2-Days in Edinburgh: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
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Everyone knows someone that has studied abroad and still can't shut up about it more than a decade later. If you don’t - now you do! Hi, I’m Jess and I studied abroad in Edinburgh. This city stole a piece of my heart and I’m eager to share my love for it with anyone willing to listen.
My latest travels back to Edinburgh look a lot different now than they did when I was 20, but my appreciation has only deepened over time. If I only had 2 days to spend in Edinburgh, these would be at the top of my list of things to see and do.
Day 1: Explore Edinburgh’s Old Town
The main city center of Edinburgh is divided into “Old Town” and “New Town” - divided by the Princes Street Gardens, sitting at the base of Edinburgh Castle. Spend day one in Old Town, known for its Reformation-era architecture.
Morning: The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
Start your day with a stroll down the Royal Mile, grab a coffee from The Milkman on Cockburn Street then head up High Street (literally, up the hill) to the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. The views from here are absolutely stunning. Self-guided as well as guided tours are available if you’d like to explore inside the castle walls. Some of the highlights include Scotland’s crown jewels and the 1’oclock gun.
Afternoon: Victoria Street, The Grassmarket & Arthur’s Seat
As you head back down the Royal Mile, make a stop in at St. Giles Cathedral then make your way to Victoria Street. This instagrammable street of multi-colored shops curves it’s way down to the Grassmarket - a great place to grab lunch at Castle Rock chippie.
Pro tip: the “Edinburgh way” to order chips is with ‘salt & brown sauce.’
After lunch, make your way to Arthur’s Seat, a prominent hill created by an extinct volcano. Hike to the top via the trail head near Holyrood Palace for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
Evening: Dinner with a View & Live Music
Enjoy dinner with a view at The Outsider. This cozy spot has a laid back vibe with a fresh, seasonal menu. For a night cap, head to one of the Royal Mile pubs such as The Scotsman Lounge or Pipers Rest for a pint paired with live music.
Instagrammable Spots in Old Town:
Advocate’s Close
Writers Museum courtyard
The Vennel
Victoria Street
Armchair Books
Day 2: Discover New Town’s Charm
Morning: Coffee & Dean Village Walk
New Town, known for its neo-classical and Georgian period architecture, offers a totally different vibe for day two.
Start your morning at Grow Urban, part coffee shop, part plant shop - this is a dreamy spot to enjoy your morning latte. From there, make your way to Dean Village via the Water of Leith walkway. Formerly a milling village, you will feel like you have been transported to Shakespearian times as you wander along the waterway.
Afternoon: Princes Street Gardens & Shopping
From here, make your way to Prince’s Street. If shopping is your thing, this is the place to find all of the “high street” shops and designer stores. The M&S food hall is the perfect spot to grab lunch to-go, specifically their meal deal of a sandwich, crisps (chips) and a drink, for a picnic at the Princes Street Gardens just across the street.
As you continue making your way down Princes Street through the gardens, you’ll pass the Sir Walter Scott Monument, Waverly Station and the Balmoral Hotel. Head up Calton Hill for another panoramic view of the city.
Evening: Haggis Optional
For a casual dinner, Edinburgh Street Food is a great option. This food hall features a variety of cuisines. Try ordering from a few spots like a chicken sando from Chix, and Pork Belly from The Peruvian. For something a bit more traditional, Howies serves up traditional Scottish fare, including haggis if you’re feeling adventurous!
Instagrammable Spots in New Town:
Dean Village
Cicus Lane
Ross Fountain, Princes Street Gardens
Prince’s Street Waterstones 2nd floor windows
With wonderful public transportation and abundant taxis, it's possible to cover a lot of ground with two days in Edinburgh.
Whether your trip to Scotland is to play a round at the infamous Old Course in St. Andrews, tour popular filming locations for Harry Potter and Outlander, or simply take in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh is the perfect place to start or end your Scottish adventure.
About Edinburgh, Scotland
The Location:
Edinburgh is located along the Firth of Forth on the eastern side of Scotland. It is about 7.5 hours north of London by car.
