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A weekend in Edinburgh
Scotland's capital is a place like no other. You could climb a volcano before breakfast, and step back in time under the city streets. And if you think that sounds interesting, wait until you hear what else you could fit in!
- Start / Finish
- Edinburgh - City Centre / Edinburgh
- Days2
- Distance6Miles10km
- TransportWalking
- Main themeCities
- Highlights
- Panoramic city views
- Delicious Scottish produce
- Iconic cultural attractions
- Areas covered
- East
Day 1Explore the city landscape
- Transport:
- Walking
Your morning is all about seeing the best of the city from great vantage points, be that the top of a double-decker bus, a 60m high monument, or the summit of Arthur's Seat. Then it's time to slip below the surface to discover the secrets of Edinburgh's oldest streets!
- 1
Arthur's Seat Edinburgh - City Centre
Top tipWhy not take a picnic to enjoy whilst you soak up the views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat?
Probably not many city getaways involve climbing an extinct volcano, but we think the more adventurous of you are going to love it, especially on a clear day! Head to Holyrood Park, located near the bottom of the Royal Mile, and take in the best views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat. You'll get incredible panoramas over Edinburgh and beyond, across the Firth of Forth to the majestic Kingdom of Fife.
Climb Arthur's SeatQueens Drive,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH8 8HG - 2
Edinburgh bus tour Edinburgh
Another great way to get a feel for this exciting city is to take an open-top Edinburgh Bus Tour. Departing from Waverley Bridge, the tour is an hour in total. It's a hop-on, hop-off service which gives you the freedom to do a bit of exploring along the route. You'll pass some awesome parts of the city such as the New Town, Old Town and Grassmarket, and see Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and much more.
- 3
Scott Monument Edinburgh
Did you know?The Scott Monument honours Scottish author Sir Walter Scott and is one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world!
The best place to appreciate the bustling streets of Edinburgh is from the top of the Scott Monument, a striking Gothic-style structure at the east end of Princes Street. Climb it and take in the sprawling views over Princes Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery and many other familiar features of the city skyline.
Explore the Scott MonumentEast Princes Street Gardens,Edinburgh,EH2 2EJ - 4
Real Mary King's Close Edinburgh - City Centre
Edinburgh is a city of contrasts, particularly when it comes to admiring the juxtaposed architecture of the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Head to the Royal Mile, taking Waverley Bridge and heading up the picturesque Cockburn Street. Walk up the high street and pop into St Giles' Cathedral, a historic place of worship founded in the 1120s. From there, it's time to go underground and into the lost street of the Real Mary King's Close to uncover the stories of the people who lived there over 400 years ago.
High Street,2 Warriston's Close,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 1PGKey facilities- Hearing Loop
- Accessible toilets
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 5
Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh - City Centre
Did you know?You can stand in the room with the world's largest collection of whisky. It's pretty impressive!
Head toward the top of the Royal Mile and join a tour at the Scotch Whisky Experience, where you can enjoy a barrel ride to learn all about the whisky-making process and identify which whiskies suit your palate.
Visit the Scotch Whisky Experience354 Castlehill,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 2NEKey facilities- Hearing Loop
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Level Access
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 6
Royal Mile and Grassmarket Edinburgh - City Centre
Tuck into in one of the restaurants on George IV Bridge or on the Royal Mile, where you'll find a great variety of eateries. If you fancy something really special, why not make a reservation at one of the city's Michelin star restaurants? For a nightcap, head down charming Victoria Street to the warm and welcoming pubs of the Grassmarket.
Explore the Royal Mile and GrassmarketEdinburgh - City Centre
Day 2Edinburgh's cultural treasures
- Transport:
- Walking
Today you can enjoy a superb blend of history and culture as you see some of the city's most famous sights. Throw in a dash of green spaces, add some evening entertainment, plus a good meal, and we'd say you've got the recipe for a perfect day out!
- 7
Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh - City Centre
Top tipTime your visit just right so you're there to witness the firing of the famous One o'Clock Gun.
Just walking up the esplanade on approach, you know you're about to step into one of Scotland's most special historic buildings. Take in the views across the city and learn about the dramatic events which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments and dungeons. To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your tickets far in advance for guaranteed entry.
Plan your trip to Edinburgh CastleCastle Hill,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 2NGKey facilities- On Public Transport Route
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Level Access
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 8
National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh - City Centre
Located just a short walk from the Royal Mile on Chamber’s Street, the National Museum of Scotland is full of intriguing objects and brilliant stories.
This world-class museum is the most visited attraction outside of London and is filled with incredible displays covering history, natural heritage, world cultures, design, innovation, technology and more. Best of all? It's completely free.
Discover the National Museum of ScotlandChambers Street,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 1JFKey facilities- On Public Transport Route
- Hearing Loop
- Level Access
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 9
Scottish National Gallery Edinburgh - City Centre
Edinburgh is home to many of Scotland's greatest artworks, from old masters to contemporary prize-winners. Make your way to Princes Street and wander round the Scottish National Gallery, or see what's on at the Fruitmarket Gallery and City Art Centre, both located on Market Street near Waverley Station.
Visit the Scottish National GalleryNational Galleries Scotland: National,The Mound,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH2 2ELKey facilities- Hearing Loop
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 10
Literary Pub Tour Edinburgh
Did you know?Edinburgh is the world's first UNESCO City of Literature.
Uncover the city's connections to the written word on the Literary Pub Tour. Join this brilliant and witty romp through Edinburgh's wynds, courtyards and pubs covering 300 years of literary history and characters.
Book your spot on the Literary Pub Tour - 11
Discover Edinburgh's food scene Edinburgh
Dine out in the New Town tonight - did you know that many of Edinburgh's top eateries can be found on Thistle Street? Or perhaps you'll venture to Stockbridge, a pretty village-like area with a cool yet relaxed vibe, and choose from the great wine bars, restaurants, bistros and weekly market.
Dine out in Edinburgh city centre
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