If you’re looking to make the most out of a trip to Edinburgh in 2 days, you’ve landed on the right page! Edinburgh is my favorite city in Scotland- I loved it so much after my first visit that I moved here in 2018. Edinburgh has everything you could ask for in a Scottish city- a medieval Old Town, cosy traditional pubs, vast green spaces and hiking, a thriving nightlife, bagpipers playing in the streets and a great festival scene!
Edinburgh is a city that will satisfy anyone: solo travellers, couples, history lovers, art lovers, students and families; it’s a great city to visit to get a medieval cultural experience of Scotland.
It satisfies both luxury and budget travellers; you can soak up the culture simply by wandering the streets, a takeaway coffee in hand, or you can splurge on a luxury hotel and award-winning dining experiences.
Getting around is also easy- Edinburgh is a walkable city, but it also has a great public transport system (or you can catch an Uber or taxi if you prefer!).
Visitors often only spend 48 hours in Edinburgh before setting off to explore the rest of Scotland. I’m here to tell you that with just 2 days in Edinburgh, it is entirely possible to experience much of what the city has to offer. So, keeping this in mind, I’ve designed what I believe is the perfect itinerary if you have only two days in Edinburgh.
My two-day Edinburgh itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to the city. It includes all the must-see spots and also some of my personal favourites. I’ve also given some of my favourite restaurant, pub and cafe recommendations. I’ve even created a Google map so you can find everything I’ve listed in this article. You can find it at the end of this article. Now, let me show you how to make the most of Edinburgh in 2 days!
Read more: 10 tips for visiting Edinburgh
Accommodation in Edinburgh
If you haven’t already booked accommodation in Edinburgh, here are a few accommodation choices that I recommend:
Hotels: Motel One Princes Street is one of the best affordable hotels in the city centre, and my go-to recommendation for a hotel. The Dunstane Houses are traditional and beautiful, or if you’d like to stay in the Old Town, I recommend the Ibis Edinburgh Royal Mile.
Hostels: Castle Rock Hostel is one of Scotland’s top hostels (I once lived in this hostel and can confirm it’s great!) if you want to save your pennies.
Bed and Breakfast: JustB Deva, located on the edge of Edinburgh, is hands-down the best bed and breakfast I’ve stayed in! The bus stop for bus 44 that takes you directly into the centre of Edinburgh is a 2-minute walk from this B&B.
Luxury accommodation: J.K. Rowling wrote the remainder of the Harry Potter novels while staying at the iconic Balmoral Hotel. I also recommend the Caledonian Edinburgh.
Self-catering: Check out this guide if you’re self-catering family accommodation in Edinburgh– it has some great suggestions! I also suggest looking on Airbnb for self-catering properties.
Large groups: Monkton House is a 15th-century castle located near Edinburgh that sleeps up to 21 people. The nearest train station is Musselburgh (21 minute walk or 5 minute taxi), and from there it’s a 10 minute journey on the train.
Read more: More recommendations for accommodation in Edinburgh
Two Days in Edinburgh Itinerary: Day 1
8AM: Start your day the Scottish way
One of my favourite things about Scotland is how they do breakfast. A good Scottish breakfast will sustain you for the rest of your day- they really don’t do food by halves here!
Try traditional dishes such as porridge, a bacon roll, or if you’re really hungry, a full Scottish breakfast. A full Scottish breakfast is the breakfast of kings- bacon and eggs, tattie scones, lorne sausage (square sausage), black pudding, haggis, and sometimes baked beans (although many Scots will argue beans are an English thing). It is very likely that tattie scones were gifted to Scotland by the Gods- it’s my favourite ingredient in a full Scottish breakfast. Be sure to douse your tattie scones with lashings of butter, or build yourself a bacon and egg sandwich- either which way, your taste buds are about to experience heaven. Fear not vegans and vegetarians- Scotland does a fab vegan full Scottish breakfast.
Places I recommend in Edinburgh for breakfast include The City Cafe, Loudons, and The Huxley.
Read more: What to pack for a trip to Scotland
9.30AM: Edinburgh Castle
It’s the top attraction in Edinburgh, but no visit to the capital is complete without exploring Edinburgh Castle. You will want to arrive here early when the castle opens to avoid the crowds. Located at the top of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle is home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny (on which Scotland’s first kings were crowned). It was also where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI of Scotland and I of England.
I do recommend booking a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle because I personally find the history more interesting than the architecture of the castle. Buy your tickets online so you can skip the line and walk right in (plus- it’s cheaper!).
If you’re more interested in off-beat travel, I suggest visiting Craigmillar Castle instead. It is a romantic-looking castle ruin that has an incredible history. You can read my other article on visiting Craigmillar Castle here.
👉 Book a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
11.30AM: Explore the Royal Mile + have lunch
The Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, but it isn’t your standard mile, it’s a Scottish mile, an old school style of measurement. A Scottish mile is actually 1.11 miles!
