From medieval streets and secret alleyways to elegant Georgian town houses and private gardens, Edinburgh’s beauty is undeniable. Read on to find out how to spend an amazing 2 days in Edinburgh.
There is almost an endless list of things to see and do in Edinburgh. Fortunately the city is actually quite compact so you can see a lot of the main attractions in Edinburgh in 2 days. With an abundance of history, beautiful vantage points, and stunning architecture, Edinburgh has always been one of my favourite weekend getaways in the UK.
I’ve put together this 2 day Edinburgh itinerary for first-time visitors who want to see the popular attractions but also discover some of the city’s more secret spots. This guide also includes tips on when to visit and where to stay to help you make the most of your 48 hours in Edinburgh.
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IN THIS GUIDE
2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary
48 HOURS IN EDINBURGH: Useful Information
How to get to Edinburgh
As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is well connected to the rest of the UK and many other European destinations. There are daily flights to and from Europe and the public transport network makes it easy to get around during your stay.
BY AIR
If you only have 48 hours in Edinburgh, flying is probably your best option as it’s much quicker than driving or getting the train from London. Edinburgh’s international airport is only a 30-minute tram or bus journey from the city centre. The city’s main bus company, Lothian Buses, runs the Airlink 100 express bus service. This express bus service departs every 10 minutes and tickets cost less than £5 for a single journey.
BY TRAIN
If you prefer to go by train Edinburgh has several train stations. The main stations are Waverley and Haymarket. The train journey from London to Edinburgh (Waverley) is 5 hours and 40 minutes, with around 60 trains running each day. The train journey from London is very scenic and only takes 4.5 hours.
I book all of my train tickets on The Train Line as it’s easy to compare train times, journey lengths and prices for trips like this. You can look into tickets and check if there are any planned engineering works on their website.
BY CAR
Most of the places on this 2-day Edinburgh itinerary are within walking distance of one and other, so it’s easy to get to Edinburgh and get around on public transport. However, driving does give you more flexibility to explore further afield. From London, it takes around 7 hours 40 minutes via the A1 or the M6. You can always stop overnight to break the journey up. If you choose to do this, I’d recommend taking the M6 route and staying for a night or two in the Lake District. Located in Cumbria, this is a beautiful area to explore on your way to Edinburgh, filled with glacial lakes and rugged mountain ranges.
Car Hire
If like me, you don’t have your own car, hiring a car can be a dreaded task. I personally use Auto Europe as it’s really easy to use. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. They also clearly show what is and isn’t included in the price. If you need any help, their 24/7 customer service is very good. Click below to check prices in your home currency.
How to get around Edinburgh in 2 days
The city is quite compact so you can see a lot even if you only have 2 days in Edinburgh. Many of the main attractions are located quite close together so you can easily get around on foot or you can even hire a bike and follow the cycle routes.
Some spots on this 2-day Edinburgh itinerary are further afield. You can use local buses if you don’t want to walk, or you could drive and park closer if that’s more convenient.
Another option is to book the Hop-on/ Hop-off bus. This is a great way to see all of the main sights without having to walk to each one. They offer day passes but they also do a ‘48 hours in Edinburgh’ pass. This gives you unlimited travel on three of Edinburgh’s hop-on-hop-off bus tours, as well as free admission to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The best time to visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a wonderful city to visit no matter what time of year. It has a mild climate and has less rain than most places in the UK. The temperatures vary throughout the year; January is the coldest month and July and August tend to be the warmest. October usually has more rainfall than the other months. As with most places in Scotland, the weather can change very quickly so be prepared and pack your raincoat just in case!
January and February are the quietest months to visit and you can usually get some good hotel deals. September, October and November are also good months to visit Edinburgh.
July and August are the busiest months due to the weather and all of the international festivals. The Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Fringe both take place in August and attract millions of visitors from all over the world.
Christmas is a magical time in Edinburgh as the city transforms into a winter wonderland. It’s also one of the best places in the UK to bring in the New Year. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations are spectacular and hundreds of thousands of people plan to spend New Year’s Eve in the Scottish capital. Hotels book out almost a year in advance so if you do plan to go for New Year’s then start looking for hotels in January!
