2-Days in Edinburgh: An Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Edinburgh is one of my favorite places in the world! I’ve been there many times—sometimes with my kids, sometimes just with my hubby—and each visit feels just as special as the first. There’s something about this city that I just love. Maybe it’s the medieval streets, the cozy cafés, or the way history feels alive around every corner.
As a travel writer who spends a lot of time in Scotland, I always try to base myself in Edinburgh when I can. It’s a great jumping-off point for exploring other parts of the country, but I always make time to enjoy the city itself.
I still find new spots to check out on every visit, and the food scene keeps getting better and better. I’ve eaten my way through plenty of pubs, restaurants, and bakeries—and I’ve got some personal favorites I’m excited to share.
This 2-day itinerary includes the classic sights you won’t want to miss, plus a few local gems I’ve come to love over the years.
If it’s your first time visiting, this plan will help you get the best feel for what makes Edinburgh so unforgettable.
2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary Map
Is 2 Days in Edinburgh Enough?
With only 48 hours in Edinburgh, you will be pressed for time.
We spent four entire days here the first time we came, and we still felt like we were just getting a feel for the city. That being said, you can certainly check off many of the “must-see” items in Edinburgh in two days.
Here is what I recommend if you only have 2 days in Edinburgh and want to see as much as possible.
Itinerary for Edinburgh Two Days
Join us on our weekend getaway and explore this incredible city, one of my favorites!
Day One: Old Town Edinburgh
The Old Town is the best part of the city! For the first morning of your two days in Edinburgh, begin with a traditional Scottish breakfast.
Traditional Scottish Breakfast
The only way to start a trip to Edinburgh is to treat yourself to a fantastically large spread fondly dubbed the Traditional Scottish Breakfast.
This is literally the best breakfast you will ever have.
It is basically a large plate filled with eggs, bacon, red beans, black pudding, stewed tomato, hash brown, sausage, and bread.
Mosey your way on up Cockburn Street. It’s a bit of an uphill climb, so take in the scenery around you and stop to enjoy a bite and some coffee.
There are loads of adorable cafes and bakeries to pop into along these streets.
Try out Southern Cross Cafe. Their specials, artisan coffees, and baked goods are incredible.
You literally cannot go wrong with anything on their menu.
Walk The Royal Mile
Most of your first day visiting Edinburgh will be spent on and around The Royal Mile.
The Royal Mile stretches is almost exactly one mile long (imagine that!), bracketed on the ends by Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse. Thankfully, the most popular parts of the mile are completely pedestrian streets.
These streets are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and, as such, are a beautiful place to admire the stunning medieval architecture that Old Town Edinburgh is known for.
So many places dot The Royal Mile. It would be impossible to explore them all, but you can try!
You can definitely hit some of the major attractions here.
St. Giles’ Cathedral, Real Mary King’s Close, the Scottish Storytelling Centre, and The Scottish Parliament are all located along this stretch.
Peruse the kiltmakers, pubs, delicious restaurants, boutiques, tourist shops, and alleyways (closes) filled with gems that are tucked away behind the busy streets.
Take a Guided Tour of Edinburgh Castle
One of the most popular tourist attractions you should see when visiting Edinburgh is the fortress that sits overlooking the city, Edinburgh Castle.
Built on the top of an inactive volcano, this castle has stood for more than 900 years.
Visitors can take many different tours within the castle walls ranging from an audio-guide tour to a specialized group that focuses just on the military history of the castle.
You don’t need to spend a significant amount of time in the castle, but definitely visit the Crown Jewels and the prison area, at least!
Whichever adventure you choose, a visit to Edinburgh Castle is well worth your time.
I highly recommend booking your tickets early to avoid waiting in line. Grab audio-guide tickets here!
✈ Prefer to see Edinburgh Castle with a guide? Book this skip-the-line guided tour that includes castle admission!
