of workshops and demonstrations, hosted by the experts on the Seafood Stage, located on Level 1, on Saturday and Sunday. What is more, there will be The Seafood and Street Food Market on Register Square, where food lovers will get the chance to dive into a world of flavour and try some tasty street food. You can check out the full programme on the St James Quarter website.
9. Check out any of the five Michelin Star restaurants in Edinburgh
2024 has proven a spectacular year for Edinburgh once again when it comes to Michelin Star restaurants: two new restaurants were officially added to the list. Five Edinburgh restaurants were listed by the Michelin Guide: The Heron in Leith and Timberyard, as well as long-time favourites The Kitchin, led by Chef Tom Kitchin, Condita with Chef Conor Toomey at its forefront and Martin Wishart named after the Chef himself. While visiting a Michelin Star restaurant is not for every week, treat yourself to a lunch in one of the spots to celebrate this year’s stars.
10. Visit Edinburgh’s newest rum bar
Rum lovers, rejoice! A bar solely dedicated to rum has arrived at Broughton Street in Edinburgh, Ruma, offering Caribbean spirit lovers a generous drinks list. Guests can expect plenty of options, with a generous rum collection with options from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and more. Plus, the trendy decor boasts earthy tones, plenty of plants and colourful art.
11. Attend a bonkers bingo karaoke party
Boozy Ball has recently launched at Coco Boho, inviting visitors to a unique day party. Guests can expect a game of bingo, drag performances and sing their hearts out in karaoke, accompanied by day drinking and good vibes. What’s best, the party ends before 6pm, giving party-goers plenty of time to sober up and get to bed.
12. Check out a Hello Kitty-themed cafe
Primark and Hello Kitty are celebrating 50 years of pop culture, inviting guests to a themed cafe to try “bow” buns, bubble tea and waffles. The Primark cafe on Princes Street has been decked in pink and the beloved images of the cat, with a collection of treats and over a Hello Kitty items for purchase.