Edinburgh is one of those cities that seems designed to be walked - medieval closes tumbling into elegant Georgian squares, a castle watching over it all. Two days is enough to fall for it. Here's how to spend them.

Getting in from the airport

The Airlink 100 bus is the traveller's favourite - running every ten minutes or so, and it drops you right at Waverley Bridge in the heart of the city in about 25–30 minutes. The Edinburgh Tram is just as good: it glides from the airport to the city centre (St Andrew Square) in roughly 35 minutes for a similar fare, and it's a smoother ride if you've got luggage.

Prefer door to door? An Uber costs £25–30 and takes 20–30 minutes, from the rank just outside arrivals.

Where to stay

Base yourself in the New Town, around Princes Street and St Andrew Square. It's central, gorgeous, and - crucially - both the Airlink bus and the tram run right through it, so your airport trip is effortless. Haymarket is another smart pick: it's on the tram line, a little cheaper, and a short walk to everything. For atmosphere over convenience, the Old Town and Grassmarket put you among the cobbles, though nights are noisier, but if you’re into the pub atmosphere, then it might be a perfect choice.

Day one: the Old Town

Ease into the day with a couple of the city's small, free museums, both tucked along the lower Royal Mile. The People's Story Museum tells the tale of ordinary Edinburgh folk through the centuries, and the Museum of Edinburgh just across the road walks you through the city's own history. Neither needs more than 30-60 minutes, and they're a lovely, low-key way to start.

From there, work your way up the Mile, the spine of the old city. Look out for John Knox House, the oldest house in Edinburgh, dating to around 1470. It's named after the firebrand Protestant reformer said to have spent his final days here, and its carved timber frontage is a rare survivor of the medieval city. Pause too at St Giles' Cathedral with its crown-shaped spire - do step inside, as there may be a small donation, but the soaring architecture and stained glass are well worth it. 

Then slow down: duck into the independent shops and tartan-makers, browse a makers' market of handmade Scottish crafts, and wander the narrow closes branching off the street, where the best bits of Edinburgh hide.

Finish at the top with Edinburgh Castle. Book online to skip the queue and give it a couple of hours; arriving in the afternoon, you'll catch it with the whole city laid out behind you. And if you're short on time, or don't fancy paying to go in, it's still worth walking up to the Esplanade, where the views over Edinburgh open out beautifully before you even reach the gates.

For the evening, drop down to Victoria Street, the curved, colourful row said to have inspired Diagon Alley, and settle into the buzzy pubs of the Grassmarket just below.

Day two: the New Town and beyond

Cross into the New Town for a completely different Edinburgh - wide streets, grand terraces, and calm. Stroll through Princes Street Gardens, climb the gothic Scott Monument if you've a head for stairs, then walk up Calton Hill for that postcard skyline with the Parthenon-style columns.

In the afternoon, escape to Dean Village, a hidden pocket of old millworkers' cottages on the Water of Leith. Follow the river walk to Stockbridge, a village-y neighbourhood of independent cafés and, on Sundays, a brilliant market. Save an hour or even two for the National Museum of Scotland - free entry, and its rooftop terrace is a well-kept secret.

What to eat

You can't leave without trying haggis, neeps and tatties - savoury, peppery, and far nicer than its reputation suggests. Many restaurants do a vegetarian version too. Warm up with Cullen skink, a rich smoked-haddock chowder, or grab a Scotch pie from a bakery for lunch on the go.

For sweet things, there's buttery shortbread and cranachan - raspberries, cream, oats and whisky layered into pure comfort. Wash it down with a wee dram of Scotch, or go local with Irn-Bru, Scotland's bright orange soft drink. Feeling brave? A chip-shop deep-fried Mars bar is a rite of passage.

A few parting tips

Pack layers and a waterproof - Edinburgh does all four seasons in an afternoon - and wear proper shoes for the cobbles. And leave room to get lost down a close or two; that's usually where the magic is.

FAQ: How to spend a weekend in Edinburgh

1. Is two days enough to visit Edinburgh?
Yes! Two days is enough to experience many of Edinburgh's highlights, including the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Victoria Street, Calton Hill, Dean Village and the National Museum of Scotland. It's the perfect length for a first-time city break while still leaving plenty to discover on a future visit.

2. What is the cheapest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?
The Airlink 100 bus is one of the cheapest and most convenient options, taking around 25–30 minutes to Waverley Bridge in the city centre. The Edinburgh Tram is another affordable choice, with journeys taking approximately 35 minutes to St Andrew Square. Both services run frequently throughout the day.

3. Where is the best area to stay in Edinburgh for a weekend?
New Town is an excellent base thanks to its central location, beautiful Georgian streets and easy access to both the Airlink 100 bus and Edinburgh Tram. Haymarket is another great option if you're looking for good transport links and slightly lower accommodation prices, while the Old Town is ideal if you want to be surrounded by Edinburgh's historic atmosphere.

4. Can I find cheap flights from Dublin to Edinburgh?
Yes. Cheap flights from Dublin to Edinburgh are available throughout the year, with several airlines operating direct services. At e-travel.ie, we can help you find great-value flights and accommodation, compare fares and plan your Edinburgh city break, making it easy to book everything you need in one place.

5. What traditional Scottish food should I try in Edinburgh?
Don't miss classic Scottish dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties, Cullen skink, Scotch pies and buttery shortbread. If you have a sweet tooth, try cranachan, and for a truly Scottish experience, enjoy a dram of whisky, or even sample the famous deep-fried Mars bar from a local chip shop.