Planning a weekend in Edinburgh? This 2 day Edinburgh itinerary shows you how to experience the city’s highlights without feeling rushed. Edinburgh is compact and walkable, which means you can see a lot in two days. This guide balances famous landmarks with quieter moments, giving you time to soak up the atmosphere and find your favourite spots along the way.
Day 1 | Old Town, The Castle, and National Museum
You’ll kick off your first day right in the middle of the Old Town. This is where you can see Edinburgh’s medieval vibe at its best, and there’s so much to check out just by walking around!
Morning
Edinburgh Castle
Start at Edinburgh Castle, perched on its volcanic rock above the city. Arrive early to beat the crowds. You’ll need at least 1,5 to 2 hours here to see the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the National War Museum. The views from the castle ramparts are brilliant; you can see across the Old Town rooftops.
Practical tip
Book tickets online in advance to skip the queue, especially during summer and festival season.
The Royal Mile
Next head downhill along the Royal Mile. This famous street connects the castle to Holyrood Palace. It’s packed with shops, cafés, and narrow alleyways called ‘closes’ that are worth exploring. Pop into a few closes as you walk. (Mary King’s Close is really one you should check out)
- Stop at St Giles’ Cathedral for a quick look inside (free entry, donations welcome).
- Visit shops selling tartan, whisky, and Scottish gifts if you need souvenirs.
- Grab a coffee at one of the small cafés tucked into the side streets like The Milkman on Cockburn str.
Afternoon
Lunch and National Museum of Scotland
For lunch, you can easily find some pubs on the Royal Mile and find good cafés and pubs with proper Scottish food.
Lunch recomendations
- Copper still, great Steak & Ale Pie or Fish & Chips.
- Royal Mile Tavern, Haggis Bon Bons and the best Sticky Toffee Pudding.
- The Piemaker, more in for a grab and go? Piemaker is one of the Uk’s foremost speciality pie shops.
After lunch, spend an hour or two at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street. It’s free, and it is one of our favorites. Inside, you’ll find everything from Scottish history to natural sciences, pick the galleries that interest you most.
Grassmarket and Victoria Street
After the museum, pay a quick stop at Greyfriars Bobby Statue next to the museum. Head to Grassmarket, a lively square surrounded by pubs and restaurants. Maybe have a drink and from here, It’s a good spot to rest your legs and watch the world go by. After a short break, walk up the Victoria Street with its colourful shops.
Victoria Street’s curve and colourful shopfronts make it one of Edinburgh’s most photogenic streets.
Evening
Dinner and Ghost Tour 👻
Settle in for dinner somewhere in the Old Town. The Grassmarket has plenty of choices, from cosy pubs to modern bistros. I like to reccommend the Fiddler’s Arms pub.
If you’re up for it, join an evening ghost tour. Edinburgh has a dark history, and the guides tell brilliant stories as they lead you through underground vaults or haunted closes. Tours usually start around 7pm or 8pm and last around 90 minutes.
Day 2 | New Town, Calton Hill, and Holyrood
Your second day takes you to the elegant Georgian New Town, up to the best viewpoint in the city, and down to the royal palace at the base of Arthur’s Seat.
Morning
Princes Street Gardens and New Town
Start with a walk through Princes Street Gardens, the green space dividing the Old and New Towns. In good weather, it’s a lovely spot to walk, and you get great views back up to the castle.
Cross into the New Town and walk along George Street or the more elegant Queen Street. The architecture here is completely different: wide streets, grand terraces, and smart shops.
Calton Hill
Walk east to Calton Hill, one of Edinburgh’s seven hills. It’s a short climb (about 10 minutes) and absolutely worth it. At the top, you’ll find several monuments, including the unfinished National Monument and Nelson’s Monument.
The views are spectacular; this is the spot for panoramic photos of the city, Arthur’s Seat, and the Firth of Forth. Come here for sunrise or sunset if you’re an early riser or have the energy in the evening.
Local tip
Calton Hill is free and open all day. It’s a great place for a small picknick 🧺 so bring a few pies and a drink and just have your lunch break up here.
Afternoon
Descend Calton Hill and walk along the lower part of the Royal Mile towards Holyrood. This end of the street is quieter than the stretch near the castle, and you’ll pass the Scottish Parliament building.
Holyrood Palace
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. You can tour the state apartments and see Mary Queen of Scots’ chambers. The ruins of Holyrood Abbey next door are atmospheric and included in your ticket.
Evening
Head back into the Old Town via the Canongate. Stop for a early dinner in the Canongate area or back near the Royal mile.
Dinner recomendations
- The Black Grape, wine bar & small plates restaurant.
- The World’s End, a Scottish pub
Whisky Tasting or Pub Time
Finish your 2 day Edinburgh itinerary with a whisky tasting or a relaxed evening at a traditional pub. The Scotch Whisky Experience near the Royal Mile offers guided tastings if you want to learn about Scotland’s national drink. Otherwise, find a cosy pub and settle in with a pint of local ale or a dram.
Try The Bow Bar or Sandy Bell’s for a proper Edinburgh atmosphere.
Practical Tips for Your 2 Day Edinburgh Itinerary
- Getting around: Edinburgh’s centre is very walkable. You won’t need public transport for this itinerary, but buses and trams are easy if your legs need a break.
- Weather: Pack layers and a waterproof jacket. Edinburgh weather changes fast, even in summer.
- Booking ahead: Reserve tickets for Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace online to save time and money.
- Timing: This itinerary works year-round, but summer (June-August) and festival season (August) are the busiest times. Spring and autumn offer milder crowds and decent weather.
This 2 day Edinburgh itinerary gives you a solid introduction to Scotland’s capital. You’ll see the famous landmarks, walk through atmospheric streets, and get a feel for the city’s character. Two days is enough to hit the highlights and leave you wanting to come back for more.