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the perfect choice for a short getaway and luckily there are plenty of lovely hotels, apartments and guesthouses to suit every budget. The most popular areas to stay are the city centre, the Old Town, the New Town, Leith and the West End. Edinburgh is quite a compact city and has great transport links so you’ll find it easy to get around regardless of where you stay.
STOCKBRIDGE RIVERSIDE APARTMENT
Stockbridge is a lovely place to stay if you’d rather stay outside the city centre. It’s only a short walk from the city centre and is close to the picturesque Circus Lane. There are lots of cool Air BnBs and apartments such as Stockbridge Riverside Apartment.
LEONARDO ROYAL EDINBURGH HAYMARKET
Situated less than 500 metres from Haymarket Rail Station, Leonardo Royal Edinburgh is a convenient choice if you’re arriving by rail. It’s only a short walk to the city centre and offers great value with modern and stylish rooms.
THE CALEDONIAN
If you’re looking for luxury then I highly recommend The Caledonian. As we only had 48 hours in Edinburgh, we wanted to stay in the city centre to be close to all the sites. We found a great deal and loved the old-fashioned glamour and elegant décor.
How to spend 2 days in Edinburgh
There are so many iconic places to explore in Edinburgh. Luckily most of the main attractions are only a short walk from each other which makes it easy to see a lot even if you only have 48 hours in Edinburgh.
At the end of the itineraries for day 1 and day 2, you’ll find a map with all of the places and a suggested route. To save these maps, click on the star on the right hand side of the title. This will save the maps to “Your Places” in the Google Maps so you have them for when you visit Edinburgh.
2 day Edinburgh ITINERARY: DAY 1
Grassmarket and the Vennel
If you only have 48 hours in Edinburgh, I recommend starting your day bright and early so you can beat the crowds to some of Edinburgh’s popular tourist attractions. Start your tour of the city from Grassmarket which is situated at the base of Edinburgh castle.
Grassmarket was originally a market place for horses and cattle and was renowned for its public executions. Today, it is one of the most vibrant and lively areas of Edinburgh, home to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and shops.
Before you wander down Grassmarket, look straight ahead and you’ll see a stepped alleyway which leads away from the Grassmarket. This is the Vennel and is one of the most iconic photography spots in Edinburgh. If you climb up the steps of the Vennel you’ll get a beautiful view of Edinburgh castle.
Victoria Street
At the end of Grassmarket the road forks. If you go left you’ll find yourself on the colourful Victoria Street. Built between 1829 and 1834, Victoria Street is one of the city’s prettiest streets and a must-see spot if you have 2 days in Edinburgh. The eclectic mix of colourful buildings and stone facades curving round the street makes it one of the most photographed locations in the city. For all of you Harry Potter fans, it’s also said to have inspired J. K. Rowling’s Diagon Alley.
If you’re looking for a different perspective, wander half way along the street and you’ll find some steps that take you to the upper level. Walk along the top level back towards the start of Victoria Street and you’ll get a great view of the coloured shops.
The National Museum of Scotland
At the end of Victoria Street, turn right on to George IV Bridge and walk along until you get to Chambers Street. Here you’ll find the Tower entrance to the National Museum of Scotland.
The museum has some incredible collections which showcase Scotland’s history and culture. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and is free to visit although you may have to pay to see some special exhibitions.
On the 7th floor, you’ll find a rooftop garden with beautiful views over Edinburgh. Even if you don’t want to visit the museum, you can’t spend 48 hours in Edinburgh and not see this spectacular view of the castle! It’s free to visit but you may have to pay for some exhibitions.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is another great spot for panoramic views of the city. Set right above the heart of the city, Calton Hill is home to the National Monument and Nelson’s Monument. It is also one of the city’s UNESCO world heritage sites.
When you come out of the National Museum of Scotland, walk to the end of Chambers Street and turn left on to South Bridge. If you walk along this street you’ll get to North Bridge which takes you over the top of Waverley Train Station. Turn right at the end of the bridge and walk up Waterloo Place until you reach the steps up to Calton Hill.
One side of the hill offers spectacular views of the city, whilst the other side looks out to Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat. It’s probably one my favourite things to do on this 2-day Edinburgh itinerary.
