What to do on a short break to Edinburgh and beyond?

Ask anybody and knowing what to do when visiting a city can always pose a challenge - not necessarily because there's not much to do, but probably because there's a bewildering selection of options. Edinburgh was no different. Sure, it's not London-sized but it comes packed with activities - and we didn't even scratch the surface. Here's a rundown of what we got up to whilst in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Edinburgh Castle

Yep, you could have predicted this one would be #1 on my list. No visit to Edinburgh on your first time would be complete without visiting this stunning architectural feat looking over the entire city. The castle itself is and houses an interesting museum inside detailing the history of Scotland, the Union and the building's heritage - giving you a complete 360 look at it's importance for the city and entire country.

Pay a trip to Dolly the Sheep at the National Museum of Scotland

On the rainy day we was in the city, visiting this completely indoor museum was a godsend. I was not prepared for how much I would enjoy walking round the museum and taking in more about Scotland. Featuring several floors, we only finished around a third of the museum in the three hours we was there - and I could easily have spent more time here or visited again on another day. Try to visit in the morning to get the most time out of this place - and be sure to look up at the beautiful roof.

• Courtesy: NMS.ac.uk

Royal Mile

The weather was so miserable when we visited, I didn't get any pictures. However, take a stroll down here whether you're on your way to the National Museum or Edinburgh Castle. It's an iconic strip of Edinburgh that feels just like Scotland looks in films - plus its a good spot to collect touristic bits and pieces, try some local whisky (or craft gin) and purchase Scottish foods like shortbread.

Source: VisitScotland

Holyrood & Arthur's Seat

Whilst we ran out of time in Edinburgh, this was one thing I wish we had managed to find time to visit. Holyrood is home to another historic palace that is seriously impressive, the home of the Scottish Parliament and the natural wonder that is Arthur's Seat. If I was to visit again, this will be top of my list to to go and visit.

• Source: VisitScotland

• Source: Royal Collection Trust

Calton Hill

Alongside Edinburgh Castle, a picture of Calton Hill is likely to be on the cover or near the front of a guide book. A steep but reasonable walk to the top will bring you to another hilly view over Edinburgh with views on a clear day towards Leith and the Firth of Forth river. It is also home to World Heritage monuments which are imposing on the skyline across the city.

• Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Take a day trip to the Scottish Highlands (and Loch Ness!)

And finally, although definitely not city-based, is a day trip to the Scottish Highlands. If you're usually a city slicker, I'd highly advise looking to take a trip out of Edinburgh on one of the many operators to explore some of the best that the rest of Scotland has to offer. Although if you've got the time you could easily spend several days (maybe even weeks?) travelling on your own accord - condensing into a one day guided tour to the key Highlands spots is perfectly doable. We had a great tour guide who really embraced his Scottishness, gave just enough information without being overloaded and even picked up rubbish whilst stopping at the various points of the journey. We travelled with Rabies who had a very slick and professional setup - and that I would thoroughly recommend again to anybody looking to take a tour like this. I really enjoyed this - even if Loch Ness wasn't the most beautiful spot - as it really allowed me to see another bit of the country I hadn't seen before. Just make sure you wear warm clothes, even in the middle of Summer, as it can be quite a lot cooler in the Highlands.

Although we didn't manage to do everything in the city (or the entire country for that matter), we certainly packed a lot in the short time we were there. And finally, don't forget your coat, umbrella and an extra pair of dry shoes - once you've got these, you can't go wrong.

What was your favourite attractions or things to do in Edinburgh and beyond? Drop a message in the comments section below!