2 days in Edinburgh Itinerary: The Perfect Trip For Your First Visit

Are you looking for the best way to spend 2 days in Edinburgh Scotland itinerary? If so, we have you covered with this epic guide!

Edinburgh is a very compact city and a very walkable city! I have visited several times over 2 days and think it is enough time to explore all the city has to offer.

Here are some things you MUST see in Edinburgh on a weekend trip:

• Cockburn Street [One of my fave streets I’ve ever been!]
• Armchair Books [Vintage books for a good price!]
• Waverley Bridge [The most incredible view of the city]
• Dean Village [A hidden oasis in the city]
• The Royal Mile [Obviously the most famous street in the city!]
• Edinburgh Castle [I show you how to see it from multiple angles!]

Let me be your personal Edinburgh trip planner for 2 days, but feel free to use this guide as an example! There is so much to explore in this Scottish city, from the Castle to museums, parks, amazing views, and historic streets! Did I mention the food is amazing and many of the restaurants use seasonal ingredients?

Ready to find out how to spend a weekend in Edinburgh?

2 days in Edinburgh Itinerary: The Perfect Trip For Your First Visit

Day 1 In Edinburgh

On day 1 of Edinburgh in 2 days, you will explore the most popular areas of the city including Old Town, Castle and more!

Stop 1: Breakfast and Arrival 8:30 am

One of the first things I do when visiting Edinburgh is grab breakfast. For those staying in Old Town, head to Deacon’s House Cafe! For those who are vegan, gluten free and vegetarian they have plenty of options!

This family-run cafe is the perfect spot to cozy up for coffee or tea and any of their homemade breakfast options. I am partial to the homemade scones. But the egg dishes and full Scottish breakfasts are equally as delicious.

Other Breakfast spots:

• The Edinburgh Ladder – All Scottish seasonal products used on Royal Mile
• The City Cafe – An American diner, all day breakfast
• Hideout Cafe Oldtown – coffee and treats
• The Milkman – pastries and coffee

Stop 2: Edinburgh Castle 9:30 am

A visit to Edinburgh Castle needs to be on your 2-day Edinburgh trip itinerary! A visit here will have you traveling back in time to the 11th century when the castle was first built during the Iron Age on castle rock (off an extinct volcano).  Until the 1600s it was home to the British monarchs of Scotland!

As a history buff, the Castle has been involved in a myriad of conflicts and wars and is one of the oldest castles in Europe!

Click here to book : Edinburgh Castle: Guided Tour with Live Guide

Click here to book : Edinburgh Castle: Highlights Tour with Entry Ticket

Stop 3: Camera Obscura & World of Illusions 11:00 am

For those spending 2 days in Edinburgh with family, you will want to add Camera Obscura to your 2 days in Edinburgh itinerary! I think this is a great spot if you have kids and if you don’t have kids, there are epic 360 views of the city above!

Opened in 1835, it is the oldest attraction in Scotland! The 170-year-old Camera Obscura only works in daylight, so going right before noon is the perfect time to visit!

Inside Tips: 

• Explore 5 floors with 100 interactive exhibits
• Head rooftop for 360 degree views
• Tickets are timed

Click here to book: Camera Obscura Tickers

Stop 4: Victoria Street 12 pm

The next stop on your 2 days in Edinburgh itinerary is Victoria Street in Old Town. This curved cobblestone street built in the 1830s has tons of colorful shops and restaurants and is one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh.

For Harry Potter fans, you add a Harry Potter walking tour to your Edinburgh long weekend itinerary! This tour takes you along Victoria Street which was used as inspiration for Diagon Alley, and shows you all the spots you have read about!

Click here to book: Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour

Click here to book: Edinburgh: Harry Potter Tour with Entry to Edinburgh Castle

Stop 5: Vennel Viewpoint 12:30 pm

I think that Vennel Viewpoint is one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle in the city! As such, it needs to be on your Edinburgh trip itinerary. This not-so-hidden gem is an alleyway that is connected by a flight of stairs and is a must on your first time to Edinburgh!

Insider Tips:

• Once in Grass market Area looking the intersection of West Port and Lauriston Place, google maps list the spot as “Castle viewpoint” 
• This is a popular photo spot, so be respectful when taking photos as you are awarded with views of the castle without anyone in front of you.