Cockburn Street and Advocates Close
Wander back down Princes Street and turn left on to Waverley Bridge. This will lead you straight on to the picturesque Cockburn Street. There are some lovely bars, restaurants and coffee shops down this street, including The Milkman, a charming and cosy coffee and expresso bar.
Opposite the Milkman, on the right hand side of the street, there are a set of steps which lead up a narrow alleyway. This is Advocates Close, one of Edinburgh’s oldest closes or ‘wynds’. This steep and narrow alleyway connects Cockburn Street to the Royal Mile.
Climb the steps and you’ll get an incredible view looking back down the steps with Scott Monument and Princes Street in the background.
The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
As you climb out of Advocates Close, you’ll find yourself on the Royal Mile face-to-face with St Giles Cathedral. The cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, was founded in 1124. Entry is free so you can go in and admire the beautiful stained glass windows and look at the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle.
The Royal Mile is made up of a succession of streets which run through the heart of the city, stretching from Edinburgh castle all the way to Holyrood Park. Walk up castle hill and you’ll see the imposing Edinburgh Castle which is perched high on a base of volcanic rock.
Going inside Edinburgh Castle will be one of the best things you do during your 2 days in Edinburgh. You’ll be able to explore the dungeons and St Margaret’s Chapel, and see the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. It’s a popular attraction so book a ticket online in advance. You can purchase a ticket and explore or your own, or join a guided tour. If you love history, I highly recommend booking a guided tour. Not only will you skip the line but you’ll also learn about the castle’s 3,000-year history and the significant role it played in shaping Scotland.
At 1 o’clock crowds gather to see the firing of the One o’clock Gun, a tradition that dates back to 1861. The shooting of the gun takes place every day except Sundays.
Princes Street Gardens
Instead of walking back down the Royal Mile, go through the gate on the left of the Esplanade. The path down the hill will take you into Princes Street Gardens. These beautiful public gardens lie at the foot of Edinburgh castle and offer a lovely oasis from the hustle and bustle of the busy Princes Street.
There are lots of interesting public memorials and monuments in the gardens, including the beautiful Ross Fountain. It was built in the 19th century but was completely restored earlier this year by The Ross Development Trust and supported by Edinburgh World Heritage after lying derelict for a number of years.
Location Details
You’ll find all of the places listed above on this map. This is just a suggested route to make the most of your time in Edinburgh. You can save the map by clicking on the star next to the title.
2 day Edinburgh ITINERARY: DAY 2
The New Town
If you want to see a different side of Edinburgh, spend the morning exploring Edinburgh’s New Town which runs north from Princes Street. It was built in the mid-to-late 18th century in response to overcrowding in the Old Town. The initial plan for New Town was approved in 1767 and was the largest example of town planning during the Georgian period.
The area is very elegant. Georgian townhouses line the broad avenues and lead on to grand squares and private gardens. A few of the highlights in New Town include Charlotte Square, the Assembly Rooms, and St Andrew Square.
Circus Lane
You can’t spend 48 hours in Edinburgh and not visit the picturesque Circus Lane. Dubbed as one of the most ‘instagrammable’ spots in Edinburgh, you’ve probably seen Circus Lane a few times on your Instagram feed.
It’s one of the prettiest streets in Edinburgh and is situated between the large Georgian houses of the New Town and the lively ‘village’ of Stockbridge. It’s easy to see why photographers love it. Circus Lane is packed with character, with charming chimney pots and flower boxes and shrubs climbing the mews houses. At the end of the street, you can see St. Stephen’s Church towering above the houses.
Dean Village
Dean Village is one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems. The small bridge and the pretty stone buildings dating back to the 17th century give the village a unique charm. This tranquil village is only a short walk from the bustling Princes Street and is definitely worth a visit. Now an affluent part of the city, Dean Village used to be a milling village.
You can still see some of the remnants of its history today. Look out for the hidden mill stones engraved with beans and pies to indicate what used to be produced there.
From Circus Lane, walk down Indiana Place and you’ll come to a bridge with some steps down to the Water of Leith. You can walk all the way along the water to Dean Village and there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat
After lunch, walk back into the city centre and head to the High Street. Walk down the bottom half of the Royal Mile towards Holyrood Park.
