Scotland’s capital is one of the most captivating places in the UK, with a whole host of attractions to keep you busy. There are world-class museums, stunning natural attractions and secret spots galore.
Your only difficulty will be in fitting it all in. Here are the best things to do with a weekend in Edinburgh, to help you make the most of your time.
Weekend in Edinburgh Itinerary
Are you planning a weekend getaway in Edinburgh? Whether you’re looking to explore the architecture and culture of this beautiful Scottish city, or take a break from your hectic day-to-day life and simply relax, Edinburgh has something for everyone.
This guide provides some ideas on how to make the most of your two days in Scotland’s capital! From visiting the Royal Yacht to taking in breathtaking views from atop an extinct volcano, this suggested itinerary will ensure that each minute spent exploring is filled with adventure and lasting memories.
Day 1 in Edinburgh
Calton Hill
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with a combination of striking Gothic architecture and stunning natural landscapes.
To get your bearings, head to Calton Hill, around a mile from the Castle and the Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage site has quite a few iconic landmarks including the City Observatory and the Nelson Monument. After the 5 minute climb, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Edinburgh and towards Fife.
For an even better view of Edinburgh, pay the £5 fee to ascend the Nelson Monument. Completed in 1815, it has a time ball at the top that was added in 1852 to help sailors navigate, as well as the only W.C. on the hill.
There’s a small exhibition on the ground floor but the real draw is the vista at the top. Be warned that the door at the top is very narrow.
The City Observatory was inspired by a Greek temple and dates from 1818. This Edinburgh landmark reopened in 2018 as a free contemporary arts space: Collective.
Arthur’s Seat
This ancient volcano is 251 metres high and stands within the 640 acre Holyrood Park. It’s around 48 minutes walk from Calton Hill so is probably best saved for another day.
There are 3 lochs or lakes in the park including Dunsapie Loch, an artificial lake created at the request of Prince Albert in 1844.
The Royal Mile
Any Edinburgh weekend itinerary should include a stroll down The Royal Mile. From Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat, return to the centre and this famous Edinburgh street.
There are actually four connecting streets on the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate. On the High Street, St Giles’ Cathedral is the main place of worship of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is built on several hills and has historic narrow alleyways leading down to the New Town. Advocate’s Close is one of them, dating from the 16th century. There’s a stylish bar called the Devil’s Advocate in a Victorian pump house.
You might come across a bagpipe player, as we did in Edinburgh New Town.
By now we imagine you’ll be getting pretty hungry. Edinburgh is a foodie city and there are lots of great places to eat in Edinburgh. From a foraging restaurant to one of the best coffee houses in the world and a speaker bar accessed via a bookcase, there’s something for everyone.
Day 2 in Edinburgh
Leith Walk to Dean Village
One of the best things to do on a weekend in Edinburgh is to take the Leith Walk along the river to Dean Village. It’s hard to believe that you’re so close to the city in this bucolic enclave.
Dean Village is one of the most beautiful villages worldwide. At one point there were 11 water mills here, but today it’s a residential area that has been carefully restored.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
From here it’s a short 10 minute walk to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Occupying two handsome buildings either side of Belford Road, they’re open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
The lawn outside Modern One is a true work of art, designed by famous landscape architect Charles Jencks. The building itself was designed by William Burn in 1825 in a neoclassical style.
Modern Two dates from 1833 and houses many more artworks along with a charming cafe and shop.
Whilst not everyone is a fan of modern art, these free to enter galleries will reconcile many people to contemporary artworks. Tourists by Duane Hanson certainly stands out. Although the figures were cast from life, they weren’t a couple and indeed never even met.
There’s a sense of fun throughout, from neon signs in the grounds to a man peeking out of the pavement.
Edinburgh Castle
No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without seeing the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Open daily from 9.30 am, it houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland and many other interesting attractions. The castle really catches the light at certain times of day.
The Royal Palace within the castle has been witness to so much history. It’s here that Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI in in 1566.
Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith
If you’ve visited the castle on a previous visit, then the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith is a great alternative. Voted Scotland’s Best Attraction in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards, it’s a fascinating day out for children and adults alike.
After the Royal Yacht was decommissioned in 1994, there was a public competition to host the ship and Edinburgh had the winning bid.
It’s an intriguing peek into life on board, with the surprisingly modest private Royal Bedrooms. Prince Philip’s bedroom is top left and the Queen’s bedroom is top right.
The State Apartments are more lavish as they were used to entertain business contacts and visiting dignitaries. The Royals often mingled with staff below deck in the officers’ bar.
There was an operating theatre and laundry room on board, and even a Rolls-Royce Phantom V! One of the nicest things about the Yacht is just how friendly all the staff are.
Leave time for refreshments in the Royal Deck Tea Room. You can also buy delicious homemade fudge in the sweet shop.
