The Scottish capital is a cultural hub, perfect for weekend warriors who want maximum experience without any hassle. Bright Bus can give you insider knowledge of the city’s best spots and transport options. Fill your weekend in Edinburgh with world-famous attractions, top-tier restaurants and outdoor adventures.
Most sights are just a short walk from each other, with excellent transport infrastructure to get you everywhere else. You can explore the city centre without getting (too) lost, with enough energy for day two.
Read on as Bright Bus shares a two-day itinerary diving into the essence of Edinburgh. We break down the sights and hidden gems to make your short city break memorable.
Edinburgh Weekend Itinerary
For visitors to Scotland, Edinburgh is an exciting city of contrasts with its Georgian New Town, Gothic Old Town and rich festival traditions.
The Bright Bus team has worked on an adaptable plan that you can use to put together your own weekend in Edinburgh itinerary. It is conveniently set around our City and Britannia Tours.
Saturday
Get a true feeling for Edinburgh by starting your first day on one of the city’s highest vantage points. Many adventurers take in the best views of the city from Arthur’s Seat or opt for the gentler climb up Calton Hill. If you prefer to ease into the morning, go to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. This attraction provides stunning city views after minimal effort, just 98 easy-to-climb steps to the top.
Grab breakfast and snacks from local producers and artisans at the Edinburgh Farmers Market at the top end of the Royal Mile. Afterwards, learn more about Scotland’s military history with an Edinburgh Castle tour.
Cross the Royal Mile to the Scotch Whisky Experience for a midday tipple. Here, you can learn about Scotland’s national drink through a guided tasting session. Then, indulge in a leisurely lunch at one of the city centre’s many fine restaurants. Whether you prefer a modern bistro, a traditional pub or a Michelin-starred restaurant, you’ll have more than enough options.
Discover the extensive art collection at the National Museum of Scotland in the afternoon. After exploring the exhibits, decompress, discuss or debate in the adjacent Princes Street Gardens.
End your day by catching live music or a theatre production at one of Edinburgh’s renowned venues. The Usher Hall hosts world-class concerts, while the Festival Theatre has a variety of entertainment, from opera to contemporary drama.
Here are some alternative activities and sights to consider:
- Travelling with kids: Hunt down Harry Potter-themed hotspots on Victoria Street and across Old Town.
- Romantic getaway: Have a cosy dram in a historic whisky bar or a moonlit walk along the Water of Leith.
- For teens and young adults: Go on one of the many ghost tours to learn about the alternate history of Edinburgh.
- Free: Delve into Scotland’s past at the National Museum of Scotland or climb the Scott Monument for excellent views of the city.
Sunday
Start off your Sunday morning with an early visit to the Stockbridge Market for artisanal goodies. Saunter over to the Waters of Leith Walkway, a beautiful and practical way to travel to the next destination.
Spanning 13 miles, the whole Leith Walkway typically takes over 7 hours to complete, making it less practical for brief city visits. However, you can walk part of the route between hotspots. Climb on the walkway at Stockbridge for a scenic stroll of approximately 3.5 miles (around 1 hour 20 minutes on average) to Leith.
Explore the local restaurants and pubs at The Shore in Leith. You have your pick of a Michelin-starred trio — The Kitchin, Heron and Martin Wishart. Or for a more local experience, consider a Sunday pub lunch at The King’s Wark.
Hop back onto the Bright Bus to be ferried to the highlight of many weekends in Edinburgh — a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia. Take your afternoon tea on the Royal Deck Tearoom. We recommend a freshly baked scone or a Britannia favourite, the Lemon Drizzle Cake.
Alternative activities and sights available:
- Travelling with kids: Introduce the young ones to the wonders of the natural world at the Edinburgh Zoo.
- Romantic getaway. Reserve a table at one of the many excellent restaurants on New Town’s Thistle Street.
- For teens and young adults: Skip the high street shopping and have retail-based mood enhancement at the vintage clothing stores on Raeburn Place, Stockbridge. In a city rich with creativity and innovation, second-hand shops are a charming glimpse into Edinburgh’s fashion culture.
- Free: Visit one of Edinburgh’s most Instagram-able spots — Circus Lane. Once voted the most attractive street in the UK, this gorgeous lane was part of New Town’s second phase. Romantic rose blooms adorn the Georgian sandstone villas, while St Stephen’s Church tower adds a picturesque backdrop to your photos.
Planning the Perfect Weekend Away in Edinburgh
Before visiting Edinburgh, it’s helpful to know your options. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best attractions — from the city centre to The Shore.
Must See Attractions
Edinburgh has many incredible points of interest.
