ONE OF THE MOST VISITED CITIES IN THE WORLD, EDINBURGH IN TWO DAYS

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“This is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again.” Alexander McCall Smith

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Edinburgh has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages and is a vibrant capital city of Scotland. With the city’s skyline, cobbled streets and colourful characters as your backdrop, Edinburgh is home to many famous landmarks, museums, and cultural events.

Here are some of the top things to see and do in Edinburgh. Let the adventure begin…

Medieval Old Town

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to many historic buildings and winding streets. It’s a great place to explore on foot and discover some of the city’s hidden gems.

Here are some of the top things to see in Edinburgh’s Old Town:

Edinburgh Castle

This iconic fortress stands 443 feet (135 metres) above sea level and overlooks the city of Edinburgh from a volcanic crag called Castle Rock. It has been a royal residence, military stronghold, and prison throughout its history.

Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms, museums, and exhibitions, and enjoy stunning views of the city below. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One o’ Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.

Tips: I recommend getting an audio guide tour available in many languages that will take you on a tour around the castle, explaining its architecture, and telling its dramatic history. Also, tickets often sell out in advance but they can be booked online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.

Address: Castle Hill, Edinburgh, City Of Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

St Giles’ Cathedral

This historic church is located on the Royal Mile and is the mother church of Presbyterianism. It has a beautiful interior with stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and a rich history.

Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Located at the very end of the Royal Mile, this historic palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years. It was also the prestigious home of Mary Stuart.

Visitors can tour the palace and see its magnificent state apartments and gardens.

Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX

Scottish Parliament House

The branch-shaped design has references to Scottish architectural history and was created to mirror the landscape. The building was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2004 and visitors can take a tour of the building and learn about the history of Scottish politics.

The Real Mary King’s Close, the perfectly preserved time capsule

Mary King’s Close is a historic warren of hidden streets located under buildings on the Royal Mile and it offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s past dating back to 17th and 19th centuries.

Tours take visitors through the hidden streets and alleyways of the city’s underground.

Address: 2 Warriston’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a famous street in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, stretching approximately one mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is one of the most popular and visited areas in Edinburgh, attracting tourists from all over the world.

With its unspoiled medieval architecture, this beautiful cobbled street takes you back to the Middle Ages, I do recommend exploring the numerous small perpendicular alleys on either side of the avenue. The Royal Mile is lined with historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and pubs, and it is a great place to explore and soak up the city’s atmosphere.

Overall, Edinburgh’s Old Town is a fascinating and charming area with plenty to see and do. Visitors can easily spend a day or more exploring its historic attractions and soaking up its unique atmosphere.

Elegant Georgian New Town

The modern side of Edinburgh, built at the end of the 18th century, stretches around 3 main avenues: Princes Street, Queen Street and George Street. Vast elegant squares, green spaces and typical Georgian architecture.

Princes Street & George Streets

Princess Street is the main shopping street in Edinburgh, running parallel to George Street. The street is packed with some of Edinburgh’s trendiest boutiques and high-end stores. When the sun goes down, George Street is where the party’s at.

Princes Street Garden

This vast garden mark the border with Old Town. It offers large lawns, shaded areas and a beautiful view over the castle and medieval city.

Charlotte Square

Charlotte Square: one of the most beautiful areas of New Town. You can see the official residence of the Prime Minister (Bute House, at No. 6), a typical Georgian house (Georgian House, No. 7 – You can visit it!) and very pretty streets in a poetic setting.

Calton Hill

This small hill located in the Regents Garden offers a nice view over Old Town and the sea.

Gothic-inspired the Scott Monument

One of the world’s largest monuments to a writer built in 1840, the Scott Monument commemorates the Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott. This is one of the most striking landmarks in Edinburgh’s city skyline.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Whether a connoisseur or total newcomer to the world of Scotch whisky, the whisky tasting is a must. We visited Holyrood Distillery, an award winning Gin & Whiskey Distillery located in the heart of Edinburgh and only city centre whisky distillery.

Holyrood Distillery is an exciting new attraction and single malt whisky distillery, which opened in heart of Edinburgh in 2019. It includes guided experiential tours, a gin distillery, a whisky distillery, a bar with enviable views of Holyrood Park, and a destination spirits and gift shop.

Breathtaking View Points

Calton Hill

Situated in Central Edinburgh, east of Edinburgh’s New Town and marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Calton Hill has some of the city’s best views over Old Town and the sea!