The Royal Mile is the main street in Old Town, which is the oldest part of Edinburgh and dates back to the 12th century. You’ll love wandering down this street; breathe in the medieval architecture, explore the hidden closes, all the while enjoying live bagpipers that busk on the street. If you close your eyes, it will feel as though you’ve been transported back to the Middle Ages.
There are also lots of pubs you can dip in and out of for a drink if you fancy it (I personally like Copper Still and Whiski Rooms).
Some short detours I recommend include visiting the iconic Victoria Street. This curvy street is rumoured to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. I suggest skip the Harry Potter shop on this street- there is always a line to get in and there are many others around the city, such as MinaLima on Cockburn Street (another street well worth exploring).
At the lower end, you’ll find the Grassmarket, where the city’s markets were once held. Cattle and horses were driven down the Cowgate and sold at markets at this very spot. Other interesting facts about the Grassmarket are that it was also the site of a bombing during World War I, and it was also once an execution site holding over 100 public executions. Now it’s a hub of pubs and restaurants, and there is a small market held there on a Saturday.
Mary’s Milk Bar is also located here and is famous for its ice cream. Walk up the stairs next to it to The Vennel for my favourite view of Edinburgh Castle in the city!
There are plenty of neat touristy shops along the Royal Mile, however, if you are exploring other parts of Scotland, I suggest buying gifts in the smaller towns and villages. It’s far cheaper (gifts on the Royal Mile tend to be overpriced), plus you’re supporting local businesses.
Some of my favourite locally-owned shops in Edinburgh include Black Moon Botanica (on Candlemaker Row and Thistle Street), Edinburgh Natural Skin Care (on Cockburn Street and Victoria Street), and MinaLima (Cockburn Street) which is a shop dedicated to Harry Potter that is owned by the designers that worked on the films!
I also recommend having lunch in this area- my recommendations include Makar’s Mash Bar, Cold Town House, Scran, and The World’s End.
Read more: 50 travel tips for Scotland
3.15PM: Palace of Holyroodhouse
After exploring the length of the Royal Mile, you’ll end up at Holyrood Palace– an ancient palace and the official residence for the Royal family in Edinburgh. I don’t want to give too much of the history away as you’ll learn about it when you visit, but Holyrood has had some very famous guests, including Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria.
Tours of the palace are self-guided, and you’re given an audio headset which tells you about the history as you wander around. A highlight for me is seeing the ruin of Holyrood Abbey, which was founded by David I in 1128 after he had an encounter with a rare white stag on the site.
This is one of my favourite tours in Edinburgh- don’t miss it! Be sure to book your tickets online in advance because entries are timed.
Please note that if you’re visiting Edinburgh between 1 November – 31 March the final admission is at 3.15pm.
👉 Buy tickets for Holyrood Palace
4.30pm: Grab an early dinner
There are two reasons I suggest having an early dinner: it’s easier to get a table if you don’t have a reservation, and the following experience includes food and drink!
Said to be the oldest pub in Edinburgh, The Sheep Heid Inn is a good choice for a meal (although you may want to make reservations as it’s popular). You’ll need to get a bus or taxi if you don’t want to walk here (it’s just under 1 hour on foot).
The Tollbooth Tavern is another option nearby- it’s reputedly haunted!
Looking for a private driving tour out of the city?
Did you know that my husband and I provide private driving tours in Scotland? We can take you on a day trip or multi-day tour departing Edinburgh. You can choose from our range of itineraries or we can take you wherever you want to go! Visit our website Kiwi and Haggis Tours for more information.
7PM: Food & drink experience at Summerhall Distillery
Did you know that there is a gin and whisky distillery in the heart of Edinburgh?
Summerhall Distillery is the home of Pickering’s Gin and The Broody Hen whisky. They have a variety of food and drink tours to satisfy everyone- including cocktail making classes, charcuterie board tasting experiences, and tours of their distillery. All of the scran you sample on their food experiences is sourced locally from producers in Scotland- it’s a great way to try a variety of different Scottish foods in one place!
For an all-around experience, I recommend The Scottish Explorer, where you are taken to a secret speakeasy to enjoy a charcuterie board of delicious Scottish cured meats and cheeses. Each bite is perfectly paired with drams of Scotch whisky, locally brewed beers, and small-batch gins made within the historic building of Summerhall.
I also recommend their Cheese and Cocktail Masterclass, where you create three signature cocktails using Pickering’s gin and enjoy alongside specially paired cheeses (please note- this experience is at 12pm, and if you’d like to do this experience, swap it with exploring the Royal Mile).
Both experiences are available on Fridays and Saturdays. These experiences are excellent value for money.
👉 Book a Food & Drink Experience + save 10% with the code WKIWI10
2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary: Day 2
10AM: National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is one of my favourite places in Scotland- I could easily spend an entire day here!
Many of Scotland’s most important history is on display at the National Museum. If you want to see carved standing stones, tools and objects discovered in Scotland from the Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Iron Ages, medieval swords and learn about Scotland’s history- this is the place.
