Visiting Edinburgh in two days is possible if you make the most of your time. You won’t be able to see every corner of the city, but with a well-planned route you can visit almost all the main sights of the Scottish capital.
Adapt the indoor visits to the time you have. Book timed tickets for the Castle and the Palace, and leave time for lunch. If you add a tour, cut back on other stops: the summary gathers options for planning your day, not a list of places you have to go inside.
The table below summarises the route of our two-day Edinburgh itinerary. You can swap the days around and move stops between them to suit you, but remember to check the opening hours of the places and activities you plan to visit.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Old Town
Get a head start with our Free Walking Tour of Edinburgh, where a local guide will take you through the most important places in the Old Town, tell you the city’s best stories and share tips for getting the most out of your visit.
Choose a morning departure and check the available times when you book.
Greyfriars
The tour moves through the Old Town, and one of the most important places you will visit is the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard, best known as the resting place of Greyfriars Bobby.
The church and kirkyard are closely linked to the National Covenant and the Covenanters, whose prison you can still see. The stories of paranormal activity are legends that have become part of the city’s folklore.
It is also a must for Harry Potter fans, as it was a source of inspiration for J.K. Rowling. Find out more on our Free Harry Potter Tour!
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh has a few museums you really shouldn’t miss. The most important is probably the National Museum of Scotland, which takes you on a journey through Scotland’s history, from its geological origins to the present day.
It is all presented in an interactive way that appeals to all ages. You can see everything from the car in which Jackie Stewart won the Formula 1 World Championship to Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell, or The Maiden, the guillotine used in Edinburgh centuries ago.
St Giles’ Cathedral
Cross George IV Bridge to reach St Giles’ Cathedral, the most important church in Scotland and a symbol of the triumph of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Inside, you’ll see a statue of John Knox, leader of the Scottish Reformation, who is buried in a very humble spot behind the building.
You may be able to attend one of its free concerts, held in a unique setting, depending on the day’s programme. Don’t miss the Thistle Chapel, the chapel of the Knights of the Order of the Thistle.
Princes Street Gardens
After lunch, take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens, with some of the best views of the Old Town. If you are lucky enough to have a sunny day, grab a book, relax on the grass and enjoy a truly local experience.
Scott Monument
The huge Gothic tower in the gardens is said to be the largest monument in the world dedicated to a writer. It is the Scott Monument, in memory of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most illustrious and beloved figures.
New Town
After the gardens, take a walk around the New Town, Edinburgh’s other historic district, which together with the Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
The New Town was also the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment. Enjoy its neoclassical architecture, its squares, its shops and its famous pubs.
If you want to learn more about this neighbourhood and the great transformation of Edinburgh in the 18th century, don’t miss our Free Dean Village & New Town Tour, which also visits the lovely old mill village of Dean Village, hidden in a corner of central Edinburgh.
Calton Hill
At the east end of the New Town, near Waverley Station, is Calton Hill, with exceptional views of Edinburgh and one of the best places to watch the sunset over the Old Town. Climb up to relax for a while, see its monuments or take one of the best photos of the city.
Free Ghost Tour
To end your first day, immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s dark past on our Free Ghost Tour. This hour-and-a-half tour takes you through the historic graveyards and alleys of the Old Town, where you will hear about the most sinister characters and stories of old Edinburgh.
Day 2
Edinburgh Castle
Start the day at Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important attractions in Scotland, where you can see the Scottish Crown Jewels and discover the history of the fortress. Note that the Stone of Destiny has been on display at Perth Museum since 2024.
If you want to visit the Castle, we recommend our Edinburgh Castle guided tour to make the most of your visit.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile has been the main street of the Old Town for centuries, linking Edinburgh’s two royal residences, the Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, about one Scots mile apart, hence the name.
Because of its historical importance, many of Edinburgh’s most significant monuments are on the Royal Mile. Walking from one end to the other and stopping at some of them is one of the most enjoyable experiences in the city.
Canongate
Heading down the Royal Mile towards Holyrood, you will reach Canongate Kirk, whose simplicity makes it a perfect example of a Presbyterian church.
The kirkyard around it is one of Edinburgh’s historic graveyards, with most of its gravestones well preserved. Among them is the grave of Adam Smith, one of the city’s most famous residents.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Royal Mile ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Edinburgh. It can usually be visited unless a member of the royal family is staying. You will see the Throne Room, Mary Queen of Scots’ chambers and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.
Scottish Parliament
Opposite the Palace is the Scottish Parliament building, whose design was controversial at first, but which has received some of the most important architecture awards, both in the UK and internationally.
Holyrood Park
If you still have energy and the weather allows, climb Arthur’s Seat, the highest point in Holyrood Park, to enjoy breathtaking views and a walk in the middle of nature without leaving Edinburgh.
Wear suitable footwear and warm clothes, as it is a real hill with uneven ground, and it is often very windy at the top. Don’t forget water, as there are no fountains along the way.
If you don’t feel like climbing to the top, at least take a walk through Holyrood Park, where you will find some of the most typical Scottish landscapes.
The climb up Arthur’s Seat is optional: if you have visited the Castle and the Palace inside, choose between this walk and the afternoon visits so you have enough time.
Scottish National Gallery
After a bite to eat, visit the Scottish National Gallery, next to Princes Street Gardens, Scotland’s largest art gallery, with works by some of the greatest painters since the Renaissance.
Among its many paintings is An Old Woman Cooking Eggs, one of Diego Velázquez’s masterpieces. Entry, as in most Scottish museums, is free.
Camera Obscura
Now it’s time for a very entertaining and surprising visit that will captivate people of all ages: Camera Obscura, a world of optical illusions on the Royal Mile, near the Castle.
Across its five floors you will find all kinds of visual games and illusions, such as holograms, trick mirrors and other distortions of reality. The camera obscura that gives the place its name projects images of the city outside, the perfect finale on the top floor.
Pub Crawl
If you don’t want to leave Edinburgh without discovering some of its best bars, we highly recommend the Edinburgh Pub Crawl, where you will go out with people from all over the world and a professional guide who will make sure you have a great night!
