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The Perfect Weekend in Edinburgh
A castle that fires a cannon like clockwork, cobblestone streets, stories of kings, queens and unicorns, and alleyways that hold echoes of a darker time. Arriving in Edinburgh feels like stepping straight into a fairy tale – one you won’t want to leave. So…is a weekend in Edinburgh enough? For a first taste? Absolutely.
Now, as the Scots would say, coorie in (snuggle up/get comfy), because we’ve got a lot to share. This guide will help you make the most of your three days in Edinburgh: the best things to do, how to get around, where to stay, the bites and drinks you shouldn’t miss, and tips that will make your trip unforgettable.
The Perfect Weekend in Edinburgh
A castle that fires a cannon like clockwork, cobblestone streets, stories of kings, queens and unicorns, and alleyways that hold echoes of a darker time. Arriving in Edinburgh feels like stepping straight into a fairy tale – one you won’t want to leave. So…is a weekend in Edinburgh enough? For a first taste? Absolutely.
Now, as the Scots would say, coorie in (snuggle up/get comfy), because we’ve got a lot to share. This guide will help you make the most of your three days in Edinburgh: the best things to do, how to get around, where to stay, the bites and drinks you shouldn’t miss, and tips that will make your trip unforgettable.
Getting Around Edinburgh
If you are spending two or three days in Edinburgh, chances are you will be exploring on foot most of the time. While all the uphill sightseeing will sometimes make you want to simply roll down the hill to avoid the extra steps, walking is by far the best way to explore the city.
You can also count on a solid network of 24/7 buses, and a useful (although limited) tram line, in case you need to rest your feet a bit or head somewhere slightly farther from the city centre. Taxis and Uber are also available.
Getting from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre:
As soon as you step out of Edinburgh Airport, all the transportation options to the city centre will be right in front of you. Just follow the signs and the connection will be super easy. The three best options for getting to the city centre are:
Airlink 100 Bus
Taking the bus from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre is the most affordable option.
Edinburgh Airport Tram
Taking the tram from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre is the only option that is not affected by traffic.
The city centre is not the final stop on the tram line – it continues all the way to Newhaven – so don’t completely switch off or you might miss your stop.
Taxi or Uber
If the priority for this weekend in Edinburgh is to fully kick back and relax, taking a taxi or Uber straight to your hotel might be the way to go. The drive takes around 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic, and usually costs between £25 to £40.
Uber tends to be cheaper, although there is usually a longer wait time for airport pickups. If you want to skip the wait and go straight to your hotel…
What To Do in Edinburgh
Three days in Edinburgh is the sweet spot for ticking off all the must-sees, and finding about 50 other reasons why you should come back soon. Whether you’re a die hard Harry Potter fan, a couple chasing a romantic city break, or simply here for a weekend wandering and shopping, this city has a way of pulling you in.
With that in mind, here are the experiences you really shouldn’t miss during your weekend in Edinburgh:
Walk Along the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a street that runs through Edinburgh’s Old Town, stretching from Edinburgh Castle at the top to Holyrood Palace at the bottom. You will probably cross the Royal Mile a few times during your 3 days in Edinburgh, but we have gathered the sights you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Did you know the Scottish mile used to be longer than the English mile (as if the imperial system wasn’t confusing enough already)? It has now been standardized, but the Royal Mile will forever be a true Scottish mile (about 1.8 kilometers) – changing the name to the “Royal 1.12 Miles” just wouldn’t have the same ring to it.
Edinburgh Castle
The city’s most iconic landmark, Edinburgh Castle is perched atop Castle Rock and can be seen from pretty much everywhere in the city centre. Inside, you can see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, St Margaret’s Chapel, and some fabulous views over the city.
Every day (except Sunday), at 1pm sharp, you will hear the One o’Clock Gun – a real cannon that has been fired at the same time every day since 1861. So don’t be alarmed if you suddenly hear a loud bang, it just means it’s lunch time.
Edinburgh Castle is the city’s most popular attraction, and tickets often sell out in advance, so plan ahead if you want to visit inside. We are definitely glad we visited because we enjoy learning about history, but we recommend joining a guided tour (if possible in the morning when it is less busy) to get the full experience. Otherwise, the castle itself may feel a little lacking on its own.
If you are still undecided because history is not really your thing, simply admiring the castle’s grandiosity from the outside might be enough for you, and that’s perfectly fine.
If you have more than 2 days in Edinburgh consider joining a tour to visit Stirling Castle, which is pretty impressive, and has the bonus of being right next to William Wallace’s monument. Check for availability here*
St. Giles Cathedral
St. Giles’ Cathedral was founded in 1124 and has served as a working church for more than 900 years. Admission is free, although donations are very much encouraged – they greet you at the door with a card machine already in hand…quite subtle.
