Edinburgh, the enchanting capital of Scotland, is a city where history and modernity intertwine in a stunning tapestry. Dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock, this vibrant city boasts a rich heritage reflected in its medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The bustling Royal Mile, lined with charming shops and historic landmarks, contrasts with the lush greenery of Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering panoramic views of the city. With its renowned festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and a thriving arts scene, Edinburgh invites visitors to explore its dynamic cultural landscape amidst a backdrop of picturesque architecture and dramatic landscapes.
If you're a local seeking a weekend escape, read on. With a wide selection of nearby destinations, both domestic and international, there's something for everyone. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for residents in the Edinburgh, Scotland area, all accessible within a direct 4-hour flight. Best of all, these trips can be enjoyed without the need to take annual leave (perfect for those working Monday to Friday, 9 to 5). It all comes down to what you wish to do at your chosen destination.
Dublin, Ireland (DUB) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Enjoy Dublin’s literary pubs, historical treasures, and the warm hospitality of its people.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Dublin
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Aer Lingus from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €10+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) - 1 Hour 35 Minute Flight
Why go?
Amsterdam combines rich history with a vibrant cultural life and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere (more than just what you read or hear about).
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Amsterdam
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
KLM from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
London, England (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN, LCY, SEN) - 1 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
London is a bustling metropolis packed with world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and historical landmarks.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in London
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
Ryanair from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €10+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Barcelona, Spain (BCN) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Explore Barcelona’s unique blend of Catalan culture, innovative architecture, and vibrant street life.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Barcelona
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
Vueling from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH) - 1 Hour 55 Minute Flight
Why go?
Copenhagen is a synthesis of picturesque canals, bike-friendly streets, and innovative cuisine.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Copenhagen
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
Norwegian from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €10+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Lisbon, Portugal (LIS) - 3 Hour 15 Minutes Flight
Why go?
Discover Lisbon's enchanting blend of traditional heritage and contemporary culture, set against a backdrop of seven sun-drenched hills.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Lisbon
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Berlin, Germany (BER) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Explore Berlin's dramatic history, cutting-edge architecture, and dynamic cultural scene.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Berlin
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
Ryanair from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Budapest, Hungary (BUD) - 2 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Budapest is known for its dramatic cityscape, thermal baths, and a nightlife pulsing with energy.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Budapest
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
Ryanair from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Valletta, Malta (MLA) - 3 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Valletta offers a compact historic city, steeped in history and surrounded by the Mediterranean’s blue waters.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Malta
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
Ryanair from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €50+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Madrid, Spain (MAD) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Dive into Madrid's rich tapestry of art, history, and lively culinary scenes in Spain’s capital.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Madrid
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Prague, Czech Republic (PRG) - 2 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Wander through Prague's fairy-tale streets, historic architecture, and experience its lively beer culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Prague
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
Jet2 from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Athens, Greece (ATH) - 3 Hour 55 Minute Flight
Why go?
Step back in time in Athens, where ancient history stands side by side with a lively, modern metropolis.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Athens
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €80+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Venice, Italy (VCE) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Venice enchants with its intricate canal system, historic architecture, and striking art scene.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Venice
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
Ryanair from EDi - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Vienna, Austria (VIE) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Indulge in Vienna’s world-renowned music scene, imperial history, and enchanting coffee house culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Vienna
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair from EDi - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Florence, Italy (FLR) - 2 Hour 55 Minute Flight
Why go?
Florence is a haven for art lovers, with an unparalleled collection of Renaissance art and architecture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Florence
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
British Airways from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €80+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Paris, France (CDG, ORY, XCR, BVA) - 1 Hour 40 Minute Flight
Why go?
Paris entices with its unrivaled art, architecture, cuisine, and a timeless sense of style.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Paris
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
Air France from EDI - See flight deals
Ryanair from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €10+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Dubrovnik, Croatia (DBV) - 3 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
Visit Dubrovnik for its stunning Old Town encircled by massive stone walls and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Dubrovnik
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Jet2 from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Munich, Germany (MUC) - 2 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
Munich boasts a mix of traditional Bavarian culture and modernity, famously celebrated in its annual Oktoberfest.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Munich
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Lufthansa from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Rome, Italy (FCO, CIA) - 2 Hour 55 Minute Flight
Why go?
Rome presents a spectacular display of ancient history, baroque art, and vibrant street life.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Rome
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Milan, Italy (BGY, LIN) - 2 Hour 25 Minute Flight
Why go?
Milan is a fashion powerhouse, offering a stunning mix of modernity and history, with incredible shopping and dining.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Milan
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
Ryanair from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Seville, Spain (SVQ) - 3 Hour 15 Minute Flight
Why go?
Immerse yourself in the heart of Andalusian culture in Seville, where flamenco, festivals, and historic architecture abound.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Seville
When to go?
Spring, Fall
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair UK from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €50+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Porto, Portugal (OPO) - 2 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Porto charms with its stately bridges, historic port wine cellars, and a beautiful riverside area.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Porto
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €40+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Stockholm, Sweden (ARN) - 2 Hour 15 Minute Flight
Why go?
Stockholm spreads across islands connected by bridges with a historic old town and vibrant modern culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Stockholm
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €50+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) - 2 Hour 15 Minute Flight
Why go?
Zurich combines cultural vibrancy and rich history with a backdrop of picturesque lakes and mountains.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Zurich
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €150+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Nice, France (NCE) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Nice boasts a stunning seaside promenade, vibrant markets, and a sunny, temperate climate.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Nice
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Oslo, Norway (OSL) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Oslo offers a unique mix of cultural attractions and stunning natural scenery, all within the city’s limits.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Oslo
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Norwegian from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €60+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Krakow, Poland (KRK) - 2 Hour 35 Minute Flight
Why go?
Krakow captivates with its medieval core, Jewish heritage, and vibrant cultural life.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Krakow
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Salzburg, Austria (SZG) - 2 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
Follow the sounds of Mozart in Salzburg, a city of baroque architecture set against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Salzburg
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
TUI Airways from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €60+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Hamburg, Germany (HAM) - 1 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Hamburg offers a rich maritime heritage, vast green parks, and a cutting-edge music and art scene.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Hamburg
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Ryanair from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €20+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Valencia, Spain (VLC) - 2 Hour 55 Minute Flight
Why go?
Valencia blends history, culture, and modernity, with stunning architecture and a famous paella scene.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Valencia
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €30+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Helsinki, Finland (HEL) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Experience Helsinki’s design-forward aesthetic, waterfront beauty, and innovative cuisine.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Helsinki
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDi - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €110+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Split, Croatia (SPU) - 3 Hour 15 Minute Flight
Why go?
Step into the past within the walls of Diocletian's Palace in Split, a vibrant Adriatic port with rich history.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Split
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
easyJet from EDI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to fly there?
Airfare: €80+
Want to take the train instead?
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
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