2 Days In Edinburgh (The Ultimate Edinburgh Itinerary)

Last Updated: March 4 2024

It’s fair to say that when people think of Scotland their minds probably go straight to its incredible natural landscapes. Whether that be hiking in the Highlands or exploring the Isle of Skye’s rugged and wild terrain.

However, it’s the bustling capital city of Edinburgh that’s actually the most visited destination in Scotland. This medieval city is home to beautiful beaches, fantastic hiking trails, and incredible architecture, so there’s something for everyone.

If you’ve only got 2 days in Edinburgh then how do you possibly decide what to do? There’s no denying, that choosing which attractions to visit can be rather daunting with so much on offer.

But don’t you worry! This Edinburgh itinerary is going to include all the popular places to visit, as well as information on how to get around, and where to stay.

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you buy or book something through these links, we earn a small commission, but at no extra cost to you! If you want to learn more, you can take a look at our privacy policy!

The Cheapest Way to See Edinburgh’s Top Sights

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to explore the city’s top attractions then check out the Edinburgh City Pass. It offers FREE entry to 20 experiences including the hop-on hop-off bus!

There are three types of passes to choose from; one-day, two-day, and three-day passes. No matter which one you choose, you can save up to 40% off attractions so it’s a no-brainer.

Here are just a couple of attractions/activities the pass covers: 

• 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket
• Harry Potter walking tour
• Edinburgh Vaults tour
• Dynamic Earth
• Boat tour of the Three Bridges
• Holyrood Distillery
• John Knox House
• National Mining Museum Scotland

So, for example, if you were planning to visit the Holyrood Distillery, go on a boat tour, and take a Vaults tour then you’d be looking to pay around £60.

As the two-day pass costs £55 (around $67) you’ve already saved money. That’s without visiting any of the other attractions included in this pass either!

Just make sure you check what’s included during your visit, as some attractions are only covered at specific times of the year. We’d also recommend checking the FAQ before you book to ensure you understand how to use the pass.

Just a quick note – Edinburgh Castle is not included with this city pass so just keep that in mind.

A Quick Overview of Your 2 Days in Edinburgh

Day 1:

Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens, Grassmarket, the Vennel Viewpoint, Victoria Street, National Museum of Scotland, The Royal Mile, Scott Monument.

Day 2:

Portobello, Arthurs Seat, Calton Hill, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh Vaults Tour (Ghost Tour)

Your 2 Days In Edinburgh: Day One

The first day of this 2-day Edinburgh Itinerary will see you explore the Old Town. All of these locations are within walking distance from each other, which is why we’ve included lots of sights for this day!

Edinburgh Castle

If you’re looking to see the best of Edinburgh in 2 days then you can’t miss out on visiting the city’s iconic castle. This famous landmark sits upon Castle Rock and is one of the capital’s most popular attractions.

Edinburgh Castle was built during the 12th century and has been occupied since the iron age. Walking around this incredible place will honestly make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Although the castle’s exterior is jaw-dropping, the interior is somehow even more impressive. Some of the popular highlights here include the Great Hall, St Magaret’s Chapel and the One o’clock Gun.

Another cool thing about Edinburgh Castle is where it’s located. The rock it sits upon is actually the plug of an ancient volcano which is pretty crazy!

For the best experience, check out this guided tour that includes fast-track entry! The tour lasts for around 1.5 hours and you’ll get to learn all about the castle’s history.

Princes Street Gardens

Next up, you’ll want to visit Princes Street Gardens. These gardens are a lovely part of the city, and they lie in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.

Princes Street Gardens were created in the 1820s following the draining of a loch and the construction of the city’s New Town. They bring vibrancy and colour to the city centre and provide locals and tourists with a great place to escape the hustle and bustle.

One of the most popular spots within the park is the stunning water fountain that sits in front of the castle. It’s a fantastic place to capture awesome photographs of Edinburgh castle, and it’s the first place you’ll want to go.

Next to the fountain, you’ll find a cafe and bar where you can relax and grab something to eat. You can even grab a drink here and simply admire the views.

