Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities to visit, and it’s one place I never get tired of going back to. The city offers the perfect blend of historic cobbled streets, quaint eateries, impressive landmarks, and hidden gems. There’s no shortage of things to see here, so spending a busy weekend in Edinburgh is very easy to do.
The Scottish capital has a history dating back over 900 years, but it wasn’t until the 12th century that Edinburgh was officially established as a royal burgh. As you make your way through the Old Town, you’ll come face to face with structures dating as far back as the 12th century, but let’s not forget everything that Edinburgh’s New Town has to offer as well.
Getting around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a very walkable city, but be prepared for a few uphill battles along the way. The views definitely make the climb worth it though! As well as walking, Edinburgh has an extensive public transportation network that includes buses and trams, so it’s very easy to get around the main areas of the city, as well as to and from Edinburgh Airport.
If you’re planning to rent a car in Edinburgh to drive to nearby places such as Perthshire, Glasgow, or St Andrews, I’d highly recommend avoiding driving in the centre of Edinburgh and renting the car after your trip to the city. Many of the roads are one-way and there’s limited parking available. It’s just as easy to use the bus or rail network for day trips if you’re not planning to drive in Scotland though.
Best things to do during a weekend in Edinburgh
Princes Street Gardens
While enjoying a weekend in Edinburgh, one of the best places to spend some time is Princes Street Gardens. It sits between Princes Street in the New Town and Edinburgh Castle perched high up on the rocky outcrop. In the 18th century this park area was a loch that served as part of Edinburgh’s natural defences, but it was eventually drained to make way for this peaceful retreat.
There are quite a few monuments to visit around Princes Street Gardens, and it’s the perfect spot to take a photo too. Don’t miss attractions such as the Scott Monument, the Floral Clock, Ross Fountain, and Wojtek the Bear.
Calton Hill
If you’re visiting Edinburgh on a budget, you’ll be pleased to know there are a lot of free things to do in Edinburgh. One of the most popular viewpoints in the city, and one that’s free to access, is Calton Hill. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city as well as the iconic Arthur’s Seat, which is great to climb up if you have time and are able to.
Calton Hill is steeped in history, which is why it’s referred to as “Edinburgh’s Acropolis”. In the 18th century this hill was important for Enlightenment thinkers, and today it’s home to a few important monuments such as the Dugald Stewart Monument, the National Monument, and Nelson Monument.
I’d recommend visiting Calton Hill just after sunrise when there are less likely to be people walking around. That way you can enjoy the views all to yourself and get some pretty incredible photos too.
Explore the heart of the Old Town
You can’t spend a weekend in Edinburgh without exploring the Old Town. Everywhere you turn is like walking through the pages of a history book, and there’s no shortage of hidden gems and attractions here either. The Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and along the way are some beautiful “closes” to pop your head into, such as Advocate’s Close, White Horse Close, and Bakehouse Close.
If this is your first time in Edinburgh, you shouldn’t miss the lively Grassmarket area which is surrounded by unique places to eat and drink. You’ll find plenty of Edinburgh’s key attractions located close by too.
The Real Mary King’s Close
Getting tickets for The Real Mary King’s Close is something everyone should do at least once. This is one of Edinburgh’s most immersive experiences, and it takes places beneath the Royal Mile in a preserved 17th century close! The close was once part of the bustling streets of Edinburgh, but it was partially buried under construction so it’s been frozen in time.
The tour is led by a guide dressed in period costume, and you’ll pass through narrow passageways while learning stories about real people who lived here as well as the history of the city. It’s one of the most unique things you can do during a weekend in Edinburgh, and although the tickets aren’t the cheapest, it’s a must-try.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh in the summer season, I’d suggest booking your tickets online in advance because they sell out very quickly. There are several tours a day though, so you have plenty of opportunities to snag a ticket.
Admire Edinburgh Castle
The main attraction in Edinburgh is without a doubt Edinburgh Castle. It sits at the top of Castle Rock, in the Old Town, and it’s served as a place of strategic importance for centuries. The castle’s history dates back over 1,000 years, so there’s a lot to uncover if you decide to enter the castle.
Inside the castle grounds, visitors can enjoy walking through beautifully restored rooms, admire the Crown Jewels of Scotland, take in the stunning views from the castle walls, and listen to the “One o’Clock Gun” which is fired every day at 13:00. There’s of course a lot more to see inside Edinburgh castle, but I don’t want to spoil things for you.
If you don’t want to pay for a ticket, there’s a large square in front of the castle where you can get a lovely view from, and even walk right up to the door if you want. There are plenty of ways to enjoy one of Europe’s oldest fortified places, even if you’re a budget traveller.
Take advantage of the free museums in Edinburgh
One thing that’s great about visiting Edinburgh on a budget is how many free museums there are. If you’re interested in history, then you’ll want to take advantage of the museums that are located in the Old Town first. This includes places like the Museum of Edinburgh, The People’s Story Museum, the National Museum of Scotland, and The Writer’s Museum.
