2 Day Edinburgh Itinerary: Highlights of Old Town and New Town

With only two days in Edinburgh, you’ll need to know which places in Edinburgh are worth it and which ones aren’t.

In this 2 day Edinburgh itinerary, I’ll help you explore the must-see highlights of both Old Town and New Town in Edinburgh.

I first visited Edinburgh in 2022, and then I returned again twice before eventually moving here in 2025 because I couldn’t get enough.

I have tried to do as much as possible, and I’ve shared in this post my favorite recommendations so you can make the most of your time in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is my favorite city in the whole world — and I hope I can make it yours, too.

How Many Days in Edinburgh?

To be very honest, two days is not enough time.

Three days is the minimum amount of time to spend in Edinburgh. Of course, more is better, but any less and you’ll miss out on too much.

Even with three days, on my first trip to Edinburgh, I wish I had stayed longer.

But, if you have time constraints, two days will introduce you to the city and see if you like it enough to return.

Still considering just how long you should stay in Edinburgh?

See my full breakdown: How Many Days in Edinburgh Is Enough?

What You Miss

There’s so much to do in Old Town, and even with one full day dedicated to it, there’s still loads you’ll miss, such as most museums, hidden gems, and Arthur’s Seat.

But I’ve picked out my highlights, which will give you a good overview of the city.

Plus separating Old Town and New Town on different days cuts out a lot of extra walking and saves time.

Day 1: Explore Old Town Edinburgh

Do an Old Town or Harry Potter Walking Tour

Start your Edinburgh adventure with a walking tour to get better acquainted with the city.

I’ve gone on both an Old Town walking tour and a Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh and would recommend either.

The Harry Potter walking tour and the Old Town walking tour follow a similar route but focus on different topics.

• The Old Town walking tour focuses on the history of Edinburgh and interesting, true stories behind some of the iconic landmarks.
• The Harry Potter walking tour focuses on the life of J.K. Rowling and how Edinburgh inspired her to write the Harry Potter series.

What tour company to book?

• City Explorers: I booked both the free Harry Potter walking tour and free Old Town walking tour with City Explorers. City Explorers meets on the Royal Mile and can be spotted by their big yellow umbrellas.
• Potter Trail: You can also book the free Potter Trail tour, which meets at the Greyfriars Bobby statue, just outside the Greyfriars Kirkyard. I took this tour on a later trip to Edinburgh. Most of the time is spent in the kirkyard with a little time at the end spent on Victoria Street.

What’s the difference between the tour companies?

The Potter Trail tour is more interactive and silly — you’ll cast spells and answer trivia questions about the books.

The City Explorers tours are more fact-based — the tour guides are equally enthusiastic but more time is spent on telling stories and facts rather than interacting with the group.

For both tour companies, you do need to book your spot in advance.

Is it really free?

While both tour companies advertise their walking tours as free, note that the guides will ask for tips at the end of the tour.

They suggest anything from £10 to £20 a person, whatever you can pay and whatever you feel the tour was worth.

You don’t technically have to pay, but do bring cash in case you like the tour enough to tip.

Check Out the Free National Museum of Scotland

Stop in to see Edinburgh’s collection of art, animals, and cultural artifacts at the National Museum of Scotland. This museum is right across the street from Greyfriars Kirkyard, and has the nearest public restrooms.

It can get busy in this museum, but the crowds thin out as you explore the upper floors. The architecture in this museum is beautiful, so I’d recommend, in the least, stopping in to see the building. It is free, after all!

Some highlights:

• Taxidermy of Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned animal
• Sword of Robert the Bruce
• Tomb of Mary Queen of Scots

There is also a seventh-floor rooftop viewing platform at the National Museum of Scotland, which offers 360-degree views of the city.

However, there is only one lift that takes you there, and it’s the lift in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery. It gets busy later in the day, so go early if you can.

Explore Victoria Street

Victoria Street was named after none other than Queen Victoria. It was built between 1829 and 1834 as Edinburgh aimed to improve access to Old Town. Now Victoria Street is a world-famous cobblestone street of colorful shops that winds down from the Royal Mile to Grassmarket.

It’s more recently been named the one and only inspiration of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books.

Our walking tour guide had several points about why Victoria Street is Diagon Alley — the most obvious being that J. K. Rowling would have walked down this street nearly every day while writing the Harry Potter books.