Whether you’re looking to just have a pleasant stroll or grab a snack, there’s something for everyone here. Not to mention you’ll be treated to some of the best views in Edinburgh!

The Grassmarket

During your 2 days in Edinburgh, you have to spend some time exploring The Grassmarket. This area is located right in the heart of the Old Town, just behind Edinburgh Castle.

The Grassmarket is one of the oldest parts of the city, dating back to the 14th century. Originally, the area was used as a market, but was later used for public executions; the last of which took place in 1784.

Being one of the most vibrant and picturesque neighbourhoods in Edinburgh, this isn’t a place you want to miss. Here, you’ll find an abundance of independent merchants, artisans and designers.

Not only are there plenty of shopping opportunities, but this part of Edinburgh is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants.

This awesome walking tour will take you through this area, so you’ll get to learn a lot about The Grassmarket. As well as that, you’ll get to visit a variety of other destinations including St. Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Enlightenment, and Mercat Cross.

The Vennel Edinburgh

If you’re planning a visit to Edinburgh then you need to make sure The Vennel is on your itinerary. It’s a 5-minute walk from the castle and it’s located just off The Grassmarket.

The Vennel is essentially a long passageway that connects Lauriston Place with West Port. Although the alleyway is charming in itself, there’s another reason to come here!

The Vennel offers arguably one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle in the city and is a popular spot with keen photographers. Honestly, the view is magnificent and you might have even seen this location on Instagram.

This place quickly became one of our favourite spots in the city and you need to include it on your Edinburgh itinerary! It shows the real beauty of the city, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

This awesome photography tour will take you to the Vennel and plenty of other awesome spots in Edinburgh. You’ll also be able to take tips from a professional photographer who will ensure you get the best shots!

Victoria Street

Victoria Street is a must for any Edinburgh 2-day itinerary! With its winding cobbled road and colourful buildings, it’s undoubtedly one of the most picturesque spots in the city.

Dating back to between 1829-1834, Victoria Street was originally built to improve access to the old town. Although that was its purpose back then, today it’s one of the most photographed places in Edinburgh.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter like us then you’ll notice a resemblance to the film’s Diagon Alley. As J.K Rowling wrote many of her books in Edinburgh, it wouldn’t be a surprise to learn that she got some of her inspiration from this quirky street!

In fact, this awesome Harry Potter walking tour will take you on a visit there. You’ll also get to see the grave of Tom Riddle, discover the place where she wrote the books, and be sorted into your very own Hogwarts house.

Booking.com

The National Museum of Scotland

If you’re wondering what to do in Edinburgh then you need to visit the National Museum of Scotland. There are tons of things to do here so you’ll want to allow a couple of hours for your trip.

For starters, spend some time exploring the Grand Gallery. Here, you’ll get to see the giant skull of ‘Moby the whale’ and a giant deer skeleton! The museum also has an ‘animal world’ exhibit and an awesome T-rex skeleton cast.

This museum is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to learn about Scottish history too. The galleries in this building include information dating back to prehistoric times, so you’ll get to see Celtic, Roman, and Viking artefacts.

Not only that, but the National Museum of Scotland is home to an exhibit that showcases the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Other popular exhibits include ‘Patterns of Life’, ‘Ancient Egypt Rediscovered’, and ‘Exploring East Asia’.

The Royal Mile

During your 2 days in Edinburgh, you have to explore the Royal Mile. It’s the city’s most famous street and connects Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace.

Running through the heart of the Old Town, this area is one of the most historically important spots in the city. In fact, the street used to be a processional route for kings and queens within the last 500 years – hence its name!

Although the Royal Mile is incredibly charming, it’s the wealth of places to visit here that makes it so popular. In this part of Edinburgh, you’ll find The Writer’s Museum, John Knox House, and the Museum of Edinburgh.

There’s also The Real Mary King’s Close, St. Giles Cathedral, and the Scottish Storytelling Centre. As you can see, The Royal Mile has a lot to offer and there are plenty of awesome places to visit if you’ve got the time.