Royal Mile
It’s possible to spend two days on the Royal Mile and not feel like you’ve wasted a weekend. Edinburgh Castle bookends the famous street to the west and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the east.
See the up-and-coming local talent performing on the streets, explore the eerie narrow alleyways just off the Royal Mile or visit the Scottish Parliament. Historic buildings like St. Giles Cathedral are open to the public during the day. You may even be lucky enough to catch a rehearsal with live music.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
A purpose-built fun house of the wacky and wonderful Camera Obscura & World of Illusions can’t be ignored on the Royal Mile. Over 100 displays span five floors and include mind-boggling illusions and an eerily accurate tour of the city streets without moving.
Yet, amid the mind-bending illusions and tricks, the rooftop terrace offers something unexpectedly grounded: a breathtaking 360° view of Edinburgh. You can spot intricate details on Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill and beyond with powerful telescopes.
Edinburgh Castle
Strategically built on the extinct volcano Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle has always been an unmissable sight for those arriving there. But for much of Scotland’s history, it wasn’t tourists stopping to admire the castle — invaders were trying to take it. The castle has seen countless sieges as a fortress, royal residence or military stronghold.
While many traditions have faded, some withstand the test of time — like the One O’Clock Gun. Fired most days, its sudden boom rips through the city, often giving Royal Mile pedestrians jump scares.
Edinburgh Zoo
Visit the home of Edinburgh’s adorable unofficial ambassador, Haggis. Haggis is an endangered pygmy hippo calf born at the zoo in 2024. Their parents are Otto and Gloria. Also, at the zoo, you’ll find over 2,500 animals, including red pandas, meerkats and cheetahs.
This is an excellent opportunity to connect with these rare and fascinating creatures while supporting wildlife conservation.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Called the Botanics by locals, this botanical garden covers 70 acres of land with over 13,500 plant species. The entrance to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is free, while garden tours and some events and workshops have a minimal fee.
Experience this living exhibition of nature’s art in diverse green spaces like the Scottish Native Plants Collection, Woodland and Rock Parks.
National Museum of Scotland
Find an extensive collection of relics from world cultures and Scottish history at the National Museum of Scotland. Their Grand Gallery display has a 19th-century lighthouse lens and a 12-foot-long South Pacific feast bowl.
Admission is free to all, but select exhibitions are ticketed. They have excellent restaurant facilities for a quick bite between looking at Dolly the Sheep and dinosaur bones.
Royal Yacht Britannia
After one million nautical miles sailed in service to the royal family, Her Majesty’s Yacht (HMY) Britannia now rests in Leith as a premier maritime attraction.
The decommissioned yacht is a floating museum with artefacts from the late Queen Elizabeth and her family. Visitors can explore the ship’s history and indulge in some of the finest scones in Edinburgh at the Royal Deck Tearoom.
Scottish National Gallery
Set midway on The Mound, the Scottish National Gallery houses an impressive collection of Scottish art from 1800 to 1945. The gallery also has works by international masters, including renowned Impressionists, as well as Rembrandt and Vermeer.
This stop is part of a broader museum system that includes the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. While admission to these national galleries is free, some special exhibitions may require a ticket purchase.
Victoria Street
Nicknamed the “Harry Potter Street of Edinburgh,” this winding road is said to have inspired JK Rowling’s Diagon Alley.
Victoria Street has unique shops and restaurants and a magical atmosphere that continues to enchant visitors. Its unique curves and bright, colourful facades make it a popular area for photo ops.
Grassmarket
Grassmarket is a historic site with many fascinating stories, from loyal pets to hangings. You can visit Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery, which has ties to the Harry Potter series. This is the place where JK Rowling found inspiration for the moniker Tom Riddle, the villain of the series Voldemort.
Be sure to stop at the statue of Edinburgh’s most famous pooch, Greyfriars Bobby. The good boy stood vigil at his owner’s graveside for 14 years from 1872. There’s also a vibrant food scene in Grassmarket, including a pub named after Greyfriars Bobby.
Epic Outdoor Adventures
Even with its classic Scottish weather, Edinburgh is a fantastic city for outdoor exploration. The following places offer breathtaking river or city views, notable landmarks and free access to visitors.
Arthur’s Seat
The climb up Arthur’s Seat is challenging but rewarding. As the highest point in Holyrood Park, it offers some of Edinburgh’s most breathtaking vantage points.
This ancient volcano and its surrounding landscape provide a rugged contrast to the city’s elegant Georgian streets. Arthur’s Seat is open to visitors 24/7, making it an excellent spot for sunrise or sunset hikes. Take note that Holyrood Park’s roads are closed to vehicles on Saturdays and Sundays.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is worth visiting for its panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline and classic revival architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is wheelchair accessible and is a much gentler hike than Arthur’s Seat.