They offer free guided tours at 10:30am or 2:30pm, which should be booked in advance on their official website.
On your way down to Holyrood Palace, make a quick stop at The World’s End pub to get a real sense of where the old walled city once ended. Many people born within the enclosed city never got to see what was beyond those walls, so in a real sense, their world truly began and ended here.
Holyrood Palace
If learning more about the monarchy is on your bucket list for this weekend in Edinburgh, this is the place to visit. Holyrood Palace was once the home to Mary, Queen of Scots, and serves now as the King’s official residence in Scotland. When the royal family is away, visitors are free to explore the premises.
Joining a free walking tour is one of the best ways to start exploring Edinburgh. We went with Calum from Bobby’s Tours, and it was fantastic. It’s a great introduction to the Royal Mile and the city’s history, helping you get your bearings before heading back to explore the attractions at your own pace. And the cherry on top: the tour guide always brings his dog along.
Try the Local Gastronomy
Local Cuisine
Giving Scottish cuisine a go should be a part of any Edinburgh itinerary. It’s a hearty, comforting cuisine that will feel like home after a windy walk up the city’s cobbled hills. Think rich stews, roasted meats, and yes…haggis. We know it doesn’t sound like the most appealing dish on paper, but it is surprisingly good.
We strongly recommend booking a table in advance at a good traditional Scottish restaurant and trying some local staples. We absolutely love Makars Mash Bar – uncomplicated, delicious food that made us return for a second visit. And if you are in the mood for some fish and chips, Bertie’s is a great place to go to.
Scottish Whisky Tasting
During your weekend in Edinburgh, you’ll have plenty of chances to try Scottish whisky in one of the city’s many pubs. However, joining a tasting session is a great experience, and will also give you the ground to know exactly which ones you love (and which ones are not quite your vibe), so you make sure to order the right one on every pub visit.
We recommend this tour*, where you’ll taste four different whiskies over 2 hours filled with storytelling. Whether you already know your smoky Islays from your smooth Speysides, or you can barely pronounce “whisky” without hesitation, it’s a fun experience for everyone. They also offer alternative drinks, so non-whisky lovers can still join in on the experience.
Wander Around the Old Town
The Old Town of Edinburgh is not made up of the Royal Mile alone. During your 3 days in Edinburgh, make sure to save some time to stroll along some of its most beautiful streets, such as Cockburn Street and Victoria Street, which not only showcase quintessential Scottish architecture, with their beautiful brick buildings, but are also packed with little shops worth peeking into.
Victoria Street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books.
Stop by Grassmarket Square, which went from being one of the city’s main medieval trading spots for horses and cattle, to becoming the main site for public executions, and is now a lively hub of pubs. A normal “career path” I would say…
In Grassmarket Square you can still find a pub named in memory of “Half-Hangit Maggie” Dickson. She was hanged there in 1724 but reportedly survived after reviving in her coffin on the way to burial. Since she had technically already been executed, she was allowed to live.
Make sure to also visit Greyfriars Kirkyard. Dating back to the late 1500s, it is one of Edinburgh’s oldest and most famous cemeteries (yes, “famous cemeteries” is a thing here). Its history is tied to religion, rebellion, plague, ghost stories, and the story of a loyal dog that will hit you like a brick wall, and make you feel all the feels.
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who for 14 years guarded the grave of his owner John Gray. There are two statues dedicated to Bobby, and to this day, people leave sticks at his grave, as he was such a good boy.
J.K Rowling wrote parts of the early Harry Potter books in a nearby cafe called The Elephant House, and several gravestones have names similar to characters, so many visitors explore the cemetery in search for these possible inspirations, such as Thomas Riddell (believed to have inspired Tom Riddle, aka Lord Voldemort), and William McGonagall (Professor McGonagall).
Discover Edinburgh’s Dark Side
Edinburgh has a rare mix of well preserved medieval architecture, strong written historical records and centuries of folklore layered on top. Learning about the city’s history of public executions, covenanters and religious persecution, plague, body-snatching, and ghost stories is a must on any Edinburgh itinerary.
It’s not about horror for its own sake. It’s about seeing how real people actually lived (and died) in a city that looks elegant on the surface but has a very intense past underneath.
We strongly recommend joining a tour to learn about the dark side of Edinburgh, you can either go for a:
Both are captivating, informative, and one of the most fun activities you can include in your 3 days in Edinburgh.
Visit a Museum
Yeah… “a Museum” – not even specifying which one – but an Edinburgh itinerary is not complete without a visit to one, as most of them are completely free and extremely impressive.
