Itinerary: Two Days in Edinburgh
View of Victoria St. in Edinburgh, Scotland
I spent six weeks in Edinburgh doing a patisserie course, between November and December. You could say it’s the best weather season for Scotland. Jokes. Alas, Scotland defies all odds and looks even better in the gloom, and the holiday lights just serve to amplify it. It’s like a boss woman, she’ll show herself if she wants to but either way, she a stunna.
Though school took up most of my time during the week, and I adventured near and far every weekend, I dedicated two weekends simply to exploring the Edinburgh city center. Closing in on a casual 40,000 steps between two days, each weekend, here is what I’d recommend if you only have a single, jam-packed, weekend in the city:
Day 1: All around Edinburgh
Head to Dean’s Village to start your day. It’s a picturesque spot on the river that supposedly held as some inspiration behind Hogsmeade in Harry Potter. From here, walk along the Water of Leith towards Stockbridge. This charming little neighborhood is filled with bookshops, gift stores, bakeries, and coffee shops. My recommendations are:
Lannan Bakery - The cardamom bun, oh em gee. That bread is so soft and perfectly sweetened without being overdone. Another dream bakery with its simple offering while showing customers a peak into the kitchen.
Rare Birds Book Shop - The colorful bookstore of my dreams. This shop operates with the intention of celebrating and promoting women’s writing.
The Howdah Tea and Coffee Company - a family-run shop that’s an easy spot to rest your feet and grab a hot cup of something (plus a treat, of course).
Golden Hare Books - Another dream bookshop. I mean, there is a fireplace inside!
St. Stephen’s Street - After you pick up your next read at Golden Hare, stroll up and down this street as there are a lot of cool spots along it.
Circus Lane - Cute mew-lined street. If you enter from the direction of NW Circus Pl, the “view” is the best.
From Stockbridge, head up St. Vincent Street and bob and weave your way to Prince’s Street. There are a lot of boutique stores, restaurants, and stops to see along the way. Places of note include:
George Street
If you haven’t had enough bookstores - I mean, who has? - check out Waterstones before heading back to your stay. Or whatever else you’re up for doing, ok?
Day 2: Leith to Edinburgh
Wear your best walking shoes and start your day early, heading down to Leith. I began by taking the Lothian bus down to the port and then walked up to Leith Walk, which is the main strip of the area. There are a few little shops and a variety of food spots along the walk. I ventured into Argonaut Books, of course, because maybe I needed another book?! As well as Logan Malloch Ltd, a cute gift shop, and Good Vibes Neighbourhood Store & Studios, because I feel like a cool person when I go into a record store, even though I don’t have a record player (yet). Before leaving grab a treat at Hobz Bakery. Potentially the biggest pain au chocolat I’ve ever eaten.
From here, head down to the Black Medicine Coffee Co - the spot where JK Rowling wrote some of her first Harry Potter chapters. Afterward, continue your magical journey at Greyfriars Kirkyard and see if you can find some familiar names (good and bad). Walk towards Grassmarket Square for some people-watching (and the occasional market) before heading up Victoria Street - because we can never have enough curving, shop-lined streets. You can also walk up to the Vennel Viewpoint, from Grassmarket Square, for a cool shot of the castle if you’re feet are up for it ahead of walking Victoria Street. Then, work your way down to High Street for some live bagpipes, St. Giles Cathedral, and other noteworthy stops.
From the Royal Mile head down Cockburn Street for, you guessed it, more cobblestones, shops, and cafes, like The Milkman. To close it out, weave your way through the Princes Street Gardens and up to Scotts Monument for a beautiful view of the city across the gardens.
Elevate those feet tonight babyyy!
I said you’d be busy this weekend, didn’t I? Edinburgh is a stunning capital city offering so much in the way of history, art, and picturesque cobblestone streets. There’s a lot to cover in such a compact location so be ready to cover some ground to see as much of it as you can.
Tag @accentgolden if you hit up these spots when you’re visiting the city! I want to see all of your adventures.