When it comes to holidays in Edinburgh, everyone knows that the August festival in this Scottish city is quite the event. The festival is packed with excitement, complete with music and shows and a little something for everyone. The streets are full, Edinburgh hotels are at peak capacity, and the ambiance is almost frenetic. However, while a holiday during this time is certainly never dull, it can be a bit exhausting. Too often, weary festival-goers find themselves in desperate need of another holiday just to recuperate from their Edinburgh festival experience!

For this reason, it might be wise for those in need of some actual rest and relaxation to plan a slightly different Edinburgh holiday. In fact, while all the buzz surrounds the August festival, the month of September has just as much to offer, including a few key perks that make such a holiday extra special.

While there are fewer organised activities in September, that certainly should not suggest that there is nothing to do in Edinburgh. Nothing could be further from the truth! Edinburgh is a vibrant town at any time during the year. Between the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the pleasant nearby Lothians, there are attractions and activities to suit any visitor even when the festival lights have faded.

More than that, a visit during the quieter autumn season will give holiday-goers a bit more space. During the high season, there are people everywhere, making it hard to get around and find a place to eat. Once the masses have left, the holiday experience can be a bit more private and a lot more enjoyable. Guests can actually eat at the restaurants they want without as long of a wait; they can shop without being squeezed by a perpetual horde of pushy tourists.

It should not be forgotten that the weather is usually much more pleasant as well. August in Edinburgh can be a fabulous sunspot, but it rarely matches the endless sunny days of September. Staying in Edinburgh during the autumn, holiday-seekers usually find it more enjoyable to be out and about.

On top of all that, a September trip is often less expensive. In general, Edinburgh hotels function on a supply and demand. In August, there is a much higher demand, which drives the cost of accommodations up. This demand tapers off substantially in September, so finding cheap hotels is far easier, which allows tourists the chance to spend their extra cash in other ways.

Overall, Edinburgh is a fantastic holiday destination at any time of the year. However, between the sunny days, the space to move around, and the cheap hotels, a September holiday might just be the best way to go.