Slowly, but surely, the temperature is creeping up and summer is on the horizon.
After being trapped indoors away from the dark, wind and rain over what sometimes seems like an eternal winter, a sunny spring is allowing us to get out and about and enjoy our beautiful city once more.
And a number of beer gardens are starting to pop up across Edinburgh again, with many bars announcing their return in the coming weeks.
READ MORE: Edinburgh's best beer gardens to enjoy a drink in the sunshine
So we thought we'd compile a list of some of the city's best sun traps where you can sit back with a cool drink and soak up some much needed rays.
Here's 15 we've picked out from all corners of the city - are there any we've missed out? Let us know in the comments.
Cold Town House
For a beer garden with one of the best views in Edinburgh, you should consider stopping by Cold Town House.
It was recently heralded as one of the top beer gardens in the UK, with a survey finding '"This rooftop terrace in Edinburgh is a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors as it offers incredible views of the castle while you enjoy craft beer which is brewed on-site and Neapolitan pizzas if you fancy a bite to eat."
The Outhouse
An arty-hangout vibe, with live music and DJ sessions, The Outhouse quickly packs out when the sun arrives.
Close to the centre of town, on popular Broughton Street, it is an ideal place to spend the day before venturing out at night.
READ MORE: Edinburgh's most talked about cafes, bars and restaurants of 2021
Festival Village
Situated smack bang in the middle of the city, on the Waverley Mall rooftop, Festival Village is a cracking beer garden with great street food on offer.
The unique venue boasts stunning views over the city's Old Town and is perfectly located to stop off for a drink before jumping on the train.
Rose Street Garden
As we reported earlier this week, one of Edinburgh's most popular beer gardens has announced it's reopening in time for summer.
Rose Street Garden proved a must-visit during the covid lockdown easing, with street food and and ice cool cocktails served in the outdoor venue. Back in March 2021, the city centre sun trap sold out its first week just four hours after bookings going live.
Situated at the back of the Dome and WhyNot nightclub, Rose Street Garden is also a firm favourite with Scottish actor Martin Compston, who celebrated his birthday last year.
READ MORE: Line of Duty's Martin Compston has birthday bash at Edinburgh Rose Street Garden
Three Sisters
For those looking for drinks in the heart of the Old Town, the famous Three Sisters could be one of your best bets.
You'll often find this spot in the best beer gardens round-ups on accounts of its cool cocktails, huge projector screen showing all the live sport and enough picnic benches to pick out a relaxing spot in the sunshine.
Beehive Inn
The Beehive Inn's giant outdoor space at the heart of the Grassmarket is a welcome back door surprise, and hugely popular with those who stumble across it.
With a multi-tiered beer garden, outside bar, heat lamps for when it turns a bit nippy and plenty of seating, this hive gives you a lot to get buzzing about.
READ MORE: TripAdvisor's top ten Edinburgh restaurants revealed across the capital
Blackbird
This bold and bright sun trap, which gives relaxed cafe vibes, comes alive with funky wall graffiti and romantic fairy lights.
Ideal for cocktail lovers, Blackbird's mini outdoor bar at the surprisingly spacious urban beer garden sells tasty summer inspired mixes that hit the sweet spot.
Bar 50
Described as 'Cowgate's best fully heated beer garden and terrace, Bar 50 is always a huge hit when summer rolls around.
It benefits from an extensive food menu, including the likes of battered haggis and chips and pizza crunch, while they have all the classic cocktails including Cosmopolitans, Espresso Martinis and Frozen Margaritas - as well as the Cowgate Mule.
Bar 50 is also open for private parties too!
READ MORE: The Edinburgh restaurants and bars with the best views over the city
The Pear Tree
Home to 'Edinburgh's best beer garden' and the city's biggest outdoor screen, the pub benefits from a huge seating area with over 50 benches and hosts regular BBQ's during the summer.
An 18th-century pub that is a real hit with students, The Pear Tree's reputation as a cheap and cheerful hangout keeps the beer garden filling up.
Summerhall
A legendary spot, the beautiful Summerhall courtyard is a must visit over the summer months.
It serves as a hub year round for patrons of The Royal Dick pub and the centre point of the theatre communities during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with cosy tables for two and picnic benches in a beer garden which captures the sun throughout the day.
READ MORE: Edinburgh's top ten best pubs according to Tripadvisor
The Raeburn
Formerly a traditional Georgian family home, The Raeburn now has a reputation as an elegant pub in the heart of Stockbridge.
Since being refurbished, it has become a firm favourite in the area. While it can be a little pricey, this family-friendly pub has a large beer garden with a truly relaxing atmosphere and a rather fancy BBQ that serves grilled food all day long.
Teuchters Landing
This cosy dockside pub in the shore area of Leith wins the award for the most original beer garden, and was originally the waiting room for the Leith to Aberdeen steamboat ferry.
With a floating pontoon that looks out onto the Water of Leith, Teuchters Landing invites you to hop aboard for a pint or to try one of their 90 malts on offer.
Balerno Inn
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the Balerno Inn, which underwent a significant renovation just a couple of years ago, has a huge beer garden, with both open and covered tables to allow you to enjoy a pint come rain or shine.
Sitting close to Harlaw reservoir and the Pentlands, the site is perfect for after a long hike up the hills.
READ MORE: Five Edinburgh coffee shops you need to visit this year according to TripAdvisor
The Cumberland Bar
A dog friendly pub with a very relaxed atmosphere, the brilliant Cumberland Bar is just a short walk from the centre of town.
With a number of different real ale taps to choose from, the pub is perfect for those who have been craving a freshly pulled pint in the sunshine.
Indigo Yard
We've previously described Indigo Yard as a West-End wonder, thanks to its rustic style and charming beer garden that makes it a great spot both day and night.
The decor and cosy booths create a relaxed vibe, while their craft beer selection leaves you spoiled for choice. It's worth checking out the Scottish-Asian menu too!
Where do you head to for a drink when the sun shines? Let us know in the comments!
