To ask you to help me plan my break in Edinburgh?

[ExcitedaboutEdinburgh]

I'm going to Edinburgh for a 2 night midweek stay this summer. It's my first break away since my marriage ended. I've always wanted to go visit but never got there. I'm travelling with a friend, we both like books, bookshops, cafes, art. Staying very centrally.
Where would be your absolute must-sees?

Arthurs seat is a must, the views are spectacular.
Museum of childhood on the Royal mile is worth a visit, Scots monument in Princess street gardens is worth the climb. Botanical gardens are lovely. There is so much to do. Enjoy the beautiful city of Edinburgh, i love my home city.

I would second Leith for the Royal Yacht Britannia - there is a good bus route out there.
Obviously Holyrood.
Scottish National Gallery is quite small, but really interesting.
Just have a wander around the Old Town.
Do be aware that Princes Street is now very disappointing - shops not great.

Climb Calton Hill instead of Arthur's Seat. Smaller and easier and with a cafe at the top. On a sunny day there's a queue to reach the top of Arthur's Seat.

Toppings is a great bookshop. And if you're lucky they'll make you a coffee.

There's also a nice independent bookshop in Portobello, a small art gallery/shop and some nice gift shops and coffee shops. You can have brunch or lunch there by the sea if it's sunny.

Not sure Leith as such will take very long, the area around the Shore is nice but there's not much else. Britannia is more interesting than you might expect though, I agree.

And there's the new Johnny Walker experience on Princes Street. I've not been round the exhibition but the rooftop bar and restaurant is lovely.

The Museum is lovely. Managably small and good cafe.
The Captain's Bar for some music.
Ting Thai Caravan for amazing Thai food.
If you like zoos, the pandas are amazing-get the tram.

@Rae36 good shout on the Johnnie Walker - we just went to the rooftop bar recently (we live in Edinburgh) and it has the terrace with amazing views! I also like the bar at Harvey Nicks which also has a good view. Other bars to recommend are Hey Palu, Panda and Sons, Dragonfly, Hoot the Redeemer, Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s bar.

Peeping in as going to Edinburgh next month !!

YY to the Royal Yacht - it's a lot more interesting than you'd expect, plus the tearoom is excellent and your ticket is valid for a year afterwards.

Last time we went to Mary King's Close the Covid restrictions were still in place, so the theatrical magic of being shown around the close by a young Jacobean lassie was slightly diminished by her plastic face shield. Although all the stuff about the ravages of plague had a certain... piquancy.

I'm back from Edinburgh so I thought I'd do an update. We had a lovely time.
We did a graveyard tour and tour of the underground vaults. It was very enjoyable and worth booking a tour as you'd never see them otherwise.
We spent an afternoon in the Botanical Gardens and had lunch in the cafe there. That was probably my favourite bit of the holiday. The gardens are stunning.
There was a Little Black Dress exhibition at the museum and it was beautifully done. We had a look around the rest of the museum too and ginger cake in the cafe there.
We walked the Royal Mile and saw the sights. We also went to Harvey Nichols for morning coffee.
We didn't have time to go to Leith but I hope I'll get there another time.
It's a great city. Thanks to everyone who made recommendations.