Edinburgh 2 Day Itinerary

Edinburgh 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

  • 9:00 am - 10:30 am: Start the day at Edinburgh Castle (tickets: £17.50), a historic fortress that sits atop Castle Rock. Explore the castle’s grand halls, see the Scottish Crown Jewels, and enjoy stunning views of the city.
  • 11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Walk down the Royal Mile, the main street of Edinburgh’s Old Town, lined with shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Grab lunch at The Elephant House (budget: £10-15), a cozy café where J.K. Rowling wrote some of the early Harry Potter books.
  • 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Visit the National Museum of Scotland (free admission), which features a vast collection of Scottish artifacts, art, and science exhibits.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at The Kitchin (mid-range: £20-30), a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary Scottish cuisine.
  • 10:00 pm - late: Experience Edinburgh’s lively nightlife in the Grassmarket area, with its many bars and pubs.

Day 2

Morning

  • 9:00 am - 10:30 am: Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia (tickets: £17.50), a former royal vessel now converted into a fascinating museum.
  • 11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Take a stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (free admission, donations welcome).

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Have lunch at The Pantry (budget: £10-15), a charming café serving delicious sandwiches and soups.
  • 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (free admission), featuring an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at La Petite Mort (mid-range: £20-30), a French-inspired bistro with a cozy atmosphere.
  • 10:00 pm - late: Catch a traditional Scottish music session or comedy show at The Beehive Inn.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Stay at the Royal Mile Backpackers (dorms from £15, private rooms from £40) or the Safestay Edinburgh (dorms from £12, private rooms from £30).
  • Mid-range: Book a room at the Hotel du Vin Edinburgh (from £80) or the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel (from £70).

Transportation

  • Airport to City Centre: Take the Airlink 100 bus (£4.50 single, £7.50 return) or a taxi (around £20-25).
  • Getting Around: Walk, use public buses (single tickets: £1.70, day ticket: £4.50), or take a taxi.

Things to Know

  • Edinburgh has a lot of hills and cobblestone streets, so wear comfortable shoes.
  • The city can be chilly, even in summer, so pack layers.
  • Be prepared for crowds during peak season (June to August).

Tips

  • Buy a Royal Edinburgh Ticket (£57.50) for discounted entry to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and other attractions.
  • Take a guided walking tour to discover hidden gems and learn more about the city’s history.
  • Try some traditional Scottish cuisine, such as haggis, neeps and tatties, or Cullen skink (smoked haddock chowder).

Other Things of Interest

  • Arthur’s Seat: A scenic hill in Holyrood Park with stunning views of the city.
  • The Vaults: A network of underground tunnels and chambers with a spooky atmosphere.
  • Edinburgh Festival Fringe: The largest arts festival in the world, taking place every August.

Enjoy your trip to Edinburgh!󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