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Edinburgh in a weekend - what to see & do
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items As an Edinburgh local and tour guide, I feel qualified to mention what you should see and do in Edinburgh over a weekend. I have included accommodation, restaurants and attractions.
Sections
3
Where to stay
Where to eat
Things to do & see
Where to stay
A mix of accommodation from hostels, luxury hotels and apartments.
This beautiful four star hotel is centrally located, just a two minute walk from Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Set in the former head quarters of the Scotsman newspaper the interiors and grand and the rooms over views across to the New Town area. They also...
The Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh
Perfectly located in the old town and across from the main railway station in Edinburgh, Market street hotel is the perfect base for exploring the city. The rooms are boutique-style, features locally made fabrics, locally curated artwork and a locall...
Market Street hotel, Edinburgh
Located in Edinburgh's New Town on Dundas street, the No 1 apartments are well equipped with fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and amenities include a work desk, dining area, and parquet floors. I would recommend staying here if you are travell...
No1 Apartments Edinburgh - New Town
Perfectly located on Victoria Street the new Virgin Hotel is a great base. The rooms are artistically decorated, cosy and offer comfortable beds. The dining options here also highly reviewed, especially their breakfasts. If you want a cocktail in the...
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
I would say this is the best hostel in Edinburgh. The dorms are clean and comfortable, staff friendly and the location cannot be beat. In fact as soon as you step out you'll get stunning Edinburgh castle views.
Castle Rock Hostel
Download this self-guided audio tour and discover the history of Scottish witchcraft. Begin outside Holyrood Palace and weave yourself up Edinburgh's royal mile while hearing about this dark era of history. Download the tour via the voicemap app. It ...
A History of Witchcraft in Scotland: | Edinburgh self-guided audio tour .
Where to eat
This is my go-to for warming comfort food. If you want to try authentic Scottish food all homemade then head here. If you want to try Scotland's national dish - Haggis, then now is your chance.
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
This is one of my favourite independent coffee shops in all of Edinburgh. Located a stones throw from the Royal Mile, this cute wee cafe is covered in retro tape cassettes and they always have good music on in the background. Their coffee is great, s...
Hideout Cafe, Upperbow
Superb independent gelato and icecream shop. Mary's has unique flavours and daily menu of specials. Enjoy your icecream under the shadows of Edinburgh Castle
Mary's Milk Bar
This historic pub is an Edinburgh institution. Set along the Royal Mile this popular bar serves food and has a well stocked bar with lots of whiskies to choose from.
The World's End Pub
This lively pub in the heart of the old town area is great for a weekend pint or to watch some sports games. The bar is next to the medical school, hence the name and is a popular choice.
Doctors Pub
This is a great independent place in Canonmills where you can get lunch and brunch items. Inspired by Singaporen street food dishes, they are all full of flavour and creativity. You must try their dosa with curry sauce.
Singapore Coffee House
Things to do & see
Such a pretty and quaint neighbourhood in the New Town area. You can walk along the water of Leith path, look at the charming houses and cross the stone bridge to get down close to the waters edge for pictures.
Dean Village
Take a tour to the famous underground vaults in Edinburgh, hear spooky stories and then explore an ancient graveyard in the old town at night time. Very interesting tour!
Doomed, Dead, and Buried Tour in Edinburgh.
Join this underground whisky tasting session with an whisky expert and excellent storyteller and tour guide. Start with a two hour tour of Edinburgh's old town and then end in a cosy underground tavern to enjoy some whisky. The world of whisky can be overwhelming and this experience makes you appreciate the Scottish dram more.
Edinburgh Old Town Whisky Tour
Head to the home of Scottish royalty and explore the palace on a self guided tour. With over 900 years of history, the palace is a great alternative to the very busy Edinburgh Castle. Grab their audio tour at the start and learn about Mary Queen of S...
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
This is my favourite thing to do on a rainy day in Edinburgh. The free museum has lots to see, both for adults and children alike. There is a Scots History section on the ground floor if you have an interest in the Kingdom of Scots. There is also the...
National Museum of Scotland
Arguably the best view of Edinburgh, the climb up to Calton hill is a must see! The walk up can be done by steps or by the longer, sloping pathway. I would say it takes no more than ten minutes to climb. At the top you'll see the Acropolis style monu...
Calton Hill
Of course I will promote my own tour, I specialise in small group sizes around Edinburgh. Come with me to see the inspiration for the Harry Potter books came from and explore the real life diagon alley and then into the haunted graveyard.
Small Group Size Harry Potter Tour
I did this experience with a friend and I have to say it is good fun! You hear about the history and importance of chocolate before heading into their workshop to create your own chocolate bar. Whilst you wait for them to set, you get an guided choco...
The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh
Enjoy a guided tour in the newest whisky distillery in Edinburgh. The distillery is also famous for their gins, so you can also enjoy a wee cocktail before your tour.
See their washbacks foaming and copper stills bubbling as your guide highlights the different stages of scotch production. Following a tutored tasting of our single malt whisky, delve deeper into our methods of flavour creation through our careful se...
See their washbacks foaming and copper stills bubbling as your guide highlights the different stages of scotch production. Following a tutored tasting of our single malt whisky, delve deeper into our methods of flavour creation through our careful se...
Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky and Gin Tour & Tasting
This guided tour can be done on e-bike or a traditional bicycle. The tour takes you through lesser known places through Edinburgh.
Cycle out of the city, around Arthur's Seat, and to the (sometimes) sunny seaside at Portobello all while your guide fills you in on fascinating facts about the city.
Cycle out of the city, around Arthur's Seat, and to the (sometimes) sunny seaside at Portobello all while your guide fills you in on fascinating facts about the city.
Edinburgh City Bike Tour