As many of the sights are located so close together in this itinerary, you’ll likely have some extra time. If you have, then definitely visit one or two of these places along the Royal Mile!

For those who are short on time, then head out on this Royal Mile sightseeing walk. You’ll have a guide there to teach you all about the local area and you’ll get to visit some of the iconic landmarks too.

Scott Monument

The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument built for Scottish writer Sir Walton. It’s actually the second-largest monument in the world to be built for a writer!

Interestingly, the tower was designed and constructed by a competition winner. After Scott died in 1832, there was a competition where the winner would design a monument in his memory.

The winner was George Meikle Kemp who was a self-taught architect!

The monument is found near Edinburgh’s Waverley Station and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Standing at an impressive 200 feet (61 metres) tall with a series of spiral staircases leading to the top, this isn’t a place you want to miss.

The Scott Monument is divided into four levels and has 287 steps up to the top. Once you’ve walked up to the viewing platform, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city centre.

Your 2 Days In Edinburgh: Day Two

When it comes to the perfect 2-day itinerary for Edinburgh, there are a couple of places you need to see. Day Two will include some awesome views, popular attractions, and an awesome underground tour of your choice!

Portobello Beach

If you’ve only got 2 days in Edinburgh then you need to spend some time in Portobello. It’s the city’s coastal suburb and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.

The highlight of this area is Portobello Beach which is just a 45-minute walk from Central Edinburgh. Here you can relax on white sands, take a dip in the ocean, or eat some delicious food.

There are plenty of awesome food options down by the beach including food stalls, bars, and restaurants. You’ve got The Espy (The Esplanade Bar & Restaurant) which is a popular pub or there are several food vans and shacks here.

For the best pizza in the area, you’ll want to visit Civerinos Slice. This place is right next to the beach and the food is to die for! During our visit, we got a 20-inch pizza to share and some of their famous Civs house fries.

If you visit in the evening, you can grab your food and head to the beach for sunset! To reach Portobello, you can catch several buses from the city; some of which include No. 21, 42, and 49.

Arthur’s Seat 

For those looking to see the best of Edinburgh in 2 days then you need to walk up Arthur’s Seat. This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places in Scotland, never mind just the capital!

This famous spot is the main peak of the city’s hills and sits upon an ancient volcano. From the top, you’ll be treated to arguably one of the best views of Edinburgh.

In our opinion, the best route to take up Arthur’s Seat is from the main parking lot and St. Margaret’s Well. From here, the route is clearly marked by a sign that states ‘Arthur’s Seat Summit’. The walk to the top takes about 30 minutes although allow for longer as you’ll want to take plenty of photographs!

The best views are obviously from the top, as from here you can see most of the city and the coast. However, there are a few other great spots to visit including the peak’s cliff face. If you’re approaching the hill from Queen’s Drive you’ll see exactly what we mean!

From this viewpoint, you can take some awesome photographs of the city and Arthur’s Seat. If you get the angle just right, you’ll also be able to include Edinburgh Castle in the shot!

To reach Arthur’s Seat you can either walk to the start of the trail or catch a bus (both the 26 and 124 stop here).

Palace of Holyroodhouse

After walking up Arthur’s Seat, you may as well head to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s the King’s official residence in Scotland, and you’ll get to learn about how it’s used for carrying out official engagements.

This grand building is truly immense and it’s well worth adding to your Edinburgh itinerary. You can either admire its grandeur from the outside or head in, which we’d definitely recommend.

If you decide to enter the palace there’s plenty to see! You’ll get to explore lavish gardens and luxurious staterooms, see the magnificent stateroom, and wander around Holyrood Abbey.

Also known as Holyrood Palace, this is one of the best places to visit in the city if you’re looking to learn about Scotland’s history.

You can purchase your entrance tickets for the Palace of Holyroodhouse in advance, and it comes with an audio guide. This audio guide is available in several different languages.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Edinburgh then head to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. It’s actually the oldest attraction in the city and has been open since 1853!

