Planning to spend 2 days in Edinburgh as a first time visitor? Then you’re in the right place! As Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh is a city rich in history and culture, with incredible architecture and greenery – even ancient volcanos!
2 days in Edinburgh is just enough to see the main attractions, experience the city’s magic, and walk the Arthur’s Seat. This 2 days in Edinburgh itinerary will smoothly guide you through the city of Edinburgh. Here you will also read about the iconic must-dos, traditional foods to try, FAQs, and tips I wish I knew before visiting. Continue reading to discover how to spend the best 2 days in Edinburgh!😍👇
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and buy with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊
How to Spend the Best 2 Days in Edinburgh, Scotland
Day 1: Discovering the City Center
9:00 AM Breakfast at L’Etoile Salon de Tea
What better way to start the day than with one of Edinburgh’s most beloved cafes?
L’Etoile Salon de Tea is a cosy cafe that serves breakfast and lunch, and has an ample gluten free menu. Here you can eat everything from Scottish or British breakfast, to delicious quiches, pastries, and more. A bonus is their delicious cappuccinos!
10:00 AM Edinburgh Castle
Now that you’ve had a delicious breakfast, it’s time for your first activity: visiting the Edinburgh Castle!
One of the most iconic sights of Edinburgh, is that of the Edinburgh Castle sitting atop of the beautiful Castle Rock. This is a view you can easily enjoy as you walk from L’Etoile Salon de Tea towards the castle.
The Edinburgh Castle has a long rich history with different roles, ranging from Royal Residence to fortress and prison. Dating back to the 12th Century, this castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe and is one full of wondrous tales. The castle is quite big and full of things to see, so the average visit time is between two to three hours.
This is one of Edinburgh’s most popular tours and tends to sells out. Book your tickets now to save your spot!👇
12:00 Walk around Victoria Street, The Royal Mile, and Grassmarket
Once you’re done with your visit at Edinburgh Castle, let yourself wander around the beautiful Victoria Street and Royal Mile. Two free spots to visit as you wander are the St. Giles Cathedral and the Tron Kirk Market.
Dating back to the 12th century, St. Giles Cathedral is one Scotland’s most important medieval parish churches. It is free to visit the Cathedral, but there is a “suggested” donation of 6 pounds to help support the caretakers of this 900 year old church.
The Tron Kirk Market hosts the Makers Market – a market of small local businesses and artisans. Supporting local businesses is one of the best things to do when traveling, and what better souvenir than one from an artisan?
The Royal Mile, is a beautiful street full of stores and restaurants. Most of the stores are for tourists, but along the Tron Kirk Market, it is possible to find authentic Scottish businesses to support.
1:00 PM Lunch at Bertie’s Proper Fish and Chips
Now that your eyes have feasted on the Edinburgh Castle and the beautiful Royal Mile, it’s time for your belly to do the same!
Located on Victoria St., head to Bertie’s Proper Fish and Chips, a phenomenal restaurant that serves Scottish cuisine. If you’re celiac, or gluten intolerant, Bertie’s offers the best gluten free fish and chips in Edinburgh and I cannot recommend it enough!😍
2:30 PM Whiskey Tasting at Scotch Whisky
Scotch Whisky* is Scotland’s national drink and holds a unique heritage of over 500 years – making it a must try when in Edinburgh.
Scotch Whisky experience offers 5 different types of tours and experiences, one of which is suitable for children. Each tour will bring you through an interactive space and tell everything to know about Whisky. For those 18+, depending on your ticket, you will also get a free whisky tasting or more!
Book your tickets now to save your spot!😍👇
4:30 PM Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Welcome to one of the best attractions in all of Edinburgh, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions!
This five floor museum has over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits and has something fun for all ages. From its mind-bending illusions to 360 views over Edinburgh and Rooftop Terrace, Camera Obscura is an unforgettable activity.
6:00 PM Walk Princes St. and Visit Princes Street Gardens
Now that you’ve enjoyed several activities and attractions, let yourself wander aimlessly around the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, Princes Street.
This beautiful street has a strong cultural significance as it is the “main artery” of Edinburgh’s New Town. When walking through here, you’ll see mesmerizing Georgian and Victorian architecture, along with the lush Prince Street gardens, Scott Monument, and panoramic views of the Edinburgh Castle.
Besides the architecture and lush gardens, you will cone across several historic landmarks, and a large selection of boutiques and shops. Due to this, let yourself roam freely to dive deeper into Edinburgh’s New Town and admire it all!
