2 days in Edinburgh: a weekend itinerary
Castle, Old Town and a volcano, planned around the hills so you never walk further than you need to.
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- Updated October 2026
Edinburgh packs an enormous amount into a small area, but the hills and cobbles are tiring, so this plan puts the big sights first and leaves the second day for open air. Book your castle ticket in advance, and allow enough time for each stop.
You can do all of it on foot, and in August you should book everything well ahead because the festivals fill the city.
Day 1: The Old Town
- Morning: Start at Edinburgh Castle with a timed ticket and allow two to three hours for the crown jewels, the Great Hall and the ramparts.
- Late morning: Walk down the Royal Mile, ducking into some of the closes, the narrow lanes between the buildings, and visit St Giles' Cathedral.
- Afternoon: Join a whisky tasting on or near the Royal Mile, or visit the free National Museum of Scotland if you prefer something else.
- Evening: Have dinner around the Grassmarket or in the Old Town, then a pub with live music.
Day 2: Hills, palace and villages
- Morning: Climb Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour up, or take the shorter climb up Calton Hill for the same views with less effort.
- Lunch: Eat near the Royal Mile or at the foot of the park.
- Afternoon: Walk through the New Town to Dean Village, a hidden old milling village beside the Water of Leith, then on to Stockbridge for coffee and shops.
- Heading home: Waverley station is in the centre, so it is easy to leave by train.
Where to stay
The Old Town is atmospheric but noisy and expensive, and the New Town is elegant and central. Stockbridge and Leith give a more local feel, with good restaurants and slightly lower prices.
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.
Getting there and around
- From Manchester: About 3.5 to 4 hours by train, or around 4 hours by car.
- From Newcastle: About 1.5 hours by train.
- From London: About 4.5 hours by train from King's Cross.
Edinburgh is walkable but very hilly, so wear comfortable shoes. Buses and trams are good, and a car is a burden because parking is limited and expensive.
If it rains
If it rains, spend more time in the castle, the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery, and add a long lunch or afternoon tea.
Packing list for Edinburgh
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Frequently asked questions
Is two days enough for Edinburgh?
Yes, for the highlights. Two days covers the castle, the Royal Mile, a hill walk and a couple of neighbourhoods at a comfortable pace.
Do I need to book the castle?
Booking a timed ticket online is strongly recommended, especially in summer and in August.
Is Edinburgh good in winter?
Yes, especially for museums, pubs and the Christmas market, though days are short and it can be cold and wet.
Keep planning
A dramatic castle city of cobbled lanes, festivals and whisky
Edinburgh Castle visitCastle Rock, EdinburghEdinburgh Castle stands on an extinct volcanic rock above the city and is Scotland's most visited paid attraction.
Whisky tasting in EdinburghThe Royal Mile, EdinburghEdinburgh offers many ways to learn about Scotch whisky, from guided tastings on the Royal Mile to specialist bars with hundreds of bottles.
Edinburgh Festival FringeEdinburgh, ScotlandThe Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the world's largest arts festivals, filling the city every August with comedy, theatre, music and street performance.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and travel details change, so check before you go. Report an error or share a tip.