Edinburgh isn’t just famous for its history, castle, cold weather, cool culture, and obviously the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe – it’s also a fantastic city for sports lovers, with all sorts of exciting events across all different sports.
Whether you’re a football fanatic, love a bit of rugby, or someone who wants something uniquely Scottish, there really is something for everyone.
So, with that being said, here are some of the best sporting events you need to see if you’re visiting Edinburgh.
The Six Nations Rugby Championship at Murrayfield Stadium
Murrayfield Stadium has to be one of the most iconic rugby stadiums in the world – and the home of Scottish rugby. Every year, the Six Nations Championship sees Scotland fight it out against England, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy. And when they do, the atmosphere at Murrayfield is indescribable, as fans support their teams with unparalleled passion and the real camaraderie of rugby culture.
There’s nothing quite like it, especially when Scotland faces England in the historic Calcutta Cup match and to add to the whole Scottish vibe, you even get to enjoy some traditional Scottish bagpipes before it all starts.
The Edinburgh Derby: Hearts vs. Hibernian
If you want some Scottish footie action that attracts as much betting attention as the Premier League odds, then this is a must-watch. Football is a huge part of Edinburgh’s sports scene – and the city’s biggest football rivalry is between Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) and Hibernian (Hibs).
The Edinburgh Derby is one of the most thrilling – and heated – football fixtures in the country, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for the win… and local bragging rights. The matches will take place at either Tynecastle Park (Hearts’ home) or Easter Road (Hibs’ home), but either way, it’s an unforgettable experience.
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Maybe you’re a fan of endurance sports. Then the Edinburgh Marathon Festival is one of the best sporting events to witness… or even participate in if you’ve done a bit of training (well, a lot of training!). Taking place in May every year, come rain or shine, this marathon is one of the most scenic races in the UK, taking thousands of runners right through the heart of the city and along its stunning coastline.
Watching from the sidelines? You can cheer on thousands of runners, from elite athletes to the back of the packers. With music, food stalls, and community events, it’s an experience for everyone involved.
The Scottish Open Golf Championship
For something a little less exhausting, there’s the Scottish Open Golf Championship. Golf is massive in Scotland – and while the Scottish Open isn’t always held in Edinburgh, it usually takes place at courses nearby – such as The Renaissance Club in East Lothian. It attracts some of the biggest names in professional golf and is the main tournament ahead of The Open Championship.
Enjoy a relaxed yet competitive sporting event with breathtaking views.
The Royal Highland Show
Now for something completely different, we have The Royal Highland Show, which is held in June every year and is one of Scotland’s biggest equestrian and agricultural events. Although it’s essentially an agricultural showcase, it does feature competitive horse riding as well as sheepdog trials, and even Highland sports like caber tossing which is well worth a look if you’ve never been to Scotland before. This is a unique event that is a really cool blend of sport, tradition, and Scottish culture.
The Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park – Accessible from Edinburgh
Although it’s not actually held in Edinburgh itself, the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park in Glasgow is definitely worth watching if you’re a football fan visiting Scotland. The oldest national football competition in the world, the Scottish Cup Final brings together the top teams who are fighting it out for the country’s most prestigious trophy. Edinburgh teams – like Hearts or Hibernian, often make it to the final, which adds even more excitement for Edinburgers!
So, there you have it, some of the most iconic and exciting sporting events in Edinburgh… and beyond. Whether you’re a football fanatic, a bit of a runner, a rugby fan or you love some horsey action, there’s something for everyone.
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