48 Hours in Edinburgh: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Eat!

Essential Visitor Info for 48 Hours in Edinburgh

How To Get to Edinburgh

• Edinburgh has its own airport which is located approximately 25-30 minutes from the city center. From there an express bus runs to and from the city every 10 minutes and costs from £3.50 per single journey or from £6 return. A private taxi (up to 8 people) between the airport and central hotels will cost around $18, which may be a better option if you have lots of luggage or are traveling in a group. This is also a tram between the airport and city (York Place) with multiple stops along the way. A one way journey takes approximately 13 minutes and costs £3.50.
• You can also arrive by train into the heart of the city.

How to Get Around Edinburgh

• Edinburgh is a compact city which is easy to navigate on foot and is serviced by both buses and trams for those who prefer not to walk – or get caught out in Edinburgh’s changeable weather!

When to Visit Edinburgh (Climate + High/Low Seasons)

• Let’s face it, no-one is headed to Scotland for the weather. Edinburgh has the typical northern hemisphere seasons: Spring (March – May), Summer (June – August), Autumn (September – November) & Winter (December – February). The best times to spend a weekend in Edinburg for ‘optimal’ (but by no means great) weather is Spring and Summer.
  
• Edinburgh is particularly busy over the New Year (26 Dec – 4 Jan) and Fringe Festival (August) periods, along with the UK summer school holidays which falls in July, August and the start of September.

Grassmarket

Just off the Royal Mile is an area called the Grassmarket. The Grassmarket is home to lots of cafes, restaurants and bars as well as a very popular vintage shop called Armstrongs (one of three around the city).

To get to the Grassmarket from the Royal Mile head down the curve of colorful Victoria Street (where lies my number one choice of club, Espionage, four floors of pure cheese and it’s free, every Scot’s favorite word!) or walk along George IV Bridge and say hello to Grayfriars Bobby and the Elephant Cafe (it’s loo has been made famous by JK Rowling, the Harry Potter author). 

RELATED: Calling all Potterheads – read this to find out about all the Harry Potter Locations in Edinburgh

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Hike Arthur’s Seat

One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday morning to blow away the hangover induced cobwebs is to walk up Arthur’s Seat just behind the Scottish Parliament. This easy one hour hike offers 360, beautiful views across the city and beyond with a bird’s eye view of the Scottish Parliament and the Holyrood area.

Holyrood House (Holyrood Palace + Holyrood Gardens) – which make up the Royal accommodation in Scotland, is also in this area for Queen Elizabeth enthusiasts.

Calton Hill

An even shorter trail can be found just off Edinburgh’s famous shopping precinct, Princes Street. This 5 minute walk (uphill, with a rail to support those who may struggle) provides panoramic views of Edinburgh, overlooking Princess Street with Edinburgh Castle in the distance. Particularly lovely and busy at dusk (yes we do get the sun sometimes). The National Monument of Scotland and Nelson Monument can be found here also. It’s easily of the best things to do in Edinburgh.

Leith

Leith is a neighbourhood in Edinburgh which feels like a village in the city. Cute shops, cool bars and packed restaurants are built around the waters of Leith. The Royal Yacht Britannia is docked in Leith close to the shopping centre, Ocean Terminal. There are many nice walks around the waters of Leith which take you to other areas of Edinburgh and back into the centre of the city. To get to Leith, head down Leith Walk from the Calton Hill end of Princess Street. Watch out for the growing street art scene in the area. 

Edinburgh – City of Festivals

Wondering what to see in Edinburgh? The Fringe Festival should be at the top of your list!

Edinburgh’s most popular festival takes place in August for three weeks. The arts Festival Fringe doesn’t just take over Edinburgh, it becomes the city. With over 50,459 performances of 3,314 shows in 313 venues there is something for every taste from comedy, to music, burlesque and theater. The Fringe also meets every budget with ‘free’ shows (paid through by tip) and half price tickets to get bums on seats, this electric festival really is not to be missed.

Fancy it? Here’s my local’s guide to the Festival Fringe, see you there in August! The Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs every night of the Festival too, shows take place at Edinburgh Castle and end in an explosion of fireworks – It is one of the most fun things to do in Edinburgh!

However, the Fringe is not the only festival in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Festivals put on a calendar of events throughout the year and other festivals include the Jazz and Blues Festival, Scottish International Storytelling Festival and of course, the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the world… Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party. Read all about the 11 Major Edinburgh Festivals here.

RELATED: Festival Fan? You’ll love this list: 35 of the Best Festivals and Cultural Events Throughout The World.

Where to Stay for 2 Days in Edinburgh

• Luxury Stay ($300+ per night): The Chester Residence (5*) Guests staying at The Chester Residence can enjoy the stylish apartments that offer a kitchenette, a mini bar and movies-on-demand. They feature tea and coffee making facilities, an in-room safe, newspapers and free wifi throughout.
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• Mid-Range Stays ($200-300 per night): Fountain Court Apartments (4*) The hip apartments have movies-on-demand, a kitchenette and a refrigerator. They all feature an in-room safe, tea and coffee making facilities and wireless internet access.
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• Budget Stays ($150-200 per night): Haymarket Apartments 
  7 Apartments complete with modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable stay.
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• Backpacker Option: CODE POD Hostel
  Centrally located, CODE – POD Hostel Edinburgh allows for easy access to Edinburgh’s main sightseeing and retail areas. It also offers a laundry service, free Wi-Fi and even a hair salon(!)
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