Embrace the magic of Victoria Street and explore the shops and restaurants here. You’ll find:

• The Enchanted Galaxy, a Harry Potter retailer.
• Museum Context, a Harry Potter retailer. You’ll often see a queue of people waiting outside the store, just to enter.
• The Elephant House, the newly moved cafe where J. K. Rowling famously wrote her first Harry Potter books. It’s original location was on the George IV Bridge, but it was unfortunately burnt down (though it has since reopened). You can pop inside to view the table JK Rowling sat at while writing (very cool!).

When’s the best time for photos? It can get crowded in the middle of the day, so try to take your photos in the morning.

Get a bird’s-eye view of Victoria Street from the Victoria Terrace, accessible via the staircase next to Walker Slater Menswear.

Take Photos of Edinburgh Castle at the Vennel

One of the best views of Edinburgh Castle is in the Vennel, a staircase in Grassmarket.

Head to the top of the staircase to see Edinburgh Castle on a hill framed by historic buildings and lampposts. What a shot!

Why is it called the Vennel? “Vennel” comes from an old French word “venelle” meaning “alley.” A vennel is different from a close, in that it’s a public way, not a private lane like a close.

The Vennel has become more popular in recent years as it’s made its rounds on social media. Try to get here either early in the morning or be patient to wait for your perfect shot without the crowds.

For even more views of Edinburgh Castle, see my post 19 Best Views of Edinburgh Castle: From the Vennel to Cafe Windows.

See the Flodden Wall at the Vennel

At the Vennel, you’ll also find parts of the historic Flodden Wall, which was built around Old Town in the 1500s to protect the city against an English invasion.

At the time, Edinburgh’s population was only 10,000, but as the city grew, the walls proved to be a hindrance.

By the 1700s most of the 24-foot-tall wall had come to ruins.

What’s left of the wall today is protected as an historic monument. So don’t miss it when visiting the Vennel!

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle sits on a hill, looming above the city. You can see it from Princes Street, Old Town, and various other places around Edinburgh.

It is centuries old and the history that happened in the castle is simply fascinating. I’d definitely recommend paying the entrance fee to tour the castle.

Plus, the views from Edinburgh Castle are jaw dropping.

Get your tickets ahead of time as tickets were sold out the day we went, and many people were turned away. Luckily, we had booked our time slot weeks in advance.

Time your entry to the castle so that you don’t miss the 1 o’clock gun. As the name suggests, they shoot off a very large gun at 1 o’clock sharp, which is something you don’t hear every day.

Edinburgh Castle is on the Royal Mile, running down High Street, which is about 1.13 miles long.

It bookends one side of the Royal Mile on the west while Palace of Holyroodhouse book ends the east. Today you’ll visit Edinburgh Castle, and tomorrow you’ll visit Holyroodhouse.

Both castles are some of the best castles in Scotland.

Check Out the Free Writers Museum

The Writers Museum is tucked inside the Lady Stair’s Close, just off the Royal Mile, and is something you definitely must see, especially if you’re a writer or are interested in Scottish literature.

It’s a small museum with three floors and a winding staircase but a gorgeous building nonetheless.

Each floor is dedicated to one of three featured Scottish writers — Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. There’s an impressive collection of items by these authors, such as their writing desks, first editions, and even locks of their hair.

I learned so much about these writers and came away quite inspired.

It’s free to enter, but donations are appreciated.

Tour Gladstone’s Land

Don’t miss this place on your first visit to Edinburgh (like I did). It’s extremely fascinating.

Gladstone’s Land is one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile, and each floor has been restored and decorated to showcase how life would’ve been in a certain century.

• The top floor represents the early 20th century when it was used as a boarding house for gentlemen.
• The second floor represents the 18th century with a recreated draper’s shop.
• The first floor represents the 17th century when it served as a home of a wealthy family.

You can take either a guided tour or a self-guided look around the building. There is a lot of history here, so do take your time.

I was thoroughly impressed by this museum and would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Old Town Edinburgh.

Create Your Own Tweed Bag in the Islander Workshop

In nearly every souvenir store in Edinburgh, you’ll see Harris Tweed bags, Islander bags, and knock-offs. Rather than simply buying one, how about creating your own custom Islander tweed bag in the Islander Edinburgh Workshop?