8:00 PM Dinner at Bread Meats Bread
Now that you’ve had the chance to dive deeper into the many beauties of Edinburgh, it’s time to enjoy the juiciest dinner at Bread Meats Bread.
Bread Meats Bread offers incredible food, from the wildest burgers to sandwiches, poutine, and milkshakes! As a bonus, they have an ample gluten free menu and the BEST gluten free burger buns.
Day 2: Walking Arthur’s Seat and Discovering More Wonders
Weather Note: This day consists of two wonderful outdoor activities, one being Arthur’s Seat. Before you arrive to Edinburgh, make sure to check the weather! If your day 1 in Edinburgh is the sunny day, and day 2 is rainy, swap these two days accordingly – so that you can enjoy Arthur’s Seat!
9:00 AM Scottish Breakfast at Loudons New Waverley
Rise and Shine! Today involves a lot of walking and panoramic views over Edinburgh, so a good breakfast is a must.
Loudons is a beloved brunch restaurant that aims to feed everyone – from regular-dieted-people, to the celiacs, vegans, and so forth. Here you will find everything from Full Breakfast to French Toast, bowls, and more.
10:00 AM Holyrood Palace
The first attraction of the day is the mesmerizing Holyrood Palace!
This palace is the home of the Scottish royal history and King Charles III’s official residence in Edinburgh. At this palace, you’ll get to see the State Apartments, royal portraits, the Royal Dining Room, as well as visit the gardens and even enjoy some tea.
The average time is around an hour, making this the perfect time to digest your breakfast before the next activity.😂😍
Get your tickets now to save your spot!👇
11:00 AM Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat
Now that you’re done with the Holyrood Palace, it’s time to walk through the Holyrood Park and walk up to the one and only, Arthur’s Seat!😍
The Arthur’s Seat is the highest peak of the park and ancient volcano, and offers the most breathtaking views all over Edinburgh. It takes around 40 minutes to walk to the top, and the walk is fairly easy. Here is everything you need to know about climbing Arthur’s Seat!
1:00 PM Lunch at The Haggis Box
One of the best ways to travel deeper is by eating the traditional food of your destination. With that said, when in Scotland, you simply must try Haggis!
Haggis is a dish made with sheep’s offal, oats, suet, and several spices. Traditionally, Haggis is served with Neeps (turnips) and Tatties (mashed potatoes) and a whisky-based sauce. The first recording of Haggis dates back to 1430, with the dish becoming Scotland’s National Dish in the 19th century.
Haggis is not gluten free, but lucky for you I found the best gluten free haggis in Edinburgh! If you’re vegan or vegetarian, The Haggis Box has a Haggis for you too.😉
If you are like me and are sensitive to gamey or lamb flavors, I’m happy to report that Haggis did not taste like either! Haggis tastes similar to Black Pudding and/or Morcilla, and has both a spiced and earthy flavor. This dish was DELICIOUS and I cannot recommend it enough!
2:30 PM Harry Potter Tour
Attention Harry Potter fans and Potter heads! Did you know that J.K. Rowling took a lot of inspiration from Edinburgh? If you didn’t, now you do!
This Harry Potter walking tour takes you around Edinburgh, showing you the real grave of Tom Riddle, and the many places that inspired Rowling. During this tour, you will also be sorted into your Hogwarts House and be quizzed on your Potter knowledge. The more questions you get right, the more points for your house!
To clarify, these are not the filming locations – but the locations that inspired Rowling. No filming took place in Edinburgh, Scotland.
This is one of Edinburgh’s most popular tours and tends to sells out. Book your tickets now to save your spot!👇
4:30 PM Calton Hill
What better way to end the sightseeing adventures than with Edinburgh’s favorite hill and lookout?😍
Calton Hill is a volcanic hill and UNESCO World Heritage Site from which you get the best views over Edinburgh. This hill is not the same as Arthur’s Seat, and it takes only 5 minutes to climb from the base to the top.
It takes around XX minutes to climb Calton Hill, and while it is free to visit, there are operating hours. Calton Hill closes at 6 PM every day.
While walking through here you will find several historic landmarks, including the National Monument of Scotland, the Dugald Steward Monument, and an art gallery.
8:00 PM Dinner at Makars Mash Bar
What better way to end your Edinburgh adventures than at one of the best Scottish restaurants in Edinburgh?
