Edinburgh in 2 Days

Edinburgh... with its castle, its old streets, its underground vaults, and its cemeteries, the Scottish capital has plenty to fascinate you Renowned for its rich history and its architecture that blends Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian influences, the city is beautiful and fully deserves its popularity among tourists
To help you navigate its historic streets, I propose today an itinerary for visiting Edinburgh in 2 days. On the agenda: discovering the castle and crypts, tasting whisky, and visiting museums. Below, find the details of the must-do activities for a weekend stay in the Scottish capital

Two days may seem short to visit Edinburgh, as the Scottish capital is packed with historical sites. Fortunately for you, the vast majority of them are concentrated in the Old Town, and distances can often be covered on foot

I want to warn you, to make the most of your visits and the must-see landmarks of the city with only a 2-day stay, you will need to be efficient and your days will be somewhat busy, but I guarantee it's worth it! To give you an initial idea of the stops in this itinerary, please refer to the table below

Be aware, tourist crowds are very strong in Edinburgh, especially during the summer season. That's why it's important to think carefully about when to visit Edinburgh and to take some precautions before you go

Point number 1: it's crucial to book your activities in advance, to ensure you can attend all the visits and excursions of your choice ✅ In the same vein, once you know where to stay in Edinburgh, book your accommodations as early as possible, as not only are prices high (especially in summer), but hotels are often fully booked in the capital

For transportation, consider using a price comparison site to find flights to Scotland at the best price. Good news: round-trip flight prices remain quite reasonable, even if you're visiting Edinburgh in June, for example. With Skyscanner, you can find flights around €200 from Charles de Gaulle airport ✈️

To easily reach the city center, take the Bright Bus Airport Express, a shuttle that connects the airport and Edinburgh, with departures every 15 minutes and extra runs for peak morning hours. A one-way ticket costs just over €6 ️

Last tip, take advantage of the Edinburgh Pass, a combined ticket that gives you access to the famous Edinburgh Castle, the Scotch Whisky Experience, and the Palace of Holyrood, along with a 10% discount on other attractions in the capital

Edinburgh Castle is a fortress dating back to the 12th century It overlooks the Scottish capital, perched on a volcanic rock. You will find it at the western end of the famous Royal Mile. The building has had several royal tenants over the years, and it has also been the subject of several attacks and sieges, especially during the Wars of Scottish Independence ⚔️

As you can see, Edinburgh Castle is not only photogenic; its history is also very rich. To delve deeper into this history, I recommend going on a guided tour of the castle for €43 per person. You will discover the grand hall from the 16th century, which was used to celebrate grand festivities and host banquets

If you occasionally drink alcohol, I recommend tasting Scotch Whisky during your visit to Edinburgh. This designation, sometimes shortened to just 'Scotch', refers to whisky produced in Scotland. Be careful; this drink has more than 40% alcohol, to be consumed in moderation

The production of whisky in Scotland is ancient, with the first traces of this drink estimated to date back to the late 15th century. To learn more about the manufacturing process of this spirit, I recommend following the Scotch Whisky Experience. Visit a historic distillery located in the heart of Edinburgh and learn the secrets behind this drink. For €28, you can join a 50-minute interactive guided tour and taste a glass of Scotch whisky

After your visit to the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, I invite you to take a few steps towards the city center and stroll down the charming Victoria Street. This street connects the old Grassmarket market with the Royal Mile

You may have already seen Victoria Street while searching for photos of Edinburgh; it is famous for its shops with colorful façades. Between luxury clothing stores, exhibition galleries, and cafes, you will find plenty to delight your eyes and taste buds Don't forget to take a little selfie to remember your stay in Scotland. In short, if you want to visit Edinburgh's Old Town, Victoria Street is a must!

After exploring Victoria Street, head south and prepare for a dramatic change of atmosphere, as the next stop in this 2-day Edinburgh itinerary is a visit to Greyfriars Cemetery This cemetery in the Old Town borders Greyfriars Kirk; access to the gardens and the church is free. It is interesting to visit this cemetery if you know the legend of Bobby Greyfriars. Additionally, several ghost-themed guided tours also cover this cemetery and the macabre stories associated with it

But then, who is Bobby Greyfriars? To your surprise, it's a dog A Skye Terrier, to be precise. He is said to have guarded his late owner's grave, a local Edinburgh policeman, for nearly 14 years! The locals were moved by such loyalty and fed the dog in the years following his owner's loss
The best part? The legend of Bobby Greyfriars is often mentioned, but this story is indeed true!

The dog passed away in 1872, and you can find a tomb erected in his honor at the entrance of the cemetery. Furthermore, some of his personal belongings are now kept at the Museum of Edinburgh. A statue of the dog also stands in the cemetery, and it is said that touching the tip of his nose brings good luck which explains the golden color in that spot, a discoloration due to the many tourists passing through each year.

