Edinburgh | What to do in a weekend ✨

Want to spend a weekend in Scotland? Edinburgh is the perfect place! Stunning views, nature, and history merge to create a magical place. Just 45 minutes by bus from the Airport, the city centre offers a wide range of activities to do as well as many historical places to visit. Want to know a secret about Edinburgh? You can visit most of it by foot!

Read less

Updated ago

What to see

Scott Monument

@federicavianello

Along Princes Street you can find this tall, dark monument dedicated to one of the major Scottish writers in history: Sir Walter Scott. Many places have been named after some of his writings: Waverley Bridge and Waverley Station for example both take their name from his novel "Waverley", an historical novel set in Scotland.

Add to

Details

Princes Street Gardens

@federicavianello

Get lost in the beautiful gardens just below Edinburgh Castle! They're so peaceful and perfect for a break from sightseeing.

Add to

Details

Edinburgh Castle

@federicavianello

Perched on the hill, the Castle is the main attraction of this city! On the square just in front of it, tourists and locals can see the whole city. You will just stare at it for hours! Also, if you're visiting in August, the Castle is the main focal point for fireworks displays closing the Edinburgh Festival

Add to

Details

Palace of Holyroodhouse

@federicavianello

It's the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland. The Palace is accessible to visitors only when the Royal Family is not there. Also, if you want to know more about the past of the Palace and its inhabitants, it's worth a visit inside!

Add to

Details

Calton Hill

@federicavianello

Calton Hill is situated at the end of Princes Street. The hill itself is magnificent, with many monuments and the city's observatory. From the top, you can see the city in all its splendor.

Add to

Details

The Meadows

@federicavianello

The Meadows is a popular meeting point for people living in Edinburgh. There you can find people relaxing on the grass, doing sports or walking with furry friends! If you visit the city in the summer, make sure to grab a disposable bbq from Sainsbury's and meet with friends for a fun night in the park!

Add to

Details

Greyfriars Kirkyard

@federicavianello

Harry Potter fans, this place is for you. Here you can find the tomb that inspired JK Rowling to create the evil Voldemort.

Add to

Details

Victoria Street

@federicavianello

One of the most picturesque streets in the city. You will certainly be fascinated by all the colorful buildings which are in contrast with the rest of the city. A must if you visit Edinburgh

Add to

Details

Victoria Terrace

@federicavianello

On Victoria Street, just above the shops, there's a not-so-secret terrace that offers you a spectacular view of the street. Unexpectedly, if you want to go up there, you have to walk along the Royal Mile, which is just behind Victoria Street. Once you reach Talbooth Kirk, take the little road on the left called Upper Bow, and there you are! Ps: Don't take the stairs! They will take you down directly to Victoria Street and not the terrace.

Add to

Details

The Royal Mile

@federicavianello

Walk along the Royal Mile and get lost in the little shops! If you stop just in the middle, from one side you can see the sea and from the other his Majesty the Castle

Add to

Details

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

@federicavianello

Near the Castle, there's this hidden gem, a place of magic and illusions! Fun guaranteed!

Add to

Details

The Scotch Whisky Experience

@federicavianello

This place holds 3,384 bottles of Scotch Whisky, incredible right? Plan your trip in advance to take a tour inside and taste a selection of whisky! Otherwise, just walk around the collection and feel tempted to buy a bottle!

Add to

Details

Arthur's Seat

@federicavianello

This place is magical in all its aspects. Be prepared, climbing on the top can be a challenge, but it's worth it! The view of the city from the top is unbelievable. Late at night, at dawn, or during the day, Arthur's Seat is always a beauty.

Add to

Details

Innocent Railway Tunnel

@federicavianello

In proximity to Arthur's Seat, you can find the Innocent Railway Trail, an old, disused railway that brought coal in Edinburgh. If you like cycling, take the tunnel which will bring you in the direction of Portobello Beach!

Add to

Details

Just Outside Edinburgh City Center

Dean Village

@federicavianello

Not too far away from the city center, there's this magical place called Dean Village. It feels like time has stopped and people are transported back in time, where there are no cars, no buses. Just silence and magic. A must if you want to visit an unexpected picturesque side of the city

Add to

Details

Portobello Beach

@federicavianello

On the other side of Arthur's Seat, there's this little seaside town. A must if you're visiting during summer. Ice cream shops, colorful houses, bike lanes, pastries shops. All you need to relax by the sea! To go there you just need a bike, or if you're up to it, just walk, it takes 1 hour more or less! P.S.: the water is waaaay colder compared to the Mediterranea sea!

Add to

Details

Colinton Station & Tunnel

@federicavianello

Just outside Edinburgh city centre you can find the largest graffiti mural in all Scotland. The tunnel is a former railway and thanks to local support and non-profit organizations, the tunnel has been painted and made a colorful place.

Add to

Details

Where to eat

The Baked Potato Shop

@federicavianello

If you're looking to eat something simple but filling, The Baked Potato Shop is the place for you! Choose a potato, add your fillings and enjoy! Also, this place is budget-friendly!

Add to

Details

The Milkman

@federicavianello

Grab a coffee at the Milkman! Situated on one of the main streets of Edinburgh, this coffee shop is small but cozy and offers its costumers a relaxing spot for their coffee breaks.

Add to

Details

Frankenstein

@federicavianello

Fancy a themed cocktail bar? There you go! Everything from the drinks to the decor is themed after Mary Shelley's iconic Frankenstein!

Add to

Details

LAILA LUNCH & BRUNCH, COCKBURN STREET, EDINBURGH

@federicavianello

This place is all pink, but the menu is absolutely amazing! If you fancy brunch with friends or cocktails, this is the right place to go! Also, it has very Instagrammable walls and decor.

Add to

Details

Starbucks Coffee

@federicavianello

Coffee with a view alert! Among all the Starbucks in Edinburgh, this one has a perk: on the first floor, you get the most stunning view of Edinburgh Castle!

Add to

Details

Where to shop

Museum Context: Retailer of Harry Potter Merchandise

@federicavianello

Wizards and Witches, here you will find everything related to the Harry Potter saga. From wands to books, mugs, and posters, everything you need will appear!

Add to

Details

Princes Street

@federicavianello

Here you find all the shops in the world, from Primark to Boots, H&M, McDonald's etc.

Add to

Details

Blackwell's Bookshop

@federicavianello

If you're a book lover as much as I am, Blackwells is the right place to have a look, something interesting might hide in those shelves!

Add to

Details

Where to stay

Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh - Formerly Jurys Inn

@federicavianello

This hotel is strategically placed near the train station, a good choice for those who plan to move using the train (from/to the airport) or for a day trip to Glasgow.

Add to

Details

Stay Central Hotel

@federicavianello

The best place to stay in Edi! I've been there during one of my stays and it's precisely in the city centre! The rooms are cosy and super clean. The staff is accommodating and ready to give you tips on places to see (like a local), something to value if you don't know the city.

Add to

Details

Like this guide? 😊

Tag me if you go there or leave me a tip! ✨

* * *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Federica

Ciao! I am a 26-year-old Italian girl with a passion for travelling! I'm currently residing in Pordenone, Italy. Everything I include in my guides is largely based on what I actually visited. I have travelled a lot in my life and for different purposes: at the beginning, it was for educational purposes, but later in life for pleasure (mainly meeting up with friends from all over the world)! Discovering the world is something I value a lot in life because I live authentically every place I visit and I inevitably leave a part of me there. I hope you enjoy my guides! Federica

Read less

Send A Tip

Support Federica ’s work.

Select your tip amount

$10

$20

$50

Or type in other amount