If you only have time for one, and are open to suggestions, we recommend the National Museum of Scotland, which owns a massive collection of over 20 million objects, of which around 20,000 are on display at any given time, covering everything from dinosaurs to Dolly the Sheep (yes, the actual Dolly)!
Another amazing museum is the National Portrait Gallery, which has one of the largest portrait collections in the world. The entire museum is about real people who shaped Scotland, from monarchs to poets to modern cultural icons.
Explore the New Town, Dean Village & Stockbridge
New Town
The New Town was built in the late 1700s as a bold expansion to solve Old Town’s overcrowding. It’s worth spending part of your weekend in Edinburgh exploring its wide streets, which offer plenty of dining and shopping opportunities, as well as the Princes Street Gardens where you’ll find beautiful views of the castle and the impressive Scott Monument, dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It is the second largest monument to a writer in the world, and you can admire it from the ground or pay an entrance fee to climb its tower.
Plan your visit to the New Town so you are near Calton Hill around sunset, which is the best time to visit for stunning views of the city. Hiking up takes only about 10 minutes and the entry is free. You’ll also find the National Monument and Nelson Monument at the top. This is the perfect spot to end your weekend in Edinburgh.
Stockbridge & Dean Village
Right on the edge of the New Town you will find Stockbridge, a charming, lively, and local area, full of independent shops and plenty of photogenic corners such as Circus Lane. If your three days in Edinburgh happen to coincide with a Sunday, make sure to visit the Stockbridge Market, great for a bite on the go with its many artisan food stalls – open from 10am to 4pm.
Stockbridge and Dean Village are linked by the Water of Leith Walkway, making the walk between them one of the nicest urban-to-nature transitions in Edinburgh.
Dean Village feels almost untouched and frozen in time compared to the city around it. This is a 13th-century picturesque milling village, where the old mill buildings have now been converted into apartments. An extremely photogenic area that looks out of a fairy tale.
Dean Village is quite small, so it doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to explore. Unlike Stockbridge, it doesn’t have a large selection of restaurants, cafés, or other things to see, so plan accordingly.
Extra Activities
If you only have 2 days in Edinburgh, it’s best to save these activities for your next visit, as there simply won’t be enough hours in the day. However, if you have 3 days in Edinburgh, these extra experiences are definitely worth considering:
Hike Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the remains of a volcano formed around 350 million years ago, offering a proper hill hike with wild landscapes and panoramic views just minutes from the historic centre – something you don’t often find in a capital city.
You don’t need hiking experience to go up Arthur’s Seat. There are both shorter and longer routes, with the summit taking around 60 minutes to reach. The final section is a bit rocky and uneven, so shoes with good grip are recommended.
If you’re mainly looking for great views without committing to a 60 minute hike, we strongly recommend stopping at a lower viewpoint such as Salisbury Crags. While it doesn’t offer a nearly 360° view like the summit, it does provide better views of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands
If your three days in Edinburgh are part of a longer Scotland adventure, this tour won’t be necessary. But if like me, on my first visit to Scotland, you only have time to explore Edinburgh yet still want a taste of what the Highlands have to offer, a day trip is a great option.
Day trips to the Scottish Highlands are quite affordable, but keep in mind it’s a long day with many hours on the bus. That said, the scenery of Glencoe alone makes it more than worth it. Here are some of the best day tours to add to your Edinburgh itinerary:
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, with the two main areas to stay being the Old Town and New Town.
Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are visiting during the Summer season – with August being the busiest due to the Fringe festival – or during Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve).
We personally like the quiet atmosphere of New Town to spend the night. It offers the best of both worlds: you’re still just minutes from the castle, the Royal Mile, and the Old Town, but you get to come back to a less touristy area with plenty of restaurants to choose from and generally less noise – less pubs per square meter.
Our last stay was at RÌGH Residences, and it was fantastic. It felt safe, quiet, central, and having a full apartment made us feel at home, while still feeling pampered with its luxurious details. As it is a self-check-in property it feels very independent, but everyone we met from their team was genuinely lovely. We can definitely recommend it.
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
The best time to visit Edinburgh, weather wise, is from May to September, but the truth is that the “perfect” time really depends on the kind of experience you’re after.
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September) are the sweet spot: long days, crisp but pleasant weather (still bring a raincoat – better safe than sorry), and fewer crowds. The city feels lively without being overwhelming, which is why these are our favourite months to visit.
July and August bring a very different energy. It’s not only Summer holidays, but also the Fringe Festival season, so the city is buzzing with performances everywhere. It’s exciting, vibrant, and unforgettable, but also busy and significantly more expensive.
Winter is colder and moodier, but incredibly atmospheric, with cosy pubs, Christmas markets, and glowing streets. And if you’re there for Hogmanay, it’s absolutely bucket-list worthy.
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