Edinburgh 2 Day Itinerary
Edinburgh 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning:
- Start your day with a hearty Scottish breakfast at The Dining Room by Mark Greenaway in the New Town area.
- Visit the iconic Scott Monument and climb its 287 steps for a panoramic view of the city.
Afternoon:
- Explore the Royal Mile, starting from the Scott Monument and making your way to Holyrood Palace. Don’t forget to stop by St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Have lunch at The Witchery by the Castle, a Michelin-starred restaurant located near the Royal Mile.
Evening:
- Visit Edinburgh Castle, closed from 17:00 to 18:30 daily, so plan accordingly.
- Enjoy dinner at The Scran and Scallie, a gastropub offering modern Scottish cuisine.
Day 2:
Morning:
- For breakfast, try Brewhemia in the heart of the Old Town for a unique fusion of food and live music.
- Visit Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill for a morning hike with stunning city and sea views.
Afternoon:
- Explore the trendy Leith neighborhood, home to The Royal Yacht Britannia - the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Have lunch at Salt ’n’ Sauce, a popular deli and café offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, and cakes.
Evening:
- Visit the National Museum of Scotland or the Scottish National Gallery to immerse yourself in Scottish culture and history.
- Enjoy dinner at Aizle, a modern Scottish restaurant with an ever-changing menu.
- End your evening with a walk along the Water of Leith Walkway or a drink at one of the many pubs in the area, such as The Pitt or The Edinburgh Liquor Company.
Things to Know:
- The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August) and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) are two of the city’s most popular events, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting during these times.
- Edinburgh has a hop-on hop-off bus tour that can help you navigate the city and visit its main attractions. City Sightseeing is a popular option.
- The city operates a tram system, as well as buses and taxis for transportation. Lothian Buses is the main provider of bus services in Edinburgh.
- The Scottish capital has four main tourist information centers, located at Waverley Bridge (Waverley Rail Station), Princes Street, St Andrew Square, and Festival Square. They can provide you with maps, brochures, and other useful information for your visit.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking during your stay.
- Dress in layers to accommodate the city’s changeable weather.
- Be respectful when visiting historical sites and follow any guidelines or rules provided by staff or signage.
- Enjoy the local Scottish cuisine, such as haggis, Scotch pie, and fish and chips, but don’t hesitate to try other dishes offered by the city’s diverse dining scene.