How to Spend a Long Weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s Capital is a city of stunning contrasts, where the medieval past meets modern elegance. There is so much to see and do, you’ll find a long weekend in Edinburgh may not be long enough, and vow to return….as I have done many times!

When deciding where to stay during your long weekend, it is useful to know that Edinburgh is divided into 6 main areas: Old Town, New Town, Leith, West End & Dean Village, Southside & Holyrood and Stockbridge & Inverleith. In my recent visits to Edinburgh, I have tried to stay in a different area each visit. These are my top pics.

Where to Stay on a Long Weekend in Edinburgh

Old Town

If you want to stay right in the heart of Old Town, just off the Royal Mile, then the Old Tolbooth Wynd is a great choice. The apartment style accommodation was spacious allowing my friend and I to have our own rooms. The apartments are located down a side street off the Royal Mile, so you get the advantage of close proximity to the action, but without all the noise and foot traffic.

The Old Tolbooth Wynd is also just a stone’s throw from Waverley Train Station, which is perfect if you are getting about without a car.

The only downside of staying right in Old Town is if you are driving, parking and even getting to your apartment can be problematic, as a lot of the streets are pedestrian only.

New Town

We found New Town a great accommodation option, as it enabled us to be dropped off at the front door with our bags and it was easy to get to once the rental car was dropped off. There are fantastic restaurants and shopping in the New Town area but still an easy walk into Old Town.

We loved staying at Native Edinburgh, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms were modern, clean and spacious, with a lovely seating area in the foyer to enjoy a beverage. Highly recommend!

City Outskirts

If you would rather stay on the outskirts of the city for ease of parking but still have easy and quick access to the city, then I recommend the Dalmahoy Country Club and Hotel. It really is a destination in itself, with sprawling grounds and quintessential Scottish decor, you could spend an afternoon just exploring the hotel….and I did!

In house restaurants make dining easy, and the bus stop to the city is directly across from the Hotel entrance. Initially I chose the Dalmahoy because I had a hire car and didn’t want to worry about parking or driving in the city. As it turns out, I broke my arm earlier in the trip and was unable to drive, so easy access to public transport was a blessing (having a nearby train station would have been better still, but unfortunately not).

Top 12 Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Edinburgh

With a long weekend at your disposal, here are my top 12 things I highly recommend adding to your Edinburgh itinerary.

1. Visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Sitting atop Castle Rock, overlooking the city, this historic fortress has played a long role in Scotland’s history from medieval battles to housing royalty. You cannot visit Edinburgh for the first time and not visit the castle. Don’t miss viewing the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and the firing of the one o’clock gun.

2. Walk the Royal Mile

Edinburgh Castle is located on the Western end of the Royal Mile. Once you have finished exploring the castle, walk down Edinburgh’s historic main street, to finish at the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the Eastern end. Along the way, admire the medieval architecture, traditional pubs and many souvenir shops that line the Mile.

Some key sights along the Royal Mile include St Giles Cathedral with its stunning stained-glass windows and Thistle Chapel.

The Writer’s Museum (located in Lady Stair’s Close just off the Royal Mile), is worth exploring. Admire the building before you enter and don’t forget to look to the ground to read quotes by some of Scotland’s most famous authors, set in the cement.

John Knox House is believed to be one of the oldest surviving buildings in Edinburgh. Home to John Knox, the leader of the Scottish Reformation, before his death in 1572! Today it is a museum and offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s past.

Mary King’s Close is on the Royal Mile too, but more about that shortly.

For all the Outlander fans, don’t miss seeing some of the shows filming locations, right on the Mile! Head through the rather plain looking Bakehouse Close to come to a little courtyard. There you will find the staircase that was used as Jamie’s printshop stairs. Just near St Giles Cathedral you will find the unassuming entry to the Signet Library. Upstairs, the Colonnades Room (where you can book to have high tea), was the location of Lord John’s mansion in Jamaica. Unfortunately, you can’t head up the stairs unless you have a booking…. a good excuse to have a high tea I say!)