The legacy of Edinburgh being called “the Athens of the North” is evidenced in numerous classic revival monuments with heavy columns. The National Monument of Scotland is an incomplete mirror of the Parthenon in Athens. The Nelson Monument is modelled after an upturned telescope.
Water of Leith Walkway
The beautifully maintained walkway along the Leith River offers a remarkable urban adventure. The Leith Walkway winds from Edinburgh’s city centre to the Victoria Bridge in Leith.
The walkway is wonderfully versatile, welcoming hikers, cyclists, and even horse riders, with portions of the path being wheelchair accessible. Along its scenic path, visitors can explore a series of fascinating destinations. These include the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Stockbridge and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens is an idyllic place to take a breather from the busy city streets. The green heart of the city acts as a barrier between New Town and Old Town. It features a sculpture park, the Scott Monument, lush lawns and a modern playgroup with stimulating equipment for younger children.
After Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument is one of the most prominent features of the city skyline. As one of the most significant monuments dedicated to a literary figure, it is a towering tribute to Ivanhoe author Sir Walter Scott. Visitors can climb the 287 steps of the Gothic monument for panoramic views from its upper levels.
Marvelous Markets
If you want to support local food producers and soak in the local atmosphere, head to these markets across the city:
- Edinburgh Farmers’ Market: A year-round Saturday market on the Royal Mile. Browse and buy fresh cuts of meat, seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisan bread, homemade jams, and local cheeses.
- Grassmarket Market: True to its historic location, it hosts a Saturday market featuring delectable baked goods, fresh local produce and handmade gifts.
- Stockbridge Market: Set in a tree-lined neighbourhood, the Stockbridge Market takes place on Sundays. Discover unique artisanal goods and locally crafted items that showcase Edinburgh’s creative spirit.
- Edinburgh Flea Market: Hunt for treasures at Leith’s Edinburgh Flea Market, held on the last Saturday of each month. Browse pre-loved clothing, bric-a-brac and collectables.
- Leith Market: Every Saturday, foodies can delight in a comprehensive range of cuisines with a special monthly Vegan Quarter for plant-based food.
- Christmas Market: The festive Christmas Market transforms Princes Street Gardens into a winter wonderland annually between November and January. The popular annual event provides traditional holiday treats, crafts and seasonal cheer.
48 Hours? Challenge Accepted! Hop on Bright Bus Tours to see the city and enjoy discounts at local businesses.
FAQs About Planning a Weekend Break in Edinburgh
What are the best Edinburgh transport options for a quick visit?
Edinburgh is compact, making it easy to get around the city on foot for the most part. Many key attractions are within walking distance, but if you’d like to cover more ground, there are several transport options:
- Hop-on-hop-off bus tours: A great way to see Edinburgh’s top attractions while enjoying live guides and audio commentary. At Bright Bus Tours, our open-top buses provide fantastic views and cover all the must-see sights in a day.
- Public buses: Edinburgh’s bus network is efficient even over weekends. Day tickets are available for unlimited transport opportunities.
- Taxis and ride-sharing services: Ride-share apps and taxis offer convenience, privacy and door-to-door trips but are typically more expensive.
- Trams: Ideal for transfers to and from Edinburgh Airport but less useful for sightseeing within the city centre.
We recommend a mix of walking and using Bright Bus’ hop-on-hop-off service. This way, you can experience Edinburgh up close. Our Two-Day Two Tours ticket is perfect for a 48-hour getaway.
Is a weekend in Edinburgh worth it?
Absolutely! Edinburgh is a historic city with incredible culture, history and experiences packed into a small area. This makes it perfect for a weekend getaway.
Keep in mind that weekends are peak tourist times. The cobbled streets, while charming, can get crowded. Having reliable transport and guidance, like Bright Bus Tours, helps you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Bright Bus Tours: Your 48 Hour Pass To Edinburgh
Bright Bus Tours is the brightest way to see Edinburgh with our City and Britannia Tours. We also offer one of the cheapest airport transfers to the city centre.
For a super long weekend or extended stay in Edinburgh, consider our Airport Express Edinburgh Explorer package. It offers seven days of unlimited travel on both our experiences, plus a return ticket for the Bright Bus Airport Express.
Here are some of the benefits of our hop-on, hop-off experience:
- A fun alternative to public transport
- Free for children under five
- Private tour options
- Dog friendly
- Space for cycles
- 100% wheelchair accessible
Spend a whirlwind weekend in Edinburgh with Bright Bus Tours as your reliable, friendly guide! Buy your Two-Day Two Tours pass for only £20.