At the end of the Royal Mile, you’ll find the Palace of Holyroodhouse which is open throughout the year. You’ll also see the Scottish Parliament. It is closed during the summer months but during the rest of the year you can go on a free guided tour of the buildings.
Holyrood Park is a 640 acre Royal Park next to the Palace. Its highest peak is Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcanic summit, which sits 251 metres above sea level. It’s a steep ascent and takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. The winds can be very strong so make sure you wrap up warm and wear some good shoes!
Location Details
Here are the locations of the places listed above, along with a suggested route. Save the map by clicking on the star next to the title so you can use it to plan your own itinerary.
OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO DURING YOUR 2 DAYS IN EDINBURGH
There’s no shortage of great things to do in the Scottish capital! Here are some more amazing things to do during your two days in Edinburgh:
Visit the vaults
For those of you who like ghost stories, there are lots of haunted locations around the city. The Underground Vaults Tour will take you beneath the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town where you’ll learn more about the city’s darker side, including the Burke and Hare murders and the persecution of witches. This tour is definitely not for the faint hearted! These vaults were featured on Most Haunted Live as one of the scariest places on earth! Despite this, it’s a very popular activity so book your tickets in advance.
Join an Outlander Walking Tour
For all of you Outlander fans, you can now relive scenes from the famous show. On the Outlander Series and Jacobites Walking Tour, you’ll learn more about the Jacobites and their cause, as well as Celtic magic and folklore. You’ll also get to visit some of the filming locations in Edinburgh, including the iconic Bakehouse Close.
Sample some Scotch Whisky
If you’re a whisky drinker, you really can’t spend 48 hours in Edinburgh without trying some Scotch Whisky! For the best experience, book a guided tour at Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection. As the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky, it holds almost 3,500 individual bottles. You’ll start the tour with the whisky barrel car ride and learn about the process of producing and maturing Scotch whisky. Afterwards, you’ll get an introduction to the different aromas before getting to taste some Scotch whisky.
IS 2 days IN EDINBURGH ENOUGH?
It may not seem like long, but 48 hours in Edinburgh is plenty of time to see the main sights. That being said, there are so many lovely things to do near Edinburgh so if you want to explore further afield, you’ll probably want 3 or 4 days instead at least. If you have an extra day or two, consider booking a tour to explore the local area:
- Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour: Discover the best of Scotland’s Highlands on this full-day guided tour from Edinburgh. You’ll visit Kilmahog and meet some of the famous Highland Cows before stopping at the picturesque Glencoe. The tour also takes you to Loch Ness where you can customise your tour based on your personal preferences. You can either visit the stunning Urquhart Castle or go on a boat tour to find the infamous Loch Ness monster – or Nessie, as the locals call it! Check prices >
- Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour: If you have more than 48 hours in Edinburgh, don’t miss out the chance to explore Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. This full-day tour will take you through Scotland’s first national park before heading to Stirling Castle. Sitting on volcanic rock, the castle offers amazing views of the city and surrounding landscape. I may be biased as my Dad grew up in Stirling, but it really is a magnificent castle. Check prices >
- Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour: Harry Potter may not have been filmed in Edinburgh, but some of the filming locations are just a stone’s throw away from the city. If you have more than 2 days in Edinburgh, take the opportunity to visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct and ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, a.k.a. the Hogwarts Express. It really is a magical experience! Check prices >
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THIS 48-HOUR EDINBURGH ITINERARY
Edinburgh is a magical city to explore. If you’re thinking of spending 2 days in Edinburgh for the first time this year, you won’t be disappointed! From historic buildings and beautiful architecture, to incredible view points and stunning scenery, there is so much to do in the Scottish capital. I hope this guide gives you some fun and unique ideas on how to spend 48 hours in Edinburgh. As always, if you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below.
WHERE NEXT?
The UK is home to so many beautiful and interesting places. Here are a few more suggestions to inspire your next trip, whether that’s a weekend away or a day out.
- 5 Ideas for a Girls Getaway
- Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences: A Local’s Guide to Bath
- Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Seven Sisters
Love from Steph
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