A-Z of Things to Do in Edinburgh for Students

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About the author: Hello! My name is Madelaine Lee but I usually go by Maddie. I am currently a 2nd year Fine Art student at the University of Edinburgh. I love doing things that are hands on – whether it's art and crafts, gardening, painting, pottery, you name it! I am also very much a nature girl and love going on walks and hikes. My art studio is where I spend most of my time, but if not you will probably see me dancing or ice skating too. I can't wait to share the ins and outs of university life with all of you!

If there’s one thing that Edinburgh does really well, it’s giving students endless things to do that don’t destroy your bank accounts. Whether it is cosy cafés, flatmate adventures, outdoor walks or trying out random side quests for the plot, Edinburgh has something for everyone.

Here is an unofficial A-Z guide to surviving and enjoying student life in Edinburgh.

A is for Arthur’s Seat

Classic and worth it. Every student eventually does the Arthur’s Seat hike for good luck during exam season and graduation. The view at the top is genuinely unreal (especially at sunset), and you tend to forget the steep climb halfway through and end up just soaking in the view.

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B is for brunches and bakeries

Loving Edinburgh's brunch spots is like a personality trait. Areas like Stockbridge and Newington are full of cafés where people can decide to be productive while spending £5 on coffee, not to mention that café hopping with friends is one of the best low-effort weekend plans.

C is for Christmas markets

Even though it’s always very busy, you'll end up going to the Xmas market every year. The Edinburgh Christmas Markets are chaotic but fun – think hot chocolate, overpriced churros, ice skating, rides, and accidentally spending too much money. But it’s the memories that count!

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D is for Dean Village walks

A peaceful walk in Dean Village when the city feels too loud makes for the perfect study break. Dean Village looks like it came straight out of a fantasy movie and is one of the prettiest spots in Edinburgh.

E is for eating your way around the city

One of the most underrated things about Edinburgh is the range of cuisines you can try. You’ll find everything from cheap student takeaways to cute Korean cafés and late-night dessert spots. The Grassmarket especially is full of food places worth trying.

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F is for festivals

When you live in Edinburgh long enough, you'll notice yourself randomly walking into events without planning to. August is the month where the city transforms into the Fringe Festival. Outside of the Fringe, there's always something going on like book festivals, film festivals, comedy events, and random pop-ups.

G is for Grassmarket wanders

One of the places students always end up wandering around – whether for coffee, vintage shopping, markets, or just to explore around. Weekend markets at Grassmarket are especially fun for browsing handmade crafts and street food.

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H is for hobby classes

It's extremely easy to pick up random hobbies in Edinburgh, from pottery painting and crochet workshops to candle making, jewellery classes, and so much more. Creative activities have become super popular with students recently because they are a fun break from screens and studying.

I is for ice skating

Ice skating becomes a usual yearly tradition for students at the Christmas Market or at Murrayfield Ice Rink. Don't worry if no one in the group actually knows how to skate; that just makes it all the more entertaining.

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J is for jogs and runs

Running in Edinburgh feels cinematic because of how beautiful the scenery is. The Meadows, Holyrood Park and Water of Leith are all popular running spots. There are also many beginner-friendly run clubs if you'd like to socialise whilst running!

K is for keeping it cheap

There are many free activities to do as a student in Edinburgh, including museums, galleries, parks, hiking spots and university events that all cost nothing!

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L is for late-night rides

Me and my flatmates tend to have late-night bike rides after dinner using the rentable Voi bikes. This is a fun and relaxing way to explore the city with your friends without using too much energy.

M is for markets

Stockbridge Market on Sundays and Farmers Market on Saturdays are probably the top student favourites. I personally try to go to the Farmers Market by the Castle every week as they have the best fresh pastries, food, and groceries!

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N is for National Museum trips

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the most iconic museums in Edinburgh and is a must go!

O is for outdoor picnics

Once the weather hits above 15 degrees, the whole of Edinburgh rushes outside. The Meadows become a full-time spot for students to have picnics, play football, revise, or lay in the sun to tan.

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P is for pottery painting

This has recently become a more popular student activity. It's a very relaxing craft to do that makes for a wholesome flatmate outing when you're tired of the usual night outs.

Q is for quirky bookshops

Edinburgh is full of hidden bookshops that feel straight out of a film. Armchair Books and Topping & Company are especially popular with students who want a cosy afternoon wandering around shelves instead of working.

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R is for rooftop and scenic views

Apart from Arthur's Seat, spots like Calton Hill are another option for an amazing view. Calton Hill a popular picnic and photo spot amongst students during warmer months, and is perfect for anyone who doesn't want to have to complete a full hike.

S is for student nights out

Whether it's society socials, cheap pub nights, karaoke, or club events, there's always something happening in Edinburgh. Old Town's Cowgate is especially popular with students when it comes to pubs and clubs.

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T is for thrifting and vintage shopping

Edinburgh has got some amazing charity shops and vintage stores, especially around Newington and Stockbridge. Marchmont and Morningside also have a few small ones that sell amazing stuff! Us students love a good thrift trip because it's cheaper, sustainable, and feels more rewarding than buying things online.

U is for university society events

There's a society for anything you can think of – sports, films, gaming, baking, languages… the list never ends. Even if you go just for the free pizza, they are genuinely a great way to settle into student life.

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V is for vintage cinema trips

The Dominion Cinema and Cameo Cinema are student favourites for cosy evenings that feel more special than when you're just streaming something in your flat.

W is for Water of Leith walks

One of the most underrated places in Edinburgh, Water of Leith is a peaceful, scenic, and perfect place for walks when uni feels too overwhelming.

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X is for x-tra day trips

It's so easy to do spontaneous day trips to places like North Berwick, Glasgow or the Highlands for a change of scenery and a break from deadlines.

Y is for yoga

For a relaxing way to end your day of revision, there are loads of affordable student-friendly fitness studios and yoga clubs that have discounts!

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Z is for zoo trips

The Edinburgh Zoo definitely makes a fun day out. It's one of those activities that sounds childish until you're there taking photos of the penguins for two hours.

Whether you're into outdoor adventures, cosy cafés, markets, hobbies, or night outs, Edinburgh somehow manages to balance being a busy and relaxing place at the same time – which is why so many students end up loving it here! There's always something to do, but you never feel like you have to rush through the city to enjoy it.

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