48 hours in Edinburgh: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. Easily accessible from other major cities and towns by train (a direct train from London to Edinburgh takes just over 4 hours), bus and car, and serviced by an international airport, a weekend in Edinburgh is the perfect way to spend a couple of days away with a loved one or your family and friends.

Whether you want to shop ’til you drop on Princes Street or get lost in the winding streets of the Old Town, there’s so much that you can do in 48 hours in Edinburgh. In this article, we will explain how you can make the most of your two days in the Scottish Capital.

What to do in Edinburgh for 2 Days

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Luxury: The Balmoral Hotel is perfect for those who want to live like a VIP.

Mid-Range: Hotels such as the Grassmarket Hotel are the perfect way to explore the city without spending way more than your budget allows. In a prime location set in the historic Old Town, the Grassmarket Hotel is perfect for a couple of nights' stay in Edinburgh. 

Budget: Enjoy a comfortable and low-cost stay at the Britannia Hotel when booking with Enjoy Travel. 

Boutique: Tigerlily Hotel, in the west end of the city, offers a wonderful stay in a boutique hotel complete with a chic bar where you can enjoy a wee dram on a night in the stunning settings of the hotel’s warm and inviting lounge.

Where to eat in Edinburgh

Obviously, Scotland is known for having a rich and varied cuisine, which sets it apart from the badge of just ‘British food’. Lorne sausage, or square sausage, is a staple on a traditional Scottish breakfast, as are ‘tattie’ (potato) scones.

Edinburgh is a foodie paradise, with plenty of traditional Scottish foods to choose from, as well as lots of global options thanks to its multicultural nature. 

Start your day with breakfast or brunch at Greenwoods on Frederick Street or Honeycomb & Co., known for their sweet and savoury options and delicious hot and cold drinks. We would recommend trying a traditional Scottish breakfast, complete with a steaming hot mug of tea – the perfect way to start your day.

Enjoy the best bangers and mash you’ll ever eat at MUMS, where they have an incredible 10 (yes, 10!) different types of mashed potatoes to choose from. So, whether black pudding and apple mash take your pick, or you fancy pairing locally sourced sausages with chipotle and cheese mash, the world is your oyster (or potato) at MUMS.

There are so many traditional cosy pubs in Edinburgh offering warm fires and warmer Scottish hospitality, alongside Scottish pub classics like haggis, neeps and tatties which are simply a must-try while in Edinburgh. One of the best is the Beehive Inn located in the Old Town. For a whisky bar, head to The Devil’s Advocate, which is just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle.

Where to get your culture fix in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is not just arguably the most culturally rich city in Scotland, but potentially even the most culturally rich city in the UK. Thousands of years of history have made the city into what it is today, and much of it is preserved incredibly well inside the walls of museums, art galleries and more. Here are just  a few of the highlights where you can get your culture fix in Edinburgh:

View and admire world-famous art pieces at the National Galleries of Scotland. Paintings from world-famous artists such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt are on display in the National Gallery.

A visit to Edinburgh is simply incomplete without going to Edinburgh Castle. Construction started in the 11th century, and the castle has seen its fair share of drama over the years – acting as a Scottish royal stronghold during the Wars of Scottish Independence during the 13th and 14th centuries, to hosting the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the castle is also home to the Stone of Scone which was used to crown Scottish monarchs in the Middle Ages.

A wander through the Old Town is also a great way to see Edinburgh’s history in the flesh – as well as a walk down the Royal Mile.

Where to drink in Edinburgh

Transport yourself to the Prohibition era at the Never Really Here speakeasy bar, where you’ll get a custom-made drink based on your tastes and preferences. And rooftop bars don’t get better than the Nor’ Loft atop the Market Street hotel.

Fans of Kenneth Graeme’s 1908 novel (or the 1983 film adaptation) The Wind in the Willows may wish to pay a visit to Badger & Co, a bar just off Prince’s Street where the decor, cocktail menu and food offerings are all Wind in the Willows themed.

Best beach in Edinburgh

Head to Portobello Beach when the weather’s nice to enjoy a swim or a relaxing day on the sand.

Day 1: Edinburgh’s top landmarks, iconic attractions and must-visit places

• Start off your first morning with a traditional Scottish breakfast: that’s square sausage, bacon, haggis, tattie scones, fried bread, beans and mushrooms, all washed down with a big mug of tea or an Irn Bru – fuel that will undoubtedly keep you going throughout the day. Local cafes such as Rose Street Cafe are the best places to get a traditional Scottish breakfast, and they are often better value than chain restaurants.
• You simply have to visit Edinburgh Castle – explore the rich and varied history of the building by taking a guided tour inside the castle, and admire the aerial views of Edinburgh from outside the castle, thanks to its elevated position. You can see the coast from Edinburgh Castle, and get a good panoramic view of the city.
• After leaving the castle, while still on the Royal Mile, pay a visit to Camera Obscura World of Illusions, a good laugh for all the family. Funnily shaped mirrors, ‘upside-down’ rooms, and the biggest attraction of them all – the camera obscura at the top of the building, where you can see a 360-degree view of the city.
• Time for a drink? We certainly think so! Indulge in a whisky distillery tour in the city, or visit one of its many charming pubs – whether it’s Tennents or a single malt you’re after, you can guarantee you’re never more than a few minutes’ walk from a pub in Edinburgh.
• For dinner, we recommend booking a table at Eleanore. Elevated dishes, chic interior, and great wine.

Day 2: Enjoy a low-key but charming end to your trip

• After loading up on a full Scottish breakfast, take a trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens, which are situated just off Princes Street. There’s an array of flora and fauna to be seen within the gardens, and it’s free entry, too.
• The National Museum of Scotland is another place which is free to enter in Edinburgh and showcases the city’s amazing history and culture.
• After a wander down Princes Street or the Royal Mile, why not stop for dinner at MUMS, for your pie and mash fix? There’s nothing like a hearty meal after a busy day in Edinburgh.
• End your night with a wee dram in one of the Old Town’s many bars, where there’s guaranteed to be a roaring fire and ice-cold drinks on order. Slàinte Mhath!