Planning a weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital? This two day Edinburgh itinerary hits all the highlights, plus some hidden gems.
Edinburgh is a city that should be on anyone’s UK bucket list. Steeped in history, set amongst a unique natural landscape, a visit to Scotland’s compact capital is a fairytale escape with a lively, modern touch. Blending medieval history with a thriving cultural scene, a weekend in Edinburgh is easily filled with charm and magic – from mesmerising museums and eerie graveyards to lush green spaces and alleyways packed with secrets.
Read on to discover the perfect two day itinerary for your weekend in Edinburgh, plus everything you need to know about visiting.
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Edinburgh Travel Guide
Language: English
Currency: Pound Sterling (£) – you can use both English and Scottish bank notes in Scotland. Card payments are very common and ATMs are everywhere.
Weather: Edinburgh has cold winters and mild summers. Due to the proximity to the North Sea, Edinburgh can get wind and rain throughout the year. Make sure you’re prepared with a jumper and waterproofs, as the weather can be very changeable!
Time Zone: GMT
Emergency number: 999
Is two days in Edinburgh enough?
Yes! The city centre of Edinburgh is compact enough that you can cover plenty of ground in two days, and tick off the city’s major sights. However, if you plan to extend your two days in Edinburgh, you won’t be short of things to do in the city and surrounding area, including Leith and Queensferry.
When’s the best time to spend a weekend in Edinburgh?
If you’re looking to balance affordability with an overall enjoyable experience, the shoulder seasons (April, May, September and October) are a good time to spend a weekend in Edinburgh. The summer season has a higher likelihood of better weather; however, it’s peak tourist season so accommodation will be more expensive.
In winter, Edinburgh sees cold weather, but aside from peak times (Christmas and New Year’s Eve), the low season means you’re more likely to find good deals on hotels. If you’re willing to splash out, though, Christmas in Edinburgh is absolutely magical; and Hogmanay (New Years’ Eve) is an incredible party.
In August, Edinburgh hosts the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest performing arts festival, with thousands of shows running across the month. Although it’s an amazing experience, bear in mind that accommodation prices shoot up during the EIF and Fringe, so it’s not the easiest option for budget travellers.
Is Edinburgh expensive to visit?
Edinburgh definitely sits on the higher end of UK cities when it comes to costs; primarily from accommodation, as hotels here aren’t the cheapest. In terms of accommdation costs, I’d compare Edinburgh to London. However, if you’re willing to stay in a hostel or a budget chain hotel, prices do fall in line with other UK city break destinations.
(as mentioned – if you visit during the Fringe, expect prices to triple or quadruple…)
Getting to Edinburgh
There are multiple ways to get to Edinburgh from the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.
If you’re hiring a car (or have your own), Edinburgh is around 8hrs drive from London, 4hrs 18mins drive from Manchester, and 1hr 10mins drive from Glasgow.
Flights to Edinburgh
Flying to Edinburgh is the quickest way to get there, and direct flights within the UK are often very cheap if you book far enough in advance. On my last Friday-Sunday trip to Edinburgh, I booked my flights 3 months in advance from London Luton with easyJet, which cost me just £33.98 in total!
Once you’ve arrived at Edinburgh Airport, you can get the tram to the centre of Edinburgh in around half an hour. An open-ended return costs £9.50, and can be purchased via staff or ticket machines at the airport.
Trains to Edinburgh
Taking the train to Edinburgh takes around half the amount of time as driving, but can be more expensive than flying. The best way to keep train costs down is by booking advance fares for specific trains only – these are available around 12 weeks ahead of your travel date.
Edinburgh Waverley is the main train station in Edinburgh, and has good links from across the UK, with direct train services from London and the North.
London St. Pancras to Edinburgh Waverley – from 4h 11m
Manchester to Edinburgh Waverley – from 2h 56m
Glasgow to Edinburgh Waverley – from 51 minutes
Coaches to Edinburgh
The cheapest but slowest way to get to Edinburgh is by coach. Having travelled between London and Scotland on coaches previously, I wouldn’t recommend this – the journey takes 9-11hrs, and isn’t actually that much cheaper than flying if you’re booking in advance.
Getting around Edinburgh
The centre of Edinburgh is compact and very easily walkable. If you’re staying or travelling further out, Edinburgh has a well connected public transport network of buses and trams. An adult DayTicket costs £5 and includes unlimited travel on Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses within the city zone. However, you can also just use contactless to tap on and off the buses, with a daily cap of £4.80.
