Weekend in Edinburgh: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

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Wondering how to spend a weekend in Edinburgh? After travelling to the capital many times, here are the best things to do and how to have the perfect weekend break in Edinburgh.

Throughout my countless years exploring the UK, I’ve spent several weekends in Edinburgh. The first time I visited, was the end of our second UK road trip. We stopped off at some other exciting UK cities along the way including Newcastle, Durham, and Leeds, before reaching the vibrant Scottish capital. But, all in all, Edinburgh was my favourite of the lot.

This is a city steeped in history. There’s so much to see and do here from the ancient castle perched majestically on a hilltop to the winding alleyways and hilly streets in the city centre. It’s also a great place to visit on your way to other gorgeous parts of Scotland, such as Glasgow, Loch Llomond, or Cairngorms National Park.

So, if you’re considering spending a weekend in Edinburgh, here are my top recommendations and the best way to spend your time.

Day 1 in Edinburgh: The Essentials

For your first day in Edinburgh, you’re going to want to cross some of the main sights off your Edinburgh bucket list. So, let’s discover some of the city’s top attractions.

9:00 – Walk Princes Street

Start your day at the famous Princes Street. This street is home to some of the most impressive monuments in Edinburgh and is one of the main shopping and tourist areas of the city. It is a long, straight street that runs parallel to Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.

Princes Street is home to a range of shops, including department stores like John Lewis, as well as high-street chains and independent shops. There are also several cafes, restaurants, and bars along the street, making it a popular spot for shopping and dining.

While you’re here, it’s also worth exploring Princes Street Gardens. This picturesque park runs along the south side of the street. From the gardens, you can almost forget that you’re in a city as the trees, flowers, and benches create a pretty relaxing atmosphere.

If you visit Edinburgh in winter, this is also where part of the Christmas Market is held. It’s a completely different vibe during those months. It’s extremely busy and beautifully decorated but without a doubt one of the best Christmas markets in England.

The street is also where most of the events and festivals are held. As well as the Christmas Market, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe are all held here.

9:30 – Marvel at the Scott Monument

While exploring Princes Street, be sure to stop at the Scott Monument. This Victorian Gothic monument was built in memory of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most famous authors and poets. It is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see during 2 days in Edinburgh.

The monument was completed in 1844 and it stands 61 meters (200 feet) tall. It is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes and characters from Scott’s novels and poems.

It’s well worth climbing the 287 steps to the top of the monument where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

10:30 – Explore Edinburgh Castle

Next, head to Edinburgh Castle. From the Scott monument, it’s around a 9-minute walk on foot. However, a large portion of this is uphill, so you may want to allow a little longer!

This was one of my favourite things to do in the city and is a must-see on any Edinburgh itinerary. It will also be your first experience with volcanoes in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle is a fantastic historic fortress that sits on top of (yep, you guessed it) an extinct volcano. The castle has been many things over the years – a royal residence, a military stronghold, and a prison. Today, it’s one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions.

The castle’s origins date back to the 12th century and, throughout its history, it was frequently expanded and fortified. It played a key role in many of Scotland’s historical events, including the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century.

Inside the castle, you can explore several museums and exhibitions. The Honours of Scotland and the Scottish Crown Jewels are on display here and the Scottish National War Museum is well worth a visit too.

I really enjoyed the exhibits in the castle. There were several barracks and living quarters recreated to look like they would’ve back in the day, and lots of information on display about the castle’s history. I would recommend allowing around 3 hours to see the castle, especially if you’re keen on history.

✅ Book tickets to Edinburgh Castle, here.

13:30 – Grab Lunch

By now, you’re probably feeling a little peckish.

There are lots of options for lunch in Edinburgh, from finding one of the many cosy coffee shops and cafes in the main street to grabbing a cheap supermarket meal deal if you’re on a budget or don’t feel like a sit-down meal.

Alternatively, you could just pop into Redcoat Cafe at Edinburgh Castle where you’ll find a range of snacks, drinks, and cakes.

14:30 – Visit the Vennel Viewpoint

Possibly one of the most famous viewpoints in Edinburgh, if you want some of the most fantastic views over the city, I highly recommend a visit here. It’s just a short 10-minute walk from the castle and the views from here are definitely worth it.