The Weather:
Edinburgh has a temperate maritime climate thanks in part to its proximity to the North Sea. It is a common misconception that it is perpetually rainy - averaging only about 27 in annually (compared to Seattle’s 37 in annually). Visitors can expect long summer days and winters with shorter daylight periods.
Winter (December - February): Temperatures are often in the mid-30’s (F), this time of year sees more frequent rainfall with occasional snow. The days are short, with the sun rising as late as 8:30 a.m. and setting as early as 4 p.m.
Spring (March - May): Temperatures are more mild but certainly not hot in the spring in Edinburgh. Daytime highs can range from the low 40’s to mid-50’s this time of year.
Summer (June - August): The average daytime temperatures for summer in Edinburgh are in the mid-60’s. The days are also much longer - sunrise can be as early as 4:30 a.m. and sunset at 9:30 p.m.or later.
Fall (September - November): Fall temperatures are often in the mid-50’s in Edinburgh. The days start to become longer and the wind begins to pick up as you head into the winter months.
History:
While there is evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times in Edinburgh, the city was officially grated its status of a royal burgh by King David I in the early 12th century. During this time, the first stone structures of what is now Edinburgh Castle, including St. Mary’s Chapel, were constructed atop “Castle Rock.” From there the town spread down the hill in what is now lovingly referred to at “Old Town.” It is here that you will notice architecture that characterizes the medieval time period in which it was built (the 1400-1500’s).
In the 15th century, Edinburgh became home to the primary royal residence and the site of Scotland’s Parliament - solidifying its place as the capital of Scotland. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city saw much growth leading to over crowding and grisly living conditions, earning it the nickname ‘Auld Reekie.’ It was in the 1700s that the city expanded across what is now referred to as ‘Princes St. Gardens’ into “New Town,” characterized by its Georgian architecture and grid structure - influencing European urban planning.
Today, both Old Town & New Town are listed at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Famous Residents of Past & Present:
Edinburgh has a literary tradition, leading to its designation as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2004. Some notable authors include:
Sir Walter Scott (Rob Roy, Ivanhoe)
Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes)
Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting)
Ian Rankin (Inspector Rebus)
JK Rowling (Harry Potter)
How to Get to Edinburgh
Flying into Edinburgh:
The closest airport to Edinburgh is…. Edinburgh Airport (EDI). It is located in the Ingliston area of Edinburgh about a 20 minute drive from the main city center. This international airport has several direct flights available to/from the United States as well as major airports throughout Europe.
Airport Transfers:
🚋 By Tram: Trams are one of the easiest ways to get to Edinburgh’s city center. They depart every 7 minutes between the hours of 7am - 7 p.m. The journey to the City Center (Waverley Station) takes about 30 minutes. Tickets can be pre-purchased online or at the airport before boarding. There are several stops along the route that may be closer to your lodging - be sure to check the route map in advance to select the stop that best fits your needs.
🚌 By Bus: Bus services are available to Edinburgh as well as other cities throughout Scotland. Utilize the Airlink 100 route or Airport Express services for the most efficient routes into Edinburgh’s City Center. For a more affordable option, though less efficient, take the 17 or 18 Lothian Bus to reach the city center. More information on bus routes and options can be found here.
🚕 By taxi: The taxi rank can be foudn in the East Terminus near the arrivals area. You can make a booking online in advance or upon your arrival at the rank. Fares are set by the City of Edinburgh council and apply to all taxis that operate at the airport. A copy of the fare table can be found here.
Arriving by Train:
Edinburgh is easily accessible by train from other areas of the UK including London, Glasgow and Manchester to name a few. If you are looking for a truly unique experience, consider booking a ticket on the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Edinburgh. Most trains will stop at Edinburgh Waverley station located in the heart of the city center. From there you can walk, take a taxi or bus to your accommodations.
Getting Around:
Do you need a rental car in Edinburgh? Honestly, no - probably not. The only reason to rent a car is if you plan to explore beyond the city up into the Highlands or other areas of Scotland.
Edinburgh is very walkable, if you’re up for climbing some hills. If you prefer to take a ride, there is abundant public transportation including a robust bus system that can get you most anywhere. Taxi’s are also very easy to find in Edinburgh and reasonably priced. Was it even a proper trip to the UK if you didn’t take a ride in a classic black cab?
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