A Weekend in Scotland
Our suggested itinerary to make the most out of two days in Scotland..
Whether it’s your first time in Scotland, or a returning visit, we’ve written up our recommendations for a memorable weekend trip to Scotland.
Let’s start with what we wouldn’t recommend doing with only two days here:
First, a trip to the Highlands.
Yes, it is magnificent. And iconic! But assuming you arrive in any of the major cities, a vast majority of your precious time here would be spent on the road. We’d recommend saving it for a longer visit when you have time to fully appreciate and explore.
Second, visit Glasgow.
Now don’t misunderstand us! Glasgow has a lot to offer, especially if you’re into art, music and urban lifestyle in general. But it does have a typical city atmosphere that you will find in other European or British cities. And personally, we believe your limited time is better spent elsewhere.
Edinburgh, on the other hand, is different. Whilst it’s also a city, and a capital city at that, the Old Town in particular feels more like a village. Like Italy’s Venice, Edinburgh is Scotland’s magical and totally unique city.
It’s a special place, which is why our day one recommendation for a weekend in Scotland starts here..
Day 1: Edinburgh
Let us start by saying this guide is not a tick-list of touristy things to do in the city. There are plenty of great articles online that will give you the top 10 things to do, such as Edinburgh Castle etc.
These are our personal recommendations for pleasant, authentic alternatives, usually away from the crowds.
So what is the best thing to do in Edinburgh (according to us)? Simply wander around and take it all in. Edinburgh is a wonderful city to explore on foot, and you’ll have a great time discovering hidden gem alleyways and historical architecture by simply meandering the cobbled streets (providing you’re wearing comfortable footwear that is!).
We would strongly recommend to wake up early and hit the best spots before others have risen. A sunrise stroll around the Old Town is memorable. It’s also the best time to walk the Royal Mile, as it tends to get quite crowded later on in the day.
A good starting point is ‘The Vennel’, which offers one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle. And if you’re early enough, you’ll likely enjoy the scene all to yourself!
You won’t regret waking up early to experience the capital slowly coming out of slumber..
All of this walking might make you hungry! For an authentic Scottish breakfast we would recommend the Edinburgh Larder, located at 15 Blackfriars Street, for locally sourced food in the heart of Edinburgh Old Town.
The area is also home to some brilliant Scottish artisans if you fancy some authentic shopping once you’ve finished your breakfast.
The Scottish Textiles Showcase is a good place to start. You will find designer pieces and products made in Scotland, such as Elizabeth Martin tweed coats or Collingwood-Norris’ book ‘Visible Creative Mending for knitwear’.
Cross the street and you can step into Mackenzie Leather Edinburgh’s showroom and workshop. You can watch the team crafting their signature leather goods as you browse for your next heirloom bag or belt. The smell and the talent on show is worth a visit!
Edinburgh is also a great city for coffee lovers like us, so we would recommend grabbing a takeaway cup from The Milkman on Cockburn Street, or La Barantine on Victoria Street (if you fancy an authentic French croissant as well!). Both options will take you to incredibly beautiful streets; the designer of Cockburn Street actually took inspiration from Victoria Street in order to link the Old Town to the New Town, which is our next destination..
Edinburgh New Town is not that new. The construction started in 1767 and it was built for and by the richest Edinburgh residents to escape the overcrowded Old Town.
It’s another great area to simply walk around and get lost. You can actually get lost, as the district is a maze of beautiful, but very similar looking, buildings.
On a rainy day we would recommend sheltering in the National Portrait Gallery, which showcases classic and contemporary portraits. The building itself is quite magnificent also.
On a dry day we would recommend aiming straight for Stockbridge, a prosperous neighbourhood where you’ll find all sorts of local shops and food stops, as well as iconic streets like Circus Lane.
We would recommend picking up a Scotch egg from Mellis Cheese and a Swedish pastry from Soderberg.