You may well see some other photographers here while you are. We saw several while we were there. But arguably if you want the best shots, I recommend coming back at sunrise. Sunset is also good, but even more crowded.

15:00 Walk Victoria Street

If you want to see one of the most colourful streets in Edinburgh, I highly recommend paying a visit to this one! Located just shy of the Royal Mile Victoria Street is a fantastic line of colourful shops and buildings.

With its distinctive curved architecture, Victoria Street is lined with an eclectic mix of independent shops, boutiques, and eateries.

I definitely recommend window shopping here. You can find some seriously unique finds, from artisanal crafts and vintage clothing to gourmet delicacies and traditional Scottish cuisine.

15:30 – Visit Tom Riddle’s Grave in Greyfriars Kirkland

Next, head back down the stairs and to one of the most famous graveyards in Scotland. For Harry Potter fans (like me), then this is a must-see during a weekend in Edinburgh. A rather unusual sight,  but you can actually visit the grave of Tom Riddle tucked away in the centre of Edinburgh.

Located in Greyfriars Kirkland – a graveyard in the city centre – the grave is said to be where J.K. Rowling got the inspiration for the infamous dark wizard’s name. 

While we were there, we saw several other people by the grave, however, it clearly was a bit of a hidden gem! You can definitely view the grave if you go on a Harry Potter-themed Edinburgh walking tour, however! 

The graveyard itself had several tour groups while we were there. It is one of the city’s most famous and visited burial grounds. It’s known for its beautiful and atmospheric setting, rich history, and association with several notable figures.

One of the most famous features of the graveyard is the statue of Greyfriars Bobby. He was a small Skye Terrier dog who became famous for his loyalty to his owner, who was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard.

The statue, located at the entrance of the graveyard, is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of loyalty and friendship.

There are also some very interesting stories about other graves in the graveyard. We learnt all about it during our Dark Side of Edinburgh self-guided walking tour and it was pretty creepy. Well worth doing if you’re into dark history.

✅ Book a Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh, here.

16:15 – See St Giles Cathedral

Once you’ve finished exploring the graveyard, head back into the city centre and visit St Giles’ Cathedral. This a medieval church located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

It is one of the city’s most important religious and cultural landmarks and has been at the centre of worship and community life in Edinburgh for nearly 900 years.

The cathedral was founded in the 12th century and has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries. These days, it’s known for its beautiful architectural features, including its large stained-glass windows, impressive carvings, and intricate stone tracery. St Giles’ Cathedral is also home to one of the oldest pipe organs in Scotland.

16:45 – Walk the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a pretty essential addition to any Edinburgh itinerary and we’re going to finish day 1 of this one with this gorgeous spot.

Located in the old town, it’s one of the city’s most iconic and historic spots. The name “Royal Mile” is derived from the fact that it is approximately one Scottish mile (1.8km) long and it is the main street in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Down this medieval street, you’ll find historic buildings, cobblestones, most likely people playing bagpipes, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Stretching from the majestic Edinburgh Castle to the splendid Palace of Holyroodhouse, this iconic street spans centuries of history. Lined with grand architecture, charming closes, and bustling shops, there is lots more to see here than just the street itself.

You can visit the imposing fortress of John Knox House, wander down the mysterious Mary King’s Close, and even taste some traditional whiskey at the Scotch Whisky Experience.

The Mile is also home to many narrow, winding streets, known as “closes” or “wynds”, that branch off the high street. These are also quite fun to explore.

While you walk, look out for the heart of Midlothian, near the cathedral.

Day 2 in Edinburgh: Outdoor Adventures

For the second day of this Edinburgh itinerary, we’re going to explore a few of the outdoor attractions in the city. Make sure you have some sturdy shoes on today because you’ll be doing a lot of walking!

9:00 – Hike to Authur’s Seat

I bet you didn’t think you’d be able to go hiking in Edinburgh, but this is one of the best hikes in Scotland! Arthur’s Seat is the highest point in the city and like Edinburgh Castle, it’s actually an extinct volcano.

If you’re wondering why you’d want to go hiking during a weekend break to Edinburgh my answer would be the views. They are spectacular from the top.

Nonetheless, my top piece of advice for anyone looking to summit Authur’s Seat is simple: don’t underestimate it!

How to do this hike

The hike might be short but it’s the type of steady uphill gradient that makes you out of breath after about 15 minutes. It takes around 1 hour to reach the summit.

