If you only have 48 hours to spend in Edinburgh, fear not! While it will be a busy two days, it’s possible to cover a lot of the city’s highlights, while also some of the lesser known hidden gems. Here is how to spend 2 days in Edinburgh, Scotland!
Day 1: The Best of Edinburgh
Day 1 of your 2 days in Edinburgh will be spent hitting some of the city’s highlights! You’ll get those classic Edinburgh experiences and get the iconic photos your Instagram feed craves. It’ll be a long day, so lace up your walking shoes and get ready!
Early morning photos at The Vennel
Before anything else, let’s get those iconic photo spots checked off your list! Get out the door early and head straight to The Vennel to beat the crowds. The Vennel is the name of a staircase in the city that offers iconic views of the Edinburgh Castle. If you’ve seen photos of Edinburgh, you’ve seen this shot. Try your best to arrive early in the morning (before 7 am on weekdays, or 8 am on weekends) to get shots without people in them. Climb about 2/3 of the way up the staircase and turn around for the million dollar view. Here, there will be a ledge that is perfect for propping your phone or camera on to get the best angle and view. Use your wide angle to capture the staircase, buildings, and castle in one shot!
Breakfast at Castlegate Cafe
Once you’ve snapped your iconic pictures, make your way down the Vennel steps, turn right, and stop for a coffee and breakfast at Castlegate Cafe. This small little cafe is a perfect landing spot to fuel up for your day and relax. The menu consists of typical UK dishes, as well as comfort foods. I opted for the pancakes topped with Nutella and bananas (because I’m a typical American). They were delicious! This American also loved being able to get an iced mocha to drink. Iced coffee drinks are hard to find in Europe so this was a pleasant surprise!
Edinburgh Castle
Next up, a visit to the famous Edinburgh Castle! The castle opens each morning at 9:30 am, and I’d recommend being one of the first ones through the gate to avoid as many crowds as possible. You’ll also need to book your tickets ahead of time and can do so by clicking here. The castle has a lot to explore, both inside and out. I’d plan for spending around 1.5-2 hours here (depending on how fast you go, of course). I personally loved walking around the outside wall, getting 360 degree views over the city of Edinburgh. The prison cells and ballroom inside of the castle were also favorites of mine!
Stroll the Royal Mile
After your visit to the castle, it’s time to make your way down Edinburgh’s most famous street: The Royal Mile! The Royal Mile is the name of the street that connects the Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The walk in this direction is all downhill, so you’re in for an easy, leisurely stroll. It’s a little touristy, but hey- we’re tourists! You’ll find plenty of souvenir shops and also places to get authentic (higher quality) souvenirs to take home like whiskey, cashmere, or homemade Scottish goods! While walking the Royal Mile, be sure to make a quick detour down Cockburn Street. The curvy, Old Town street is so beautiful and a great photo op!
Palace of Holyroodhouse
At the far end of the Royal Mile, you’ll find the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Honestly, I enjoyed my time here much more than at the Edinburgh Castle. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working palace, and royal business still occurs here. In fact, just a few weeks before my visit, King Charles visited Scotland for his annual visit staying and conducting business in the palace! You can buy tickets at the gate or (to be safe) online head of time here. There are no photos or videos allowed inside, but about half of the rooms are active and working, while the other half are historically preserved. One of the rooms is where Queen Elizabeth II actually laid in rest for a day following her passing at Balmoral. Surreal! After touring the palace, take your time strolling the gardens and the remains of the Abbey. They are well worth your time!
The Potter Trail
After a busy morning of sightseeing, book yourself a free Harry Potter walking tour through The Potter Trail. Whether you’re a fan of the series or not, this is a must-do in Edinburgh! The public walking tour is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance by clicking here. The tour will start in the Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery where you’ll see gravesites that inspired J.K. Rowling naming characters! McGonagall, Moody, and most infamously- Tom Riddle! Afterwards, the tour takes to the street passing sights like the Elephant House (where J.K. Rowling famously wrote many of the early books) and even breaking out our wands and doing a little bit of magic ourselves. The tour ends on Victoria Street, which is known to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. The tour is only about 90 minutes so it’s an easy addition to your 2 days in Edinburgh!
Victoria Street
After your tour, spend time exploring all that the famous Victoria Street has to offer! These brightly painted buildings are a photographer’s dream and are so fun to take in. Continue with the Harry Potter theme by stopping into Museum Context. This shop sells all officially licensed gear and is really fun to experience. Of course, I had to snag a yellow and black scarf (as a proud Hufflepuff) and a few souvenirs to bring back home to fellow Potterheads. Expect a wait to get in to the store at peak times! Also on Victoria Street is Oink, a shop famous for their pulled pork sandwiches (expect a wait here, too!) and Howie’s (for authentic Scottish food). For good views of the street, head up to the Victoria Terrace (accessed by a hidden staircase, located here). You can avoid the crowds a bit and look over the bustling street below!
Dinner at Nando’s (Obviously!)
Okay, I admit, this is the American in me talking. If I visit the UK without eating at Nando’s, it’s like I didn’t actually visit the UK! Right near Victoria street is a Nando’s, located here. Treat yourself to some peri-peri chicken and thank me later! For those that have never been, Nando’s is a “fast-casual” restaurant and a perfect place to recharge from a big day exploring Edinburgh! I love to get the butterfly chicken with medium sauce with sides of fries (chips) and garlic bread. Oh, and don’t forget the Choc-A-Lot cake with a scoop of gelato for dessert. You’re welcome.
