Edinburgh skyline viewed from Calton Hill
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
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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
- Days2
- Distance6Miles10km
- TransportWalking
- Main themeCities
Day 1City highs... and lows
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!
- 1
Arthurs Seat Edinburgh - City Centre
Salisbury Crags by Arthur's Seat
Top tipWhy not take a picnic to enjoy whilst you soak up the views of the city from the top of 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 SeatQueens Drive,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH8 8HG - 2
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.
- 3
Scott Monument Edinburgh
The Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
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!
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 MonumentEast Princes Street Gardens,Edinburgh,EH2 2EJ - 4
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.
High Street,2 Warriston's Close,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 1PGKey facilities- Hearing Loop
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 5
Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh - City Centre
The stunning Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection
Did you know?You can stand in the room with the world's largest collection of whisky. It's pretty impressive!
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 Experience354 Castlehill,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 2NEKey facilities- Hearing Loop
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Level Access
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 6
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 GrassmarketEdinburgh - City Centre
Day 2Edinburgh's cultural treasures
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!
- 7
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. To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your tickets far in advance for guaranteed entry. Make sure you time your visit just right so you're there to witness the firing of the famous One o'Clock Gun.
Find out more about Edinburgh CastleCastle Hill,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 2NGKey facilities- On Public Transport Route
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Level Access
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 8
National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh - City Centre
The National Museum of Scotland
© VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin
Located just a short walk from the 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 ScotlandChambers Street,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 1JFKey facilities- On Public Transport Route
- Hearing Loop
- Level Access
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 9
Scottish National Gallery Edinburgh - City Centre
National Galleries Scotland: National
© National Galleries Scotland
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 GalleryNational Galleries Scotland: National,The Mound,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH2 2ELKey facilities- Hearing Loop
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 10
Literary Pub Tour Edinburgh
The Writer's Museum, Edinburgh
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Fun factEdinburgh is the world's first UNESCO City of Literature
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 - 11
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
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