While the start of the trail is a fairly managed path, as you get closer to the top, it gets much rockier. You’ll need to navigate a series of steep inclines and rocky outcrops – hence why I recommend wearing sturdy shoes.

The hike starts at Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. You’ll pass through beautiful parkland and past ancient volcanic cliffs throughout the hike and even pass evidence of the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and medieval settlements.

The summit is 251 meters (823 feet) above sea level and, once you reach it, you’ll have a 360-degree view of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.

If you want, you can also extend the hike to include Salisbury Crags on the way back down. We did this and it was definitely worth it.

The hike up can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level and the route you take. It’s best to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, snacks, and appropriate clothing as the weather in Scotland can change quickly.

12:00 – Visit Holyrood Palace

Once you’ve descended from Authur’s Seat, head to Holyrood Palace. Located on the edge of Holyrood Park, right next to the trailhead for the volcano (and at the bottom of the Royal Mile), this is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.

The palace has a long and rich history, dating back to the 12th century and is a simply stunning building. You can go on guided tours of several of the staterooms and apartments.

This includes the Great Gallery which is decorated with portraits of Scottish kings and queens and the Throne Room which was used for official ceremonies and audiences.

You’ll probably spend at least an hour here. If you want, you can also see the ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey. This is located adjacent to the palace and offers a glimpse into the building’s rich history and Gothic architecture.

13:00 – Lunch

There are several options for lunch today. You could grab a bite to eat at the Cafe at The Palace, a tearoom in the Holyrood Palace grounds, visit Parliament Cafe next to the Scottish Parliament building, or head back into town to find a place to eat

I recommend the Cafe at the Palace, purely because our next stop doesn’t yet involve going back into the city centre. If you want a truly British experience, you can also have afternoon tea here which is completely delicious. Their scones are stunning!

14:00 – Visit the National Monument of Scotland

The next thing on your weekend in Edinburgh itinerary actually involves climbing up another hill! This one isn’t quite as demanding, or quite as long a climb, but the views are still magnificent. Of course, I’m talking about Calton Hill, one of the most beautiful spots in Scotland, and another volcanic hill.

The National Monument of Scotland is a neoclassical monument perched on top of the hill. It was designed in 1822 and intended to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece to commemorate the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the Napoleonic Wars.

However, unfortunately, it was never finished as the project ran out of funds. Even to this day, there are only the twelve columns of the façade standing. It’s actually been dubbed ‘Edinburgh’s disgrace’ because of this.

Despite its unfinished state, the National Monument is an important part of Edinburgh’s skyline. Personally, I still think it looks pretty impressive. It’s also one of the most photographed landmarks in Edinburgh and will give you some of the best views of the city.

While up Calton Hill, I also recommend visiting the Camera Obscura and the Dugald Stewart Monument.

15:30 – See The Georgian House

Once you’ve taken in the sights from the top of Calton Hill, it’s time to head back down the Royal Mile. This time, we’ll be passing by Castle Hill and its hilltop fortress.

We’re heading towards one of the prettiest areas of Edinburgh. I’ve most definitely left the best until last with this itinerary! However, on the way, we pass the Georgian House, and it makes sense to stop here before we carry on. The house is around a 25-minute walk from Calton Hill.

The Georgian House is one of the city’s most important architectural and cultural landmarks. Built in the late 18th century, the house is a fine example of the city’s Georgian architecture.

Inside, you’ll find it furnished and decorated to reflect the lifestyle of the wealthy merchants who would have lived there during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

You can take a guided tour of the house and learn about the lives of these people, as well as admire the history and architecture of the building. It’s also home to a collection of objects that were used by the residents including furniture, household items, and decorative arts.

The Georgian House is usually open from April to October and the last entry is at 4pm. I recommend checking the schedule on the website before visiting. Tickets cost £12.50 per adult and can be purchased on-site.

17:00 – Explore Dean Village

Last but not least, walk a further 10 minutes to Dean Village. This historic neighbourhood is one of my favourite places in Edinburgh. It’s also easily one of the prettiest places in the city, with charming cobbled streets and well-preserved Victorian architecture.

The village is located on the banks of the Water of Leith river and it’s surrounded by greenery and parks. It was originally a mill village, home to several water mills that were used to grind grain for the city’s residents.