Where to stay for a weekend in Edinburgh
Accommodation in Edinburgh will probably be the biggest of your costs – the city has a wealth of gorgeous hotels, but prices can be high, particularly during peak times. If you’re visiting Edinburgh on a budget, I’d recommend checking out hostels in Edinburgh for dorms or private rooms; or looking at chains such as Ibis and Motel One.
On my first visit to Edinburgh, I stayed in the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge – Royal Mile. Like most Ibis hotels, the experience is pretty reliable – clean, comfortable beds and all the necessary amenities. The location is great for access to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and lively Grassmarket area.
My second visit was a little more upmarket, and I stayed at the Grassmarket Hotel at the corner of Victoria Street. I stayed in a Snug Double Room, which was on the small side but perfectly comfortable and cosy for my solo Edinburgh trip. The walls were stylishly decorated with old Beano comics which hit me right in the childhood and gave the room some fun character.
More places to stay in Edinburgh:
Castle Rock Hostel (£) – a colourful, lively hostel right next to Edinburgh Castle
CoDE Pod – The CoURT (£) – pod-style dorm beds in a former courthouse and jail
Motel One Edinburgh-Princes (££) – stylish chain offering comfortable rooms for the perfect weekend stay in Edinburgh
Hotel Du Vin (£££) – a charming, four star hotel in the Old Town, with chic original features.
Eden Locke (£££) – relaxing pastels and touches of greenery make this design-led aparthotel an oasis of calm in the buzz of Edinburgh’s New Town district
1000 Princes Street (££££) – five star hotel with traditional Scottish inspired decor and Edinburgh Castle views.
Edinburgh Two Day Itinerary: Day 1
Grab an early breakfast on the go, it’s time to get exploring! The first day of your two day Edinburgh itinerary hits one of the major city highlights, and will get you acquainted with the alluring Old Town and Royal Mile.
Edinburgh Castle
As the city’s most popular tourist attraction, Edinburgh Castle can get busy during the day – so we’re going to tick it off as the first stop on your weekend in Edinburgh!
One of the highlights of any trip to the city, Edinburgh Castle perches atop the imposing Castle Rock, a volcanic plug that’s thought to have formed over 350 million years ago. The castle isn’t QUITE that old, but a royal castle has occupied the rock since the 11th century. In 1653, the castle ceased to be a royal residence, and after serving as a military garrison and a prison, it opened as a tourist attraction, welcoming 2 million visitors annually.
The castle today is home to several museums, galleries and exhibitions which cover the history of the castle itself, city of Edinburgh, and wider Scottish history. These are some of the highlights:
- The Great Hall: This awe-inspiring hall in all its medieval splendour sits at the centre of the castle.
- Honours of Scotland: Check out priceless regalia in the form of Scotland’s crown jewels.
- The Royal Palace: The residence of the royals within the castle complex.
- Fight For The Castle: Discover how Edinburgh Castle played a prominent role in the Wars of Independence.
- Prisons of War: Hear the stories of prisoners of war held in the castle during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- National War Museum: This self-contained museum explores Scotland’s military history, from the 1600s to present day.
- One o’Clock Gun: Since 1861, the gun has been fired at 1pm every day, originally to signal the time to passing ships.
The castle opens at 9.30 daily. Especially during peak times, it’s worth booking your tickets for a selected time slot in advance to guarantee entry.
To learn more about the building’s fascinating history and skip the line for tickets, you could take an Edinburgh Castle guided tour.
Opening Times: 9.30am – 6pm
Admission Fee: £19.50 for adults (with discounts for concessions)
The Royal Mile & Old Town
Once you’ve finished exploring the castle, it’s time to get acquainted with Edinburgh’s captivating Old Town – and in particular, the upper end of the Royal Mile.
Connecting the royal residences of Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile marks the centre of historic Edinburgh. Lined with eye-catching shops and historical facades, it’s also home to a variety of attractions and museums (more on those soon!)
Along the Royal Mile, mazes of higgledy-piggledy alleyways reveal the city’s history – so make sure you take some time to explore these. Lady Stairs Close will lead you to Makars’ Court, a literary monument outside the Writers’ Museum; and the narrow, steep Advocates’ Close gives a taste of medieval Edinburgh.
Lunch on the Royal Mile
Feeling hungry after exploring the Castle? There are plenty of great spots to grab lunch around the Royal Mile.
For an affordable traditional Scottish plate, head to Haggis Box for regular, vegetarian and vegan haggis, served with the classic ‘neeps’ (turnips) and ‘tatties’ (mashed potato). Makar’s Mash Bar also offers a range of Scottish dishes, all served with their signature mash potatoes (plant-based options available). For something quick and on-the-go, check out Oink‘s famous hog roast rolls.