For lunch, I invite you to try one of the pubs in the Old Town. Personally, I enjoyed Deacon Brodie's Tavern. A few steps from Edinburgh Cathedral, you can savor traditional Scottish dishes

For example, the pub serves Haggis, a sheep's stomach stuffed with sheep offal and oatmeal This may not sound very appetizing , but I assure you it is delicious If you're not a vegetarian, I strongly encourage you to give it a try! The establishment also offers a wide selection of savory pies, and vegetarian options are also on the menu Naturally, I encourage you to pair the meal with a local beer for the most authentic experience possible

St Giles' Cathedral dates back to 1120. It is one of the essential historical monuments in Edinburgh. However, it is important to note that its status as a cathedral is only symbolic, as the Church of Scotland has no bishops; it is technically just a church ⛪️

St Giles remains a beautiful Gothic-style building. Entry is free, and for more information on its opening hours, I invite you to check the official website.

Mary King's Close is an underground alley located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Dark and narrow, poverty, insecurity, and diseases once thrived here It takes its name from a merchant woman: Mary King, who resided there in the 17th century.

The alley has a reputation for being haunted; today it is believed that these legends are the result of hallucinations due to biogas that may have escaped in this area of the capital. Due to its deplorable state, the passage was long closed to the public but was reopened in 2003 after renovations ✅

To visit this portion of Edinburgh, it is necessary to follow a guided tour. For €31 you can discover all the legends surrounding this centuries-old street. Prepare to hear some macabre stories, as this is where those suffering from the plague were once quarantined ☠️ Although the tours take place in English, a French audio guide is provided. If you suffer from claustrophobia, I would advise against this visit ⚠️

To stay on theme, I propose you continue your day with a visit to the South Bridge vaults. As with the Mary King's Close passage, the visit of Edinburgh's underground vaults is only possible as part of an official guided tour ️

The South Bridge vaults consist of a series of rooms built within the 19 arches of the South Bridge, constructed in the late 18th century. Initially, they housed taverns and artisan shops, while other rooms simply served as storage warehouses.

Over time, though, the atmosphere within the vaults became darker; this is where vagrants and criminals gathered, illegal gambling, unregulated whisky production, and even prostitution were common

Naturally, the most macabre rumors speak of murders and corpses that have remained hidden between the walls of these vaults. Today, they have been renovated, the northern rooms serve for tourist visits, while the southern rooms can host festive events! To learn more about the history of these vaults and the myths and legends surrounding them, take a guided tour starting at €26 per person.

The Royal Mile runs through the center of Edinburgh from west to east. At its western end, you find Edinburgh Castle, and at the eastern end, you find the Palace of Holyrood, which I will mention shortly. Unsurprisingly, the Royal Mile is the most touristy and busiest street in the Scottish capital

Fun fact: the Royal Mile gets its name because its length is equivalent to a Scottish mile. To be precise, this artery of the Old Town coincides with a series of four streets: Castlehill (western end), Lawnmarket, Canongate, and finally High Street (eastern end). As you walk along, you'll pass souvenir shops ️ cafes, as well as museums like the Museum of Edinburgh, and historical monuments, such as St. Giles Cathedral ⛪️

The Palace of Holyrood proudly stands at the eastern end of the Royal Mile Originally, it was a monastery founded during the first half of the 12th century at the request of the then King of Scotland, David I. However, it did not start serving as a residence for Scottish sovereigns until the 15th century. To this day, it is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland

The entrance ticket to the Palace of Holyrood costs €24 per person. Tours are available every day of the week, from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. A French audio guide is included in the price, and generally, it takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes for a self-guided visit of the palace. Inside, you will discover richly decorated baroque-style rooms. Among the most impressive rooms are the Great Gallery, which once hosted lavish balls, as well as the royal apartments, of course

During the visit, you will also access the oldest part of the palace, a tower where the infamous Mary Stuart resided. The entrance ticket also includes access to the palace gardens and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. Built in the 12th century, it was once used for coronation ceremonies and the weddings of Scottish royal family members Unfortunately, its roof collapsed in the 18th century. Although it is still in ruins today, it possesses a certain charm and has a mysterious aura that is definitely worth a little photo op

Good tip: Visit the Palace of Holyrood while minimizing your costs with the Edinburgh Pass, which includes the entrance, in addition to two other must-see visits in the capital!

In conclusion of this first day in the itinerary for visiting Edinburgh in 2 days, I invite you to climb Calton Hill, located just steps from the Palace of Holyrood. This is where the Gaelic festival of Beltane is celebrated each year to mark the arrival of summer in Scotland

The hill features several monuments, including the National Monument of Scotland, erected in honor of Scottish sailors and soldiers who died during the Napoleonic Wars, the Nelson Monument, and the Dugald Stewart Monument. Additionally, the hill offers a lovely view of the city of Edinburgh; visiting for sunset is the best time, in my opinion

Arthur's Seat is a hill that rises in the very center of Edinburgh. At 251 meters high, it is the highest point in Holyrood Park and features in many local legends. It generally takes about half an hour to reach its summit ⏱️ The path is not difficult, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful panorama of the capital.

