Kirstyn Smith

You can’t help but want to treat yourself when you’re in Edinburgh. This city is dripping with grandeur, filled with top-notch restaurants and magnificent castles, and pretty much everywhere you go feels fit for royalty.  So why not round the weekend off with one of the most indulgent activities there is? And by that we mean, of course, afternoon tea. And unsurprisingly, Auld Reekie boasts a whole number of brilliant spots for it. From croissants and caviar to scones, cream and jam, here are the best afternoon teas in the city. Thank us later.  RECOMMENDED: 🥐 The best brunch in Edinburgh🍝 The best restaurants in Edinburgh🥂 The very best bars in Edinburgh🏨 The best hotels in Edinburgh This guide was recently updated by Dayna McAlpine, a writer based in Edinburgh. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Edinburgh is a top tier city if you ask us, but it can feel a little much in its most tourist-filled months. Thankfully, the Scottish Capital is surrounded by great little spots to escape the city’s frantic bustle, and plenty of them are reachable by a short car or train journey.  From coastal towns and lovely beach walks to mountainous landscapes and rigorous hiking routes, there’s plenty outside the city that awaits you. Our top tip? Head out early, stop for lunch, and be back in Edinburgh in time for a slap-up dinner and pub trip in the evening – sounds pretty idyllic, right? So, without further ado, here are the best day trips from Edinburgh. RECOMMENDED:🌤️The best things to do in Edinburgh 🎨The best art galleries in Edinburgh🏰The best attractions in Edinburgh🏘️The best Airbnbs in Edinburgh This guide was updated by Edinburgh-based Arusa Querishi. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.