Camera Obscura is also known to be one of the ‘funnest’ attractions in the United Kingdom. Boasting five floors of optical illusions and over 100 interactive exhibits, it’s not hard to see why.

As we just mentioned, this place is split into five floors; these are ‘Nothing is what it seems’, ‘Bewilderworld’, ‘Eye Spy Edinburgh’, ‘Light Fantastic’ and ‘Magic Gallery’. There’s everything you could think of here including a vortex tunnel and a mirror maze.

As well as all the fun you’ll have inside, there’s another fantastic reason to visit Camera Obscura. Here, you’ll find a rooftop terrace where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city!

From the terrace, you’ll get spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Firth of Forth among other iconic landmarks. There are even free telescopes available for you to use so you can make the most of the views.

Calton Hill

Next up on your 2-day Edinburgh itinerary is Calton Hill. It’s one of the best places in the city to kick back, relax, and admire the views!

The views from the top of Calton Hill rival that of Arthur’s Seat as you get a much closer perspective. You’ll have the medieval city to your right and the towering Arthur’s Seat to your left, but you’ll also have a fantastic view of the Old Town.

Aside from the views, you’ve also got the unfinished National Monument and the Collective Contemporary Art Gallery to visit.

Boasting plenty of open space, Calton Hill is the perfect place to escape the busyness of the city. We’d recommend grabbing a bite to eat and heading to the hill if the weather’s nice. If you’ve got a sunny day, there’s nothing better!

We spent about an hour here just relaxing, taking photographs, and checking out the impressive monuments on the hill.

Edinburgh Vaults Tour OR go on a Ghost Tour

During your 2 days in Edinburgh, you have to go on a vaults tour or a ghost tour – the choice is yours!

Edinburgh Vaults Tour

Hidden beneath Edinburgh’s streets lie several chambers and vaults. These vaults were previously closed off to the outside world for hundreds of years before they were finally rediscovered!

To this day new chambers and vaults are still being found and each one has its own story. Unfortunately, these vaults were home to the city’s poorest people and conditions were barbaric.

Upwards of 20 people would live in tiny pitch-black rooms with only one bucket to use as a bathroom. As rats also called this place home, disease and illness spread quickly so as you can imagine the average lifespan was very low.

For the best experience, you’ll want to check out this underground vaults tour. This guided tour will take you to the South Bridge vaults where you’ll get to learn all about the history of this area.

You’ve also got this underground walking tour where you’ll get to hear all about 18th-century Edinburgh including the stories about its dark past!

 

Ghost Tour

What’s great about the vault tours in Edinburgh is that many of them are combined with ghostly storytelling.

Some of the most popular options include this world-famous underground ghost tour, and this haunted underground vaults tour. Both last between 1-1.5 hours and will take you to some of the most ‘haunted’ sites in the city!

Your guide will tell you some creepy stories along the way and you’ll get to learn stories about ghosts, murder, and torture. Don’t worry though as the tours aren’t too far-fetched, and you’ll get to learn plenty about Edinburgh’s history too.

City of the Dead Tours

We chose to go with City of The Dead Tours on their ‘Double Dead Tour‘. The tour starts at 8:00 pm (or 7:30 pm) and takes you to a vault that only this tour company has access to!

Throughout the tour, you’ll get to learn all about the tragic events that occurred within these vaults but be prepared for some eerie vibes too. Along the way, you’ll get to hear popular stories about hauntings and ghost sightings!

After the vaults, you’ll head to the iconic Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard which is home to the infamous Greyfriars Bobby. It’s also one of the most haunted graveyards in the world!

Another interesting thing about this graveyard is the names you’ll find on the tombstones; Granger, Weasley, James Potter, Moodey, and Thomas Riddle. Sound familiar? Yep, it’s thought that J.K Rowling got the inspiration for the Harry Potter characters here!