Some of my favourite exhibitions include the Lewis Chessmen and the Fairy Coffins. There are four floors of Scotland’s history to discover, as well as interesting exhibitions and spaces for kids to learn and explore.
Best of all it’s free!
12pm: Greyfriar’s Kirkyard
Next you’ll visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, a graveyard that J.K. Rowling sought inspiration for her characters’ names. Visit the real Tom Riddle’s grave, or just enjoy the traditionally gothic Scottish graveyard that is, yes- haunted!
As you cross George IV Street you will notice a small statue of a dog- this is the statue of Greyfriars Bobby– a monument dedicated to the loyal Skye terrier who spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave until he died. Due to tourists constantly touching Bobby’s nose for ‘good luck’ it has worn this part of the statue. Please don’t touch Bobby’s nose- it pisses off the locals. But take as many photos as you like!
I have a few recommendations for lunch in this area:
- Greyfriars Bobbys Bar – a traditional pub opposite the museum, has delicious pies and is child-friendly.
- Cold Town House – awesome pizza and they make their own beer! They have indoor seating but there is a garden terrace with excellent views of the Edinburgh Castle. Also baby and child-friendly.
- Cafe Andaluz – Spanish restaurant serving delicious tapas and cocktails.
2PM: Explore the New Town
Next, you will make your way downhill to the New Town.
Princes Street is the main street, and it’s filled with many of the big brand shops. The first thing you’ll most likely notice is the giant black Gothic structure that pierces the skye: the Scott Monument. This gorgeous gothic structure was built in honour of the famous writer Sir Walter Scott, and it’s a fitting tribute for a man who had such an influence on Scotland.
For £8 you can even climb up the 287 steps for stunning views of the city, or you can marvel at the structure from afar for free.
Afterwards, go for a wander down Princes Street, and be sure to stop for a hot chocolate at Coro the Chocolate Cafe.
>> Read more: The best things to do in Edinburgh
Looking for authentic Scottish clothing?
If you are in Edinburgh and looking for authentic, Scotland-made kilts, tartans and accessories, be sure to visit ScotlandShop on South Queensferry Street. They have plenty of options to choose from in-store, and they also create bespoke, tailored clothing (like my Cameron of Lochiel skirt in the photo above!). They have international delivery, so if you’re visiting Edinburgh and want something made and sent home, they can do it! You can also book an online appointment with them at home to take your measurements and pick up your tartan creation in-store.
You can save 10% using my discount code KIWI10 (this works in-store, online and at any of ScotlandShop’s events).
4PM: Dean Village
Next you’ll walk to Dean Village; an idyllic leafy haven and one of the prettiest villages in Scotland.
Nestled close to New Town, this canal-side village is quite a contrast to the bustling city centre which is located a 20-minute walk away. The pleasant mixture of colourful flats and 19th-century buildings on either side of the Water of Leith canal makes for a fantastic photo opportunity- or just simply enjoy the serenity.
Going for a stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway to Dean Village is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. The milling of water mills once took place in Dean Village, and the remains of this can still be seen today.
Dean Cemetery on Dean Path is an eerie yet beautiful cemetery worth exploring.
6.30PM: Dinner in the New Town
My personal recommendations for dinner in New Town include Cafe Royal, Duck and Waffle, The Dome, Bonnie and Wild Food Hall, and Howie’s Restaurant. Bars I recommend include The Alchemist and Panda and Sons.
Read more: 10 romantic restaurants in Edinburgh
9PM: Go on a Haunted Tour
Edinburgh is one of the most haunted cities in the world and an important part of its history are the strange tales, myths and unexplained events.
I recommend going on this haunted tour with Mercat. I went on it on Halloween last year and it was really fun. Mercat is the only tour company that has access to the haunted underground vaults beneath the South Bridge in Edinburgh.
There is also an evening tour with whisky for anyone who is over 18 and a little nervous- which may not be a bad idea!
Short on time and would prefer a tour?
There are a few different tours you can join to make the most of your time in Edinburgh. Here are a couple I recommend:
Red Bus Bistro
The Red Bus Bistro is one of the quirkier tours in Edinburgh, where you go on a bus tour while enjoying afternoon tea! Don’t worry, more or less everything is glued to the table with movable springs so you won’t end up having a giant food fight. Oh, and there’s prosecco!
Read more: 10 Must-Sees in Scotland You Can’t Miss
Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour
The Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off bus is a great option if you don’t like walking. It’s affordable too, with adult tickets starting from £18 for 24 hours.
👉 Book the Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off bus
Edinburgh in 2 Days Location Map
Summary
There you have it- my local guide on how to make the most of Edinburgh in 2 days! With this itinerary, you’ve experienced everything Edinburgh has to offer: yummy food, local traditions, castles and palaces, history, hiking, Scottish dancing and much, much more! You may even fall in love with Edinburgh as I did and consider moving here. If so, I’ve written a guide on that too.
Have you tried my Edinburgh 2 day itinerary? Drop a comment below!
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