Makars Mash Bar is a family-run and Scottish restaurant that focuses on Scottish meat-based dishes and nine different types of mashed potatoes. Their meats and vegetables are all sources from local farms who have proper practices, values, and quality.
They do have some vegan and vegetarian options, and almost their entire menu can be made gluten free. Their dessert menu, on the other hand, is 100% gluten free.
Spending more than 2 days in Edinburgh?
If you’re in Edinburgh for 3 days or more, here are some activities to consider adding to your Edinburgh itinerary!
Go on a Day Trip
Additional Things to Do in Edinburgh
- Scottish National Museum
- The Writer’s Museum
- Royal Botanic Garden
- The Scottish National Portrait Gallery
- Shopping in Vintage, or Second-Hand, stores!
Enjoy Other Unique Edinburgh Experiences
Important Travel Tips for Edinburgh
- Check the operating days and hours in advance!!! Lot’s of exclamation marks because I learned this the hard way.😅
- Weather is unpredictable – always walk around with an umbrella!
- Student discounts. If you’re a student, make sure to bring your ID to enjoy discounts. You can also get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which can help you save on things from rail passes, entry fees, and so forth.
- Not a student but are 30 years old or younger? Then you can also apply for the International Youth Travel Card!💃
How to Get into Edinburgh from Airport
Edinburgh has amazing public transportation, so make sure to take advantage of it! From the airport you can take the City Express, which brings you to the city center in 30 minutes and for only 5 pounds. The ticket is 5 pounds one way, and 8 pounds round trip – an amazing deal for when you need to catch your outbound flight!
Edinburgh City Pass
Planning to visit a lot of Edinburgh attractions? Then the Edinburgh City Pass is about to be your best friend!
Simply pick how many days you want the city pass to be valid for, and you’ll have access to all the main attractions. With this pass, you can save up to 40%!
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
There are three best areas to stay in Edinburgh: Old Town, New Town, and Stockbridge.
Old Town – This is the most central area and the most popular location for tourists. If you want to be as close as possible to all the main attractions, this is the best spot!
New Town – New Town, despite being right next to Old Town, already is a more affordable option. Here you will have the best and easiest access to public transportation, and will have access to less touristy businesses and shops.
Stockbridge – If you want to dive deeper into Edinburgh and be amongst the locals, this is the right neighborhood for you! Stockbridge is a bit farther out, with a 30 minute walk to reach the Old Town. When walking from Stockbridge to Old Town, you’ll pass through New Town, so you can rest assured the walk will fly by with all the beauty surrounding you!
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
The best time to visit Edinburgh are the spring and summer months. When it comes to tourism, spring is less busy than the the summer. The weather is starting to warm up, there is less rain, and the days begin begin to get longer.
The summer months are, obviously, the warmest and have less rain than all the other months. They will be more expensive months due to the high tourism season, BUT these months are also filled with festivals and celebrations.
Overall, any of these two seasons will be amazing for visiting – simply take into consideration your budget, experiences, and the weather you prefer.
Note: Businesses and certain attractions have interesting operating days and hours, so this is something you want to keep in mind! For example, if you don’t know whether to visit Edinburgh from a Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday – check the operating days of the attractions you want to see!
How to Get Around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a fairly small, and very walkable city. If you’re staying central, you can easily walk to wherever. Edinburgh also has great and easy-to-use public transportation.
More Information on Edinburgh, Scotland
Here are some additional Edinburgh blog posts to help you out with your upcoming travels!👇
- How to Spend One Day in Edinburgh
- Climbing Arthur’s Seat: Everything You Need to Know
- The 10 Best Walking Tours & Unique Experiences in Edinburgh
- The 13 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Edinburgh
- Where to Eat the Best Gluten Free Haggis in Edinburgh
Want more help with your travels? Check out my services!
One of the main reasons I became I travel blogger is my love and passion for helping others experience the best of their destination. I offer three services on Thatch: Customized Itineraries, Customized Recommendations, and Consultation Calls.
If you want extra help on your Florence or Italy travels, check out my Thatch page and book my services!
📌 Pin this for your Future Edinburgh Travels!👇
I have to ask…
Which of these two days in Edinburgh are you most excited for? Let me know in the comments!😊
Share this with family & friends who are planning to travel to Scotland and would find this helpful.🤩
Follow me on Instagram for daily travel content!
Leave a Reply