The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and marks the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2025, this astronomical event will occur on the 21st of June, where the sun will rise at approximately 4:26 am and set at 10:03 pm, offering over 17 hours of daylight.
There are few places more enchanting than Edinburgh to celebrate the summer solstice. With its dramatic skyline and historic vantage points, the city provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable sunrise and sunset.
Join us as we share some of Edinburgh’s most magical locations to greet the solstice sun and explore where to go and what to do to make the most of the longest day of the year…
What is the summer solstice?
The summer solstice occurs when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted at its maximum angle toward the Sun, providing us with the longest day and shortest night of the year.
This astronomical event typically falls between 20th and 22nd June each year. This slight variation in date is due to the discrepancy between our calendar year and the Earth’s precise orbital period around the Sun.
In 2025, the summer solstice will occur on 21st June. Edinburgh will enjoy approximately 17 hours and 15 minutes of daylight, with the sun rising at 04:35 am and setting at 09:50 pm.
How to spend the longest day of the year in Edinburgh
The summer solstice provides a unique opportunity to explore Edinburgh with over 17 hours of daylight. From watching the sunrise atop the iconic Arthur’s Seat, to ending the day at one of the city’s many unique solstice celebrations, there is no shortage of ways to make the most of this extraordinary day.
Here is our guide to spending the longest day of the year in Edinburgh.
Where is the best place to watch the sunrise in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh offers a variety of vantage points from which to witness the first light of the summer solstice. As the longest day of the year begins, these locations provide not just scenic splendour but also a moment of peaceful reflection and connection with nature.
Situated in the heart of the city centre, Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh’s most accessible and popular vantage points to watch the sunrise over the city’s dramatic skyline. The walk to the summit takes approximately 15 minutes, and its elevated position offers sweeping panoramic views across the city, making it a perfect spot to begin the summer solstice.
For a more invigorating start to the day, why not embark on an early morning hike up the iconic Arthur’s Seat. Rising 251 metres above sea level, this extinct volcano and ancient hill fort is the highest point in Holyrood Park. From its summit, you will be treated to breathtaking 360-degree views that encompass not only the city’s skyline but also the surrounding hills and the distant coastline, providing a spectacular setting in which to welcome the sunrise of the solstice.
Portobello Beach offers a serene coastal alternative to the city’s hilltop views. Situated just a few miles from the city centre, this peaceful seaside location is ideal for those wishing to mark the solstice with quiet reflection, with toes in the sand or a dip in the sea. Morning wild swimming has become an increasingly popular tradition among both locals and visitors, offering a refreshing way to welcome in the day.
The best breakfast in Edinburgh city centre
After basking in the glow of the sunrise in the early hours of the morning, few things will be more welcome than a hearty breakfast! Edinburgh’s city centre boasts an array of breakfast venues, ranging from traditional Scottish fare to innovative global cuisine. Here are a few of our top picks.
Nestled just off the Royal Mile, Copper Still is a hidden gem known for its welcoming atmosphere and locally sourced ingredients. The breakfast menu includes classic favourites alongside vegetarian and vegan alternatives. The intimate setting and friendly service make it an ideal place to relax after an early morning spent outdoors.
A favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, Urban Angel is celebrated for its wholesome, sustainably sourced menu. Located on Hanover Street, it offers an inviting atmosphere and a selection of dishes ranging from organic porridge and smoothie bowls to eggs Florentine and sourdough toast with smoked salmon. Coffee lovers will also appreciate their expertly brewed artisan blends.
For those looking to start the day with something different, Dishoom on St Andrew Square provides a unique alternative to the traditional breakfast. Inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay, its morning offerings include bacon naan rolls, spiced scrambled eggs, and bottomless chai. The atmospheric interiors and attentive service create a memorable culinary experience that is sure to set you up for the day ahead.
How to spend a morning in Edinburgh
A long summer solstice morning offers the perfect opportunity to explore some of the city’s best neighbourhoods, where cobbled streets, independent shops, and leafy walkways are waiting to be discovered.
Located just a short walk from the city centre, Stockbridge feels like a village within the city. Known for its relaxed pace, picturesque streets, and vibrant community, it offers a serene yet lively setting to begin the day. Enjoy a peaceful morning stroll through Inverleith Park, along the Water of Leith, or within the tranquil Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Or perhaps you would prefer to discover the neighbourhood’s independent shops and cafés. Whatever you decide, be sure not to miss Circus Lane, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic and photogenic streets!
Not far from Princes Street, you will find Edinburgh’s West End – a sophisticated neighbourhood known for its elegant crescents, hidden gardens, and thriving independent scene. Begin your visit in William Street and Stafford Street, where you’ll find a curated selection of independent shops, galleries, and cafés nestled among beautiful Victorian townhouses. The West End is also home to cultural landmarks such as the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Cool places for lunch in Edinburgh city centre
After a morning spent exploring Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods, a leisurely lunch in the city centre provides the perfect opportunity to recharge. With plenty of options, choosing where to eat can be a challenge. To help guide your decision, here are a few of our top recommendations.
