Edinburgh has been on my bucket list for some years. The cobblestone alleys, majestic castles, gloomy weather, and warm cafés all sounded like something out of a novel. When I ultimately decided on a brief three-day vacation, I wasn't sure how much I'd be able to cram in. Spoiler: far more than I thought.
If you're visiting for a weekend or only have 48 hours to explore, here's exactly how I spent my 2 days in Edinburgh, with plenty of history, great food, and stunning views squeezed in.
Where to Stay?
I stayed at Point A, Edinburgh, which turned out to be the perfect location. It was just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, which made sightseeing so much easier. Most places were within walking distance, and for anything further, the local buses were quick and reliable.
The hotel itself was simple but comfortable, with cosy beds that felt heavenly after long days of exploring. I skipped the breakfast option since I wanted to head out and try cafes around the city, something I definitely recommend if you love discovering local spots.
How to Travel Around Edinburgh
One of the best aspects of staying in the city was the ease of getting around. Depending on where you stay, you can either walk to most attractions or hop on a bus, tram, or even an Uber if you prefer.
Since I was based at Point A, Edinburgh, we mainly walked to the main spots such as the Castle and the Royal Mile. For longer distances, the buses were super convenient, affordable, and easy to use. I loved that Edinburgh felt compact enough to explore on foot, but also had great public transport for when we wanted to save time or energy.
The best time to visit is during the summer, July/August, as the weather is good and the daylight is longer. However, if you prefer the winter market and Christmas mood, then December will be your best bet.
Places to Visit
I couldn't think of a better way to start my first day than with a hearty halal breakfast at Zaza's Coffee Shop. It was just a short 5-10 minute walk from my hotel, and the bonus? A lovely view of Edinburgh Castle while I tucked into my meal. With tea in hand and a castle as my backdrop, I felt ready to explore the city.
Victoria Street
Since Victoria Street, known as Harry Potter Street, was just around the corner from the café, we couldn't resist taking a detour. The street was buzzing with tourists, and we spotted a long queue snaking into the Harry Potter museum. The colourful shopfronts instantly caught my eye, so vibrant and unique that the whole street felt like something lifted straight from a film set. It's one of those places that's just made for Instagram, and you can easily spot it from a distance thanks to its rainbow-like facades.
After a few moments wandering around, we decided to jump on the hop-on hop-off bus. This was a great way to circle Edinburgh's main attractions without having to plan too much. The beauty of it is that you can hop off whenever something catches your eye.
Naturally, the stop that drew me in was the Royal Mile. When I started researching places to visit, this street kept coming up over and over, so I knew I had to see it for myself. The cobbled stretch was alive with energy, rows of shops selling souvenirs, the majestic St Giles' Cathedral, and even a popular attraction that was so in demand it had been fully booked weeks ahead. Adding to the atmosphere were lively street performers, from musicians to the unmistakable sound of the Scottish bagpipes filling the air.
Scott Monument
The next highlight on our bus route was the Scott Monument, one of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks. The bus drove past it at first, but I knew I had to hop off and see it up close. Standing tall and gothic against the city skyline, it's a striking sight in the middle of Princes Street Gardens.
What I loved most wasn't just the monument itself, but the atmosphere around it. Locals and tourists alike were sitting on the grass enjoying their lunches, while others met up with friends and family nearby. With bustling high street shops just across the road, the whole area felt lively and welcoming.
National Museum of Scotland
After soaking up the atmosphere around the Scott Monument, we hopped back on the bus and soon arrived at the National Museum of Scotland. Conveniently, the stop was right outside. The best part? It's completely free to enter and open to the public. Inside, the exhibits cover just about everything from dinosaurs, technology, world cultures, Scottish history, science, and so much more. What really stood out to me was how interactive it all was. It's not just for history buffs or museum lovers. It's genuinely fun for both adults and kids, with plenty of hands-on activities and displays.
Kebabish Original
To end our first day in Edinburgh, we treated ourselves to dinner at Kebabish Original. A restaurant well-known for its kebabs. This wasn't your typical takeaway, it had a surprisingly boujee vibe, with stylish interiors that felt more like fine dining than fast food. We ordered the mixed grill, along with a few other dishes (which I'll save for another post 😉). Everything we tried was delicious, hearty, and the perfect way to recharge after a full day of exploring the city.
