Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town are small enough to explore on foot, and a great weekend here combines history, scenery, and delicious food. Climbing to the castle, exploring the Royal Mile, and discovering peaceful nooks that the tourists overlook can all be done in two days. Everything is easily accessible from a central base, such as one found on My Hotel Break.
Begin at the Castle
The obvious place to begin is Edinburgh Castle. It boasts cannons, crown jewels, battle memorials, and sea views from its perch atop an extinct volcano above the city. Get there early to avoid the crowds and witness the castle gun’s daily discharge. The feeling of occasion is heightened by the stroll through the historic streets. The entire capital is spread out beneath you from this elevated position.
To avoid the longest lines, purchase your ticket in advance. A timed admission saves valuable weekend time, and the stronghold is popular all year round.
Down the Royal Mile
The street descends to the Palace of Holyroodhouse from the castle. Tall tenements, secret passageways, and centuries’ worth of history line this ancient spine of the mediaeval city. You can quickly get away from the commotion by ducking down a small alley. The road is lined with historic churches, whisky shops, and street performers. Take your time, gaze up at the buildings, and allow the ancient city to gradually disclose its mysteries.
As you travel, pop into one or two closes. Most rushed tourists walk right past the courtyards, cafes, and museums hidden in these small passageways.
Climbing Arthur’s Seat
Climb the rocky hill inside Holyrood Park for the best view in the city. Despite being located in the heart of Edinburgh, the summit of this extinct volcano seems far away. After less than an hour of climbing, you will be rewarded with a broad view of the Firth of Forth, hills, and roofs. For a magical effect, schedule it for sunrise or sunset. All you need to go to the top is a windproof layer and sturdy shoes.
Since the path is level rather than steep, carry water and proceed at your own speed.
The Georgian New Town
Edinburgh’s character completely shifts when you cross the valley from the mediaeval neighbourhood. The New Town features spacious streets, lovely squares, and fine stores along Princes Street and George Street. It was constructed in the magnificent Georgian style. Dean Village and Stockbridge, which are close by, are charming little towns with peaceful cafes that seem to be tucked away inside the metropolis. The capital is unique in part because of the contrast between the mediaeval and the sophisticated. Take your time and appreciate the magnificence.
Give the stores and galleries here an hour. Like any museum in town, leisurely wandering is rewarded with the lovely streets.
Where to Eat and Drink
Edinburgh provides excellent food for all budgets. Restaurants and bars abound in the Grassmarket and adjacent lanes, while cosy pubs sell regional ales and copious amounts of whisky. Start the day with a traditional Scottish breakfast and end the day with a hearty stew or fresh seafood. The ideal haven from a gloomy afternoon is a historic bar with genuine burning fires. The best seats fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance for dinner on the weekends.
For better value, try a location that is a little off the main drag. A short stroll from the honeypots frequently results in better prices and smaller crowds.
Beyond the Obvious
Move away from the major attractions to discover a different aspect of the capital. Photogenically curving toward the Grassmarket, vibrant Victoria Street is believed to have served as the model for a well-known fictional alley. For little effort, Calton Hill boasts monuments and some of the best views of the skyline. The town’s centre is lined with greenery along the Water of Leith path. These more subdued areas reward the inquisitive and add a genuine sense of exploration to your weekend.
The best time to take pictures is in the early morning, before the streets are crowded.
Making the Weekend Yours
The ideal way to spend a brief time in the capital is to combine sightseeing with leisurely exploration. Head up to the fortress, walk down the ancient roads, stop at a viewpoint, and then let a secret close or a warm pub determine the pace. One weekend only touches the surface, making it the ideal justification for coming back. The capital encourages curiosity at every turn because it is small, walkable, and rich in history. Bring comfortable shoes and let the capital take care of the rest.