Stop 6: Armchair Books 1 pm

One of the best things to do in Edinburgh, if you want a unique souvenir is to stop in Armchair Books. I got a historic book from the 1800s on my last trip for less than $10! Explore this small quirky bookstore for a treasure of your own.

Lunch: 1:30 pm

Old Town has so many different options for lunch. Below we will suggest some favorites!

• Makars Mash Bar – Scottish dishes served with Mashed!
• The Pipers Roast – local sources ingredients and live music
• The Edinburgh Larder – coffee shop with sandwiches and taste of Scottish plate
• Mums Great Comfort Food – British diner food

Stop 7: The Writers Museum 2:30 pm

The Writers Museum is GORGEOUS! And a must-see with two days in Edinburgh! Here you can find rare books, portraits, and historical objects from 3 Scottish authors all housed in a stone mansion. Located at the end of the Royal Mile it is easy to find.

Insider Tips:

• Free Entry
• Last entry is 4:30 pm
• Closed Monday and Tuesday

Stop 8: Explore The Royal Mile 3:30 pm

Exploring the Royal Mile has to be on your itinerary for a first-time trip to Edinburgh! There is SO MUCH to explore in this neighborhood. It starts at Edinburgh Castle and runs to the Holyrood House this route is known as Scots Mile (actually just over a mile)!

The “Royal Mile” is the following neighborhoods: Castle Hill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand, and has to be on your list of what to see on a two-day trip to Edinburgh!

Insider Tips Here are some places to explore:

• Home to Old and New Scottish Parliament
• St. Giles Cathedral ( needs to be on your Edinburgh bucket list)
• Tons of cafes, restaurants, shops, and more
• Architecture
• Underground Streets
• Monuments and Statues
• First Sunday – pedestrian only area
• Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop – whiskey tasting and distillery tour

There are so many areas to explore, with cobblestone streets, hidden alleyways, and narrow stairways leading to secret underground areas you must see! Speaking of the over 80 narrow alleyways, they are referred to as closes. Some of the most popular are Advocate’s Close, Lady Stair’s Close, Borthwick’s Close, and, Mary Kinds Close.

There are a few free museums in this area as well, I recommend stopping at the Edinburgh Museum to explore the history of this city. We have put together some amazing tours below that will guide you through this historical area!

Click here to book : Edinburgh: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour

Click here to book : Edinburgh: Palace of Holyroodhouse Entry Ticket

Click here to book : Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling

Optional: Hike Arthur’s Seat for sunset

AFTER the royal mile part for those looking for an adventurous activity, why not take the 2-hour Arthur’s Seat hike? The easy hike along the extinct volcano ends at the highest point of Holyrood Park and provides those catching sunset stunning views when spending a weekend in Edinburgh!

Stop 9: Ghost Tour 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm

For your first evening of the 2-day Edinburgh trip itinerary, take a Ghost Tour! On the one-hour tour, you will learn the dark history of Edinburgh while exploring the Old Town. Explore underground vaults which are said to be some of the most haunted in the world!

You will also explore, Greyfriars Kirkyard one of the most haunted graveyards, and hear about all the nefarious history and people who were part of the history of the city.

Click here to book : Edinburgh: Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour

Click here to Book: Edinburgh: Evening Underground Ghost Tour

Click here to Book : Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Ghost Tour

Dinner 7:30 pm

On night one of your 2 nights in Edinburgh itinerary, I suggest eating in the Old Town. Last trip, we dined at the Devil’s Advocate Bar and Kitchen. Located up Advocate’s Close with an outdoor terrace the menu is seasonal and showcases Scottish Whiskey and foods.

The menu does rotate, but, I would suggest trying any of the Scottish specials. There are vegetarian options on the menu as well! And don’t forget to try one of the 300 whiskeys served here!

Day 2 In Edinburgh

Day 2 of your 48 hours in Edinburgh, will have you exploring hidden gems, the New Town, and museums! If you would rather have a tour today to take you to all the highlights, I suggest this Edinburgh: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour! And Feel free to make this Edinburgh guide your own !

Stop 1: Breakfast 8 am

On the morning of Day 2 of your 2-day Edinburgh trip, we will start with another great breakfast spot! Duck and Waffle is located in St. James Square. They serve traditional Scottish breakfast, but are known for their crispy duck confit, and fried duck egg over a waffle! And also serve an all-day brunch.

