A perfect weekend in Edinburgh
Are you planning a weekend getaway in Edinburgh and looking for ideas on how to spend your two days in Scotland’s capital? Fantastic! In this guide, I will provide you with a detailed plan on how to fill your time in this beautiful city, complete with castles, rich history, traditional dishes such as haggis, famous Scottish whisky, friendly locals, Harry Potter vibes, bagpipes, stunning landscapes, medieval architecture, and more.
Arriving in Scotland was a special moment for me as it had been on my travel wishlist for a long time! The first thing I saw when I got off the bus from the airport was Edinburgh Castle. It was love at first sight, and I could immediately sense the city’s rich history! The weather was a mix of sunshine, clouds, and rain – perfect Scottish weather. I was excited to explore this charming city, and I hope you are too!
Is a weekend in Edinburgh enough?
I would recommend visiting Edinburgh for a minimum of two days. However, if you have extra time, consider extending your stay to a long weekend. Three days could be more relaxing and less busy. Nevertheless, if you only have two days, that’s perfectly fine. Edinburgh isn’t a huge city so you can explore a lot in just two days.
What is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
You can visit Edinburgh anytime throughout the year, but the most pleasant weather can be experienced between May and September, although there are no guarantees. During this time, the days are longer, and there’s more sunlight, making it the best time to visit. However, summer is also the busiest season in the city due to some festivals held in July and August.
How to get around?
The most convenient way to explore Edinburgh is by walking, as it is a compact city, and the most famous attractions are within walking distance. Edinburgh feels like an open-air museum, and you wouldn’t want to miss any of its beautiful sights! However, you can also opt for cycling, taking the tram or bus, or taking a taxi (the iconic black cab) to explore the city.
If you want to know more about Edinburgh’s excellent public bus system, you can visit https://www.lothianbuses.com/
The cheapest and easiest way to reach the city centre from the airport is by taking the Airlink bus (service 100). The airport is only 8 miles from the city centre, and it takes about 25 minutes to reach Waverley Bridge railway station.
Day 1
A Scottish breakfast!
Start your weekend in Edinburgh with a delicious breakfast, ideally a traditional Scottish breakfast!
A Scottish breakfast is almost identical to an English breakfast, with sausages, fried eggs, bacon, baked beans, black pudding, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. The main difference is that a Scottish breakfast includes a slice of haggis and a potato scone.
If you’re curious about trying the famous haggis, this is your chance to taste it!
Some great places to have a typical Scottish breakfast are:
The Edinburgh Larder: A cosy breakfast spot in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town. It is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. The address is 15 Blackfriars Street.
Cafe Marmalade: Although outside the city centre, it is worth the detour! It’s also a convenient option if you are staying in Leith. You can find it at 23 Bernard Street, Leith.
The Coffee Mill Cafe: This cafe offers a delicious Scottish breakfast! It is at 54-56 West Port, near the Grassmarket.
I have also mentioned more great places to eat or have breakfast at the end of my blog post.
Where do we start on this first day of a weekend in Edinburgh?
What are the best things to see?
Edinburgh Castle:
Edinburgh Castle is the city’s most iconic landmark, with its impressive position atop a rocky hill offering stunning views of the city. It’s a must-see attraction during a weekend in Edinburgh. I booked a guided group tour for €39.25, which started at 10:30 AM. You can easily find tours on websites like Viator or GetYourGuide.
Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared interesting stories about the castle that we wouldn’t have known otherwise. There are many fascinating sites to visit within the castle, including St. Margaret’s Chapel, the National War Museum, the Royal Palace, war prisons, the Great Hall, the Stone of Destiny, the Honours of Scotland, and Mons Meg.
If you prefer, you can also explore the castle on a self-guided tour. It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance, especially during busy times when they can sell out quickly. The castle opens at 9:30 AM.
Princes Street Gardens
If you want to see Edinburgh Castle from another angle after visiting, you should head to Princes Street Gardens. This beautiful park lies between Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street. It separates the old town from the new. It’s a perfect spot to relax and admire the Castle.
Ross fountain
Don’t forget to visit Ross Fountain inside West Princes Street Gardens. The fountain was renovated in 2010 and has stunning turquoise and gold colours. It makes for a perfect photo opportunity with the magnificent view of Edinburgh Castle in the background.
St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard
Edinburgh is an excellent destination for those who love to explore ancient cemeteries. The city has several beautiful cemeteries with a unique Harry Potter-like atmosphere. Some tombstones have stone bones, skulls, and Angels of Death on them, giving them a sinister appearance.
