Now that the Summer Solstice has been and gone, the days are slowly getting shorter again. We still don’t have to worry about that too much in July, so why not make the most of those late sunsets and warm nights. So, here are the very best things to do in Edinburgh this July.
1. Go see Sir Rod Stewart’s last-ever live show
That’s right, the legend himself, Sir Rod Stewart has just announced he will be retiring from touring, and that the 2023 tour, with Edinburgh being his last stop, will be his last. Luckily, we can send him off with a bang on July 6 & 7 at the Edinburgh Castle, his first shows in his father’s hometown in 13 years. On the tour, fans can sure expect to hear all the greatest hits: Maggie May, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? and Baby Jane, so sing along like you mean it!
2. Dance the night away in a historic venue with DJ Sam Divine
Ibiza’s legend DJ Sam Divine is finally coming to Edinburgh this July, after the event was originally postponed. Edinburgh 360 will shake Summerhall to the core on July 7, with DJ Sam Divine, aka The First Lady of Defected Records, serving perfect sets and impeccable vibes in the middle of the room. That’s right, the main concept of Edinburgh 360 is that the DJs are surrounded by music lovers all around, providing an even more immersive and intimate experience. You can expect a three hour set during the club night, so bring your dancing shoes as it’s going to be a wild one! Tickets can be found on the Edinburgh 360 website.
3. Try out a mashed potato bar
That’s right, there’s an actual gourmet mashed potato bar in Edinburgh called Makars Mash Bar. And that’s not all. They grow their own mushrooms in a funky, UV-lit basement called the Mushroom Emporium that you can also check out. The spot boasts a homely indoor space with an extension, as well as an outdoor terrace with “amazing sunsets” on one side and overlooking Makar’s Court on the other. Mashed potato lovers can either go for their choice of meat, paired with flavoured mashed potatoes (there are NINE) or opt for the home-grown mushrooms.
4. Check out this beer festival at a local microbrewery in Leith
We love any type of drink-related festival, but this one is also a small local business having organised their first-ever beer festival right here in Leith. Moonwake is hosting Lunarpalooza between July 28 & 30, inviting all beer enthusiasts to come enjoy all the best brews from all around. The Lunarpalooza beer festival will contain 24 taps offering beer from around the UK and beyond. Local street food vendors Banh Mi Brothers and Guisados will also be there to fulfill all the hunger needs with some of their street food. Out of all the things to do this July, we’re really excited about this one!
5. Enjoy brunch at this neighbourhood restaurant owned by a Michelin Star chef
KORA by Tom Kitchin owned by the Kitchin Group has introduced a brand new brunch menu just in time for summer, extending their working hours on Saturdays and Sunday to open at 11am. The menu was created by Chef Owner Tom Kitchin, Chef Director, Dominic Jack and KORA Head Chef, James Chapman. The menu is designed for the whole family, with dishes such as Homemade Pancakes with Bacon & Maple Syrup, Omelette Arnold Bennett with local fishmonger Welch’s Smoked Haddock and Koffmann’s Skinny Fries, or Axel’s Cheese & Bacon Toastie, served with Koffmann’s skinny fries and salad, dedicated to Chef Tom & Michaela Kitchin’s young son and a Kitchin household favourite. Of course, there will be plenty of cocktails available, from classic Mimosas to Bloody Mary’s.
6. Grab some award-winning burgers at this local brewery’s taproom in Porty
Beloved burger joint El Perro Negro is joining forces with none other than Vault City, a Scottish brewery that owns Porty Vault taproom in Portobello. The burger legends are teaming up with craft beer gurus to launch a summer kitchen pop-up menu for three months only, so don’t snooze! The collaboration is set to inspire the rich Edinburgh food scene even further and excite burger enthusiasts and craft beer lovers alike. The pop-up will be in place from June 30, so just in time for those July days out to the beach.
7. Get in the Fringe mood at Edinburgh Food Festival
Edinburgh Food Festival is a yearly street food event that will be taking place between July 21 & 30 this year. The festival offers free entry and is located at George Street Gardens, just before the iconic Edinburgh Fringe festival will commence on August 4. Guests can start getting into festival mode and enjoy some of street food favourites from local vendors such as Crepe & Waffle House, Kabbabar, Mana Poke Bowls, The Peruvian, Prime Street Food and many more!
8. Check out the newest burger joint in town famous for its quirky combinations
Fat Hippo is opening on George Street in Edinburgh, welcoming burger enthusiasts with a full menu of messy burgers and more. The burger joint is opening its doors on July 7, so the quiet anticipation won’t last for much longer. For those who visit Fat Hippo’s burger joints, it is all about getting food all over one’s face, so guests are advised to not wear anything light of colour. The signature beef and boneless buttermilk chicken patties come with free hand-cut chips, with a range of vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options available. Plus, fries are always included with every burger, and there’s a build-your-own kids menu for the fussier eaters.
9. Try the Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavour experience
Locals and visitors alike can indulge in an experience with live performances, breaking whisky-drinking rules, learning the distilling process and trying some flavoured highballs or a wee dram for yourself. The Journey of Flavour Experience at Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers a range of whisky experiences, where whisky lovers can enjoy some fun-filled education paired with some whisky tasting. The tour takes 90-minutes to complete, with guests getting the chance to try three drinks in the form of a highball, an old-fashioned or a wee dram. So, it doesn’t matter if you were born and bred in Edinburgh, you can still try something new every time you visit Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
10. Marvel at Coldplay’s greatest hits like you never have before
Some may think they have experienced their favourite songs in every way possible by now. However, Coldplay fans can now witness a solo pianist playing all the greatest hits surrounded by the soft hues of candlelight at a stunning historic spot of St Mary’s Cathedral. Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay on Piano concert is coming to Edinburgh on July 21, inviting music lovers on a melodic journey of experiencing their favourite songs anew. Guests can expect to witness all-time favourite covers such as Clocks, Fix You, Paradise, The Scientist and more played by the talented pianist Ailsa Aitkenhead.
11. Hop around rooftop bars around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is filled with phenomenal views, so what’s a better way to marvel at said vistas than from a rooftop bar? Whether it’s summer or the height of winter, Edinburghers adore rooftop bars. Whether you’re looking for a wee suntrap spot with stunning views or a covered terrace overlooking the castle to keep you sheltered during rainier days, you will find it all in our guide to the very best rooftop bars in Edinburgh.
12. Enjoy live music at this boutique lounge
Counter at Native Edinburgh is a boutique lounge, restaurant and bar, offering a selection of monthly cultural events such as paint and sip workshops and live music. Located on Queen Street, the spot will be organising Counter Sessions, a monthly event hosted on July 28 from 7pm, where the space welcomes talented performers including saxophonists, DJs and performers from across the city and beyond.