Personally, I recommend climbing it in the morning, as a digestive walk after breakfast To continue your day, head back down to the Old Town and take the famous Cockburn Street before reaching Princes Street

Princes Street is Edinburgh's main shopping avenue. Stretching 1.6 km, you will find many shops to buy some travel souvenirs. It goes without saying that it's a must-see even if you're only visiting Edinburgh for 2 days! Jenners is an iconic store on the street, opened to the public in 1838, it is the oldest independent store in Scotland ️

Don't forget to take a photo of its richly detailed façade, where you can spot caryatids between the large windows of the establishment. These statues pay tribute to women and their often-understood role as the pillar of the home. I also invite you to step inside the store, even if you're not looking to buy anything; its hall is also worth checking out

For a little break, head to the Princes Street Gardens. If you're traveling to Edinburgh during the summer, take a moment to sit on the grass for a few minutes and enjoy the sun The points of interest here are the Scott Monument, the fountain, and the Ross kiosk. The latter regularly hosts musical performances

The Scott Monument is one of Edinburgh's iconic constructions. In neo-Gothic style, the tower was built in the 1840s. The edifice was erected in homage to Walter Scott, a famous writer from Edinburgh. You can take a souvenir photo in front of his statue at the foot of the tower

The dark color of the Scott Monument is a testament to the city's past, particularly polluted during the Victorian era. For €10, it's possible to climb a spiral staircase to the top of the 61-meter high structure and enjoy a lovely view of the capital. Tickets can only be purchased on-site, for more information, I refer you to the official website of the Scott Monument.

For this last afternoon in Edinburgh, I invite you to follow a guided tour of Dean Village and Circus Lane. The tour starts at 1:30 PM; for €21, follow a local expert and begin by wandering the streets of the little village of Dean

Dean Village was once a hub of milling activity eight centuries ago, thanks to its mills driven by the current of the local river, the Water of Leith. After a significant decline in activity and growing poverty in the mid-20th century, the village has since been restored and is now a highly sought-after and charming residential area, just a stone's throw from historic central Edinburgh. During the two-hour tour, you will follow the river until you reach the cobbled avenues of Circus Lane, in the nearby Stockbridge neighborhood.

To wrap up your 2-day visit to Edinburgh, I suggest you choose between two activities:<-️

First, if you enjoy immersive experiences and folklore, prefer the frightful experience of the Edinburgh Dungeon For €25, travel back to the dark years of the capital. Enter the city's depths and prepare for frightful scenes with richly detailed sets and live actors!

However, if you are a fan of museums and exhibitions, I recommend visiting the National Gallery of Scotland. Admission is free, and the museum is open every day of the week from 10 AM to 5 PM. Here, you can admire paintings by internationally renowned artists, such as Vermeer or Velázquez. New exhibitions also highlight local artists like Phoebe Anna Traquair or William McTaggart ‍

As mentioned in the introduction, central Edinburgh is quite small, and most distances can be covered on foot. However, if you're tired or in a particular rush, I have a tip to help you get around the Scottish capital. With a hop-on hop-off bus ticket, you can easily reach all the points of interest in the Old Town

Available for €21, this double-decker bus stops at about fifteen sites and includes a French audio guide that will help you learn more about the history of the capital during the journey. The cherry on top: for every adult ticket bought, 3 children can travel for free! This is a great deal for those of you planning to visit Edinburgh in 2 days with your family

The Resident Edinburgh is a 4-star hotel on the outskirts of the Old Town. I appreciate its proximity to Dean Village, accessible in just a 4-minute walk! On-site, you will find double and triple rooms with chic and sleek decor, offering a beautiful view of the city The reception is open 24/7, with room service and luggage storage available. For a night in this comfortable hotel, expect to pay from €122 in low season and from €350 in high season; be sure to book in advance, as Edinburgh is a very touristy city!

If you're looking for where to stay in Edinburgh on a budget, consider hostels The Code Pod - The Court Edinburgh is a hostel located in the heart of the Old Town. The underground passages of the Real Mary King's Close are only 100 meters away, and it's about 600 meters to Edinburgh Castle. The mixed dorms can accommodate up to 14 people, but there are also female-only dorms available. In low season, beds are available from €38, for a private room expect to pay €103. During peak season, prices can rise to an average of €53 for dorm beds and a minimum of €156 for a room.

Finally, for a very comfortable stay in the heart of the Old Town, opt for the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel. This 4-star hotel is located on Grassmarket Street, at the foot of Edinburgh Castle You can also easily reach the Royal Mile, Lothian Road, and Princes Street within moments. The hotel rooms are spacious, with large private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and mini-refrigerators. In terms of budget, expect to pay from €116 per night in low season and a minimum of €300 for a room during peak tourist season.

This 2-day itinerary article for visiting Edinburgh is coming to an end. By following my recommendations, you can discover all the must-see attractions of the city in just a weekend If you have a little flexibility in your planning, you can also compare this route with my itinerary for discovering Edinburgh in 3 days and see which option suits you best. Otherwise, you can also fit this 2-day stay in Edinburgh at the beginning or end of a road trip in Scotland