Helpful Information for Your 2 Days in Edinburgh

How to get to Edinburgh

Edinburgh Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK and tends to be the first point of call for visitors. It’s around 9.5 miles (15 km) from the city centre, and you can easily travel in using public transport.

You’ve got the choice of a bus, train, tram, or taxi so there are plenty of choices. Taking a bus transfer is one of the most popular options as it’s cheap and comfortable with WiFi onboard.

Direct flights arrive daily from Europe and there are also flights from the United States too. If you’re short on time, you can always fly to Scotland’s capital from other cities in the UK if you’re already in the country.

For those who have a bit more time, there are extensive train services that run to Edinburgh. For the cheapest prices check Trainline or Split My Fare, although train tickets are notoriously expensive (on some routes) in the United Kingdom.

If you’re not in a rush, several coach companies run long-distance bus services to Edinburgh including National Express and Flixbus. You can even travel overnight to save money on accommodation!

How to get around Edinburgh

To make the most of your 2 days itinerary in Edinburgh you may need to use public transport to get around. Luckily, many of the attractions are situated close together and within walking distance!

However, if you’re staying in one of the outer suburbs then you’ll need to travel into the city centre.

Here’s a quick rundown of the best ways to get around:

Bus: Edinburgh’s bus network is extensive with the main company being Lothian Buses. There’s an app you can download to give you a better idea of the times, but try to avoid rush hour if you can!

Hop-on-hop-off bus: This 24-hour ticket will allow you to visit all the city’s popular spots. This way you’ll get to enjoy the views from the open-top deck and you’ll benefit from the onboard audio commentary.

Tram: The tram network isn’t very extensive but it’s a great option for shorter journeys. Services are regular though and the line is being extended to include the outer suburbs.

Taxi: There are plenty of taxi companies that run around Edinburgh and they’re on a meter so you won’t need to negotiate a price. You’ve also got the popular app Uber operating here.

Bike: You can either use the city’s bike hire scheme ‘Just Eat Cycles’ or you can head out on a scenic bike tour. Whatever you choose to do, exploring Edinburgh by bike is the perfect way to make the most of your visit.

Rental car: If you’re just exploring the city centre then you really don’t need a car. However, if you’re looking to take some day trips out of Edinburgh then check out Rental Cars for some great deals!

Looking for another awesome way to get around Edinburgh?

As you can see there are plenty of ways to get around the city. However, if you’re looking for a unique mode of transportation, check out this comedy horror ghost bus tour!

You can enjoy a theatrical sightseeing tour of Edinburgh where you’ll get to listen to some creepy ghost stories. As Scotland’s capital is considered to be one of Europe’s most haunted cities, there’s no shortage of hair-raising tales to be heard.

The best time to visit Edinburgh

You can visit Edinburgh at any time of year, as there’s always something on offer.

The best time to visit the city is between May and September as this is when the temperatures are at their best. The highest temperatures occur between June and August but this is also the busiest time to visit.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place in the summer during the month of August. It’s the largest arts and media festival in the world and is extremely popular. Just keep in mind that accommodation sells out months in advance and prices tend to be more expensive!

You’ll also have to consider that this is when the school holidays take place. For this reason, the months of May and September are the best times to visit as the city tends to be much quieter.

Edinburgh is also famous for its Christmas markets as there is an abundance of stalls located throughout the city. During this time of year, temperatures can drop to around 1°C (34°F) so prepare for some chilly conditions!

Exploring Edinburgh by tour

Wandering around Edinburgh on your own is one of the best ways to experience the city. You’ll find a variety of hidden gems, charming alleyways, and awesome attractions this way!

However, if you opt to go on a tour then you’ll have a private guide with you. They’ll be able to give you information about the city’s history and you’ll get to learn so much more by doing this.

