Wouldn’t it be nice to escape for the weekend and enjoy a Saturday evening in another city? Or how about in another country? If an Edinburgh weekender’s on your bucket list, check out our local Ildiko’s tips on how to best fill your 48 hours in the Scottish capital.
Saturday:
1. Treat yourself to something sweet at Mademoiselle Macaron
Kick-start your weekend with a great cup of coffee and a delicious sweet treat. This wee pâtisserie welcomes you with its très chic Parisian décor and mouth-watering macarons in every colour of the rainbow. The variety of flavours on offer is amazing: early grey, lavender, Hendrick’s gin, Innis & Gunn beer… You’ll simply be spoilt for choice.
Photo credit: Julien Haler
2. Join the SANDEMANs free city walking tour
Once you’re done stuffing yourself silly at Mademoiselle Macaron, get to know the city on the SANDEMANs free three-hour walking tour. The fun and friendly local guides will lead you to the most important landmarks in the Old Town and share exciting stories about philosophers, ghosts, grave robbers, body snatchers and murderers, amongst them the real Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This tour runs twice daily in any weather at 11 am and 2 pm.
Photo credit: Werner Bayer
3. Take a break Dunbar’s Close Garden
Once you’re done with the free walking tour, grab a sandwich and head to this serene little sanctuary hidden down a narrow close just off Edinburgh’s busy Royal Mile. It’s a beautiful 17th-century garden that’s divided into three intimate parterres. Locals love to come here to eat lunch, read a book and catch some sunshine. A word of advice: enter the garden confidently to avoid being followed by a group of curious tourists with flashing cameras.
Photo credit: Nigel’s Europe and beyond
4. See world-class contemporary art at the Fruitmarket Gallery
Ideally located next to Waverly station at the edge of the Old Town, this charming little gallery aims to make contemporary art accessible to everyone. Stop by to admire works by both local and international artists. It’s worth checking the schedule on their website before you visit as they regularly host design markets, artist talks, educational events and workshops for kids.
Photo credit: Edinburgh Blog
5. Climb Calton Hill for panoramic city views
After visiting Dunbar’s Close Garden and the Fruitmarket Gallery, make your way to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Calton Hill for beautiful 360-degree views. Founded in 1724, it’s one of the oldest public parks in the country. At its peak there are several historic monuments, including an unfinished replica of the Parthenon. It’s a great place to watch the sunset.
Photo credit: GB_1984
6. Sip quirky cocktails at Panda & Sons
Panda & Sons is the perfect place to end your Saturday in Edinburgh. This modern-day speakeasy offers an eclectic assortment of classic and quirky cocktails, along with beer and wine. Their signature “Birdcage” cocktail, a spicy whiskey-based concoction served under a glass dome and shrouded in smoke, is as delicious as it is theatrical. Prefer a classic gin and tonic? Try their “Super Tonic”!
Their signature Birdcage cocktail (on the right). Photo credit: Panda & Sons
Sunday:
1. Start your day at Stockbridge Market
Stockbridge Market is the Sunday sister of Edinburgh’s Saturday Farmers Market. It takes place in a quaint little park beside the Water of Leith. Although the trading area is rather small, there’s always a great selection of local suppliers. Stallholders offer a wide range of products from baked goods, crêpes and coffee to fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables. You’ll even find a couple of stalls selling handcrafted soaps and jewellery.
Photo credit: gnomonic
2. Stop by Lovecrumbs for some tea and cake
Back in 2012 two ladies who love to bake decided, more or less on a whim, to open their very own cake café. They went to a car boot sale, bought some quirky furniture and mismatched crockery and set up shop in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Their wardrobe display is full of delectable sweet treats including tarts, scones, Florentines, biscuits, brownies and, of course, cakes. If you have a sweet tooth, Lovecrumbs deserves the top spot on your list.
Photo credit: Lovecrumbs
3. Take a walk in Edinburgh’s exquisite Royal Botanic Garden
Regardless of the season, the Royal Botanic Garden is a great place to take a relaxing walk, enjoy some fresh air and simply admire nature’s beauty. There’s always something in bloom, though the colours are especially rich in autumn. Entrance to the garden is free, while there’s a small entry fee for the glasshouses.
Photo credit: Horia Varlan
4. Try “pot-tails” (teapot cocktails) at Roseleaf
This place serves a neat selection of crafty cocktails in chintzy teapots. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the detour. Plus, you’ll pass the picturesque Leith shore on the way. My favourite pot-tail is “In the Ghetto” – a divine Prosecco-based drink with amaretto, squished raspberries and mint leaves. It feels so innocent sipping champers from a porcelain teacup! Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Photo credit: pathlost
5. Enjoy a romantic dinner at The Gardener’s Cottage
The Gardener’s Cottage isn’t your typical Edinburgh restaurant. Guests sit together at communal candlelit tables to enjoy a five-course set menu. It’s perfectly located in an historic cottage at the foot of Calton Hill, away from the tourists and bustle of Leith Walk. The menu changes daily, so take a look at their Facebook page or website to get an idea of what’s on offer.
Photo credit: Ildiko Rusvai
6. Get a taste of Scottish history at Cafe Royal
Cafe Royal is located just five minutes’ walk from Waverly Station. Luckily it’s also quite well hidden, making it more difficult for tourists to find. When you step inside it’s as if you’ve travelled back in time. With sumptuous Victorian-era décor, a magical old-world atmosphere and a tempting selection of Scottish ales and single malt whiskies, it’s the perfect place to end your Edinburgh weekender. Head to the Oyster Bar for fresh local shellfish and then move on to the Circle Bar for a nightcap.
Photo credit: Andrew Bowden
Opening photo credit: Joe Jukes