Interested in more Outlander filming locations? Read my post about an excellent Outlander day tour we did from Edinburgh.

As you walk the Royal Mile, poke your head down different Closes and Wynds, there are hidden gardens and secret courtyards with gorgeous old buildings to explore.

3. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse

As you reach the end of the Royal Mile you will find the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Royal Family when in Scotland. Admire the grand courtyard as you enter the Great Gallery. Adjoining the Palace is the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. I loved walking in and around the ruins. The grounds and gardens of the Palace are stunning.

4. Go on a Ghost Tour

The Scots love a good ghost story and there are many ghost tours to choose from. Initially we wanted to do the Real Mary king’s Close Tour, but it was fully booked for the days we were in Edinburgh, so we settled for a Ghost tour of the Edinburgh Vaults instead. You will find agents selling tickets to the tours on the Royal Mile near St Giles Cathedral, or you can book online here.

Beneath Edinburgh’s Old town lies a labyrinth of eerie underground vaults and hidden streets, perfect for ghost tours! The Vaults were built in the 18th century beneath the South Bridge and were once used as workshops, taverns, and slums. Now they are a subterranean hub for paranormal activity! 👻😁

5. Visit the Real Mary King’s Close

On a subsequent visit, I managed to book a ticket to tour The Real Mary King’s Close. I loved this tour more than the other ghost tour we did. It is very well set up and the guides are great, they make it a lot of fun. Mary King’s Close is a preserved 17th century street buried under the Royal Mile. The guides tell tales of plague victims and restless spirits, to the point that you find yourself looking over shoulder every now and again.

This one I would recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment, especially if you are only in the city for a few days.

6. Explore Victoria Street

One of the prettiest streets to explore in Edinburgh is Victoria Street. It curves from the Royal Mile down to the Grassmarket, and is known for its colourful shopfronts and unique boutique stores rumoured to have inspired Diagon Alley of Harry Potter fame. It is on Victoria Street that you will find a number of shops selling officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise. We explored the Museum Context, but you will also find The Great Wizard and The Enchanted Galaxy on Victoria Street as well.

For a great view of Victoria Street and some excellent people watching, head up to Victoria Terrace, which overlooks the street. The Terrace follows the line of the old city wall and has undergone many transformations over the years. It is now home to many lovely restaurants and cafes.

Another picturesque street worth exploring is Cockburn Street, which links High Street to Waverley Station. It is also a sweeping, curved street with gorgeous old buildings and boutique shops.

7. Climb Arthur’s Seat

For a view of Edinburgh that can’t be beat, and to get your step count up, climb the ancient volcano and the highest peak in Holyrood Park. Arthur’s Seat is so named because it is believed to be the site of Camelot. Many make the climb in pre-dawn to catch a stunning sunrise, others enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk. Either way, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with views out to the Firth of Forth and beyond.

8. Stroll Through Princes Street Gardens

Nestled between the Old and New Town is this beautiful public park. Once a medieval loch, it is now home to colourful flowerbeds, the iconic Scott Monument, Ross Fountain and different events hosted throughout the year. Next to the gardens are the National Galleries, which are great to wander through especially when the famous Scottish weather rolls in.

9. Visit Pretty Dean Village

Once a milling village, sitting along the Water of Leith, is the very charming and picturesque Dean Village. It was once a hidden gem, but not so much anymore. I tried to get accommodation here, but everything was booked out! Regardless, it is just a short walk from the city centre and makes for a perfect quiet little getaway from the bustling city.

10. Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard & Greyfriars Bobby

Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of Edinburgh’s most famous and atmospheric graveyards. It is said to be one of the most haunted places in Edinburgh and also the place where JK Rowling got the inspiration for some of the character names in her Harry Potter books. You can also find remains of Flodden Wall, the original city wall dating back to the 1500’s, in the kirkyard.

Just outside the graveyard is the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a loyal dog who guarded his owners grave for 14 years. Visitors rub Bobby’s nose for good luck apparently, as is the case with most touristy statues.

