May is an anticipatingly exciting month: the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the weather is getting a lot sunnier and the beer gardens are in full swing again. The appreciation for some of the longest days in the year is real, so we are excited to share some of the very best things to do in Edinburgh this May to make the most of it.
1. Enjoy sunny days at this outdoor foodie festival with live music
Summer is officially arriving because May 8 is the arrival of The Neighbourgood Market in Stockbridge. Staying all the way until July 31, the spot offers a myriad of street food vendors from pizzas to Mexican food, as well as all the drinks one can ever need. Not to mention, the vibes are unparalleled with a live music stage, friendly vibes and deck chairs on the grass.
2. Get lost in the soft melodies of Coldplay’s and Ed Sheeran’s best songs at this floral candlelight concert
The historic St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral will be coming alive with the best hits from Coldplay and Ed Sheeran this May 24. Music lovers will be able to immerse themselves in the soothing melodies of a string quartet surrounded by the dimmed hues of candlelight, as well as hundreds of flowers. Guests can expect to hear Clocks, Bad Habits, Photograph, Viva la Vida and more, at the candlelight concert. You can get your tickets on Fever.
3. Try this opulent spot known for glittery décor and an Indian chip butty
Indian street food restaurant Mowgli is known for its “fuss-free” Indian food, hoping to break the unhealthy curry stereotypes that we have seen in takeaways all around. Mowgli is located in a beautiful building on Hanover Street and has its famous decadent décor with all the glitz and more.
4. Enjoy a night at the ballet
Scottish Ballet is bringing the beloved ‘Swan Lake’ is coming to Festival Theatre between May 2 and 4. The show has been a sell-out since its debut in 2016, with a captivating story, strong emotion and, of course, stunning choreography. Finally back in Edinburgh after the pandemic cancelled their plans, ‘Swan Lake’ will also offer £10 tickets for those under 25 on the day of the show. You can book your tickets here.
5. Start the day right at Edinburgh’s best breakfast spots
Die-hard breakfast lovers will love this ‘Best Breakfasts’ list, as there is no better satisfaction than finding that new delicious place to start the day right. Check out our favourite cafes and restaurants that serve a wholesome breakfast in Edinburgh. Try a mouth-watering pancake stack or crepe, a colourful Buddha bow or an Acai bowl, or just go with a freshly-made pastry, making the things to do list this May even tastier.
6. Dance at ceilidhs, celebrate traditional music and storytelling at this cultural festival
Edinburgh Tradfest is coming to celebrate traditional music, storytelling and dance, with workshops, talks, ceilidhs, and special events taking place at various venues across the city. Supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation, the festival will take place between May 3 and 13. The festival will over 11 days, celebrating a myriad of artists and musicians with shows, including live music from electronica supergroup VALTOS, multi-award winning folk singer and guitar master Martin Simpson, and Scandi-fiddlers Nordic Fiddlers Bloc.
7. Explore the stunning cherry blossoms around the city
Edinburgh is renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms with the views of the Edinburgh Castle during April and May, with lots of walks around the city to explore the pink blooms. So, why not explore the most picturesque spots with cherry blossoms while they are still in bloom until mid-May.
8. Discover a secret garden near Holyrood Park
What if we told you there is a secret hidden garden just behind Arthur’s Seat that not even some locals are aware of filled with some unique plant species – Dr Neil’s Garden. The garden was created by Drs. Nancy and Andrew Neil in 1963 and is situated between Dudingston Kirk and Dudingston Loch. Come check out all the fabulous plant species present within the little oasis and take in the beautifully landscaped space.
9. Get transported to the world of Nintendo at this Super Mario-themed cocktail bar
The Cocktail Geeks have transformed their bar into a Super Mario-themed world, open until June 9. So, go ahead and sip on a themed out-of-this-world cocktail under the Edinburgh Arches. The bar has an ever-changing list of themes, and the next one is set to be inspired by the show that took the world by storm, the House of Dragon, starting on June 24.
10. Attend a sip and paint workshop in the dark
Apparantly, when it comes to things to do in Edinburgh this May, all you need is neon art, fluorescent colours, a decent playlist and a drink or two. Well, The Neon Brush: Sip And Paint workshop is bringing just that and more, inviting guests for a unique paint-in-the-dark experience in Edinburgh this May. Taking place between May 23 and 26 at PDT (Please Don’t Tell) on Shandwick Place, visitors will get to create their own fluorescent art that they can take back home with them. You can book your tickets on Fever.
11. Indulge in a picnic afternoon tea at this champagne rooftop bar
There is a champagne rooftop lounge in Edinburgh, Nor’ Loft, which specialises in the beloved bubbly, as well as noteworthy afternoon tea tastefully presented on a mini picnic table. Our Picnic offers a selection of sweet and savoury treats, including hand-raised game pie, falafel scotch egg, matcha sponge with strawberry buttercream and yuzu (this was our favourite) and caramelised white chocolate, coffee and pecan cake.
12. Enjoy out-of-this-world mini cocktails and wholesome food
Midweek socialising has taken a cosmic twist at The Alchemist, which has extended its popular Cosmic Supper Club menu for £20 to run throughout Spring. From Sunday to Wednesday, guests can go for a Cosmic Oyster cocktail accompanied by three sharing plates out of 20. Visitors can choose from a variety of options, including the Chorizo & Cheddar doughballs, Whipped Bur-natta, a vegan alternative to burrata with a watermelon and tomato salad and Tempura Prawn Lollipops. Meanwhile, the sweet treats are Next Level Chocolate Brownie, Gelato and Passionfruit Pancakes. Plus, make the most out of The Alchemist’s theatric cocktails while you’re there! You can book a table here.