Covid city explorer - things to do in Edinburgh

Check upcoming open days and book your place

Edinburgh is a special place. Scotland’s capital city is covered with cobbled streets, classical architecture and a remarkable skyline that can be viewed from Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh has enough to keep you curious, even while lockdown has forced many places to close.

Edinburgh is best explored on foot. Take a stroll through the city centre and its neighbouring suburbs. You’ll enjoy medieval buildings of the Old Town, the Georgian streets of the New Town, the many green parks and captivating hilltop views.

As for the culture, Edinburgh's has an affinity for festivals. Its festivals range from the Edinburgh Book Festival and the Edinburgh Food Festival, to the Edinburgh Science Festival and the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Most of these are currently planned for summer 2021, subject to Covid restrictions.

There are four universities in Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University and Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Current lockdown restrictions have limited what’s available to do in Scotland, but you’ll find there are still many things to do in Edinburgh safely throughout lockdown.

This is Whatuni’s Edinburgh City Explorer guide, designed to help you discover more than you thought you could.

Things to do in Edinburgh - Hidden gems

It’s important to follow the Scottish government’s guidelines during lockdown. Where you safely can, get outside and see these hidden gems...

• Dr. Neil’s Garden: filled with blooming flora and beautiful walking paths, this tucked-away garden by Old Church Lane is an ideal walking spot when you need to clear your mind and reset.

• Union Canal: beginning at Edinburgh Quay in the south west of the city, this mix of water, cityscape and natural surroundings is perfect for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

• Kyoto Friendship Garden: nestled in the suburb of Cramond, this Japanese-inspired garden provides a quiet outdoor space.

Eat local in Edinburgh

Places to eat in Edinburgh

Many restaurants and food joints have temporarily closed during lockdown. So, if you’re wondering where to eat, try these delivery options:

• Alby’s: big hot sandwiches sound like a bit of you? Well, it really should because Alby’s have it on lock. Open for click and collect or delivery, these guys cater to all dietary requirements.

• Dough Pizzeria: there’s nothing quite like high-quality, Italian pizza. If you’re after variety and authenticity, at an affordable price, don’t look past Dough.

• Tasty Buns Bakery: constantly keeping their menu fresh and innovative, get your orders in asap for a whole range of immaculate sweet treats, beautifully roasted coffee and much more.

• Pomegranate Edinburgh: it’s always important to keep a healthy balance. Pomegranate Edinburgh has some of the yummiest Middle East-inspired food. Oh, and its Mezze, so it’s ideal for sharing with your housemates…or not.

Local Edinburgh food

While in Edinburgh, you must try these Scottish specialties...

• Haggis: arguably Scotland’s most famous food, this mix of oatmeal, spices and sheep or calf offals (internal organs) is a delicious savoury pudding paired beautifully with a roast. You’ll struggle to find a pub in Edinburgh that doesn’t serve haggis.

• Black Pudding: made with pig's blood, pig fat, oatmeal, onion and a mix of herbs, this Scottish staple knows how to please the taste buds. There are also vegetarian and vegan options.

• Cullen Skink: a classic Scottish soup that combines smoked haddock, onions and potatoes, this will warm you up on chilly Edinburgh nights.

• Arbroath Smokies: prepared overnight then hung over a barrel of fire to be smoked, this beautifully prepared haddock is a unique way to enjoy fish.

With pubs and bars closed during lockdown, try your hand at any of these in your own kitchen. Caroline’s Cooking, Love Food Hate Waste, Scottish Scran and Visit Angus have plenty of easy-to-follow recipes. Scottish Scran even provides a vegan recipe for Haggis if meat isn’t your preference.

Covid testing near me - Edinburgh

Students in Edinburgh can get a free Covid test through the NHS if either they or someone in their household is showing symptoms. This can be done by attending one of Edinburgh’s Covid testing sites or by having a home testing kit delivered.

Edinburgh has a drive-through testing site at Edinburgh Airport, while Edinburgh’s three walking testing sites are at the following locations:

• Usher Hall on Lothian Road (Edinburgh Central)

• Leith Library at 28-30 Ferry Road (Edinburgh North)

• Gate 55, Sighthill (Edinburgh West)

You can find further details on testing sites and their location through the Scottish government’s Covid advice page.

Making friends in Edinburgh during Covid

Being limited to physical interactions with friends inside your household and support bubbles shouldn’t dissuade you from making new friends.

It’s important to be savvy in times like these and make use of digital resources. Keep an eye out on virtual events hosted by your university. Check your student email, the university’s website and their social media pages for any notices on what’s coming up. It’s worth also keeping an eye out for any announcements from your students’ union.

Check out Meetup too, where you can connect virtually with like-minded people for talks, seminars and discussions.

Edinburgh events

Virtual events

Lockdown has meant virtual events have replaced many in-person events, which you can enjoy from the comfort of home.

For virtual events outside of your university, take a look at Visit Scotland, This Is Edinburgh and What’s On In Edinburgh. Over the coming months there’s the Manipulate Festival 2021, virtual gin tastings and online Pilates classes to name a few.

Outdoor events

Currently there are no outdoor events taking place in Edinburgh. When lockdown restrictions ease, there will be plenty of things to do.

To keep on top of what events will take place once restrictions ease, keep an eye out on Visit Scotland, This Is Edinburgh and What’s On In Edinburgh. Coming up later in the year you’ll see there’s the Edinburgh Careers Fair, the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Foodies Festival 2021, the British and Irish Lions vs. Japan at Murrayfield and much more.

Health and wellbeing activities in Edinburgh

Adapting our physical habits during lockdown is important for body and mind. Exercise routines on our bedroom floor, live virtual workouts and home gyms have become the norm.

If you are in need of some exercise inspiration, or are simply looking for a place to start, we suggest checking out Edinburgh Leisure, The Luminous Life and BoundFitness. These three Edinburgh-based organisations and trainers are doing their bit to provide online workouts, exercise tips and regimes across lockdown.

Mental health - Edinburgh

If you need support, tips on wellbeing or general advice on how to stay healthy and well, we would highly recommend either of the following resources:

• Health in Mind: promoting mental health and wellbeing in Scotland, visit their website for Covid resources, mental health services and other wellbeing resources.

• Student Minds: the UK’s leading mental health charity for students, Student Minds help students with their mental health, providing endless resources whether for yourself, a friend, a parent or more specifically getting through Covid.

Edinburgh influencers - Who to watch

After some more lockdown ideas? Edinburgh has some talented creators out there who we suggest checking out…

• Exploring Edinburgh (@exploringedinburgh): run by Shawna, her captivating skill behind the camera so brilliantly showcases the pockets of beauty scattered around Edinburgh. You’ll get plenty of ideas of where to safely explore on your next morning walk.

• @eatinburgh: this is a must follow if you’re after some delicious eats in Edinburgh. From what’s still available during lockdown to what will eventually re-open, you’ll be making a list of go-to food joints in no time.

• Sean Alexander (@shaun): trust Sean to get your excitement levels peaking about living in Edinburgh. A local lad, Sean provides content on living in Edinburgh, Scottish culture and how he’s getting on during lockdown through his YouTube videos and Instagram.

• Mikaela Loach (@mikaelaloach): sharing her views on climate change and racial injustice, Mikaela is an advocate for the issues we should all be rallying behind. Her content is informative and compelling, all while she continues to be a University of Edinburgh med student. 

Header image: Photo by Peter Cordes on Unsplash