There are a lot more free museums in Edinburgh to choose from as well. If you have time to explore the New Town, then a trip to at least one of the National Galleries of Scotland should be on your list.
Walk along Victoria Street
During your weekend in Edinburgh, you can’t miss the chance to walk along Victoria Street. This iconic street in the Scottish capital is one of the most photographed in the city, with colourful shopfronts and a lively atmosphere that draws in crowds daily. The street was built in the early 19th century as a connection from the Grassmarket to George IV Bridge at a time when the city was improving its medieval layouts.
Today, the street is filled with boutique shops and artisan food stores, and it’s also famously said to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. For an aerial view of the street, you can visit Victoria Street Terrace which is usually much less crowded and easier to get photos from.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
At the very base of the Royal Mile sits the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It was originally founded as a monastery in the 12th century, and by the 16th century it had evolved into a royal palace. Holyrood Palace was most notably the home of Mary Queen of Scots, and her chambers are open to the public with a valid entry ticket.
It’s still the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, so it may be closed if the king is in residence (which has happened to me several times). Today the palace is also used for official events and royal ceremonies, but for most of the year it’s open to the public, as are the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a must-see during any weekend in Edinburgh, even if you just want to look at it from the outside.
Outlander filming locations
If you’re a fan of Outlander, Edinburgh has some surprises for you! A lot of the scenes that were based in Scotland were filmed in and around Edinburgh, so there are quite a few Outlander filming locations to visit during a weekend in Edinburgh. Along the Royal Mile, for example, sits Bakehouse Close which was used when filming the exterior of Jamie’s print shop in season 3. It’s often missed by visitors, so chances are you’ll have it all to yourself.
Lallybroch is also located near Edinburgh, though you’ll need a car to get to it. Midhope Castle dates back to the 15th century, and it’s a great half-day trip from Edinburgh. The castle now stands derelict, so you can’t go inside, but there are some great photo opportunities from its exterior. Hopetoun House is a short drive from Midhope Castle too, which was used as the Duke of Sandringham’s estate.
St Giles’ Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral is a must-visit while spending a weekend in Edinburgh. It’s located along the Royal Mile, not far from Edinburgh Castle, and it’s been an important religious landmark for almost 900 years. It was founded in the early 12th century and named after the patron saint of Edinburgh. Much of the original structure was altered or destroyed throughout the past several centuries, but the steeple can at least be dated to the late 15th century.
What’s great about visiting St Giles’ Cathedral is that it’s completely free to enter. Inside you’ll be greeted by beautiful architecture and a stunning ceiling painted a vivid blue, which is said to resemble the night’s sky. The cathedral is very easy to visit during a weekend in Edinburgh, and some guided tours will stop here as well.
Dean Village
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Edinburgh is Dean Village. It’s a tranquil spot, just a short walk from the city centre, that’s ideal for leisurely strolls. Dean Village sits along the Water of Leith, and it was once a milling village that dates back to the 12th century. Many of the historic buildings remain intact today, so it feels like it’s its own little oasis that’s stuck in time.
Although there aren’t a lot of things to do in Dean Village itself, it’s a beautiful area to walk around and there are many fantastic photo opportunities here as well. Spending a weekend in Edinburgh doesn’t solely need to revolve around the Old Town with locations like Dean Village close by.
Spend some time in Stockbridge
After you’ve finished exploring Dean Village (which shouldn’t take long), I’d suggest spending some time in Stockbridge before heading back to the city centre. Stockbridge was once its own village, but it was incorporated into Edinburgh in the 19th century. However, it’s still kept its distinct character, featuring second-hand bookstores, artisan bakeries, and cozy restaurants. If you’ve been to Edinburgh before, this is a great part of the city to explore beyond the usual tourist routes.
Make sure you take a walk along Circus Lane which is one of the most photographed locations in Edinburgh. It’s very popular so arrive early in the morning if you can.
Take an iconic photo of Edinburgh Castle
Another iconic photo spot in Edinburgh that can’t be missed is The Vennel. This staircase is tucked away, just off the Grassmarket at the base of Edinburgh Castle. It’s very easy to miss, but the picture-perfect view of the castle makes it a must-see during a weekend in Edinburgh. The old stone walls on either side of the staircase add to its charm, and at the very top of The Vennel is Floodden Wall, one of the oldest sections of Edinburgh’s historic city walls still remaining.
Do some shopping in the Old Town
If you have some spare time on your hands, it’s never a bad idea to do some shopping in Edinburgh’s Old Town. There’s something for everyone here, from cashmere and tartan shops to quirky gift stores, antique shops, and independent bookshops. You’ll most likely come across several Harry Potter stores along the way, but there are a lot of other unique stores to pop your head into. One of my favourite shopping streets is Cockburn Street which is lined with colourful stores selling all types of goods.
Explore Edinburgh’s New Town
Most people spend a weekend in Edinburgh that’s solely based around the Old Town, which is understandable. However, Edinburgh’s New Town is definitely worth exploring too. It offers a completely different vibe to the old town, as it wasn’t built until the 18th century as a response to overcrowding. The Georgian architecture here is breathtaking, with wide streets, large terraces, and perfectly proportioned buildings that reflect the period of Scottish Enlightenment in which they were built.
Take some time to walk along George Street and Princes Street if you’re interested in doing some shopping, as well as Charlotte Square where you can see some of the most impressive architecture in the New Town. This part of Edinburgh also has several unique, laid back areas such as Broughton Street which are lined with hidden gems and galleries.
Places to eat and drink in Edinburgh
Down the Hatch
Down the Hatch is a Canadian-inspired diner with a unique Scottish twist. It offers a playful menu that’s based around poutine dishes as well as smash burgers, with a delicious selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic milkshakes available too. The atmosphere inside the venue is lively, with big-screen TVs playing hockey games, Canadian beers on tap, and a cozy dining area that’s perfect for those rainy (or hungover) days.
Hope Izakaya
A popular Japanese dining spot in the New Town is Hope Izakaya. Their menu has a wide selection of dishes, including sushi, ramen, and skewers that are all beautifully cooked to order. Vegetarian diners can also find some good options here, and the prices are very reasonable considering the location. The service at this restaurant was quite slow though, so if you’re in a rush I would suggest going somewhere else to eat. Overall though, the atmosphere was very warm and inviting, and the staff were very pleasant to talk to.
Knoops
Knoops is a very popular cafe in the UK that specializes in high-quality hot chocolate. The big draw here is that you have full control over your hot chocolate experience, starting with the choice of chocolate percentage from 20 varieties. This allows you to create a drink that’s completely tailored to your taste, and there are different milk options available too.
I tried their George Street shop in the New Town. At the time they had some unique seasonal hot chocolate offers available, so I tried one of those. I was disappointed by the flavour though, so next time I’ll be sure to build my own. I also wouldn’t recommend adding their overpriced square marshmallow to your drink either.
Noodle ‘n’ Rice
If you’re looking for something quick and convenient to eat in the Old Town, stopping at Noodle ‘n’ Rice is a good option. It’s a casual Thai restaurant in Edinburgh with a fantastic selection of noodle and rice dishes on the menu. I’d recommend ordering one of their noodle dishes as they’re quite generous with the portion and the price is reasonable. Overall, Noodle ‘n’ Rice probably isn’t the best Thai restaurant in Edinburgh, but it’s a tasty option if you’re spending a weekend in Edinburgh on a budget.
Bird & Blend Tea Co.
Located in the New Town is Bird & Blend Tea Co. who have a creative approach to tea blending. They specialize in all things tea, with over 100 loose-leaf teas available, from classic brews to quirky seasonal flavours. This is also a good spot to come for an iced matcha latte, though the price is slightly higher than other nearby cafes.
As well as being able to order fresh tea from Bird & Blend Tea Co., you can also do some shopping here. The staff are very knowledgeable about tea so you’ll definitely find a blend that suits your style. There are some great gift sets on display and other accessories to make your tea-drinking experience all the more memorable too. Don’t forget to ask for a loyalty card before leaving, so you can get a free drink in the future!
Where to stay in Edinburgh
RÌGH Residences
Not sure where to base yourself in Edinburgh? While there are a lot of hotels in Edinburgh at your disposal, not all of them are worth the amount of money they charge. I came across RÌGH Residences, located on George Street in the New Town, and I was blown away by the beauty of the building and its interior.
These luxury serviced apartments are the perfect place to stay in Edinburgh, and they’re just a 15 minutes walk from Waverly Train Station. I stayed in the Cramond Apartment which can sleep up to two people. It’s designed as a studio apartment, so it’s very functional with features such as a king size bed, a small seating area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and beautiful luxury furnishings that are very in keeping with the city of Edinburgh.
The bathroom is equally as high-end, with underfloor heating, a modern shower, cotton towels and bathrobes, and cozy slippers for each guest. What I love about RÌGH Residences is that they’ve seamlessly blended modern features with the Georgian architecture of the building. Each room also has Sky TV and Chromecast, Wi-Fi, and a tablet for room controls and concierge services.
RÌGH Residences may not be located in the Old Town, but staying just a stones throw away, in the New Town, will give you the opportunity to explore other parts of the city while enjoying the modern features of a luxury serviced apartment. And the price for the experience can’t be beat either.
>> Choose your room at RÌGH Residences now <<
How many days should you spend in Edinburgh?
One of the main questions people ask about visiting the Scottish capital is how many days in Edinburgh are enough? If you only plan to see the Old Town, then two or three days is sufficient. But in order to visit the newer parts of the city, I’d suggest spending at least three or four days here so you’ll have some free time to relax or shop as well. Even if you can’t spend more than a weekend in Edinburgh, you’ll have more than enough time to see the main highlights as well as a few hidden gems along the way.
If you have any questions about spending a weekend in Edinburgh, or you think something else should be included that I missed, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Alternatively, you can get in touch on Instagram or TikTok where I’m always sharing new travel tips and ideas about places to visit.
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