A weekend in Edinburgh

How to spend a weekend in Edinburgh with your dog: A mini guide on things to do, the best places to visit, dog friendly restaurants & more!

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Growing up a Harry Potter fan I have been lusting over Edinburgh for the majority of my teen years. I was so excited when I got round to actually booking the trip as it’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to living out my wizarding dreams. It’s known that J.K. Rowling (the author of the Harry Potter books, incase any of you didn’t know) had spent time writing some of the books in cafes around Edinburgh and that some of the sights of the city inspired her to create characters and locations such as the famous Diagon Alley.

If you’re looking for a weekend full of magic and exploring then you’re in for a treat! I have curated a mini guide jam packed with some of the incredible places I visited during my stay.

Where to stay

Finding a good hotel is always important to me, regardless of whether you’re going to be spending a lot of your time there or not. I managed to score a room at the Virgin Hotel which is located in possibly one of the best parts of Edinburgh. It’s a 10 minute walk from Waverley Station (there are a lot of steps so if you’re carrying heavy luggage you might want to jump into a taxi) and it’s a stone throw away from the famous Victoria Street. It’s dog friendly throughout the hotel meaning we were able to take Sox along with us.

The hotel has 2 restaurants, a bar and a roof terrace which is lovely to sit out on.

Where to eat

Whenever I visit a new town/ city one of the first things I do is research where I’m going to be eating. This trip was very different for me as it was my first time in Edinburgh and I had my dog with me so I wanted to ensure I’d pre booked tables where possible. There were endless options to choose from which I was so happy about and we had no issues taking Sox along with us.   

If it’s breakfast, brunch or even just a quick coffee to get you started for the day here are some of the places I visited.

• The Elephant House – The original café on George IV bridge is where J.K Rowling is said to have written the Philosopher’s Stone.
• Sip & Bark – A dog friendly café with amazing food and coffee.
• Ems Kitchen – Another great dog friendly brunch spot.
• The Milkman – A perfect place for fresh pastries and coffee.
• Knoops – Chocolate heaven, a great place to stop off for a sweet treat for you and your pup.

If you’re looking somewhere to dine in the evening with your pup of course, these are some spots I’d recommend.

• Mowgli – The best place for mouth watering Indian street food (you must try the chaat bombs).
• Old Chain Pier – A cute little gastro pub with views out over the water.
• Eve Restaurant & The Common club – Located in the Virgin Hotel however you don’t need to be a guest to visit. Whether you want some amazing food or a relaxing drink, Eve and The Common Club have you covered.
• Lucken Booths – At the top end of the Royal mile, a great place to grab either a full meal or just snack to keep your energy up.

Things to do/ Places to visit

There is so much to do and see in Edinburgh, I honestly don’t think a weekend is enough! I visited during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which I had no idea about until I arrived. The streets were filled with people from all across the globe and despite how busy it was it gave me a sense of excitement. I didn’t manage to tick everything off of my list but I know I’ll be visiting again, it’s truly a spectacular city. For now here are my top picks.

Victoria Street – This infamous cobbled street is 5 minutes walk from Edinburgh Castle and is full of cafes and shops to look around. Rumour has it that this street was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

Edinburgh Castle – Although we didn’t manage to make it into the main castle due to tickets selling out, the castle is still a spectacular sight to see. Fun fact, the hill that the castle was built was an active volcano at one point in time. Good news though, it’s unlikely to erupt again anytime soon. If you want to avoid upset make sure you book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the Fringe festival.

Wander down the Royal Mile – Heading straight down the road from Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile is full of shops, plenty of restaurants/ pubs and cafes!

Arthur’s Seat – From the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the top and back again, this hike should take around 2 hours, but of course it can be done at your own pace. The views from the top are spectacular. The main path to the top is extremely busy and quite steep. I would recommend wearing suitable clothing and footwear especially as the weather is unpredictable. Alternatively, if you’re wanting an easier walk to the top you can follow the road around the hill and walk up the grass path on the back side of the hill, this does make the walk slightly longer but will save your feet!

Circus Lane – If you’re looking for one of the most photogenic backdrops in Edinburgh then you must stroll through Circus Lane. Although it’s only a very short street, it is littered with pretty little cottages that are full of character and charm.

Dean Village – This idyllic little stretch about 25 minutes walk from the castle is a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the main city. The village is in its own bubble with very little traffic and has a relaxing river walk along the valley floor. Although it’s doesn’t take long to get around it’s the perfect place to meander through.

Tom Riddles grave – Although this is an actual persons grave who happened to have been called Tom Riddle, he may or may not have been the inspiration behind he who shall not be named….

St James Quarter – Shops, shops and more shops. This city centre shopping mall has everything you need for something to do on a rainy day.

Edinburgh is a city full of history and charm and I loved every minute of it. I hope you found this guide helpful & I can’t wait for you to experience the magic that Edinburgh has to offer.