Taste Scotland’s Finest at the Scotch Whisky Experience
I would not expect any well-meaning visitor to be in Scotland too long before trying some whisky. You must!
As you come back down The Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, stop at the Scotch Whisky Experience.
Although very modernized and tourist-centric, the Scotch Whisky Experience is an easily accessible tour that provides visitors with tastings of Scotch whisky from all over the country.
While it is not the best whisky tour I’d recommend, your 48 hours in Edinburgh means that time is tight!
This is the best fit for your itinerary. It is within easy walking distance of the center city-unlike most distilleries.
Plus, it feels pretty fancy to drink up while you’re surrounded by the world’s largest whisky bottle collection.
✈ Book your tour and tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience to guarantee your visit. Tickets do sell out, particularly in high season!
Wings (One of My Fav Places to Eat!)
I will tell anyone and everyone who visits Edinburgh to eat at Wings Edinburgh.
I just will. It is THAT good.
So, now that you’ve boozed up on whisky a bit– try not to trip on your way down Old Fishmarket Close as you duck into a foodie’s paradise and carb load for a while.
Our first time here, my husband and I gingerly tiptoed our way down the alley, trying to figure out where Wings was. After passing some trash and heading who-knows-where, my husband insisted we turn back.
I promptly told him that THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews on Yelp don’t just come from nothing. We must forge on.
We finally found the location and ducked down into a basement restaurant outfitted with neon lights and a chalkboard wall filled with tons of wing sauces.
Wings Edinburgh is now one of our trip’s most talked about places. My husband made me go back a second time.
So, trust me, when you go…you’re in the right place. Have faith. Keep going. Wings Edinburgh will blow your mind.
And you will (likely) not get murdered in Old Fishmarket Close.
Read Next: The Absolute Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland
Head to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
At the bottom of The Royal Mile sits the Palace of Holyroodhouse– the royal family’s residence whenever they are in town.
Explore the palace, which includes a throne room, and pick your way through the ruins of the abbey on the palace grounds.
Learn about the sordid history this site holds from the gruesome tales of Mary Queen of Scots to the tragic downfall of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Check opening times, view a map, and book tickets to guarantee access to Holyroodhouse here.
Hike Arthur’s Seat on Calton Hill
One of the most beautiful ways to see the city of Edinburgh from above is to hike Arthur’s Seat.
From the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an approximately two-hour climb will take you to the summit of a once-active volcano that, allegedly, was the original location of Camelot.
Hence, the name King Arthur’s Seat.
The hike is not very strenuous, but it does take some time.
Hopefully, you can find some (often rare) Scottish sunshine during the day and stop to take in the picturesque journey.
Enjoy Scottish Delicacies at Deacon Brodie’s Tavern
After hiking up a huge hill, you’ll no doubt be in such a way that you’ll need some Scottish food and libations.
Deacon Brodie’s Tavern is where you want to be.
We had the best meal of our entire trip here, and the ambiance of the restaurant (particularly the upstairs) is incredible.
Grab a pint of local Innis & Gunn, a bowl of Cullen Skink, and whatever dish suits your fancy (Haggis, anyone?!).
You will be so glad you did.
Evening Of Day One in Edinburgh: Take a Ghost Tour At Mary King’s Close
Edinburgh, like any city, has a history.
But, did you know that Edinburgh has been dubbed the “Most Haunted City in the World?”
A ghost tour is a must while you are here.
It is an awesome opportunity to see the city in the evening. Plus, some tours head down into the vaults underneath the Edinburgh city streets. So creepy!
I can’t recommend a tour with Real Mary King’s Close enough.
Embark on a ghastly tour led by a civilian who lived during the days of old.
Walk through creepy rooms along the close that show just what life was like during the plague that ravaged the city. Meet a plague doctor and hear gruesome stories– all of which, of course, are true.
Or, enjoy one of their specialty tours, such as their chilling true crime Halloween offering.
Peruse the tour offerings that are currently being run, and choose your own adventure!
