My favourite UK city that I’ve ever visited, Edinburgh is the perfect destination for a weekend trip and I’ve shared all my best locations and tips so you can have a great time away.
How to travel:
Travel to Edinburgh is straight forward, with both trains and buses being readily available to transport you from elsewhere in the UK and there being a major international airport available for those travelling in from abroad,
Once you’ve arrived in the city, Edinburgh is incredibly walkable. Whilst public transport (both buses and trams) is available, as long as it’s good weather, walking is a great option.
Where to stay:
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre, an IHG Hotel
The perfect spot for a base during a weekend of exploring, this hotel is well located in the centre, close to good places to eat, has breakfast included and has clean, well equipped comfortable rooms!
Add to
Details
Day 1:
Upon arriving in Edinburgh on Friday evening, check into your hotel and ditch your bags before heading to Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat, making sure you get the best views of the city during golden hour and the sunset. Then head over to Cold Town house for a cold drink and good pizz
Without a doubt, the best time to visit is sunset! Yes there will be a lot of other tourists about but the views will be stunning as you look down at the beautiful city of Edinburgh!
Ticket are slightly cheaper if you book in advance so definitely do that! An adult ticket cost £18 and a young person’s ticket (18-24) costs only £11.50! This Palace stands at the opposite end of the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle and is definitely worth visit if you’re interested in Royal history.
The best bagel I’ve ever tasted and the perfect spot for a quick bite for lunch on a busy day of exploring! Personally I recommend the pretzel bagel with cream cheese but you can definitely go more adventurous than me!
Possibly the most famous site in Edinburgh, tickets do sell out quickly so do be sure to book online in advance if you actually want to go inside the inside rather than just admiring it from the outside.
This simple retro style ice cream is a great spot to stop for a treat. With different, fresh flavours each day, I loved the sorbet I tried and my friend loved her chocolate so there’s something for everyone.
Situated in the very heart of the city, between the old and the new town, Princes Street Gardens are a lovely green spot to wander through as you explore the city.
A somehow surreal tranquil village tucked away in the middle of Edinburgh that we stumbled upon by accident! Definitely worth a visit if you’re fancying a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile.
Whilst not one of Edinburgh’s famous restaurants, Tony Macaroni provides delicious food and cocktails and is located close to the hotel after a busy day of exploring. I particularly recommend the half pizza, half pasta option where you can get the best of both worlds!
Add to
Details
Day 3:
Day 3 is slightly more relaxed, with a trip to Victoria Street for some delicious brunch before a wander around the the Botanic Garden of Edinburgh and a trip to one of Edinburgh’s most famous museum - Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. Then it’s time to hop on the train home with memories of a wonderful trip in a fabulous city!
Said to be the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, this colourful street is by far the most famous one in the cit of Edinburgh and just off the Royal Mile so easy to fit into your sightseeing!
With FREE entry, these gardens are a great place for a bit of peace, quiet and nature during a busy weekend exploring a new city. You could easily spend a couple of hours wandering through the gardens and glasshouses.
Located super close to Edinburgh Castle, this museum is full of interactive exhibits that will entertain all the family! Tickets are pretty expensive - at around £21 for an adult and £19 for a child but if you love clever optical illusions you’ll have a great time.