Thanks to the free annual pass, once you’ve purchased your ticket you will be able to return any time you like within the next 12 months. It also gives you a 15% discount in the Tea Room and Gift Shop.
And if you’re looking for a hotel near Royal Yacht Britannia, Fingal is ideal. This floating hotel is moored a few minutes walk away and is owned by the Royal Yacht Britannia trust.
Other Edinburgh Attractions
For weekend breaks in Edinburgh, there are many great suggestions for what to see on the Visit Scotland website, such as:
- Scottish National Gallery – free to enter and with a world-class collection of Scottish paintings, Old Masters and Impressionists.
- Dynamic Earth – telling the story of planet Earth in a fun, interactive way
- Holyrood Palace – the official residence of the Queen in Scotland.
Also, if time permits, consider hiring a car and getting out of Edinburgh to Fife and the coast. It’s a very scenic drive across the Fife Road Bridge to St Andrews, the home of golf.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
The Old Town Chambers has a fantastic location just off the Royal Mile and Advocate’s Close, with spacious family friendly rooms. There’s a huge gym with Rogue Fitness equipment that’s open 24/7 and a stylish lobby.
These 50 luxurious serviced apartments are excellent value yet they don’t skimp on style. With Cowshed toiletries, high speed complimentary Wi-Fi and a warm welcome, they’re a real home from home.
There’s a laptop safe, Bose sound system and Nespresso coffee machine. Our apartment had a large main bedroom, as well as a second clever bed-deck and open-plan living and dining area.
Many of the rooms have balconies with lovely views of the Scott Monument and the New Town. Best of all is the luxurious breakfast box from Edinburgh gourmet deli Valvona and Crolla. With an appealing array of meats, cheeses, pastries and fresh fruit, it’s a fantastic innovation that other serviced apartments could learn from.
In terms of location, value for money and sheer convenience the Old Town Chambers takes some beating. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance if you want to visit Edinburgh during the famous Festival Fringe, the world’s largest art festival, as this place is in high demand.
All this activity makes for quite a jam-packed weekend in Edinburgh. You might wish to extend your stay for a few more days to enjoy a long weekend in Edinburgh. We’re already plotting our return!
In Conclusion: Weekend in Edinburgh Itinerary
To sum it up, it’s clear that Edinburgh is an exciting city for a weekend break. You can enjoy the beauty of nature with day trips to Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond, discover the city’s amazing local cuisine and culture, or get lost down the winding cobblestone streets – the choices are endless!
If you love history and culture, then visiting Edinburgh for a weekend is definitely worth it. And even after seeing all of Edinburgh’s top attractions, there’s still plenty more to explore. So take advantage of this perfect weekend in Edinburgh, you won’t regret it!
For more travel inspiration, be sure to check out our other travel articles to discover new destinations around the globe.
Have you been to Edinburgh and what was your favorite Edinburgh tourist attraction?
You may also enjoy:
- Best Restaurants in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Boatel Review
- Scottish Highlands Tour
- Spa Weekend in Scotland
- St Andrews Food Guide
- Things to Do in the Highlands
- Detailed Northern Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
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I went to Edinburgh for the festival once and the atmosphere was fantastic! I need to go back and explore properly though – thanks for the tips!
It must be such fun to be there during the Festival, that’s definitely on my to do list!
Your photos are stunning, Suz! After seeing them, I am reminded that I need to go back very soon, although after my last trip, I do want to go back again, as there are so many things I did not manage to do, even though I did a lot in my long weekend. One place not to be missed for eating and drinking is The Cafe Royal, an upscale pub and oyster bar, located down an alleyway, across the street from The Balmoral Hotel and Waverley Station. You are welcomed to read my review on Yelp! 🙂
That’s so kind, Mei! Thanks for the tip about The Cafe Royal, I’ll check out your review
I love your entries about Edinburgh! What a lovely weekend itinerary and that view from Carlton Hill is simply stunning!
Miriam x
Calton Hill is amazing – apparently it’s the best place to watch the fireworks in the city too
That’s very kind, thank you!
Summertime is ideal, as Arthur’s Seat looks beautiful then
I’m very fascinated by the city observatory! How interesting that they took inspiration from the Greeks. I would love to visit the Lochs too – I’m watching a gripping drama on ITV at the moment called the Loch so I definitely need to put Scotland back on my travel radar as you’ve showcased some wonderful places to explore!
They’re redoing the city observatory, I’ll be keen to visit once it’s been renovated. I must check out The Loch, thanks for the tip
I didn’t know some of these about Edinburgh. It’s an interesting and fascinating place.
It’s really historic yet modern at the same time
There’s so much to see, I’m glad you found it helpful!
Dean Village is tiny but absolutely lovely – hope you get to visit
You saw so much in just a weekend and some new places which I need to add to my Edinburgh itinerary. I love the look of Old Town Chambers – the perfect base for a weekend of sightseeing.