Edinburgh is a beautiful city offering a rich history and culture, and stunning views. This Edinburgh itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your two-day visit.

Here’a two day Edinburgh Itinerary and some bonus tips:

Edinburgh Itinerary DAY 1:

Morning:

  1. Breakfast at Luscious (Canongate)
    • Start your day with a light breakfast at Luscious on Canongate, a popular spot for a delicious morning bite.
  2. Hike to Arthur’s Seat
    • If the weather permits, take a morning hike up Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park. This early-morning hike often provides a peaceful, quiet atmosphere and stunning views of Edinburgh, with fewer crowds at this time.
  3. Holyrood Palace
    • After your hike, head down to Holyrood Palace at the foot of Holyrood Park to delve into Edinburgh’s royal history. Explore the palace and its grounds, learning about the fascinating history of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Allocate a couple of hours to thoroughly explore this iconic palace.
  4. Lunch or Afternoon Tea at Café at the Palace
    • Enjoy a relaxed lunch or afternoon tea at the Café at the Palace, located in the Mews Courtyard of Holyrood Palace.

Afternoon:

  1. Royal Mile and Grassmarket
    • Take a leisurely stroll through the Royal Mile, passing the colorful shops and bustling bars of Grassmarket and Victoria Street. These vibrant streets will give you a great feel for Edinburgh’s unique charm.
  2. Edinburgh Castle
    • Pay a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Purchase an entry ticket and join a free guided tour to learn about the bloody history, rivalries, and fascinating legends surrounding the castle. Don’t miss the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny.

Evening:

  1. Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle
    • End your day with dinner at The Witchery by the Castle, a legendary restaurant near Edinburgh Castle. Be sure to book in advance, as it’s a popular spot.
  2. Folk Music at Sandy Bell’s Pub
    • Round off your evening by experiencing live Scottish folk music at Sandy Bell’s Pub, a local favorite for traditional music.

Edinburgh Itinerary DAY 2:

Morning:

  1. Breakfast at The Pantry (Stockbridge)
    • Begin your second day in the trendy Stockbridge area. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Pantry, where you can try a healthier take on a cooked breakfast with grilled courgettes (zucchini), sweet potato, poached eggs, and chorizo.
  2. Dean Village
    • After breakfast, take a 15-minute walk along the Water of Leith Walkway to Dean Village, a picturesque area that was once a milling community. Wander through this peaceful village, which features charming red sandstone buildings and a lovely riverside atmosphere.

Midday:

  1. Lunch at The Scran and Scallie
    • Head back to Stockbridge for a hearty lunch at The Scran and Scallie, a gastropub known for its excellent, comforting food.
  2. Explore Stockbridge and Charity Shops
    • Spend the afternoon browsing the unique shops in Stockbridge, especially if it’s a Sunday. Take time to explore the charity shops around Raeburn Place, which are great for finding hidden treasures.

Afternoon:

  1. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
    • Head to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, where you can admire Scotland’s foremost contemporary art collection. Spend 1-2 hours exploring the galleries and installations.
  2. Scottish National Portrait Gallery
    • Continue your exploration of Edinburgh’s art scene with a visit to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, where you’ll encounter portraits of famous Scots throughout history.

Evening:

7. Dinner at Dishoom (or Stockbridge Restaurant)

  • For dinner, head to Dishoom for delicious Indian cuisine or opt for a cozy meal at The Stockbridge Restaurant for a more local dining experience.

8. Drinks at Circle Bar (Café Royal)

  • After dinner, enjoy a drink at the Circle Bar in the Café Royal, a beautifully ornate bar with a classic ambiance.

9. Comedy at The Stand

  • End your evening with some laughter at The Stand Comedy Club, where you can enjoy a show filled with Scottish humor.

10. Nightcap at The Last Word

  • If you still have energy, stop by The Last Word for a drink before calling it a night.

This itinerary allows you to experience the best of Edinburgh, from historic landmarks to modern culture and Scottish cuisine. Enjoy your time in this enchanting city!

If you don’t know where to stay when visiting Edinburgh, check 10 best places where to stay in Edinburgh.

TIP: If you’re a Harry Potter fan and don’t want to go on your own, you can book your Harry Potter tour around the city and if you don’t want to attend any guided tour, visit café The Elephant House (where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter) offer a cozy setting to start your day.

Hope you’ll find this Edinburgh itinerary useful during your Scotland trip.