Today, Dean Village is a popular spot for photographers and it’s easy to see why! It’s also home to the famous Dean Bridge, which provides a great view of the village and the river. You can easily explore the area on foot or by bike and it’s the perfect place for a peaceful walk by the riverside.

Dean Village is a must-visit during a long weekend in Edinburgh. You can admire the charming Victorian buildings, stroll along the river, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and appreciate the natural beauty of Edinburgh.

Is a weekend in Edinburgh Enough?

In my opinion, a weekend in Edinburgh is enough time to see the main sights of the city. However, if you also want to add in many of the museums in the Scottish capital, like the National Gallery or the National Museum of Scotland, you may want to give yourself an extra day.

A long weekend from Friday to Monday would be the perfect amount of time. You’ll be able to see the city centre, go hiking to some of the fantastic viewpoints, and see the best of the city’s museums.

How to get to Edinburgh

There are several ways to get to Edinburgh depending on your location. When we travelled up, we drove. But, because of the long drive from Cambridgeshire, we made several stops at other UK cities on the way to break up the journey. With these stops, it was a fairly easy drive.

Of course, if you don’t live in the UK or don’t drive, that won’t be an option. So, here are some other ways to get to Edinburgh.

• By Air: Edinburgh Airport is located just outside of the city. It offers regular flights from major airports across the UK and Europe. Then, it’s just a quick bus, tram, or taxi to the city centre.
• By Train: Edinburgh Waverley is the main train station in the city and offers regular services from major cities across the UK, including London, Glasgow, and Manchester.
• By Bus: Edinburgh Bus Station offers regular services from cities across the UK, including London and Glasgow. National Express and Megabus are some of the companies that offer these services.

If you do decide to drive, I should also mention that parking in the city is pretty expensive. I’m talking over £20 per day. So, you might want to park outside the city and take the bus into the centre.

✅ Book your train travel to Edinburgh, here.

Where to stay for a long weekend in Edinburgh

There are a lot of accommodation options in Edinburgh, being the capital of Scotland and all. You can pretty much find anything from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

If you’re looking for a central location with easy access to the city’s main attractions, consider staying in the Old Town or New Town. These areas are home to many hotels, guesthouses, and apartments and are within walking distance of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and other popular sights.

If you prefer a more peaceful and residential area, consider staying in the Stockbridge or Bruntsfield neighbourhoods. These areas are just a short walk from the city centre but offer a more local and residential feel in Edinburgh.

If you’re on a budget, consider staying in one of Edinburgh’s hostels, such as the Castle Rock Hostel. You could also rent a private room in a guest house or apartment through Airbnb.

It’s also worth noting that prices tend to be higher during the peak tourist season (May-September) and during festivals such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. So, I recommend booking your accommodation in advance to ensure availability and get the best rates.

✅ Discover the best hotels in Edinburgh, here.

How to get around Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a relatively compact and very walkable city. This entire Edinburgh weekend itinerary has been designed to be walked and the longest you’ll have to walk between attractions is around 25 minutes. However, there are several other ways to get around the city.

• Buses: Lothian Buses operates an extensive network of bus routes throughout the city. They make it easy to get around to different neighbourhoods and attractions. You can purchase a single ticket or a day ticket on the bus, and pay as you go with a contactless debit card. This is also ideal if you park outside of Edinburgh city centre.
• Trams: Edinburgh Trams run from the airport to the city centre, with stops at major attractions such as Haymarket and St Andrews Square.
• Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Edinburgh and can be hailed on the street or at designated ranks. They are a convenient option for getting around, but they can be more expensive than other forms of transportation. Uber is also available in the city.
• Bike: You can also rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, there are several bike-sharing schemes available in Edinburgh such as BikeTrax.

Overall, the best way to get around for 2 days in Edinburgh is on foot. But you can use the buses to get into the city if you are staying outside.

Final Thoughts on Spending a Weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland

Overall, Edinburgh is one of the best weekend getaways in the UK. Actually, it’s one of the best weekend getaways in Europe! It’s a beautiful city that you can easily visit over and over again and not get bored!

If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh, I can almost guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. You can learn about Scottish history, enjoy the great outdoors, or simply wander the picturesque streets and admire medieval architecture. I hope this guide has helped you plan your getaway to the Scottish capital.

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