Located at the edge of Stockbridge, Cowan & Sons offers a relaxed atmosphere and a thoughtfully curated menu. From gourmet sandwiches to seasonal salads and homemade soups, it’s an ideal spot for a casual midday meal. The minimalist interior and friendly service make it especially popular with locals, and its focus on fresh, local ingredients reflects the best of contemporary Scottish café culture.
For those seeking a more traditional Scottish lunch, The Scran & Scallie in Stockbridge is an excellent choice. Founded by Michelin-starred chefs Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack, this gastropub offers hearty classics made with premium ingredients served in a welcoming, rustic setting. Its combination of heritage and culinary flair makes it one of Edinburgh’s standout lunch destinations.
Where to spend the afternoon in Edinburgh
The extended daylight of the summer solstice allows for an unhurried afternoon, whether you wish to delve deeper into the city’s culture or relax with a book in one of the many secret gardens and hidden parks.
If you’re staying in the city centre, make sure you do not miss the one o’clock gun at Edinburgh Castle, a daily tradition since 1861. Originally used to help ships in the Firth of Forth set their clocks, it remains a popular spectacle with visitors, and sometimes a welcome surprise for locals too!
Those seeking a leisurely, yet cultural afternoon, why not head to one of Edinburgh’s excellent museums or galleries? The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, with its striking Gothic architecture and rich collections, offers a calm and contemplative escape from the midday sun.
For a more active afternoon, head to South Queensferry for water sports on the Firth of Forth. From paddleboarding and kayaking to boat tours beneath the iconic Forth Bridges, this area combines outdoor adventure with spectacular scenery — a fitting way to make the most of the extra daylight. There are also plenty of coffee shops and independent shops to explore.
Best restaurants in Edinburgh city centre
As evening approaches on the longest day, Edinburgh’s city centre offers a range of refined dining options to celebrate the solstice in style. These restaurants each offer a distinct atmosphere and culinary approach, ensuring a memorable meal to conclude a sun-filled day.
Tucked away in Edinburgh’s West End, The Bonham offers an elegant fine dining experience in a Victorian townhouse setting. The menu blends Scottish ingredients with European influences, and the opulent décor and attentive service make it a standout choice for a memorable evening.
Fava Greek Kitchen, situated in the heart of the city, brings Mediterranean vibrancy to Edinburgh’s dining scene. Known for its bright, contemporary interior and a menu inspired by Greek cuisine, Fava offers dishes that are both fresh and flavourful, ideal for a light summer dinner.
For a more intimate setting, Piggs on Canongate is an excellent new Spanish wine and tapas bar. With rustic décor and a carefully chosen menu of classics and sharing boards, Piggs is perfect for those looking to share a relaxed meal and conversation as the day winds down.
Where can I watch the sunset in Edinburgh?
As the sun begins to fall on the longest day of the year, Edinburgh offers more than just natural vantage points; it comes alive with events that honour the solstice through art, community, and celebration.
Just outside the city, Jupiter Artland hosts an immersive Summer Solstice Celebration set amidst its striking contemporary sculptures and beautifully landscaped grounds. Enjoy music, storytelling, communal rituals, and a shared sunset experience that blends art, nature, and ancient seasonal traditions for a powerful and memorable way to honour the turning of the year.
For an equally enchanting evening, the Summer Solstice Soirée at Edinburgh Zoo offers guests a chance to enjoy food, drink, and live entertainment within the unique setting of one of the city’s most beloved attractions. With sunset views from Corstorphine Hill and the rare opportunity to explore the zoo after hours, it provides a magical and light-hearted way to experience the twilight hours of the solstice.
Those seeking a more personal and reflective experience may wish to consider the Wild Woman Summer Solstice Gathering. Held outdoors at Portobello Beach, this women-only event provides a space for connection, ritual, and empowerment through activities such as meditation, movement, and sunset reflection in a supportive and natural setting.
For a lively and social celebration, The Pitt’s Summer Solstice Day Party delivers an upbeat atmosphere with street food, craft drinks, and DJs in one of Edinburgh’s most popular urban venues. As day turns to evening, enjoy music and community spirit in a relaxed environment.
End the solstice in sophistication at The Bonham
As the sun finally sets over Edinburgh and twilight gives way to night, bring your solstice celebration to a close with a well-earned drink at The Bonham Hotel, one of the city’s most elegant and stylish destinations.
For those fortunate enough to be staying at The Bonham, you’ll find yourself ideally situated to enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer, from sunrise to sunset and beyond.
To learn more or to plan your stay, visit our website.