Sunset on Calton Hill
No better way to end your first of 2 days in Edinburgh than to catch the sunset atop Calton Hill. The steps to the top of the hill are located here. It’s a short but steep climb to the top (your girl had to take 5 at the top just to get her thighs to stop throbbing), but you’ll be rewarded with the best views of the city! Stroll over near the Dugald Stewart Monument for views of the Old Town, the Scot Monument, Waverly clock tower, and even the Edinburgh Castle in the distance. Make your way to the opposite side of the hill to the North Viewpoint, where people will sit on the hill and watch the sun set over the city. The vibes were 10/10 and it was the absolute perfect way to end the busy day!
Day 2: Diving Deeper into Edinburgh
On your second of 2 days in Edinburgh, dive deeper into the city and the local neighborhoods! Bop around on the trams, stroll through neighborhoods, shop at farmer’s markets and local bookstores. Today is about being a tourist, but in a different way!
Coffee and Cookies at Zebra Coffee Company
Start your day strong with a visit to Zebra Coffee Company! This little coffee shop had delicious drinks and baked goods. I treated myself to a croissant and a hot mocha (complete with Instagramable latte art). There is indoor seating, and I’d recommend walking all the way through to the back room. It’s more private and decorated really cute. After breakfast, don’t forget snagging one of their famous stuffed cookies to go. The flavor list was overwhelming, but I settled on a Milky Way one. It was the absolute perfect mid-day treat later in the day!
Stroll to Circus Lane
After fueling up, make a quiet morning stroll over to the famous Circus Lane. This curvy little street is so photogenic, and one of the most famous in the city! The walk to the street is also *chef’s kiss* and gives major Upper East Side vibes. Before making your way down and strolling Circus Lane, stop here (at the end of India Street) for views of the street from above. You can then walk down a small staircase directly down to the street. Stroll down Circus Lane taking in the charm and snapping photos at every turn. Once the street starts to bend, you can also get views of the St Stephen’s Church steeple.
Stockbridge Market (Sundays Only!)
If you’re visiting Edinburgh on a Sunday, you’re in luck! The Stockbridge Market, located here (only a couple blocks from Circus Lane) is a local farmers market that is open every Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm. It’s not huge, but I love strolling local markets when I’m traveling, enjoying all the homemade goods and foods. In addition to vendor booths, they also had a few food trucks set up to grab a quick lunch or snack. It definitely felt like this was a local market!
Water of Leith
Next, make your way just a couple blocks away (here) to the start of the Water of Leith walkway. Now, I’ve walked my fair share of river walks in my life, but this one absolutely takes the cake! You would never believe you’re in the middle of Scotland’s capital city. It’s so quiet and beautiful, you would swear you’re in the countryside. I actually ended up taking a seat on a bench facing the river and just enjoying the scenery for a bit. It’s a great place to just kick back and relax.
Dean Village
Stroll the Water of Leith walkway for a bit until you hit the famous Dean Village! This picturesque village is an absolute must-do during your 2 days in Edinburgh (and for Potterheads- is known to be the inspiration for Hogsmeade!). The stream flows through the center of the town that are lined with 19th century homes and cobblestone streets. Bell’s Brae Bridge will be your first stop and offers iconic views of the village. Next, make your way down Hawthornebank Lane for more views of the town (don’t forget to look behind you!). Don’t forget to cross the bridge at the bottom of the hill for views from the other side of the river!
Princes Street and Gardens
After your stroll through Dean Village, make the walk back into the heart of the city on Princes Street. Princes Street is a main thoroughfare in the city that passes beneath the Edinburgh Castle, past the Scot Monument and Waverly Station. There are shops and chain restaurants to stop at if needed, but I’d recommend instead making your way down into the Princes Street Gardens. This is by far one of the best public parks I’ve ever been in! The gardens were beautifully maintained, with all different types of flowers and trees, fountains, and statues. In my opinion, a much better walk from east to west than up on busy Princes Street!
Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia
Next, make your way out of the heart of the city and visit the Royal Yacht Britannia! The easiest way to get here is to hop on the public tram right at Princes Street, located here. Prior to boarding, purchase your round-trip ticket from the machines and board the next train heading toward Newhaven. Ride the tram to the second-to-last stop, at Ocean Terminal where the Britannia lives! Tickets and entry to the Britannia are located in Ocean Terminal, which is like a mall (strange, but go with it). Once through, you’ll be brought outside for your self-paced tour of the vessel. Don’t sleep on the free audio guides- they were fantastic! Step aboard and feel like QEII herself, touring their staterooms, sitting rooms, the deck, engine rooms, and even the bridge. Expect to spend about 2 hours here, but take in every moment!
Topping & Company Booksellers
Next, board the tram at Ocean Terminal (getting on a train towards the Airport) down to Picardy Place. One block from the tram stop you will find Topping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh. This is a book lover’s paradise! Now, I’m not ~super~ into books, but I loved this shop! Not only is it super cute (with books stacked high and several ladders to climb the shelves), but it had everything you could imagine. I was overwhelmed! No matter the genre, you can find it here. I spent about a half hour just scanning the shelves and I didn’t even scratch the surface. If you’re a book lover, this is an absolute must-do during your 2 days in Edinburgh!
Dinner at Oink
To wrap up your 2 days in Edinburgh, I can’t recommend a pulled pork sandwich at Oink enough! There are a few locations throughout the city (notably, the one on Victoria Street as mentioned above), so stop at whichever one makes the most sense on your way back to the hotel. I’ve had my fair share of pulled pork sandwiches in my life, but these rank right up there with some of the best. You choose your size (piglet, oink, or grunter), stuffing, and sauce. I played it safe with no stuffing (I’m not brave enough to try haggis, though people swear by it) and classic homemade bbq sauce. It didn’t disappoint! It was a nice casual bite to eat as I strolled back to the hotel to rest up after a busy 2 days in Edinburgh!
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