Inspired by my 3 Days In New York Itinerary blog post, which went live at the start of the month (link here), here is my Edinburgh itinerary.
I ventured to the Scottish capital to spend 24 hours in a city that I certainly haven't explored as much as I should have over the years. After looking at a few hotels in Edinburgh we decided to make it an overnight stay and try to cram as much as we could into our trip. And I think we managed to find the perfect balance between making sure to see some of the tourist spots and enjoying some relaxing girly time.
So here's how I would recommend spending 24 hours, or 48 if you're going at a slower pace. And my Edinburgh itinerary;
How to get there
There are several different options depending on where you're visiting from. If you're making the trip from overseas, you'll land at Edinburgh Airport where you can then take a tram directly into Edinburgh City Centre. It's definitely how I would make the trip from the airport.
If you're travelling from within the UK, have you considered taking a coach? National Express have several different routes to Edinburgh with one taking you straight from Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow to Edinburgh City Centre.
With tickets as low as £5 each way, going by coach is an affordable and environmentally friendly way to travel.
Having never travelled with National Express before I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But how quick, easy and comfortable it was definitely surprised me. Unlike when you travel by train, you are guaranteed a seat (something that isn't always a given on a train from London for example). And these aren’t just your typical uncomfortable seats but leather ones with power sockets between them. There’s also air conditioning, toilets and free entertainment via their VUER app.
This means that you can watch movies, documentaries or TV shows to pass the time. This is especially handy if you’re travelling for several hours. And it's all included in the ticket price. Each person can also bring two medium sized suitcases and hand luggage, which saves you having to pack too light.
Where to stay
Apex Waterloo Place
Even though there are four great Apex hotels located in Edinburgh; Apex Grassmarket, Apex City Of Edinburgh, Apex Haymarket and Apex Waterloo Place respectively. We opted for Waterloo Place mainly because of it's spa facilities, swimming pool and location.
In a city as busy and bustling as Edinburgh, we weren't expecting to have such an incredible night's sleep but we really did. Our room was located directly above the main road but we didn't hear a peep overnight. And the rooms are well spread out meaning that you don't hear fellow guests as they come and go either.
Despite staying at a number of different hotels in our time, Apex Waterloo Place was without a doubt one of our absolute favourites. There were plenty of little added bonuses in the room such as bottled water, snacks, Galaxy hot chocolate sachets and about ten different types of tea, all for you to enjoy as part of your stay without having to shell out anything extra. You can even take the adorable little rubber duck, who's name is Earl, as a little memento of your stay, which is such a nice touch.
Now let's break down our 24 hours in Edinburgh itinerary;
DAY ONE
Pay Harvey Nichols a visit
The bus station, where your National Express coach will drop you off, is located centrally right next door to Harvey Nichols and minutes from the likes of Princes Street, St Andrew Square and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Finding ourselves right next to Harvey Nichols, we simply had to check out the brand new Huda Beauty counter. It had only opened the week before we arrived. It was great to get shade matched and swatch some of the products that I'd had my eye on for a while. We may or may not have treated ourselves to a few bits, which you will no doubt see in upcoming blog posts.
Shop on Princes Street
Much like with Harvey Nichols, there are quite a few stores that we don't have in Glasgow, such as Anthropologie and Jenners. If you're visiting from outside the UK, you'll find Primark, Marks & Spencer, Cath Kidston, River Island, Topshop and more all dotted along Princes Street.
Check in to the hotel & enjoy the facilities
As our main reason for staying at Apex Waterloo Place was the incredible spa and swimming pool facilities, we couldn't wait to head straight there as soon as we had checked in. It's so nice to take a dip in the pool after a long day of shopping or exploring and we definitely took full advantage of the pool on our stay.
We also couldn't get over how beautiful the steam room was, kitted out with a night sky constellation overhead. We honestly could have spent our entire stay positioned in and around the pool.
Book in for a treatment at the Lush Spa
If we hadn't already been pampered enough, we booked in for a couples massage at the Lush Spa on Princes Street. Some might not realise this but it isn't just your typical Lush store. Beyond the traditional bath bombs, bubble bars, lotions and potions that you'd expect to find as you first enter, you will find the only Lush Spa north of the border.
If you're looking for a one of a kind spa experience like no other, you've simply got to treat yourself or a loved one to a treatment at the Lush Spa.
There are over ten treatments to choose from, including deep tissue, hot oil and Ayurvedic massages, ear candling, facials and an all over body scrub.
We went for The Comforter? Spa Treatment and we cannot recommend it highly enough. We've had massages and scrub treatments at other spas but this was something else! The soundtrack (which is available to purchase afterward), combination of incredible products and cocktails afterward made this an experience like no other.
As you can see from the room alone, it isn't your typical spa in the slightest!
And once you've had your treatment, you can take your time to relax and enjoy some of Lush's bestselling products, all away from the madness of the shop floor.
So many bathroom goals!
Dinner at Bread Meats Bread
Having absolutely loved my first proper visit to Bread Meats Bread, as you will have seen in this month’s What I’ve Been Watching post, I knew that we certainly had to visit their Edinburgh branch on this trip.
I went for the classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger. My Mum went for the Souvlaki Chicken Roll. And with those we had what was easily the biggest bowl of chips we'd ever seen in a restaurant in the UK. When they say you only need one between the two of you, they really mean it. I'm talking American servings and a bowl that would seriously challenge you to eat it all on your own.