This will give you sustenance for the next part of your Edinburgh exploration, taking the beautiful footpath through Dean Gardens to Dean Village.
Dean Gardens is a wooded walk that follows the Water of Leith river. It’s a gorgeous retreat, and often causes you to forget you’re still in the heart of a capital city!
This short but inspiring walk will take you to Dean Village, the old baker’s village, that once-upon-a-time sat on the outskirts of Edinburgh. It is now just 7 minutes away from Princes Street. Walk around and step back in time!
After all of those steps and sights, we recommend heading back to the Old Town for a candlelit dinner at Under the Stairs, or Contini Cannonball for an impressive evening view over Edinburgh Castle.
For more recommendations tailored to a couples trip to Edinburgh, read our Guide to Edinburgh, for Couples post.
Day 2: A trip to the Scottish countryside
Scotland is not huge, but it still takes time to get around. And if you only have one day to venture outside of the city, you want to make the most of it. We have the perfect recommendation for you to still experience the great Scottish countryside, without having to spend hours on the road..
The Scottish Borders.
It’s our home, and the best kept secret in Scotland. It’s a wonderful destination, but especially so if you are short on time, or simply want to experience a different, serene Scotland. There are fewer visitors, milder weather conditions (usually!), lochs and waterfalls, rolling hills and ancient castles.
And best of all, it’s close to Edinburgh..
We have two different day trip recommendations, depending on whether you’re driving or using public transport.
If you’re travelling by train
A trip to the Scottish Borders only takes an hour by train. Jump on the Tweedbank line from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at the last stop.
From the train station you can take a shuttle bus (or a taxi) to one of our favourite local destinations, Abbotsford House.
Abbotsford House was the beloved home of the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. You can visit the interior of the house and immerse yourself in the life of the poet. The walled garden is spectacular, and the walk along the bank of the river Tweed is a delight - and will make you really feel like a local!
The cafe serves great food if you’d like to have lunch overlooking the house. But our next recommendation offers fantastic food options too.
For the second half of the day you can book a taxi to take you to the small but flourishing town of Melrose.
Melrose is a quintessential Scottish countryside town. Its historic prosperity comes in part from the beautiful ancient Abbey, located in the heart of the town. One of the four iconic Borders Abbeys; Kelso, Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Melrose.
There’s also a secret orchard at Priorwood Gardens, traditional sweets and ice cream at Simply Delicious, and a plethora of local craft and gift shops.
If that wasn’t enough to make you want to visit, you will also find incredible food and coffee at Apples for Jam and Twelve Triangles.
The Roman museum, Trimontium is also a great rainy day activity, or you can shop for some locally made knitwear at Eribé.
If you’re travelling by car
Abbotsford and Melrose can easily be done by car too, of course. But if you do choose to rent a vehicle for your second day in Scotland we would recommend going slightly further afield and exploring the great outdoors. To an area that we like to call the ‘mini Highlands’..
A scenic 1 hour 20 minute drive will guide you to St Mary’s Loch.
From there you can explore the area and discover lochs, rivers, waterfalls and lots of sheep!
And if you are into hiking, the Loch Skeen walk is particularly spectacular.
The area is wild and remote. You can find public toilets at St Mary’s loch, but the nearest food or services can be found at the nearby town of Moffat. We like eating at Hugo’s or The Black Bull Inn. The Star Hotel, the Narrowest hotel in the world, also serves decent pub food.
Bonus: A memorable photoshoot experience!
If you didn’t know, we offer relaxed, romantic and meaningful photoshoots to couples visiting Scotland. And the Scottish Borders countryside is the perfect setting! We’re experts in the area, and guide our couples to the best spots to photograph real memories. It’s the best way to bring home beautiful keepsakes of your time in Scotland together.
Visit our website to learn more!
That’s all for this week!
We hope this post will help you make the most of a quick trip to Scotland. If you’re unsure what time of year is best to visit, read our post Which Season is Best to Visit Scotland?
From Scotland, with love,
Rose and Julien