If you’re looking for a weekend filled with adventure, look no further than the Scottish capital. Offering so much more than bagpipes, Edinburgh is brimming with harrowing history and avant-garde artists (home to the world-famous Fringe Festival). Here’s our guide to the perfect weekend in Edinburgh.

Day 1

Morning:
Walk the Royal Mile (2 hours)
There’s no better place to get a real sense of Edinburgh than walking the length of the Royal Mile. As the destination for some of the city’s oldest landmarks, stroll through the stretch in the early hours to take in sights like Tron Kirk, the Canongate and Parliament Square. After building up an appetite, stop by one of the many cafes for a traditional Scottish breakfast.

Street in Edinburgh's Old Town

Afternoon:
Edinburgh Castle (2 hours)
Home to legendary battles and sieges since the Iron Age, the iconic Edinburgh Castle has played a significant role in the 3,000 years of defending the city. If you’re not pressed for time, immerse yourself in the surrounding area with a guided tour to Arthur’s Seat. It’s one of the city’s top attractions.

View onto Edinburgh Castle

Evening:  
Admire the spectacular sunset at Calton Hill (1 hour)
As the sun sets on your first day in the city, take it in with the best seat in the house. Only a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill offers the perfect gram-worthy shots for your weekend away. You’ll be able to enjoy a bird’s eye view of iconic buildings and monuments. If you’re looking to venture out further, take in your sunset from beautiful sites like Rosslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey.

Sunset at Calton Hill

Day 2

Morning:
Stroll through Princes Street Gardens (1 hour)
To ease into the day, begin with a relaxing stroll through the serene Princes Street Gardens. Bridging the Old Town to the New Town, the park was originally a loch before being repurposed into a green space. Make sure to stop by the ornate Ross Fountain, for the perfect photo spot of Edinburgh Castle. Looking for a unique way to discover both Old Town and New Town? Entertain yourself with a literary pub tour.

Fountain in the Princess Street Gardens

Afternoon:
Visit the Scottish National Gallery (2 hours)
Once you’re fuelled up for the day ahead, hop over to the Scottish National Gallery — a minute away from the gardens. Characterised by Greek-style columns, the impressive gallery houses the entire history of Scottish art unravelled from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. While you can spend hours taking in the art, a short exploration is equally rewarding.

Scottish National Gallery Building

Evening:
Take In Countryside Sunsets At Dean Village (1.5 hours)
Now that you’ve explored the best the city has to offer, step back in time and wander through the cobblestone streets of the Scottish countryside. Situated on the banks of the Water of Leith, the quaint Dean Village was once a busy industrial hub, complete with hydro-powered mills. After soaking up the village atmosphere, pass by the leafy green Water of Leith Walkaway (a wildlife hotspot), before heading for dinner in the chic Stockbridge area.

Street in Dean Village

Have time for one more quick adventure? There are loads of great day trips from the city! From the famous Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands to Stirling Castle in Aberdeen, get the complete feel of the country with a quick escape.

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