Travel: How to spend 48 hours in Edinburgh

Stay

With it’s handsome clock tower, The Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street is one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks. Enjoy spectacular views over Edinburgh Castle, savour Michelin-starred dining, and unwind in its serene urban spa. Whisky lovers will be in heaven, too, as the bar stocks 500 malts.

See

Your morning should be all about seeing the best of the city from great vantage points, be that the top of a double-decker bus, the 60-metre-high Scott Monument or the summit of Arthur’s Seat.

Then it’s time to jump on the open-top Edinburgh Bus Tour for a closer look at this gorgeous city.

Departing from Waverley Bridge, the tour takes one hour. It’s a hop-on, hop-off service which gives you the freedom to do a bit of exploring along the way.

You’ll pass some awesome parts of the city such as the New Town, Old Town and Grassmarket, and see Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and much more besides.

Do

During August the world-famous Fringe is in full swing. To plan ahead, check out edfringe.com but you can just walk the streets and see what you fancy – there are more than 3,500 shows to choose from!

Drink

If it’s cocktails you’re after, Panda & Sons is one of Edinburgh’s best hidden cocktail bars. The bar has a speakeasy vibe, as you descend some stairs and enter through a bookcase. It’ll be no surprise to learn that the Scottish capital is well served by numerous whisky bars. The best drams can be found in The Black Cat on Rose Street, The Bow Bar on the iconic Victoria Street and Teuchters in the West End.

Eat

For something special, The Kitchin on Leith waterfront is a Michelin-star affair run by TV chef Tom. It has won countless other foodie awards, so you are guaranteed top-notch nosh whenever you visit. Veggies should head to David Bann. The exclusively vegetarian menu features delicious dishes from the Mediterranean to India and Thailand.