New Year's Eve in Edinburgh: Best Fireworks Viewing Spots and Tips for a Great Night in the City

New Year's Eve in Edinburgh is an experience to remember. The city comes alive with a wide range of events that run across several days, starting from the 29th of December to the 1st of January. New Years eve in Scotland is known as Hogmanay, which is the Scots word for the last day of the old year, and it's capped off with a mesmerizing fireworks display that's nothing short of awe-inspiring. If you're planning to immerse yourself in the citys fun this new year, here are a few tips and tricks to make the most of your New Year's Eve celebration in Edinburgh.

Plan Ahead for the Best Viewing Spots for the Fireworks

As with all globally renowned firework displays, the key to enjoying it to the fullest is securing a prime viewing spot. Here's some of the best viewing spots to watch Edinburghs fireworks from.

Princes Street Gardens
Positioned at the heart of the city, Princes Street Gardens offers a prime location for the fireworks display. With Edinburgh Castle as a dramatic backdrop, this spot provides a breathtaking view of the sky as it illuminates with colours. Arrive early to secure a good spot, as this area tends to get crowded closer to midnight.

Calton Hill
Offering panoramic views of the city, Calton Hill is another popular location for watching the fireworks from. It's a short walk from the city centre and offers an elevated viewpoint, which ensures stunning views of the fireworks over Edinburgh's skyline. Its wide-open spaces also allow for a relatively unobstructed view of the display.

Inverleith Park
Located slightly further away from the city center, Inverleith Park is a serene location to watch the fireworks from. While it may not offer the cityscape backdrop like Princes Street or Calton Hill, it has lots of space and offers a family-friendly environment to enjoy the show from.

Carlton Hill's Dugald Stewart Monument
For those looking to get an elevated viewpoint without the crowds, the Dugald Stewart Monument on Carlton Hill offers an excellent compromise. Climb up to the monument's platform for a fantastic view that extends right across the city.

Water of Leith Walkway
Looking for a more relaxed and less crowded spot? Then the Water of Leith Walkway is a good shout. While it's not as central as other locations, this peaceful path along the Water of Leith offers glimpses of the fireworks while providing a quieter environment away from the bustling city centre.

Remember, whichever spot you choose to watch the fireworks from, make sure you arrive early to secure your spot and be prepared for crowds as the countdown to midnight approaches.

Dress for the Occasion

Let's be honest, Scotland in winter isn't exactly the warmest of places and Edinburgh's weather can be unpredictable, especially on New Year's Eve. So with that in mind, make sure you wrap up in plenty of warm and comfortable layers. Plus, don't forget your waterproof jacket or umbrella – you never know when the Scottish weather might surprise you!

Stay in the Heart of the Action

If possible, book your accommodation close to the fireworks display area to avoid long commutes and to be part of the vibrant atmosphere. Edinburgh has a wide range of hotels, B&Bs, and apartments that offer convenient access to the new years celebrations.

Experience the Hogmanay Celebrations

Besides the fireworks, the Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh offer a wide range of events and entertainment. From the Torchlight Procession on December 29th to the Street Party, Concert and Silent Disco in the Gardens on New Year's Eve, and the live music and family friendy events on new years day, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Some of the events are ticketed, so make sure you buy them in advance so you don't miss out on making the most of your new years break in Edinburgh.

Capture the Moments

Be sure to bring a fully charged camera or smartphone to capture the magic of the fireworks. However, remember to enjoy the spectacle in person and not just through the lens. The burst of colors painting the Edinburgh sky is a sight that's worth experiencing firsthand.

Travel Smart

Edinburgh is an incredibly easy city to get around on foot. But if you are planning to use public transport, keep in mind that services might be limited during New Year's Eve so plan your travel in advance and be aware of any schedule changes or diversions that might effect you getting back to your accommodation after you've finished celebrating.

Enjoy Responsibly

New Year's Eve celebrations often involve alcohol, so remember to drink responsibly and look out for your fellow revellers. And please remember to put your rubbish in the bins provided or take it away with you. Parts of Edinburgh are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, so let's treat the city with respect and keep it clean.

Spending New Year's Eve in Edinburgh, whether purely to watch the fireworks or to get involved with all of the Hogmanay events in and around the city is a brilliant experience and one that will stay with you for years to come.

Wherever you decide to watch the fireworks from and whatever you decide to do, we hope you have a fantastic and memorable New Year's Eve celebration in Edinburgh! And if you decide you'd rather spend the night at home with your own personal fireworks display make sure you check out our New Years Eve celebration packs. They've all been expertly curated to give you a fantastic, no-hassle display, no matter your budget.