Edinburgh Whats On This Weekend? An In-Depth Guide for Tourists

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city of beauty and history. With its dramatic skyline of medieval spires, cobbled streets and Georgian grandeur, it is a city like no other. The city has been inhabited for thousands of years, and its history has been shaped by centuries of kings, queens, and the many battles fought over it. It is the home of the Scottish Parliament, the seat of the monarchy, and the birthplace of many renowned authors, poets, and playwrights.

Today, Edinburgh is a vibrant and diverse city with a thriving cultural life. It is home to world-class museums, galleries, music venues, and a bustling nightlife. It is also renowned for its spectacular festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and Hogmanay. With so much to do and see in Edinburgh, it can be hard to know what to do if you’re only visiting for a weekend. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in Edinburgh this weekend.

Overview of the City

Edinburgh is a city full of fascinating history and culture. The city is divided into two parts: the Old Town and the New Town. The Old Town is built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Firth of Forth, and it is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings, including Edinburgh Castle and St Giles Cathedral. The New Town is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture and it was developed in the 18th century as an extension of the Old Town. Both parts of the city are full of iconic attractions, including the Scott Monument, Royal Mile, and Calton Hill.

Edinburgh is also known for its many parks and gardens, which provide an oasis of green amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. In addition to its many sights and attractions, Edinburgh is also renowned for its festivals. From comedy to dance, music to theatre – there’s something for everyone in Edinburgh during festival season.

What to Do This Weekend

When you’re visiting Edinburgh for the weekend, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here are some of the best activities in the city:

Visit Edinburgh Castle

A visit to Edinburgh Castle is an absolute must-do if you’re visiting Edinburgh for the weekend. Perched atop an extinct volcano overlooking the city, this iconic fortress is one of Scotland’s most iconic buildings. Inside, you’ll find a fascinating array of historical artifacts and structures, including St Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh), the Honours of Scotland (the oldest crown jewels in Europe), and the One O’Clock Gun (which has been fired daily since 1861). You can also enjoy stunning views from atop the battlements, as well as witness traditional ceremonies such as the firing of the cannons at noon each day.

Explore the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets. Stretching from Edinburgh Castle at one end to Holyrood Palace at the other, it is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Along the way, you’ll find iconic landmarks such as St Giles Cathedral and John Knox House, as well as many quaint shops and cafes. Be sure to take your time exploring – you never know what you might find!

Shop at Princes Street

If you’re looking for a bit of retail therapy while in Edinburgh, then Princes Street is the place to go. This bustling street is full of popular high street stores as well as independent boutiques and souvenir shops. Whether you’re looking for gifts or just want a browse around some of the city’s most popular stores – you’ll find it all on Princes Street.

Go on a Sightseeing Bus Tour

If you’re short on time but want to see as much of Edinburgh as possible, then why not take a sightseeing bus tour? You can explore all that Edinburgh has to offer from the comfort of your seat on an open-top bus tour. Tours usually last around two hours, and they provide an informative commentary as you drive past all of the city’s main attractions.

Experience Edinburgh’s Nightlife

Edinburgh has a fantastic nightlife scene that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for traditional pubs or trendy bars, live music or club nights – there’s something for everyone in Edinburgh after dark. From bustling streets full of nightclubs such as Lothian Road to intimate jazz venues like The Jazz Bar – there’s plenty to explore when it comes to Edinburgh’s nightlife.

Popular Tours

In addition to exploring Edinburgh on your own, there are also plenty of popular tours that are worth considering if you’re visiting the city for the weekend. Here are two popular tours that are great for visitors looking to get an in-depth look at Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour

Discover all that Edinburgh Castle has to offer on this two-hour guided walking tour. You’ll learn all about the castle’s fascinating history as you explore its grounds with an expert guide. You’ll visit all of its most iconic landmarks such as St Margaret’s Chapel and the Honours of Scotland, as well as get the chance to witness a traditional canon firing ceremony from atop the battlements. Get your tickets here.

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

Explore Edinburgh’s darker side with this spine-tingling ghost tour. You’ll discover haunted buildings and mysterious tales about witches, body snatchers and vampires with an expert guide. Throughout your tour, you’ll be taken on eerie walks through some of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric streets and alleyways – so keep your wits about you! Get your tickets here.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is a vibrant and beautiful city with plenty to explore over one weekend – from its historic attractions to its vibrant nightlife scene. Whether you’re looking to explore its iconic sights on foot or take a guided tour – there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to spending your weekend in Edinburgh. We hope this post has given you some ideas about what to do in Edinburgh this weekend, so start planning your trip today!