Edinburgh 2 Day Itinerary

Edinburgh 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Royal Mile and Old Town

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - Edinburgh Castle: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Get stunning views of the city and explore the castle’s historic buildings.
    • Address: Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
    • Ticket Price: £19.50 (adult)
  • 11:00 AM - Royal Mile: Walk down the famous Royal Mile, lined with shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral.

Lunch

  • 12:30 PM - The Royal McGregor: Enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine at this cozy pub, serving up great pies and ales.
    • Address: 1-3 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BU
    • Price Range: £15-£25 per person

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM - National Museum of Scotland: Visit the world-class museum, featuring a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits on Scottish history and culture.
    • Address: Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
    • Ticket Price: Free (donations welcome)
  • 4:00 PM - Camera Obscura: Explore the unique optical illusions and interactive exhibits at this historic attraction.
    • Address: 549-551 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND
    • Ticket Price: £16.50 (adult)

Dinner

  • 7:00 PM - The Witchery: Treat yourself to a luxurious dinner at this upscale restaurant, offering stunning views of the city and creative Scottish cuisine.
    • Address: 22-26 Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2PA
    • Price Range: £40-£60 per person

Evening

  • 9:00 PM - Live Music: End your day with live music at one of the many pubs or venues along the Royal Mile.

Day 2: Modern Edinburgh and the Coast

Morning

  • 9:30 AM - National Gallery of Scotland: Visit this world-class art gallery, featuring an impressive collection of Scottish and international art.
    • Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
    • Ticket Price: Free (donations welcome)
  • 11:30 AM - George Street: Explore the upscale shopping street, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

Lunch

  • 12:30 PM - Henderson’s: Enjoy delicious burgers and sandwiches at this popular cafe.
    • Address: 94 Thistle St, Edinburgh EH2 1DD
    • Price Range: £10-£15 per person

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM - Arthur’s Seat: Take a scenic walk up to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park.
    • Address: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh EH8 7JU
    • Ticket Price: Free (donations welcome)
  • 4:00 PM - The Shore: Visit this lively area along the Firth of Forth, featuring shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the sea.

Dinner

  • 7:00 PM - The Kitchin: Enjoy modern Scottish cuisine at this Michelin-starred restaurant.
    • Address: 78-80 St Leonard’s St, Edinburgh EH8 9QA
    • Price Range: £50-£70 per person

Accommodation

  • Hotel du Vin Edinburgh: A luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
    • Address: 11 Bristo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 1EZ
    • Price Range: £150-£250 per night
  • Airbnb Options: Consider renting a cozy flat or apartment through Airbnb.

Transportation

  • Edinburgh Airport: The airport is located about 8 miles west of the city center and offers bus and taxi services to the city.
  • City Bus Network: Use the Lothian Buses network to get around the city, with buses running frequently throughout the day.
  • Walking and Cycling: Edinburgh is a compact city, making it easy to walk or cycle around.

Tips

  • Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable Scottish weather, with layers and waterproof clothing essential.
  • Tipping: Tip 10-15% in restaurants and bars.
  • Cashless City: Many places now accept contactless payments, so consider using a credit or debit card.
  • Respect the Locals: Edinburgh is a city that values its history and culture; be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Other Attractions

  • Royal Yacht Britannia: Visit this former royal yacht, which served as the Queen’s floating palace from 1954 to 1997.
    • Address: Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ
    • Ticket Price: £17.50 (adult)
  • Edinburgh Vaults: Explore the hidden underground tunnels and caverns beneath the city streets.
    • Address: South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1BB
    • Ticket Price: £12-£15 per person

Last-Minute Tips

  • Book in Advance: Book popular attractions and restaurants in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • Get Lost: Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path and discover hidden gems in Edinburgh.

Enjoy your trip to Edinburgh!