Book your tour with Mary King’s Close here! They are incredibly popular, so I recommend booking early.
Day Two – Grassmarket, Old Town, and New Town
Edinburgh Farmer’s Market
Local markets are one of my favorite things to check out when I am in a new city.
There is nothing better than seeing locals selling their wares.
You’re apt to find a brilliant, handmade souvenir to bring home along with some food you can’t get anywhere else.
The Edinburgh Farmer’s Market is enormous! Rows of vendors come out on Saturday mornings, and I suggest you do too!
Walk the stalls and try every bakery item you can get your hands on!
If you’re looking for our top pick, try literally ANY cheese from Errington cheese.
This company makes award-winning sheep and goat cheese with fresh milk from their farm.
My personal favorite is the Biggar Blue. Pair it with a baguette and some honey, and you’ve got yourself a delicious treat.
Explore Candlemaker Row & Victoria Street (Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley)
Wind your way around to Victoria Street and walk down the road that allegedly inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series.
This is a bustling part of town where you can find specialty shops, print shops, and loads of cafes.
If you were unable to hit the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market, Victoria Street is another great place to grab a bite to eat.
⭐ Psst: Here’s my full guide to exploring Victoria Street in Edinburgh!
Grassmarket
At the bottom of Victoria Street, you’ll find the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh.
This space comes alive on the weekends, so hopefully you’re able to catch it during your time in the city. I highly recommend you get to see this area!
One of the best local bookstores in Edinburgh, Armchair Books, is here.
This little slice of paradise is packed with books in every corner. Used books are a guilty pleasure of mine– I could explore here forever!
Once you’re finished, don’t leave Grassmarket without trying the REAL hot chocolate over at Mary’s Milk Bar. It is delicious!
Tip: If you’re really into markets (like we are!), you can also visit the Grassmarket Market on Saturdays between 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Although smaller overall, this market is in the middle of Grassmarket Square, and the paella and arepas are fresh and delicious!
Visit Greyfriar’s Kirkyard
A short walk away from Grassmarket is Greyfriar’s Kirkyard.
Founded in 1620, this churchyard has stood for ages and has become a massive tourist attraction due to the popular gravestones that it holds.
Visitors flock to see the gravestone for Bobby, a Skye Terrier who loyally guarded his owner’s grave at Greyfriars for fourteen years after he passed.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is also a popular destination for Harry Potter enthusiasts, thanks to the multiple gravestones that inspired characters from the book series.
Visitors can find headstones honoring William McGonagall and Tom Riddle (Voldemort).
Bonus Activity: Harry Potter Walking Guided Tour
✈ If you’re a Harry Potter lover like me, you MUST add a Harry Potter guided tour to your 2-day Edinburgh itinerary!
Local guides will take you to all of the locations affiliated with the series (including Greyfriars and Diagon Alley) so that you don’t have to worry about getting there yourself!
Find Greyfriars Bobby
Edinburgh is a fantastic place to find some good luck. All you have to do is locate the statue of Greyfriars Bobby and rub his nose.
This gesture is said to bring luck to the individual, and you’ll notice that the thousands of tourists finding the statue for just this reason have caused the poor nose on Greyfriars Bobby to become an entirely different color than the rest of his body.
While you’re nearby, I love the ambiance of Greyfriars Bobby Bar right next door.
I highly recommend you stop in for a pint of Innis & Gunn or Tennents.
Visit a Local Museum
✓ Scottish National Gallery
An enormously impressive collection of fine art, the Scottish National Gallery houses masterpieces in two separate buildings.
Visitors can peruse the National Gallery which houses numerous displays and exhibitions.
Entry to the museum is free, and no advance registration is required.
Directions, opening hours, and a map of the Scottish National Gallery can be found here.
✓ National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland has something for everyone.
From art galleries to Natural World galleries which include a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, or even archaeological artifacts.
You could easily spend a full afternoon here exploring the 16 galleries to your heart’s content.
