If you are just staying for a couple of days and want to make sure not to miss the highlights of the city, here is a short list of key things to do:

• Visit Edinburgh Castle (book in advance!)

• Walk around the Royal Mile and the old town

• Climb Calton Hill

• If motivated, hike up Arthur's seat for stunning views

• Go to the pub!

Edinburgh is a fantastic city brimming with history, culture, and vibrant life! 

You can basically walk everywhere but if needed there is good public transport (bus and tram, we recommend to use the app City Mapper) and taxi/uber available. 

To do: 

• Edinburgh Castle: Dominating the skyline, this iconic fortress offers breathtaking city views and a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's royal past. Explore the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the historic war memorials (remember to book in advance!)

• Palace of Holyroodhouse: The King's official residence in Scotland, this palace is steeped in history, from Mary Queen of Scots to modern-day royalty. Tour the State Apartments, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and the beautiful gardens.

• The Royal Mile: This historic street stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace and is lined with shops, pubs, restaurants, and historic buildings. Take your time wandering and soaking up the atmosphere.

• St. Giles' Cathedral: Known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, this impressive cathedral boasts stunning stained glass and intricate architecture. Look up to admire the Thistle Chapel ceiling.

• For whisky lovers, the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes street offers a personalised whisky experience where you can explore the flavours of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh. 

• Walk around the Old Town: check the colourful Victoria street, go listen to live music in a pub on the Grassmarket, give a little boop to Greyfriars Bobby for good luck or take nice photos on the stairs of the Vennel Viewpoint with views of the Castle (any fans of 'One Day' TV show here?).

• Fan of Harry Potter? Go check The Elephant House, the café where J.K.Rowling wrote much of the early books (unfortunately closed for now after a fire in 2021, but is expected to reopen), or try spot well known names (Potter, Black, McGonagall...) on the tombs in the Greyfriars Kirkyard, from where you can also have a peek at George Heriot's School said to have inspired the 4 houses of Hogwarts. Victoria street is also said to be an inspiration behind Diagon Alley. 

• Calton Hill: For panoramic views of the city, climb Calton Hill. Explore the iconic National Monument, the Nelson Monument, and the City Observatory.

• Museums: The Scottish National Gallery, The Scottish National Portrait Gallery and The Scottish National Museum: and they're all free!

• Climb Arthur's Seat: Hike up this extinct volcano for stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside (another filming location of the TV show 'One Day'). 

• Enjoy a Traditional Scottish Pub Meal: Sample local delicacies like haggis, neeps, and tatties, or enjoy a hearty pub lunch. See just below where to eat and drink in Edinburgh! Make sure to have a drink of Irn-Bru, most sold soda in Scotland (the only place in the world where Coke is not #1!). 

• Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Escape the city bustle and explore a diverse collection of plants from around the world.

• Walk around the picturesque Dean Village.

• Spend some time in the cute neighbourhood of Stockbridge for nice pictures on Circus Lane, a pint in a cute little pub or a meal in a trendy restaurant.

• Walk along Princes street and admire the Scott monument, on your way to do some shopping in the New Town.

• If you have extra time you can take a walk by the beach and enjoy the great pubs and restaurants of Portobello. Or check the trendy neighbourhood of Leith with its nice collection of bars an restaurants and the little harbour of Leith Docks. You can also check the Royal Britannia Boat nearby.

• For a bit of fun you can book tickets for Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh's oldest visitor attraction, filled with colourful puzzles, games and optical illusions, and an amazing rooftop terrace.

Pubs:

• The Joly Judge - a cosy conventional pub near the castle at the top of the Royal Mile

• The Last Drop - atmospheric pub on the Grassmarket serving a range of real ales and Scottish dishes next to the old execution site

• Finnegan's Wake - spacious Irish pub on Victoria Street with buzzing atmosphere and live music

• Standing Order - a cheap and cheerful spoons in an old bank building on George Street

• Three Sisters - a student favourite sports bar on Cowgate with live music and a large beer garden, open to 3am

• The St Vincent - small cute pub in Stockbridge off Circus Lane (drinks only)

Bars:

• Panda&Sons - speak easy cocktail bar hidden behind a barber shop on Queen Street

• St Bernard's Bar - cosy quirky cocktail bar in the heart of Stockbridge 

• Cafe Royal - beautiful old fashioned Victorian building with an oyster bar at the back

Cafes:

• Black Medicine - cosy cafe on South Bridge with natural wood decor serving good coffee, snacks and light lunches

• The Milkman - an independant speciality coffee shop in the heart of the old town on Cockburn Street

• Starbucks on Princes Street - upstairs seating offering views on the Castle

Lunch/brunch:

• Snax Cafe - 2 locations, great for simple and cheap Scottish style breakfast or lunch on the go (think traditional fry-up)

• Oink - 3 locations including one on the colouful Victoria street - famous Scottish hog roast in a roll

• The Pantry - cute brunch spot in Stockbridge near Circus Lane

• Edinburgh Larder - relaxed cafe serving breakfast and lunch using local seasonal produce

Dinner:

• Ragu - good pasta on George Street and sister restaurant of Sugo in Glasgow (see our Glasgow guide here)

• The basement - vibrant cellar bar serving Mexican food options

• Bonnie and Wild - food court in the St James' Quarter serving a variety of cuisines 

• Bertie's Proper Fish&Chips - stylish fish and chips restaurant on Victoria Street offering hearty classics

• Vietnam house - family run authentic Vietnamese restaurant 

• Gurkha Cafe - rustic dining room serving traditional Nepalese dishes

• Fazenda Rodizio - traditional Brazilian restaurant on George Street with unlimited grilled meats served to the table 

• Dishoom - our personal favourite Indian restaurant chain - just like in London prepare to queue (or book in advance!)

Rosslyn Chapel - 50 min bus - This beautiful 15th-century chapel, known for its exquisite carvings and mysterious symbolism, is a key location in The Da Vinci Code.  

Stirling - 50 min train - to visit the imposing castle and stroll around the charming streets of the town centre.

St Andrews - 1h train to Leuchars then 10 min bus to St Andrews - home of the oldest golf course in the world, the golf museum, a beautiful Cathedral and Castle. You can also walk around St Andrews University where Kate and William met!

Glasgow - 1h05 train - check our Glasgow guide here