11. Go Whisky Tasting

There are a number of places you can go to do some whisky tasting. We discovered one just down the road from our hotel on Queen Street, in New Town, called The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

The downstairs Kaleidoscope Bar is open for non-members to enjoy whisky tasting experiences, cocktails and a limited food menu. I’m not a huge whisky drinker but I really enjoyed this experience…. after all, when in Scotland!!

Whisky Distilleries Tour

Scotland’s relationship with whisky goes back over 500 years to the time of King James IV, who referred to it as the “water of life”. Fast forward to today and Scotch whisky is produced in over 140 distilleries and is protected by Geographical Indication status, meaning it must be produced in Scotland under strict regulations.

So, it makes sense while in Scotland, to expand your whisky tasting to a whisky distilleries tour! My friends at Campstar have put together a fantastic self-driving whisky tour itinerary, to visit some of the best whisky distilleries in Scotland, including dining and camping/caravaning sites for each stop.

Click here to read the itinerary. My husband, having read it, has madly started planning our next trip to Scotland! 🥃😁

12. Experience the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Taking place every year around August (this year, 2025, it will take place between August 1-23), is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This is a huge family friendly event that takes place at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade and features music, dance and military pageantry.

This is one event I am yet to get to as it falls outside school holidays, but it is definitely on my list for when I get a bit of Long Service Leave. I have a friend that attended and said it was absolutely amazing!

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has so many amazing restaurants, cafes and bars, so I am just going to point out a few that we really enjoyed and one or two that I thought were a little overrated.

Bread Street

Located in New Town is Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Bar. We happened to be passing by in late afternoon so took a chance and enquired about an early dinner. We were in luck! Food was amazing as were the cocktails. The restaurant soon filled up though, so book ahead.

Maxie’s Bistro

You’ll find Maxies Bistro in the beautiful Old Town, just near the top of the Royal Mile. Consider yourself very lucky if you manage to get a table on the terrace overlooking Victoria Street. We weren’t so lucky, so ventured inside to find a table. I just loved the cozy warm interior, with comfy cushions, tartan rugs, quiet booths and plenty of Scottish character. A perfect place to rest your weary feet, warm up with mulled wine or a Bailey’s latte.

Gladstone’s Land on the Royal Mile

This medieval looking cafe is another perfect place to rest weary feet and people watch with a coffee or ice cream. Gladstone’s Land is located right on the Royal Mile with a golden Kite (bird) marking the entrance. The building is part of the National Trust for Scotland and is quite historic. Guided tours are on offer to learn the history of this 500-year-old building and its inhabitants.

Coffee or Ice Cream?

Maybe it’s just because I am from Australia, that every time I visit Scotland, I am way too cold to want ice-cream! Edinburgh’s famous ice cream parlor, Mary’s Milk Bar, was not on my list of must try dining experiences. I would much rather something warm to heat up my numb extremities!

The Milkman is a cute coffee house on Cockburn Street, which was unfortunately closed when I visited. However, just across the street I discovered another lovely little cafe called The Wall Coffee and Design House. It was so cozy, great coffee and wonderful friendly staff. I was waiting to meet my daughter and ended up there for quite a while as she was running late. I never got that ‘hurry up and leave’ feeling from the staff, even though it was getting close to closing time. A great find!

The Witchery

I saved this one for last because it was one place that I was very excited to finally be dining at. I had walked past The Witchery, on the Royal Mile, many times on my various visits to Edinburgh. The accommodation looks amazing but very expensive, too much for this little teacher, but lunch is something that I could swing.

So, feeling very excited, we secured a booking for lunch. Maybe my expectations were just way too high, but I was a little disappointed. It just didn’t have the atmosphere, service or special something that I was expecting. The dining room, open for evening meals, looked a little more promising, but lunch was a bit meh.

I can’t seem to stay away from Scotland for too long and find myself returning to this city that I love. Each time I return, I discover something else I love about Edinburgh. Are there any highlights I have missed or something you recommend that I am yet to experience? You know me, any excuse to return to Scotland!

For more Scotland itinerary ideas, check out my other blog posts on Scotland.