Edinburgh Castle

It stands 443 feet (135 metres) above sea level and overlooks the city of Edinburgh from a volcanic crag called Castle Rock

Arthur’s Seat

This extinct volcano is located in Holyrood Park and provides stunning panoramic views of the city. You can hike to the top for a challenging workout or take a leisurely stroll around the park.

1820 Bar Johnnie Walker Rooftop Bar

Epic views of Edinburgh Castle.

Wining & Dining recommended by me

The Ivy on the Square

Overlooking historic St Andrew Square, the Ivy on the Square brings relaxed and sophisticated all-day dining to Edinburgh.

There are no bad food choices, but if I had to name a few favourites… salt-crusted sourdough bread & oatmeal-rolled lathallan haggis bon bons to start with followed by roasted scallops and steak tartare.

Haggis is probably the most famous dish that Scotland boasts. It’s like a savory pudding, made mostly with sheep meat, oatmeal and lots of pepper and other spices. Try not to focus on the ingredients too much, since this is what most people find “gross” about it. I wasn’t sure about oatmeal-rolled lathallan haggis bon bons but these were actually very tasty, and I definitely recommend!

Address: 6 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD

The Witchery by the Castle

Located at the top of the Royal Mile in a historic sixteenth-century building, the Witchery’s unique location and legendary food have ensured it has become a fine dining experience.

The Witchery is warm and incredibly atmospheric with its oak-panelled walls hung with tapestries, mirrors and carvings. Darkly, deeply sumptuous, utterly indulgent, this striking restaurant is the place to visit.

Address: 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF

1820 Bar Johnnie Walker Rooftop Bar

Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, Johnnie Walker Princes Street is a state-of-the-art destination set over eight floors of 200-year old history behind the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky.

The perfect place for both whisky lovers and novices with epic views of Edinburgh Castle and the city’s busiest street.

Address: 145 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 4BL

The Sheep Heid Inn 

A beautiful pub & restaurant with its very own Skittle alley & courtyard, located at the foot of Arthur’s Seat in the picturesque village of Duddingston, 3 miles from Edinburgh City Centre.

As well as being the oldest surviving public house the Inn has the oldest surviving skittle alley which is available for hire, using an authentic set of nineteenth century skittles.

We really enjoyed great food and impeccable service in a warm environment.

Address: 43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh EH15 3QA

Overall, Edinburgh is a fascinating city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, with plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages and interests.

Duck & Waffle

The iconic Duck & Waffle opened in Edinburgh only in February 2023 bringing a brand new, unique eating experience to the city. Having visited the D&W in London many times I was very intrigued to see and experience the brand’s first UK venture outside of London.

2 Days Itinerary

Day 1

(i) Early morning flight to Edinburgh. Drop the bags in the hotel and Explore New Town that stretches around 3 main avenues: Princes Street, Queen Street and George Street. Allow 3 – 4 hours.

• Princes Street, the main shopping street in Edinburgh running parallel to George Street. The street is packed with some of Edinburgh’s trendiest boutiques and high-end stores.
• Princes Street Garden: this vast garden mark the border with Old Town.
• Charlotte Square: one of the most beautiful areas of New Town. You can see the official residence of the Prime Minister (Bute House, at No. 6).
• Calton Hill, this small hill located in the Regents Garden offers a nice view over Old Town and the sea.
• The Museums (free): The Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery

(ii) 13:00 Lunch – 1820 Bar Johnnie Walker Bar,  145 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 4BL, 1 hour

(iii) 17:00 HOLYROOD DISTILLERY & whisky tasting, 1 hour – book in advance

(iv) 19.30 Dinner – The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh – book in advance

Day 2

Old Town District

(i) Edinburgh Castle (allow 2-3 hours) – the Honours of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy; 12th century St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, and Mons Meg, the famous 15th century gun.
(ii) 12.30 Lunch at The Witchery (352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF), 1 hour – book in advance
(iii) Royal Mile. Walk down the Royal Mile exploring medieval architecture, allow 2-3 hours

• Saint Gile’s Cathedral
• The Real Mary King’s Close (this guided tour is amazing!)
• Scottish Parliament House
• The Palace of Holyroodhouse: located at the very end of the Royal Mile. Best is to buy your ticket in advance, allow 1-2 hours
• Arthur’s Seat behind the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 1 hour

(iv) 20.00 Dinner at The Sheep Heid Inn – book in advance

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