Entry to the Museum is free, and no advance registration is required.
Directions, opening hours, and a map of the National Museum of Scotland can be found here.
✓ Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a great alternative option for those who are not set on fire by art galleries, or perhaps those who are traveling with children!
The six floors of this “museum” each offer a different experience.
Floor six, for example, projects an Old Town map of Edinburgh that immerses visitors in exploring the old closes that characterized the beginnings of the city of Edinburgh.
Tickets must be purchased ahead of time and start at £15.95. Book tickets here today!
✓ Royal Yacht Brittania
One of the most popular yachts in the world, the Royal Yacht Brittania served as the royal family’s yacht for a number of years before it was retired.
This massive ship housed a crew of 220 members and, often, Queen Elizabeth II.
Now, visitors can walk through the famed ship and explore its beauty. Explore the engine room, crew’s quarters, and royal apartments onboard.
You can even enjoy afternoon tea overlooking the water!
Book tickets for the Royal Yacht Brittania in advance here.
Read Next: Is Scotland Worth Visiting? 15 Things You Should Know
Spend Some Time in New Town & Dean Village
New Town, Edinburgh, is an area of town primarily designated by Princes Street and Edinburgh Waverley Station.
This part of the city was constructed in the 18th-century and reflects its largely Georgian neo-classical influence.
Some of the best shopping in Edinburgh is in New Town, along with many popular tourist attractions.
Meander through the Princes Street Gardens and see the Sir Walter Scott Monument.
A short walk from New Town, you’ll find the incredibly instagrammable Dean Village. This quiet oasis is a charming and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh.
It is one of the most-visited places in the city currently, as it really is a small slice of heaven.
Traditional Scottish Show: A Ceilidh
Round out your 48 hours in Edinburgh itinerary with a party you won’t soon forget!
Ceilidhs are popular Scottish events that include live music, dancing, and, often, storytelling.
Of course, they generally also have delicious food and plenty of pints and drams.
One of the most fantastic places to catch a traditional ceilidh is Ghillie Dhu.
This club puts on exciting and raucous events in the best way. The energy is always high, and you will leave feeling like you have experienced a true piece of the history and legends of Scotland.
Take a look at the weekly Ghillie Dhu calendar and book your spot here for a night you’ll never forget!
How to Get from Edinburgh airport to city center
Getting from Edinburgh Airport to the city center is really easy, and you’ve got several options to choose from depending on your vibe and budget. Let me break it down for you:
By Tram
The Edinburgh Trams are a no-fuss way to get to the city center. The tram stop is right outside the terminal, so you can’t miss it. It’ll take you about 30 minutes to get to Princes Street, right in the heart of the action. Trams run every 7 minutes (give or take), and tickets are £7.50 one way or £9.50 for a return. Quick, clean, and hassle-free—perfect if you’re packing light!
By Bus
The Airlink 100 bus is another great option. It’s quick, runs 24/7, and only takes about 30 minutes to reach Waverley Bridge (which is super central). The buses are comfy, with free Wi-Fi and plenty of space for your luggage. Tickets cost £5.50 for a single or £8 for a return. Plus, they run every 10 minutes during the day, so you won’t be waiting around long.
By Taxi
If you’re in a group or just want to make life easier after a long flight, taxis are the way to go. They’re lined up right outside the terminal, and the trip to the city center takes about 25 minutes (traffic depending). Fares are usually around £25–£30. It’s definitely the priciest option, but hey, sometimes convenience wins!
Getting Around Edinburgh – Is Edinburgh walkable?
Edinburgh as a city has a largely medieval feel to it, and, as such, it is small enough to be accessed almost entirely by foot.
The city has smaller streets and alleyways, and you definitely miss out on some of the character if you’re zipping around on public transportation.
Yes! My first recommendation would be to walk as much as humanly possible.
The Edinburgh Bus System
Edinburgh has a very efficient public bus system. It connects the city together seamlessly.