St Giles Cathedral
A little further down the Royal Mile, St Giles Cathedral has been an active church for 900 years. The Gothic medieval building is impressive both inside and out, with striking stained-glass windows, vaulted ceiling and the Thistle Chapel.
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 1-5pm
Admission Fee: Suggested donation of £6
Victoria Street
Probably the most-photographed street in Edinburgh, the colourful houses lining the curve of Victoria Street are a must-visit on your two day Edinburgh trip.
This itinerary doesn’t specifically cover Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh, but if you’re on the wizard trail, drop by The Elephant House for a butterbeer and check out the merch at Museum Context. Victoria Street also has a small selection of gift and clothing shops to peruse, as well as multiple places to eat and drink.
The Vennel Viewpoint
At the top of Edinburgh’s most popular stairs, the Vennel Viewpoint offers a great sightline of Edinburgh Castle. Featured in Netflix series ‘One Day’, it’s worth the climb to get an epic shot of the castle.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Head down from the Vennel to visit one of the world’s most famous graveyards, Greyfriars. Constructed between 1602-1620, it was the first church to be built in post-Reformation Scotland. Notable Scotspeople interred here include William McGonagall (known as one of ‘Scotland’s worst poets’); James Craig (the architect who designed Edinburgh’s New Town) and a a terrier named Bobby who wouldn’t leave his owner’s grave.
The latter is celebrated in Greyfriars with a fountain and statue just outside the churchyard, and a pub named after the well-loved hound. Wizarding world fans also won’t want to miss the grave of ‘Tom Riddell’, located towards the back of the churchyard.
Princes Street Gardens
For a scenic green walk, take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens, two adjacent public parks in the centre of Edinburgh. As well as great views of Edinburgh Castle, you’ll also find some interesting sights here including Ross Fountain, an impressively sculptured Victorian water feature.
The Wojtek the Soldier Bear Memorial can also be found here, commemorating the life of a bear called Wojtek who served in the Polish army in WWII.
Once you’ve finished up in Princes Street Gardens, check out the Scott Monument on your way back up. This spired monuments commemorates the life and work of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most celebrated Romantic period writers.
Royal Mile & Old Town Museums & Attractions
If you still have some time on your first (or second) day of your weekend in Edinburgh, why not check out some of the city’s museums and attractions? Obviously, with just two days in Edinburgh, you won’t be able to visit all of these – so feel free to pick and choose the one(s) that interest you most:
How to spend an evening in Edinburgh
Where to eat dinner in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Old Town is packed with places to enjoy a delicious dinner, particularly if you’re looking to try traditional Scottish dishes. If you didn’t check out Maker’s Mash Bar for lunch, it’s also a great dinner option.
In the Grassmarket area, enjoy a seaside supper at Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips, or hidden-away bistro dining in a shabby chic setting at Under The Stairs.
Bonnie & Wild‘s upmarket food hall is the perfect option if you’re undecided on what to eat, with around 10 kitchens serving up a diverse range of tastes including pizza, burgers, buttermilk fried chicken and Scottish street food.
For vegetarians and vegans, Paradise Palms is one of my favourite spots, somewhere I’ve always headed to when spending a weekend in Edinburgh. Serving up vegan burgers and small plates in a neon-lit, lively space, the staff are absolutely lovely and the food is delicious (and super filling!).
As the sun goes down, Edinburgh’s vibrant nightlife takes over – from cosy pubs to chaotic live music bars. But it’s not just about partying – check out some suggestions on how to spend your evening in Edinburgh…
Take an Edinburgh Ghost Tour
Edinburgh is considered one of the most haunted cities in the world – so what better way to spend your evening than heading out in search of its ghosts? On a Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour, guides will share chilling tales of hauntings and gory murders from Edinburgh’s dark past.
If you’re looking for something less ‘aah!’ and more ‘haha’, check out the Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour, for spooky tales with a comedic twist.
Check out a late night attraction
Some of Ediburgh’s most popular attractions open late into the evening on weekends. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions closes 9pm Fridays & Sundays, 10pm Saturdays; and The Real Mary King’s Close closes 10pm Friday & Saturday.
Get some laughs at a comedy club
As the home of the iconic Edinburgh Festival Fringe, it’s no surprise that Edinburgh is a hotbed for comedic talent. From the next stand up stars to well-known names practising their new material, expect the unexpected, but expect it to be hilarious.
Check out Monkey Barrel, The Stand, or Good Egg Comedy for the best laughs around.
