Itineraries for Your Trip to Edinburgh
2 Days in Edinburgh for First Timers
No matter how many times I visit, Edinburgh never gets any less charming. I’ve stayed in Scotland’s capital for almost all of its major celebrations now, but it’s hard to pick my favorite time to experience Edinburgh—it shines in every season. I’ve nursed split sides during the Fringe comedy festival in August, watched fireworks illuminate the sky during the Hogmany at New Year’s, and witnessed the precise choreography of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
But even if your two days in Edinburgh don't coincide with an event (which may be the best travel tactic to take), this city is still guaranteed to delight you. Use this 2-day Edinburgh itinerary for first timers to maximize your debut in “Auld Reekie.”
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Royal Mile.
Edinburgh’s maritime climate means it’s prone to blustery breezes, so have a sweater on hand regardless of which month you visit.
Edinburgh might seem small compared to other cities in the United Kingdom, but it’s still easy to get lost. Get your bearings on your first morning during a walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the gloriously Gothic St. Giles Cathedral and Camera Obscura with its mind-bending World of Illusions.
Reigning dramatically over the city from its hilltop perch, the much-visited Edinburgh Castle hails from the Scotland of postcards. This afternoon, dive into its 1,000-year history on a walking tour with skip-the-line entry, which saves you what’s sometimes hours of waiting in line. Once inside, you’ll enjoy sweeping city views and even descend to the dungeons.
When you’re as old as Edinburgh, you’re bound to have some skeletons in your closet. So there are few places in Europe better for taking ghost tours than this city, which dates back to BC 8500. Go underground tonight on a ghost tour that takes you to allegedly haunted spots, such as subterranean vaults and Greyfriars Kirkyard, a storied graveyard.
Begin your second morning with a warm-up wander around Princes Street Gardens—home to the instantly recognizable Scott Monument, dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott—before meeting up with a guide to climb Arthur’s Seat, a gentle 822-foot (250-meter) hill home to some of the best views of Edinburgh.
This afternoon, reward yourself for a strenuous climb on a food tour that leads you to beloved Scottish dishes, such as haggis (offal, oatmeal, and onions) and neeps ’n’ tatties (potatoes and turnips). As well as savory staples, you’ll indulge your sweet tooth with locally made fudge and Scottish cakes, too. Then, cap the afternoon with a visit to the Scottish National Gallery, housed in a grand neoclassical building in the shadow of the castle.
Reserve your final evening for sampling one of Scotland’s most famous exports: whisky. Head to the Holyrood Distillery on the edge of the lush Holyrood Park to learn about the production method of whisky and gin before learning to identify the markers of an excellent amber nectar during a tasting session.