Stop 2: Dean Village 9:30 am

On our list of things to do in Edinburgh in 2 days, you will start your day at Dean Village. I think this hidden oasis in the city, is worth a visit. But, be prepared for the walk(or grab a taxi)! So grab a coffee to go and set out to explore this cute area.

So what is Dean Village? It is a picturesque 19th-century village set along a river. Stunning is one word! A walk down the cobblestone roads transports you back in time! For those interested in listening to an audio tour of the area this digital audio tour is perfect!

Click here to book : Edinburgh’s Dean Village: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Stop 3: Circus Lane 10:45 am

Stop 3, Circus Lane needs to be one of the things to see in Edinburgh in 2 days! While it is a bit of a walk from Dean Village, I think it is the most photogenic street (more like a back alley) in Edinburgh! Fun fact, it was the first curved cobblestone street in Edinburgh!

This is a great photo spot with an ivy-covered stone building with a church cock tower in the background!

Stop 4: Scott Monument 11:30 am

I think when planning a trip to Edinburgh, you want to see all the iconic sights, but, also need to explore all the quintessential Scottish landscapes. Located, in Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument is the iconic Edinburgh monument.

Not only it is the largest monument dedicated to a writer ( Sir Walter Scott) it is also impressive architecturally. Take the 287 spiral stairs up to the viewing platform over the city ( so pretty!).

Inside Tips:

• Open Daily from 10 am to 3:30 pm
• closed from 12:30pm-1:45pm
• No pre-booking, purchase at Kiosk on arrival
• Entry is £ 8 
• Family pack for 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children: £ 20

Lunch in Edinburgh New Town 12:30 pm

For lunch today it is best to choose a restaurant in either New Town or Princes Street.

In Princes Street, try the family-run Scottish seasonal menu at Howie’s or the Boozy Cow for hamburgers.

In the New Town, try one of my favorite London Indian restaurants, Dishroom, or Cote Edinburg for a French bistro! And Rabble Taphouse Grill for a pub experience.

If you can’t decide, take the decision out of where to eat for lunch, and go on a guided food tour of the city.

Click here to book: Edinburgh: 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour

Stop 5: National Galleries Of Scotland Museum 2 pm

The first museum on this 2 day itinerary for Edinburgh, is the National Galleries of Scotland! Here you can explore Scottish Art from the 1300s to 1940s.

See artwork by renowned artists such as Titian, Gauguin, and Rembrandt, and Scottish artists such as McTaggart, and Glasgow Boys. Here you can explore the history of Scotland through artwork!

Insider Tips:

• Open daily 10 am to 5 pm
• Free Admission
• Located on Princes Street in the city centre

Stop 6: Explore Princes Street Garden 3:30 pm

The public park of Princes Street Garden is the next stop of your itinerary for Edinburgh in 2 days. After the North Loch. (Scottish marsh) was drained in 1820 it created the Princes Street Garden separating the old town from the new town.

In the middle is “the Mound” where the National Galleries is located ( your previous stop!).

Head here year-round, if looking for what to do with 2 days in Edinburgh! Admire the open garden space with fountains, and monuments. During the holidays it is home to a Christmas Market. The gardens are open daily from 7 am to 7:30 pm.

Inside Tips: You can enter the garden at following locations:

• Princes Street
• Waverley Bridge by Princes Street
• King Stables Road
• Market Street close Edinburgh Dungeons
• The Mound

Stop 7: Views of the city from Princes Street Cafes 5 pm

When you visit Edinburgh Scotland, you will be amazed at all the breathtaking views you can find within the city walls.

There are multiple cafes along Prince’s Street with views of Edinburgh Castle from inside, including Starbucks which you can visit for free [but why not stay for a cup of coffee!]

Starbucks is open later, but we love patronizing local coffee shops!! I recommend Waterstones Princes Street or Starbucks Princes Street for the best views! [My photo was shot from the Starbucks!]

Stop 8: Walk across Waverley Bridge 5:45 pm

Day 2 has mostly been a walking tour on your 2-day weekend trip to Edinburgh, and it continues with walking across the Waverley Bridge. This bridge in the heart of Edinburgh links Market Street and Cockburn Street.