One such cemetery is St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard, which has graves dating back to the seventeenth century. The cemetery is next to Princes Street Gardens and offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Visiting these cemeteries in Edinburgh is an unforgettable experience!
The Royal Mile
This famous street is in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town. It comprises these five streets: Castle Hill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand. The Royal Mile is home to many historic buildings, and you can explore the narrow passageways and closes that run alongside it. The street is filled with cute souvenir shops, bars, pubs, and restaurants, making it a great place for wandering. The Royal Mile stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
St. Giles Cathedral
Located on the Royal Mile, High Street, to be precise, is the main Cathedral of Edinburgh! You can admire the stained-glass windows, the woodwork, and the high ceilings from the 12th century.
Victoria Street
This street is a true gem and, in my opinion, the most beautiful street in Edinburgh! It gives major Harry Potter vibes, and it was an inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies! You will find many charming shops, restaurants, and pubs with colourful facades. The pedestrian route on top of the road is called The Victoria Terrace. This terrace offers a good overview of the street and is a perfect spot for pictures!
The Grassmarket
If you walk down Victoria Street, you will arrive at the Grassmarket. This market has a lot of pubs and is a perfect spot to go for a drink. At night, it’s a lively location! From here, you can see Edinburgh Castle from a different angle!
Notable pubs at the Grassmarket are The Last Drop, where those sentenced to death had their last drop, and The White Hart Inn, one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh.
Every Saturday, there’s a market from 10 AM to 5 PM, with seasonal fruits and vegetables, freshly baked bread, sweet treats, and handcrafted gifts.
The Vennel
I stumbled upon this alleyway with a staircase by accident, as it was close to my hostel, and when I turned around, I was amazed by the breathtaking view! The peak of the staircase offers one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle, in my opinion! The pictures you can take here are stunning, so I highly recommend visiting this charming spot near the Grassmarket!
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Not far from the Grassmarket, you can find Greyfriars Kirk and Kirkyard. Kirkyard is the Scottish word for churchyard. If you want to stay in the Harry Potter atmosphere from Victoria Street, you should visit this cemetery because there’s the grave of Tom Riddle!
To find this grave, enter the cemetery at the first entrance from Candlemaker Row, coming from the Grassmarket.
Follow the path leading right, and after a while, turn right again to enter another part of the graveyard known as the West Yard, a walled area. Go right and continue to the end of this yard, where you will find Tom Riddle’s grave.
Make sure to explore the rest of the cemetery, rumoured to be one of the spookiest graveyards in the world! Many other graves here are also quite eerie.
This cemetery is well-known for Harry Potter, but also for Greyfriars Bobby. Bobby was a super-loyal dog who guarded his owner’s grave for fourteen years! He was buried just outside the cemetery, where you can find a statue of him. This statue has become a tourist attraction, where people have rubbed Bobby’s nose for good luck so often that it has turned from grey to bronze!
Day 2
So, are you wondering what to do on this second day of a weekend in Edinburgh?
There’s still a lot to see, and this day will contain more walking and exploring nature!
The Meadows
After some (Scottish?) breakfast, head towards The Meadows. Or even better, buy breakfast and picnic in the park if the weather allows it. The Meadows is a large public park on the south side of Edinburgh. It’s the perfect place for walking, relaxing, having a picnic, running, or other sports.
The Meadows is an open, grassy area with avenues of trees divided into West Meadow Park and East Meadow Park.
Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat
If you like hiking and want a breathtaking view over Edinburgh, you should climb Arthur’s Seat! From The Meadows, you can head towards Holyrood Park and climb Arthur’s Seat! While I accidentally took the steepest and shortest route, it might not be the best option for everyone.
There are more accessible routes to take, particularly the green one. The best place to start is at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Regardless of which way you choose, the views from the top are stunning and worth the steep hike! The entire walk should take about two hours. There’s no entry cost, so this is a great free activity in Edinburgh!
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Located beneath Arthur’s Seat, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a significant historical landmark in Scotland and serves as the official residence of the King when he’s in Edinburgh. The palace offers visitors a chance to explore the historic apartment of Mary, Queen of Scots. You can also see where her secretary got murdered. Don’t forget to admire the palace’s decorative plasterwork ceilings, carved woodwork, tapestries, and paintings.
Please note that the palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except during July, August, and September, when it’s open seven days a week. You can book a tour on GetYourGuide or Tiqets. For more information, please visit their website.
Calton Hill
After climbing Arthur’s Seat or visiting the palace, you can continue your walk to Calton Hill! There’s much climbing and walking today, but all the stunning views make it worth it! From Calton Hill, marked as a UNESCO Heritage site, you can get a panoramic view of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle! It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the spectacular view, especially after the climb. You’ll also find some beautiful monuments there, such as the Dugald Stewart Monument and the National Monument of Scotland.