Laila Cafe
We started our second day in Edinburgh with breakfast at Laila Café, a spot I'd seen all over TikTok and Instagram. The cafe itself looked stylish and welcoming, though it definitely felt like one of those trendy places where you pay a little extra for the hype. For drinks, we ordered a Chai Latte and the beautifully presented Ruby Rose. To eat, we went for shakshouka and French toast. The French toast was delicious, as the bread was soft, fluffy, and indulgent, but overall, the portions felt a bit small for the price.
Edinburgh Castle
After breakfast, we made our way up to Edinburgh Castle. We ended up buying our tickets from the hop-on hop-off bus staff for £20, since online tickets for the day were already sold out. A quick tip for anyone planning a visit: the castle sits atop a steep hill, and there are lots of stairs and uphill paths to reach the top. If you're travelling with older people or anyone with knee or mobility issues, be prepared. I did see some visitors taking breaks or waiting before continuing because the climb can be long and tiring. Luckily, we were fine, but it's definitely something to keep in mind when planning your day.
Once at the top, though, all the effort is worth it. The views over the city and surrounding landscapes are simply stunning. The castle itself is packed with history to explore. Also, a fun fact, they kept the walkway like this, as this is how it was centuries ago. Inside the castle, you will see a bit of history, what they used during the time of defence, what it was like inside, and where they were buried, etc.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
After exploring the castle, we decided to check out the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, which is conveniently located nearby. We spent about an hour here, and it turned out to be a surprisingly fun experience. If you haven't been to one before, I'd definitely recommend it. There are lots of interactive exhibits, optical illusions, and quirky displays that make it a playful break from traditional sightseeing. Since we had a bit of time to spare, it was the perfect spontaneous stop, sometimes the unplanned activities end up being the most memorable!
After the Museum of Illusions, we hopped on the bus to Dynamic Earth. I had actually experienced something similar in Houston, but I wanted my wife to see it for herself. The main attraction is the immersive dome experience, with a short film projected on screens all around you. It was definitely cool and different, though I felt it was quite similar to what I'd seen in Houston. Still, it was a fun, short experience to mix up the day.
Just nearby is Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. We didn't go inside, but from the outside, it was impressive. A beautiful spot to admire and take photos while walking around the area.
Ghost Bus Tour
To conclude our Edinburgh adventure, we took the Ghost Bus Tour, which was highly recommended to me. It's a mix of spooky and funny, with the host sharing ghost stories as the bus winds through different parts of the city. At first, the stories are told while driving around, aiming to either spook you or make you laugh (sometimes both!). The tour includes a stop at a cemetery, where the guide shared chilling tales like how junior doctors once used bodies from the dead for anatomy lessons. The entire experience lasts roughly an hour, and it's a unique and entertaining way to see another side of Edinburgh to conclude the trip.
To wrap up our trip in Edinburgh, we treated ourselves to breakfast at the well-known Dishoom. This place is popular, and queues form quickly during the day, but we visited a bit later in the morning during work hours and were lucky enough to get a seat straight away.
We ordered Chole Puri Halwa and Kejriwal. Both were delicious: the Kejriwal was fried eggs on chilli cheese toast, perfectly savoury and indulgent, while the Chole Puri Halwa was a delightful mix of chickpeas, sweet flavours, pickles, and one puri, a truly satisfying combination. It was the perfect way to end our Edinburgh adventure on a high note.
Edinburgh Extras
Whenever I plan a trip, I like to create a detailed itinerary. Once we arrive, we follow it to make the most of our time. This way, you avoid wandering and missing out on must-see spots. Unless, of course, your goal is to simply relax at a resort!
During my 3-day stay. I managed to cover quite a lot, including Edinburgh Zoo and the Alpine Coaster, along with all the main city attractions. From my experience, three days is more than enough to explore Edinburgh comfortably. Giving you time to see the highlights, enjoy some good food, and soak in the city's unique atmosphere.
Here are the highly rated places that were on my list, but I didn't get a chance to visit:
