Edinburgh in a Weekend
Favorite Stays, Bites, and Hidden Corners
Clean, green, friendly with excellent coffee and cocktails, Edinburgh is a delight.
For Harry Potter fans, there’s the real street that served as the inspiration for Diagon Alley (and plenty of reminders of it). For history and royal lovers, there’s a proper castle. For graphic design aficionados, this city’s typography game is on point ( I found myself enchanted by the storefront styles and restaurant signs). From Arthur’s Seat to the lush paths of the botanical gardens, there are plenty of great places to walk, too.
In this post I share some highlights from our weekend in Edinburgh. I hope you can get an idea or two on where to stay, where to eat and what to see for your next visit to Scotland’s capital city. Maybe you’ll even discover some hidden gems in Edinburgh to add to your list?
WHERE TO STAY
Full disclosure: I can’t recommend where we stayed. It happens! But below is a list of spots I’d consider for our next visit, from more accessible to splurge.
Centrally located, clean design and one of the most accessibly priced. We’ve always had a good experience with their property in Barcelona when we are looking for a no-fuss and friendly homebase.
5-star style and location.
If you are looking for a splurge with classic vibes, look no further than this Edinburgh institution. Though we didn’t stay here, we stopped byfor a peek around and a cocktail at its Bar Prince.
*Another fun fact for the Harry Potter fans: J.K. Rowling completed the 7th and final book of the series from a suite in this hotel!
Circus Lane
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN EDINBURGH
Hike Arthur’s Seat. Right on the edge of town with nice views of the city, it was a great activity to start the morning.
Victoria Street and Terrace. Home to The Great Wizard Shop.
Walk up to Calton Hill.
Royal Botanic Garden. Lovely spot for a stroll.
Stockbridge Sunday market
The Water of Leith Walkway from Stockbridge to Dean Village.
Circus Lane - beautiful cobblestone path with colorful houses and flowers. Likely the most photographed street in the city (see above!)
Edinburgh Castle. If you’re interested in a guided tour, here’s an option: Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
for my next trip…
National Portrait Gallery + tea
National Museum of Scotland
Dean Village
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN EDINBURGH
RESTUARANTS
Maker’s Mash Bar - Best sticky toffee pudding I’ve ever had.
Baba - Delicious Mediterranean fare on George St.
The Witchery - located a stone’s throw from the castle, on the higher end of our weekend meals but certainly a dining experience.
for my next trip…
Timberyard
COFFEE SHOPS
Milkman Coffee
Lowdown Coffee
The Hideout
for my next trip…
Cairngorm Coffee
Thomas J Walls
COCKTAILS
Panda & Sons Speakeasy - Ironically we found this fun speakeasy after we couldn’t locate the other speakeasy we were looking for (it’s hidden too well I guess?!)
Lucky Liquor
Bar Prince in the Balmoral Hotel
SAVE TO PINTEREST