If you’re looking to see some of the attractions outside the city- such as the Royal Yacht Brittania in Leith- then it might be best to jump on a bus.
Generally, Lothian buses are the most widespread. However, First buses also run in Edinburgh.
Check your accommodation to see which bus stops are nearest to your location and get a ticket for that company if you plan to ride the bus frequently.
Otherwise, you can buy a single-trip ticket to wherever you need to go. Just make sure that you have the correct change if you’re buying a ticket on the bus!
View ticket prices, stops, and timetables for Lothian buses here, and for First buses here.
The Edinburgh Tram System
In 2014, Edinburgh opened a tram network of 15 stops linking different areas of the city with the airport.
Since there are not many stops, the use of the tram for tourists is not very practical.
Aside from perhaps using it to get to the airport, I do not recommend you use the trams to get around the city.
Edinburgh by Taxi
Edinburgh, of course, is accessible by taxi.
These cabs are comfortable, clean, and reliable. Surprisingly, they’re also relatively affordable.
For more information on how the cost is calculated for each journey, click here.
Top Day Trips From Edinburgh
If you decide to stay more than a few days, you’ll want to check out these day trips from Edinburgh There’s just so much to see!
🚗 Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands
The most popular day trip from Edinburgh is definitely a trip to see the Scottish Highlands and the famed Loch Ness.
This full-day trip combines the traditional tourist locations with some adorable lesser-known stops in order to really give you a taste of what the Highlands are like.
An absolutely delightful trip, discovering Scottish history, culture and music while exploring the magnificient landscape in the Highlands. It’s one of my best tours ever and I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested to explore the highlands.
-Christina (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
You’ll visit the towns of Callander, Fort Augustus, and Pitlochry- all quaint Highland towns.
The trip also stops at the incredibly picturesque mountain Ben Nevis and the area of Glencoe as well as an optional cruise on Loch Ness in order to search for Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.
✈ Read all about the top tours from Edinburgh to Loch Ness here!
⭐Or, Book my favorite day trip to the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness cruise here– a trip you’ll never forget!
🚗 Tour Outlander Locations
It’s no secret that Scotland is a must-visit for many Outlander fans. Much of the show is filmed in the country.
This tour hits all of the top locations, stopping at five different Outlander locations: Linlithgow Prison (Wentworth Prison), Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Culross (Cranesmuir), Falkland (1940s Inverness), and Midhope Castle (Lallybroch).
✈ Spend the day with the memory of Jamie Fraser by booking your Outlander day trip here!
🚗 Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle
Scotland has many different landforms, the most famous probably being their lochs.
This day trip is an adventure– take a woodland walk around Loch Lomond and then explore the exceptional Stirling Castle.
A wee bit of everything. Colossal Kelpies sculpture park, a delicious honeysuckle vanilla malt shop, a stroll along Loch Lomond, Brave Heart offerings, a castle featuring a wedding, Scottish tunes, a hip bus driver/guide. Great value!
-James (See more reviews)
One thing I love about this tour is that it also makes a stop at the Kelpies, the enormous statues of the Scottish mythological animals which look like horses.
✈ Book your day trip to see Loch Lomond and the Kelpies!
🚗 St. Andrews and Fife
Sometimes the best thing to do is take a day trip fully customized to your preferences.
This tour picks you up right from your hotel and takes you to explore the historic towns of St. Andrews and Fife.
St. Andrews is world-famous for its golf course, which is a must-see on your tour. Add other things as you wish, such as a stop at the Falkland Palace, the St. Andrews Cathedral, or the Kingsbarns Distillery.
The company will work directly with you to create an itinerary for your perfect day!
✈ Book your customized tour of St. Andrews and Fife here!
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
While not the largest city in the world, Edinburgh still has quite a few separate areas in which to stay. Each one offers a different vibe and specialty.
Many people choose to stay in the Old Town, New Town, or Dean Village areas of Edinburgh. Each of the three are great places to stay in Edinburgh, but I prefer Old Town.