It is one of the 3 main routes linking Old and New Town and was built in 1984. For those arriving or departing by train, you will cross over Waverley Bridge to reach Waverley Train Station.

Stop 9: Cockburn Street 6:30 pm

Cockburn Street is my favorite of the “prettiest streets” in the old town of Edinburgh! It is pronounced “co-burn”! And is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with 2 days in Edinburgh Scotland.

This narrow street is an “s” shaped street that connects Royal Mile with Waverley Bridge with cobblestone and buildings on both sides. And for Harry Potter fans it is another inspiration for Diagon Alley!

Dinner: 7:30 pm

For dinner on night 2, I suggest eating in Old Town. There are so many amazing restaurants located in this area! Here are a few of my suggestions.

• Monteiths – Upscale Scottish dining and a great bar
• Devils Advocate – pub setting
• Pipers Rest – rustic upscale pub
• Outside – views
• Vittoria on the Bridge – Italian
• Ecco Vino – seafood and wine!

Located right outside Old Town, if you are looking for upscale tasting menus, head to Grazing! I enjoyed a delicious 5-course tasting menu with drink pairing last time I was in town.

Stop 10 : Underground Vault Tour

The last stop on your 2 days in Edinburgh itinerary, is an underground vault tour! You will learn all about the history of underground Edinburgh as you visit the vaults in the old town and along Royal Mile.

Click here to Book: Underground Vault Tours

Optional Things To Do In Edinburgh

Please know this is my ultimate Edinburgh guide, but, feel free to make this 2 days in Edinburgh itinerary your own! Everyone has different interests and I hope you use this guide as a rough guided and add in stops that interest you. There are tons of other areas to explore that I did not include to make a perfect trip to Edinburgh!

Other Places to Explore (Click the links below for amazing tours)

• Royal Yacht Britannia
• Harry Potter Tours
• National Museum of Scotland
• Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
• Scottish Whiskey Experience or Johnny Walker Tour( I did a similar one for gin in Cambridge and it was epic! )
• Edinburgh Zoo ( perfect for those traveling with children)

Where to Stay On Your Edinburgh Itinerary

Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

My first suggestion for hotels in Edinburgh is located on the Royal Mile, just a 5-minute walk for those arriving by the Waverly Train Station! And within walking distance to all the major sights making it the perfect place to stay on your 2 days in Edinburgh itinerary! The rooms are large with very comfortable beds and the entire hotel was recently renovated!

To Check Rates for Leonard Hotel : Click HERE

Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh Grassmarket

If you are looking for where to stay in Edinburgh and want to be in the city center, the Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh Grassmarket is for you! Located right at Edinburgh Castle, each room has a kitchenette, and offers free coffee/tea and treats! And for those traveling with families, they also offer apartment-type rooms with full kitchens and more space.

The rooms are bright and feature wooden floors, and laundry facilities in the common area.

To Check Rates for Wilde Aparthotes: Click HERE

Kimpton – Charlotte Square, an IHG Hotel

The final hotel I chose in Edinburgh in a weekend is the Kimpton Charlotte Square located in New Town. Just steps away from popular Princes and George Street. The rooms all feature a complimentary box of treats and coffee/tea and water at check-in!

The hotel features an indoor courtyard and several restaurants to choose from on the property. The rooms feature wooden floors, high ceilings with leather furniture, and neutral colors.

To Check Rates for Kimpton Charlotte Square : Click HERE

Where To Eat In Edinburgh

There are plenty of cuisines and restaurant options to choose from in Edinburgh! Below are just a few of the ones that get great reviews, or that I have dined at!

• 3 Blind Mice– pizza
• Allanton Inn – upscale Scottish
• The Cheese Lounge – wine bar
• Skyline – budge Scottish
• Lasal – Spanish
• Moopie – dessert
• No 35 at Bonham – the views!
• Sora lella – vegan
• Cold House – brewery and food

Getting To And Around Edinburgh

You will either be arriving by plane (the airport is 7 miles from town), or by train. Getting into the city is very easy! For those arriving to the airport, you can take the city tram that runs every 7 minutes to town.

I recommend walking, the city is very walkable ( as Edinburgh is very compact ), and for further away things such as Princes Street, the public transit especially buses and trams are easy to use!