Being from the States and living in different cities (and countries) over the years, I’ve accumulated friends from all over and fortunately a few of our paths every now and again. When I’m lucky enough to have them come visit me, I like to roll out all the stops. I love having guests! I love hosting. I love celebrating. I just love having friends visit, especially when they’ve never been to Edinburgh. It’s fun showing off the city I live in and love, so I definitely like to make a plan to ensure I take them to all my favorite places and they get a flavor for Edinburgh as a tourist AND as a local.
Obviously I ask my guests what they would be interested in (this is a democracy, people), but if it were totally up to me and I flexed my dictating muscles, this is the weekend itinerary I would suggest!
We’ll start with Friday early evening. A cool, brisk, chilly—any other pleasant ways to say Edinburgh is not hot in the summer—night.
FRIDAY PM
DINNER || The Cumberland Bar– this is a local pub that has great food and a nice outside seating area. It’s the perfect place to chill after traveling, or maybe just a long week, and start off the weekend with British cuisine. I recommend their fish and chips. Super fresh!
Maybe have a pint, otherwise, get ready for the busiest day tomorrow!
SATURDAY AM
BREAKFAST || Urban Angel– I’ve mentioned this café in my New Town faves post, but it’s definitely a place I take guests. Start the day off with my favorite eggs benedict with bacon.
ACTIVITIES || (in order and along the ROYAL MILE)
- HOLYROOD PALACE- this is a tourist attraction worth the money. It’s a beautiful piece of property, and the history is actually interesting. And this is coming from someone who isn’t too fussed over museums and usually needs to caffeinate before and after.
- ST GILES CATHEDRAL- even if you’re not religious, it’s still beautiful.
LUNCH || ST GILES CAFÉ– it’s a small place just off the Royal Mile across from the Cathedral, so it’s a nice halfway point between the activities to grab something.
- CASTLE- This is the point in the tour I peace out and let my guests go through the castle and I sit and work in a café because how many times can a girl see the same castle? Some people may disagree but to me the castle isn’t totally worth it, either. It takes quite a long time to go through the whole thing, and while it’s very castle-y, I’d rather spend time walking around the city than being inside dark rooms for two hours. Holyrood Palace would be my preference between the two. But if you like castles, go for it! The view at the top is pretty, I have to admit.
Photo by Claudel Rheault on Unsplash
- VICTORIA STREET- after the castle, I’d head down Victoria Street, which is just a pretty little street that leads to the GRASSMARKET area. Grassmarket has a bunch of old pubs. It can be quite touristy, but the pubs will have live music so it can be a nice place to grab a pint before calling it a day for dinner.
DINNER || CHAOPHRAYA– another one of my favorites. It’s good Thai food with a serious view of the castle. Call ahead for reservations for a table with a view!
DRINKS || HOOT THE REDEEMER, LUCKY LIQUOR, AND PANDA & SONS– Saturday is the perfect night to take guests out to the cool cocktail bars Edinburgh has to offer. These three are my favorite, offering interesting cocktails and cool vibes. All in New Town and within walking distance from each other.
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST || CUCKOOS BAKERY– if my guest isn’t too tired, I’ll suggest we go for scrabbled eggs and cupcakes at this bakery. Weird combination, but you can’t escape this place without a cupcake!
ARTHUR’S SEAT/CALTON HILL || I’ll give my guest the option of a sort of hike up Arthur’s Seat or a casual walk up Calton Hill. Both give great views of the city and you can’t leave Edinburgh without the views.
STOCKBRIDGE MARKET || This is one of my favorite Sunday activities and an easy lunch. Stockbridge is lovely in general for a stroll with coffee in hand. Maybe we will even drift off to the BOTANIC GARDENS.
DINNER || THE RAEBURN– to finish off the weekend, I’d take us all the way down Stockbridge until you hit The Raeburn, which is a hotel with an amazing restaurant. It’s a little bit pricey, but a Sunday roast would just round off the weekend nicely.
Hopefully this has helped anyone interested in visiting Edinburgh narrow some things down if you only have a limited time to enjoy the city! Comment below any other suggestions or feel free to ask about anything and I’ll try to give recommendations!
Thanks for reading,
Ashley
The British American 