National Museum of Scotland
If you have some extra time, or if it’s a rainy day and you’re looking for something to do inside, consider visiting the National Museum of Scotland!
This museum has a lot to offer for everyone, including collections of Scottish antiquities, culture, history, science, technology, world cultures, and more. Some highlights of the museum are the Lewis Chessmen, Dolly the Sheep, Arthur’s Seat Coffins, Muonionalusta Meteorite, the Cramond Lioness, Schmidt Telescope, Tyrannosaurus rex, The Millennium Clock Tower and more!
The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, and you can easily spend three hours exploring the exhibits. Entry and audio guides are free.
Extra things to do in Edinburgh?
After completing all the activities I previously recommended in Edinburgh, your weekend will be full of adventures. However, if you find yourself with some extra time to spare, or if you plan to stay an extra day, here are some additional things you can do in Edinburgh:
Craigmillar Castle
This beautiful 15th-century castle just outside Edinburgh is a hidden gem! I walked there from the city centre of Edinburgh, and it was a long walk! If you don’t feel like walking that much, you could get there by public transport, bike, or taxi. The castle is easily accessible by bus, and it takes less than 15 minutes to get there from the city centre.
This castle is famous for Mary, Queen of Scots, who used it as a place to rest after illness and after the birth of her son. It’s also known for being a filming location of the popular TV series Outlander.
If you want to visit a typical Scottish castle during your weekend in Edinburgh, this is the one you should visit!
Dean Village
This cute little town is located just outside Edinburgh’s city centre.
It’s a peaceful neighbourhood ideal for a quiet stroll, and it feels like you’re not in the city anymore. There is not much more to do but to enjoy the views. There are no cafés or restaurants and therefore no restrooms, so keep this in mind before you go.
Whisky tasting
Scotland is famous for its Whisky, so if you are a fan of this liquor, you can take the opportunity to do a whisky-tasting tour in Edinburgh! It’s an enjoyable way to learn about how they make Scotch whisky and to get to know various types of Whisky! There are several tours available on Viator and GetYourGuide.
Fun fact: Whisky (without e) refers to Scottish, Canadian, or Japanese grain spirits.
Whiskey (with an e) refers to grain spirits distilled in Ireland and the United States.
Inverleith Park
This park is near Dean Village. If you plan to visit the Royal Botanic Garden later, you’ll pass by this park on your way to the Botanic Garden. Why not take a break and relax a little while you enjoy the beautiful views of Edinburgh?
Royal Botanic Garden
Visiting this garden is perfect if you have more time than a weekend in Edinburgh! The botanic garden is next to Inverleith Park so you could combine a trip!
The Royal Botanic Garden is one mile from the city centre of Edinburgh and offers a beautiful panorama of the city.
You can explore 72 acres of beautiful landscape and discover a variety of plant species!
The garden is open every day from 10 AM till 6 PM.
The entrance is free, but there is a charge to visit the glass house.
Circus Lane
Coming from the Royal Botanic Garden towards the city centre, you will come across this charming street!
It’s a picture-perfect spot with a cobbled street, beautiful front doors, and a church in the background.
Where to eat during a weekend in Edinburgh?
Oink: There are three Oink restaurants in Edinburgh. You can find them on Victoria Street, Hanover Street, and Canongate. This place is for meat lovers. They make great pulled pork sandwiches! It’s a perfect spot for a takeaway lunch!
The fudge house: If you’re wandering on the Royal Mile, don’t miss the chance to try some delicious fudge. The Fudge House offers a variety of flavours, which might make it difficult to choose just one!
Deacon’s House Café: A great place to have breakfast and lunch. They are known for their amazing scones. The café is in the city centre on the Lawnmarket.
Maki & Ramen: If you’re looking for good Japanese food, Maki & Ramen is the perfect spot. They serve delicious ramen and have three locations in Edinburgh. It’s a fun place where you can leave a message on the Post-it wall or read the ones left by others.
Southern Cross Café: Great breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot! They also offer delicious cakes! The Southern Cross Café is in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town on Cockburn Street.
Novapizza: This restaurant is not so far from Circus Lane. They have an excellent range of vegan Italian food. Their desserts are also yummy!
The Painted Rooster: This place is on Edinburgh’s West End, close to Dean Village. They serve big breakfasts, lunch, bagels, freshly baked cakes, and more! Everything is fresh and delicious!
Thank you for reading my blog post!
I hope you have a perfect weekend in Edinburgh!
If you’re interested in reading more blog posts about Scotland, feel free to check these out:
