Edinburgh skyline viewed from Calton Hill

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

A weekend in Edinburgh

For the next 48 hours, Edinburgh is yours - could it, perhaps, be the best weekend you'll ever have?! We think so. Scotland's capital is a place like no other. You could climb a volcano before breakfast, and end the day with the culinary experience of your life. And if you think that sounds interesting, wait until you hear what else you could fit in!

Start / Finish
Edinburgh - City Centre / Edinburgh
  • Days
    2
  • Distance
    6 Miles

    9.6 km
  • Transport
    Walking
  • Main theme
    Cities
Highlights
City views
Delicious food
Areas covered
East

Day 1 City highs... and lows

Transport:
Walking

Your morning is all about seeing the best of the city from great vantage points, be that the top of a double-decker bus, a 60 m high monument or the summit of Arthur's Seat. Then it's time to slip below the surface to discover the secrets of Edinburgh's oldest streets!

  • Arthurs Seat Edinburgh - City Centre

    Salisbury Crags by Arthur's Seat

    Probably not many city getaways involve climbing an extinct volcano, but we think the more adventurous of you are going to love it, especially on a clear day! Head to Holyrood Park, located near the bottom of the Royal Mile, and take in the best views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat. You'll get incredible panoramas over Edinburgh and beyond to the majestic Kingdom of Fife.

    Find out more about Arthurs Seat
    Top tip

    Why not take a picnic to enjoy whilst you soak up the views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat?

    Queens Drive, Edinburgh - City Centre, EH8 8HG
  • Edinburgh bus tour Edinburgh

    The shore in Leith, Edinburgh

    Another great way to get a feel for this exciting city is to take an open-top Edinburgh Bus Tour. Departing from Waverley Bridge, the tour is an hour in total. It's a hop-on, hop-off service which gives you the freedom to do a bit of exploring along the route, if that takes your fancy! You'll pass some awesome parts of the city such as the New Town, Old Town and Grassmarket, and see Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and much more besides.

    Find out more about Edinburgh bus tour
    Time to explore
    1 hour
  • Scott Monument Edinburgh

    The Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Even if the idea of a shopping trip doesn't float your boat (and if it does, you are in luck - Edinburgh is awesome for shopping!), you'll probably agree that other city centre shopping districts are no match to the grandeur of Princes Street and George Street. The best place to appreciate this is from the top of the Scott Monument, a striking Gothic-style structure at the east end of Princes Street. Climb it and take in the sprawling views over Princes Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery and many other features of the city skyline.

    Find out more about Scott Monument
    Did you know?

    The Scott Monument honours Scottish author Sir Walter Scott and is one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world! 

    East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2EJ
  • Real Mary Kings Close Edinburgh - City Centre

    Bottom of The Real Mary King's Close

    What we love about Edinburgh most is its contrasts, particularly when it comes to admiring the juxtaposing architecture of the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Head to the Royal Mile, taking Waverley Bridge and heading up pretty Cockburn Street. Walk up the high street and pop into St Giles' Cathedral, a historic place of worship founded in the 1120s. From there it's time to go underground and into the lost street of the Real Mary King's Close to uncover the stories of the people who lived there over 400 years ago.

    To celebrate Pride Month, The Real Mary King’s Close will explore the history of Edinburgh’s be LGBTQIA+ community through its thought-provoking ‘Pride History Tours’. Discover these hidden stories dating as far back as the 16th century.   

    Find out more about Real Mary Kings Close
    Time to explore
    1 hour
    High Street, 2 Warriston's Close, Edinburgh - City Centre, EH1 1PG
    Key facilities
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh - City Centre

    The stunning Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection

    Head toward the top of the Royal Mile and join a tour at the Scotch Whisky Experience, where you can enjoy a barrel ride to learn all about the whisky-making process and identify which whiskies suit your palate. 

    Find out more about Scotch Whisky Experience
    Did you know?

    You can stand in the room with the world's largest collection of whisky. It's pretty impressive!

    354 Castlehill, Edinburgh - City Centre, EH1 2NE
    Key facilities
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Royal Mile and Grassmarket Edinburgh - City Centre

    Victoria Street in Edinburgh

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Tuck into in one of the restaurants on George IV Bridge or on the Royal Mile, where you'll find a great variety of eateries. If you fancy something really special, why not make a reservation at one of the city's Michelin star restaurants? For a nightcap, head down charming Victoria Street to the warm and welcoming pubs of the Grassmarket.

    Find out more about Royal Mile and Grassmarket
    Edinburgh - City Centre

Day 2 Edinburgh's cultural treasures

Transport:
Walking

Today you can enjoy a superb blend of history and culture as you see some of the city's most famous sights. Throw in a dash of green spaces, add some evening entertainment, plus a good meal, and we'd say you've got the recipe for a perfect day out!

  • Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh - City Centre

    Edinburgh Castle

     Just walking up the esplanade on approach, you know you're about to step into one of Scotland's most special historic buildings. Take in the views across the city and learn about the dramatic events which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments and dungeons.

    Find out more about Edinburgh Castle
    Don't miss

    See and hear the famous One o'clock Gun.

    Castle Hill, Edinburgh - City Centre, EH1 2NG
    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh - City Centre

    The National Museum of Scotland

    © VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin

    Located just a short walk from Royal Mile, on Chamber’s Street, the National Museum of Scotland is full of intriguing objects and brilliant stories.

    This world-class museum is the most visited attraction outside of London and is filled with incredible displays covering history, natural heritage, world cultures, design, innovation, technology and more. 

    Find out more about National Museum of Scotland
    Chambers Street, Edinburgh - City Centre, EH1 1JF
    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Scottish National Gallery Edinburgh - City Centre

    Scottish National Gallery

    © Owen Carey

    Make your way to Princes Street and wander round the Scottish National Gallery, or see what's on at the Fruitmarket Gallery or City Art Centre, both located on Market Street near Waverley Station.

    Find out more about Scottish National Gallery
    Time to explore
    1 hour
    Scottish National Gallery, The Mound, Edinburgh - City Centre, EH2 2EL
    Key facilities
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Literary Pub Tour Edinburgh

    The Writer's Museum, Edinburgh

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Uncover the city's connections to the written word on the Literary Pub Tour. Join this brilliant and witty romp through Edinburgh's wynds, courtyards and pubs covering 300 years of literary history and characters.

    Find out more about Literary Pub Tour
    Time to explore
    2 hours
    Fun fact

    Edinburgh is the world's first UNESCO City of Literature

  • Edinburgh city centre Edinburgh

    The Black Ivy Hotel in Edinburgh

    © VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

    Dine out in the New Town tonight - did you know that many of Edinburgh's top eateries can be found on Thistle Street? Or perhaps you'll venture to Stockbridge, a pretty village-like area with a cool yet relaxed vibe, and choose from the great wine bars, restaurants, bistros and weekly market.

    Find out more about dining out in Edinburgh city centre
    Time to explore
    2 hours

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