Here are some of the popular tour options in Edinburgh:

• Edinburgh: Royal Attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: This ticket will allow you unlimited travel for 48 hours on three of these bus tours; Edinburgh Tour, Edinburgh City Sightseeing, and Majestic Tour. You’ll also have guaranteed entry to the Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh Castle.
• Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour: This 2-hour tour will allow you to explore the city’s Old Town with a local guide. Not only will your guide teach you about the city’s history and folklore, but you’ll get to see ample attractions too!
• Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour: On this tour, you’ll get to visit some of the popular sites that inspired Hogwarts. This includes Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street, and Grassmarket. You’ll also be sorted into your Hogwarts house!
• Edinburgh walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours: For those looking to taste the city’s delicacies, you’ll want to go on this tour! You’ll get to try some Scottish classics including haggis, tatties, and Scottish cakes, as well as scotch whisky.

 

Where to stay in Edinburgh

To make the most of your 2-day itinerary for Edinburgh then you’ll want to stay somewhere relatively central. However, some of the outer suburbs offer cheaper accommodation options and the city’s transport links are efficient so you’ll have no problems getting around.

Here are a couple of our recommendations!

Luxury: Cheval The Edinburgh Grand

This 5* hotel is just a short walk from Princes Street and it offers apartment-style accommodation. These apartments sleep up to 6 people so they’re suitable for couples, groups, and families.

Cheval The Edinburgh Grand is pet-friendly and there’s a fitness centre on-site that guests can use!

Mid-range: Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket

Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket is one of the best options if you’re looking for accommodation in Edinburgh. There are a variety of rooms to choose from and breakfast is available every morning!

You’ll also be close to several attractions including The Real Mary King’s Close, The National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Mile.

Budget: Royal Mile Backpackers

If you’re looking for a cheap option then check out this hostel. It’s in a central location so you’ll have easy access to a variety of bars, cafes, and restaurants!

Guests who stay here will benefit from a shared lounge area, free WiFi, an onsite kitchen, and luggage storage.

Airbnb: Bijou by the beach

This gorgeous one-bedroom flat is situated in the coastal suburb of Portobello. There’s a bus stop directly outside which will take you to the city and you’ll be just a 5-minute walk from the beach!

Not only is the flat beautifully decorated but you’ll be left with plenty of information to help with your stay. This is where we stayed during our trip and couldn’t recommend it enough.

Booking.com

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh

How many days should I spend in Edinburgh?

You’ll want to spend at least 2 days in Edinburgh as there are so many fascinating places to visit. We arrived in the city really early, so that we could make the most of our time in the city.

For those that can spend 3 days in Edinburgh or even longer, then you’ll have time to fit in some other sites. You could explore Dean Village, wander through the Scottish National Gallery, or go on a scotch whisky experience!

What is a good budget for Edinburgh?

Unfortunately, Edinburgh is one of the country’s most expensive cities. However, you can find some great deals when it comes to accommodation and there are plenty of free things to do!

We recommend allowing a budget of at least £60 per day if you’re visiting Edinburgh. This will give you enough money for a hostel bed, food, and other necessities! If you can, allow a bit more for spends and tours (around £80-£100 if possible).

Is Edinburgh a walkable city?

If you prefer to explore by wandering around then you’re in for a treat. In fact, Edinburgh is one of the most walkable cities in the world!

Although the transport here is very efficient, many of the popular attractions are located in the Old Town. This means you can walk between the majority of sites in this Edinburgh itinerary!

Can you see the aurora borealis in Edinburgh?

It’s entirely possible to spot the Northern lights in Scotland, and they have occasionally been seen in the capital. However, the aurora will have to be very strong for you to spot them!

You’ve got the best chance between October-March but just don’t hold your breath. The conditions have to be perfect to spot them, and that’s a rare occasion.

Final Thoughts on Your 2 Days in Edinburgh

This 2 days in Edinburgh itinerary will allow you to see the best of the city. There are plenty of awesome attractions to see and you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Whether you’re looking to hike and admire the views, explore the underground vaults, or visit a museum, you won’t run out of things to do in this amazing city.

In this itinerary, we’ve grouped together the destinations in the best way that we can. This will allow you to see the most possible, and you won’t have to allow much time for travelling between places.

If you have any further questions about Edinburgh then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

PIN IT FOR LATER!