While there are many fantastic neighborhoods to stay in within the city, I tend to frequent Old Town and recommend it to nearly everyone.
It is a stunning centralized location within easy walking distance to pretty much anywhere in the city. It also has a plethora of restaurants and bars, and it is also near Edinburgh Waverley Station, making transportation to many places, including Edinburgh Airport, a breeze.
Mid-Range: Aparthotel Adagio Royal Mile is a gorgeous hotel located right on the Royal Mile. Apartment-like rooms mean you’ll have plenty of space to get comfortable during your stay.
✈ Book Aparthotel Adagio Royal Mile here for your stay in Edinburgh!
Luxury: Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre is a luxury property set inside a historic building directly in the middle of the Royal Mile. The hotel boasts stunning rooms complete with an on-site spa, fitness center, pool, and sauna.
✈ Reserve your luxury stay on the Royal Mile at Radisson Blu.
Budget: Kick Ass Grassmarket is one of the best hostels in the United Kingdom. Run by the Kick Ass brand, these hostels have modern pods that give privacy in dorm-like rooms and also provide space to store your things. My favorite part about this hostel is the community spaces such as the bar and lounge!
Edinburgh Itinerary FAQ
How Many Days to Spend in Edinburgh ?
The perfect amount of time to spend in Edinburgh is about 3-4 days.
This is enough time that you’ll see the main sights, have time to meander around wherever things catch your eye, and can get a good feel for both Old Town and New Town Edinburgh.
This also leaves you enough time to head out of the city for a day trip if you’d like to.
Can You Drive in Edinburgh City Center?
Some streets in the Edinburgh city center, like Princes Street in New Town, are not accessible by car. Many streets are reserved only for buses, trams, and licensed taxis.Overall, the city of Edinburgh is easily walkable, and the public transportation is exceptional. I would not recommend you try to drive in Edinburgh city center.
When is the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh?
There is literally a reason to visit Edinburgh at any time of year. Spring and fall seasons are when you will find the least amount of people in Edinburgh, so these may be great times to visit if you are looking to get away from the crowds.
However, we visited in November, right before Thanksgiving, and the Edinburgh Christmas Market had just opened up. This was the perfect beginning to winter in Scotland.It was stunning and EASILY the best part of our entire trip. Plus, November wasn’t so cold that we were uncomfortable walking around.
On the flip side, if you’re interested in seeing the Edinburgh Military Tattoo or the Fringe Festival, you should definitely visit during the summer! You really can’t oversell this event; it is the experience of a lifetime. So, all in all, you can’t go wrong regardless of when you choose to visit Edinburgh.
Conclusion: 2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary
It’s not every day you visit a new city that is bound to become your favorite. But, I’m confident Edinburgh will be.
Even with just a few days in the city, you’ll find yourself feeling at home and at the same time wanting desperately to come back as quickly as possible.
It is one of the most fantastic places in the world, and I hope you enjoy every second!
Headed to Scotland? Here are Some More Posts on the Area! ⬇️
✔️ Need a Hotel? Here are ALL of the best places to Stay in Edinburgh.
✔️ AND All of the best Spa Hotels in Edinburgh!
✔️ Read About Exciting things to do in Edinburgh with Kids!
✔️Is Scotland Even WORTH Visiting? Here’s what you need to know.
✔️ Wondering How To Get Around Edinburgh? (Hint: You can use Uber!)
✔️ If You’re Traveling to Inverness, Make sure to Try the BEST Afternoon Tea Spots
✔️And… here’s how you’ll want to get from Inverness to Loch Ness (a can’t miss!)
Headed to Edinburgh?
Read more about the best places to stay: The Absolute Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland
Traveling to Edinburgh with kids? Read 23 Exciting Things to do in Edinburgh With Kids
Wondering what’s worth your time in Scotland? Is Scotland Worth Visiting? 14 Things You Should Know
