How to spend a relaxing weekend in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s full of fun things to do, but it’s also a city that knows how to slow down. If you’re looking for a weekend where you can hit reset and simply take a breather, it’s one of our favourites places to go to.

From beach walks to home spa treatments that come straight to your door, we’ve compiled our team’s favourite ways to spend a relaxing weekend in Edinburgh. Spoiler – your step count won’t know what’s hit it.

1. Start your morning at Portobello beach

There’s something different about starting your day walking along a beach with a coffee in hand, the sea air’s a much nicer wake-up call than the tube – so it’d be the first place I’d begin a relaxing weekend in Edinburgh. Portobello’s promenade is a favourite for dog walkers, runners, and families grabbing coffee, so you’re in with the right crowd. 

We suggest stopping off at Twelve Triangles for a flat white and a cardamom bun – a local favourite for a reason. There’s also plenty more to choose from, like fresh sourdough for a homemade sandwich or a warm croissant, a great on-the-go brekkie. Everything’s made from scratch, but you’ll need to get there early to avoid the queues.

2. Enjoy a slow walk down The Royal Mile – but skip the rush

The Royal Mile gets busy from midday, but if you go early, you’ll catch a completely different side to it. The streets are quiet, the shops are just starting to open, and you can take it all in at your own pace.

We suggest starting at the top near Edinburgh Castle and wandering your way down, stopping to look at small nooks and courtyards most people rush past.

3. Make a stop at St Giles’ Cathedral

While on your walk, duck into St Giles’ Cathedral – from its stained glass windows to the 12th-century architecture, it’s a beautiful place that’s hard to miss. It’s free to enter if all you want to do is nose around, or you can pre-book guided tours to uncover the history. It doesn’t open until 1pm on Sunday, so maybe prioritise heading there on Saturday (when it opens at 9am).

They also host evening events, so take a look at the event calendar for something to do in the evening if you want to experience the Cathedral at night.

4. Book a home massage with Urban

We might be biased, but nothing makes a break feel like a proper break than booking a massage. But we’re not telling you to travel to a spa – Urban (that’s us!) brings the spa to you instead. 

We work with the best therapists in Scotland so you can enjoy a massage without leaving your living room, and they’ll come to your hotel in Edinburgh too. Whether you’re in an Airbnb, hotel, or even at home, it’s a convenient way to hit pause and treat yourself at the same time.

5. Spend an afternoon soaking up culture at Edinburgh’s museums

Edinburgh spoils you when it comes to museums, and many of them are free to visit. For art and sculptures, head to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. It’s quieter than the one in Glasgow and the interiors alone are enough of a reason to visit. Don’t miss the gift shop – it’s one of the best in the city if you’re after a small treat.

For something a little different, try the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. Wandering the decks with an audio guide feels calm and unhurried, and the tea room on board is another must.

And, of course, there’s the National Museum of Scotland. While it can get busy, the range of exhibits means you can easily find somewhere quieter — whether you’re exploring ancient Scottish artefacts or taking in the grand architecture of the main hall.

6. Grab a coffee and people-watch at The Milkman

Edinburgh does coffee well, and The Milkman is a local favourite. They have two locations, both along Cockburn Street, which are small but have just enough seating for you to settle in with your favourite brew. 

We recommend making it your afternoon pit-stop – try grabbing a table by the window to people-watch and enjoy the stillness in the middle of the city.

7. Get lost in Dean Village

Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, Dean Village is the perfect place to wander with no real end-goal. Follow the Water of Leith walkway for a stroll you won’t get elsewhere.

There’s nothing to do here, really, but that’s sort of the point. Take your time and enjoy it – Edinburgh doesn’t get much more peaceful than this.

8. Spend Sunday morning at Stockbridge Market

If your weekend stretches into Sunday, Stockbridge Market is a must. It’s small, local, and full of stalls selling handmade goodies like ceramics and bags, as well as fresh food and flowers. They post the list of traders to expect at the next event, so you can plan your present list.

Stockbridge itself is one of Edinburgh’s most relaxing neighbourhoods, so spend time wandering around after the market too  – check out Cowan & Sons for brunch or a coffee.

9. Pop into Valvona & Crolla for a browse

Valvona & Crolla is Edinburgh’s oldest Italian deli – an independent shop that’s part deli, part wine shop, and the kind of place you could lose an hour without realising. Pick up a couple of treats to take home (their panettone is apparently legendary), but even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to browse around.

10. Take a slow walk through Edinburgh University

The university grounds in Edinburgh are beautiful, but they’re also a great spot to take a relaxing walk. The buildings have a lovely mix of history and modernity, with plenty of huge green spaces filled with students.

Over the summer, The University offers free self-guided audio tours around George Square, King's Buildings and Holyrood Campus – so you can take in the sights at your own pace.

11. Treat yourself to an Edinburgh spa trip

If you’re in the mood for a little luxury, Edinburgh’s spas always deliver. For a standout spa experience in Edinburgh, One Spa at the Sheraton Grand Hotel is a must-visit. Known for its rooftop hydropool with stunning skyline views, it also offers a range of luxurious treatments, from facials to deep tissue massages, designed to leave you feeling completely restored.

If you’re after something a bit different, PURE Spa in the city centre is a local favourite. With everything from express treatments to full-day packages, it’s a great spot for facials, body scrubs, or even just a quiet hour in their sauna. 

And for those who like a little indulgence with their relaxation, The Balmoral Spa combines classic elegance with a full range of wellness treatments – plus, their afternoon tea is the perfect post-treatment treat.

12. End the weekend with a drink at The Guildford Arms

For a quiet pint or a relaxed glass of wine, The Guildford Arms near Waverley Station is a solid choice. It’s a proper Edinburgh pub – no fuss, good drinks, and a calm atmosphere where you can wind down at the end of the day.