Visit the geekiest cocktail bar in town
On my most recent weekend in Edinburgh, we visited one of the coolest cocktail bars I’ve been to, and between us, we worked through a fair amount of the menu. The Cocktail Geeks rotate their pop culture theme every four months, changing up the decor, drinks and uniforms.
We visited during the ‘Ice and Fire’ theme, an homage to all things Game of Thrones. The level of geeky detail in everything they do is really impressive, and the drinks were top quality (and relatively affordable compared to other cocktail bars I’ve been to). A must-visit for lovers of great drinks and all things geeky!
Edinburgh Two Day Itinerary: Day 2
On the second day of your weekend in Edinburgh, we’re going to explore another important historical building at the other end of the Royal Mile, and see some of the natural landscapes that define the city.
But first, breakfast…if you’re looking for an indulgent breakfast or brunch during your two days in Edinburgh, here are some spots to check out:
Enjoy a full Scottish breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder (veggie and vegan full breakfasts available).
Hula Café is an aesthetic cafe spot focusing on healthy and delicious fresh breakfast and brunch.
For pancake perfection, head to Stack & Still and build your own stack, with over 50 topping choices to mix and match.
Scottish Parliament
On your way to today’s main attractions, swing by the home of democracy in Scotland, the Scottish Parliament building. The building is open to the public every day except Sunday, and free to enter, with free guided tours available on certain days – find out more here.
Opening Times: Mon, Fri & Sat 10am-6.30pm. Tue, Wed & Thur 9.30am-6.30pm
Admission Fee: Free
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Also known as Holyrood Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland. It’s used by King Charles on official business in Scotland, but is also open to the public to visit on most days throughout the year. The palace has played an important role with Scottish history, hosting significant royal engagements and ceremonies.
One of Edinburgh’s top attractions, these are just a few of Holyrood Palace’s highlights:
- Explore the State Apartments to see where royalty would reside.
- Walk through what remains of the dramatic 12th century Holyrood Abbey.
- Check out where Queen Elizabeth II tucked into meals in the lavish Royal Dining Room.
- Visit the rooms where Mary Queen of Scots lived and see the luxurious Darnley Jewel locket.
- View spectacular paintings, including John Michael Wright’s intricate portrait of Charles II.
- Wander through the perfectly manicured Palace Gardens.
Opening Times: 9.30am-6pm (closed on Tue & Wed from Oct-Jun)
Admission Fee: £22 (book in advance to save £2)
Holyrood Park
One of Edinburgh’s most striking features is the way the city nestles into the rugged landscapes, and Holyrood Park is the perfect example of how the city aligns with the natural environment. Just a short walk from the Royal Mile, next to the Palace, Holyrood Park stretches some 650 acres, filled with craggy rocks, green hills and a scattering of small lochs.
Holyrood Park is also home to famed viewpoint Arthur’s Seat – but if you don’t fancy making it all the way up, there are other paths through the park you can take to appreciate the dramatic scenery.
OPTIONAL: Arthur’s Seat
If the weather’s in your favour, and you’re up for a bit of a challenge, hiking up to Arthur’s Seat will reward you with stunning panoramic views over the city.
The highest peak in Edinburgh can be accessed via a couple of different routes – most will take the blue route, which is the most scenic and gentlest incline. The walk is described as moderate, and you should allow 2-3 hours to complete the trail there and back (with time to appreciate the views, obviously!). Make sure you’ve got appropriate footwear, and layers/waterproofs in case the weather turns.
If you’re unsure of the route, or travelling solo and looking for walking buddies, you can also join a guided hike to Arthur’s Seat.
More things to do in Edinburgh
If you’re not able or willing to make it up to Arthur’s Seat (or the weather isn’t playing ball), there are plenty of other ways to fill the final afternoon of your two days in Edinburgh:
Check out more of the Royal Mile museums and attractions (see above for the full list!)
Head over to Queensferry for a boat cruise along the Firth of Forth estuary.
Go shopping in Edinburgh’s New Town on stylish George Street or browse the quaint boutiques in the West End.
Day trips from Edinburgh
Spending more than a weekend in Edinburgh? These day trips are a great way to extend your two days in Edinburgh and experience Scotland’s natural beauty and history.
Check out my post on how to plan a DIY day trip to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh – no car necessary!
Summary: Is a weekend in Edinburgh worth it?
Edinburgh is an absolutely magical place to spend a weekend, with loads to see and do. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food or ghost-hunting, you won’t run out of ways to fill your two days in Edinburgh!
Want to see more of the United Kingdom? Check out four more great UK cities to visit by train!