What to Do in Edinburgh in a Few Days
After the wedding, I headed to Edinburgh—a city I’d always wanted to visit. And May turned out to be the perfect time to go! Edinburgh is one of those places that feels like a blend of history and magic. Even just walking around the city streets is a joy, surrounded by historic architecture and old-world charm. I hadn’t planned much before arriving, but thanks to a friend I met at the wedding (who had lived in Edinburgh for two years!), I was able to explore some amazing spots in just a few days.
If you’re planning a weekend trip or spending 2–3 days in Edinburgh, here are the must-see places I recommend!
Visit the Iconic Edinburgh Castle
First things first—Edinburgh Castle! You really can’t talk about the city without mentioning this historic landmark. It’s impressive from the outside — but even more massive and fascinating inside. I love visiting castles wherever I travel, and I have to say—Edinburgh Castle might be my favourite one so far.
There’s so much to explore inside—The Crown Room displays the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. The Royal Palace rooms are full of history, and the Great Hall—lined with medieval weapons and armor—felt like stepping back in time. One of the most memorable exhibits for me was the Prisons of War, a dark and powerful space that left a lasting impression.
Don’t Miss the One o’Clock Gun!
One of the first things you’ll notice is the One o’Clock Gun. It’s fired every day at 1pm (except Sundays and a few holidays). If you want to witness it, make sure you’re inside the castle or down at Princes Street Gardens around that time. It’s such a unique tradition!
Book Tickets in Advance
A quick tip: be sure to book your tickets online! I didn’t realise you had to buy tickets online — even if you’re standing right at the entrance! I missed the morning slot because it was sold out, but luckily managed to grab an evening ticket. To avoid missing out, definitely book in advance. You’ll want at least 2 hours to explore the castle properly. The views from the edge of the castle are incredible too—you can see the whole city from up there.
Relax at Princes Street Gardens
If you’re in the city centre and want a break, head to Princes Street Gardens. It’s a huge park right under the castle, filled with trees, flowers, and wide green spaces.
A Peaceful Spot with Castle Views: must-see spots in Edinburgh
This park is perfect for a picnic, reading a book, or just relaxing. You can even see the castle peeking out above the trees. It’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a capital city when you’re here.
After a bit of shopping, I grabbed a takeaway coffee and chilled in the gardens—the perfect place to wind down.
Stroll Through Colourful Victoria Street & Cockburn Street
From Edinburgh Waverley Station, it’s a short walk to Cockburn Street, and from there you’re surrounded by historic buildings, curving roads, and old-world charm. I arrived around sunset, and the lighting made everything look even more magical.
Harry Potter Vibes
Victoria Street feels like stepping into a Harry Potter movie. It’s full of colourful buildings and quirky little shops. No wonder it’s always packed with tourists trying to get the perfect photo—I was one of them!
Go Vintage Shopping in Edinburgh’s Old Town
Vintage shopping in the UK is always fun—and Edinburgh was no exception. You can even find Scottish kilts, like the ones I saw at the wedding. Great idea for a souvenir, right?
Armstrongs Vintage: A Must-Visit
My friend took us to Armstrongs Vintage, one of the oldest vintage stores in the UK. It opened in 1840 and is packed with treasures—from Burberry trench coats to old Levi’s. The whole shop has such a cool vibe, and just browsing is a blast.
Hike to Arthur’s Seat for the Best View of the City
Looking for the best view in Edinburgh? Hike up to Arthur’s Seat! I wasn’t expecting a full-on hike, especially on a hot sunny day, but it was totally worth it.
A Hilltop Hike with Wildflowers: Edinburgh highlights
We started near Holyrood Palace and passed St Margaret’s Loch before heading up. It took about 45 minutes to reach the top.
Oh, and random tip: there’s a Scottish Water Top-Up Tap near the Palace of Holyroodhouse. I happened to spot it before the hike and filled up my bottle—very handy!
I was honestly blown away by Arthur’s Seat. It’s rare to find a proper mountain hike right next to a city centre, but this one gives you 360° views of Edinburgh—from the sea to the castle. I didn’t expect it to be that stunning. We went in mid-May, and the yellow wildflowers were blooming everywhere.
I couldn’t believe this kind of scenery was just walking distance from the station. If you’re up for a bit of a climb (less than an hour!), it’s so worth it.
Arthur’s Seat vs. Calton Hill
If you’re short on time, Calton Hill is an easy alternative for a quick view. But if you can, I really recommend Arthur’s Seat. It feels more like a proper hike, and the views are absolutely next-level.
Final Thoughts: Edinburgh in Just a Few Days
Even with just 2–3 days, Edinburgh has so much to offer. It’s a beautiful mix of history, nature, and culture—all walkable and welcoming.
This whole Scotland trip felt like a dream. From the fairytale wedding at the castle to the coastal stop in Stonehaven, ended up in this lively, historic capital. I got to toast with my wedding friends in Edinburgh, sitting outside with beers and smiles. And unbelievably, it was sunny the whole 5 days! May might just be the best season to visit Scotland! I can’t wait to come back again and explore the Highlands next time.