We actually enjoyed our meal at Bread Meats Bread that much that we just had to make a pit stop before our bus home the following day. This time my Mum opted for the insane Black 'N' Blue Burger topped with black pudding, crispy bacon, onions, cheese and sauteed mushrooms. It looked and tasted incredible!
It's not located too far away from the Grassmarket area of the city or Princes Street, depending on way you're coming from and is well worth seeking out during your time in Edinburgh. They also have several different branches in Glasgow, if you're visiting there anytime soon.
Wander through the Grassmarket
To walk off dinner I would highly recommend taking a stroll through the iconic Grassmarket area of the city. There are so many incredible sights and stunning architecture to take in.
Victoria Street is the street that you will no doubt have seen on Instagram or many an Edinburgh itinerary. And just seeing the different coloured buildings and shops makes me smile every time.
And no wander through the Grassmarket is complete without going to see Greyfriar's Bobby. If you don't know the story of the little Skye Terrier; he famously guarded his master's grave (which you'll find in the nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard) for fourteen years until he eventually passed away himself. What a pup!
DAY TWO
Start the day right with breakfast at Elliot's Restaurant in Apex Waterloo Place
As someone who normally just grabs something quick for breakfast at home, you have no idea how deliciously indulgent it was to sit and enjoy a real spread when it came to our breakfast at the hotel.
There was so much selection that I had to do several laps of the breakfast area before making my decision.
My Mum went for a cooked breakfast (complete with perfectly poached eggs) and a big pot of tea. I ended up having a bowl of cereal (which I quickly devoured before taking this photo), a croissant and jam, a pain au chocolat, a hot chocolate and a glass or two of freshly squeezed orange juice. To say that we enjoyed it would be a serious understatement.
Relax fully at PURE Spa
Having visited the steam room, sauna and swimming pool quite a few times already during our stay, once we had checked out we headed to the PURE Spa manicure bar to try out their Express manicure. Yes, this is definitely an Edinburgh itinerary for those who like to relax as much as they like to explore the city.
Designed to make good use of your lunch hour, the PURE Spa Express range of treatments includes waxing, a facial, spray tan and massage.
PURE Spa has also just recently launched the UK's only spa vegan manicure.
The difference that just having our cuticles clipped and nails buffed and shined made was pretty unbelievable. We honestly couldn't believe the results and how healthy our nails looked. And that was before we even thought about what colour of polish to pick.
I never really tend to share my nails on my blog or social media as sadly I inherited my Dad's pretty much non existent nails. But I love how healthy the pale nude pink colour makes them look.
I have a feeling this won't be my last PURE Express Manicure!
Take in the views from Calton Hill
Just around the corner from Apex Waterloo Place you will find a staircase which leads you up to Calton Hill. From there you can take in some absolutely spectacular and unparalleled views of the city.
TOP TIP: Get there for sunset to experience something truly special.
It only takes around five minutes to get to the top and is well worth the climb. Whilst the views are spectacular, you'll also find lots at the top of this hill to enjoy and take in.
We couldn't believe that in all our years of coming to Edinburgh we never even knew that Calton Hill existed. It's close proximity to Apex Waterloo Place is what had us keen to see what we would find at the top of it. And I'm so glad that we did stumble upon it.
Dedicate at least a few hours in the National Museum of Scotland
Again, despite visiting Edinburgh every year for as long as I can remember and only living about an hour away from the capital, we shamefully had never visited the National Museum of Scotland until now. And we really have been missing out all these years.
You could easily dedicate an entire day to exploring this sprawling museum and still not see everything. Which gives you the perfect excuse to return another day or on your next trip through to the capital.
There's something for everyone, with countless exhibitions, events and tours taking place. It's also completely free and a great way to spend the day if it inevitably rains, which it probably will at some point during your stay.
Stop for a sweet treat at Mary's Milk Bar
Had I not still been completely full from breakfast, I would totally have indulged in a cone from the iconic Mary’s Milk Bar. I mean, I couldn't write an Edinburgh itinerary and not include it. There’s a reason that this little shop is so beloved by locals and tourists alike.
(Left photo via Unsplash as I was still way too full from breakfast to indulge)
With flavours of fresh creamy gelato ice cream such as salted caramel, pistachio, rose and almond and dark chocolate along with seasonal sorbets, I dare you to have just one scoop. You'll also find homemade chocolates and plenty of other sweet treats to take home for friends and family. That's if you can resist them long enough.
Get the best view of the castle
Right around the corner from Mary’s Milk Bar you’ll find a bit of a hidden gem. And it's one that you could easily miss or walk right past. Traverse the set of historical steps and you'll find the Vennel Viewpoint. And one of the best views of the castle that you will find!
Enjoy Princes Street Gardens
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Princes Street, step into Princes Street Gardens to enjoy the lush green grass. It's perfect for taking a picnic or a good book to read. You'll find beautiful flowers and fauna and a much slower pace.
I always recommend admiring the beautiful Ross Fountain, particularly if you haven't visited since it was restored and reopened.
TOP TIP: If you're in Edinburgh or visiting Scotland in general this Summer, be sure to keep an eye out for the Oor Wullie Big Bucket Trail. The colourful statues, that are scattered all over the country, will be here until August 30th.
Then it was time to catch the bus back to Glasgow.
I hope you enjoyed my Edinburgh itinerary. I've got itineraries for other cities around the world such as London, New York and Miami here.
Have you ever visited Edinburgh or wanted to? And which of my Edinburgh itinerary recommendations look like something you’d like to do?
This Edinburgh itinerary was written in collaboration with National Express but as always, all thoughts are my own.
Spending money provided by Hotels.com
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