I enrolled in the Islander Workshop Experience in Edinburgh and had an incredible time putting together my very own tweed backpack, complete with mismatched straps.

It was such a fun experience, and our workshop instructor, Jill, was absolutely phenomenal. We learned so much about Islander, tweed in Scotland, and how bags like these are created.

The workshop lasts an hour and the time goes by so fast. Read my complete guide to the Islander Edinburgh Workshop for everything you need to know about this incredible workshop.

Go on an Underground Tour

A city so old is bound to have rumors of ghosts and spirits, and Edinburgh has them aplenty.

Underground, dark passageways, once home to the poor and nefarious, can still be accessed today.

I’d really recommend venturing into them on an underground tour.

There are three tours that take you underground:

• Tour the underground Blair Street Vaults. Mercat Tours Historic Underground Tour is a 75-minute tour that takes you into the Blair Street Vaults, and shares so many fascinating stories of life in Edinburgh underground. I did this tour and loved it. Mercat also offers a ghost tour for those who are interested in a spooky experience. Either way, book the tour in the evening as darkness descends.
• Tour underground Mary King’s Close. The Real Mary King’s Close is a one-hour guided tour through a 17th century street hidden underneath the Royal Mile. Reviews say it’s a bit cheesy and touristy, and after I did it, I can agree. While it is interesting, it’s also expensive, and I felt a bit ripped off, if I’m honest.
• Tour other sections of the underground South Bridge Vaults. Some walking tour companies, such as Auld Reekie Tours, will take you to other sections of the South Bridge Vaults, such as near Cowgate. Auld Reekie Tours offers a late-night terror tour of the Vaults in addition to their original Vaults tour (although it’s not really as scary as it claims).

Read more about Edinburgh’s underground world and how to tour it in my post, Vaults vs Mary King’s Close: Best Underground Tour in Edinburgh (Comparison + Map).

Day 2: Explore New Town Edinburgh

Don’t miss New Town when visiting Edinburgh. It’s an incredibly beautiful part of Edinburgh with Georgian architecture and gorgeous green spaces.

New Town was built over 200 years ago but still keeps its name. It was originally made for the wealthy of Edinburgh who tired of Old Town and wanted nicer accommodations.

I’ve listed below the top recommendations for you to do in New Town, ones you simply can’t miss.

Climb Calton Hill

Start the morning with a short climb up Calton Hill. If you’ve seen photos of Edinburgh, chances are that Calton Hill was in one of them.

It’s an iconic landmark of central Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the home of several monuments.

It only takes a few minutes to get to the summit but once there, you’ll find epic views of the city.

Calton Hill was a highlight of our trip to Edinburgh, something you definitely can’t miss!

It’s also a great alternative to hiking Arthur’s Seat. You’ll get similar panoramic views but without a strenuous hike.

There are a few staircases to reach Calton Hill, but you can also take the stair-free circular route, which gently slopes up to the top of the hill.

View Artwork in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is a gorgeous museum full of portraits of famous Scots.

It’s free to enter, and I’d definitely recommend stopping in when you’re in New Town.

It’s much bigger than it looks with multiple floors and gallery rooms. The architecture itself is beautiful, too.

I loved visiting on a rainy day because it gave us some reprieve from the weather.

Visit Circus Lane

Circus Lane may be just a street of houses, but it’s the most picturesque street of houses in Edinburgh.

Is it worth visiting? Yes! I’d say so.

But do go into it with the understanding that it’s just a street that you walk on. There’s nothing else really to do aside from enjoying the scenery and taking photographs.

Circus Lane was built in the 18th century when curved streets were in fashion. This was a lane of mews, meant for horses owned by the wealthy.

There are so many unique angles to photograph, so definitely walk back and forth a few times.

Notice the clock tower, flowers, and shrubbery. But do be respectful as it is a residential area.

It shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes to visit, unless you get caught up in the photography, which is somewhat expected. It’s just so beautiful!

Tour the Georgian House in Charlotte Square

Charlotte Square is noted as being the most prestigious area of New Town, and it’s also one of the most historical.

You can go back in time at The Georgian House and tour a restored Georgian townhouse at 7 Charlotte Square. It’s been lavishly decorated with furnishings that depict life for a wealthy family in the 18th century in Scotland.

You can also see the downstairs kitchen and servants rooms to get an idea of life for the working class at that time.

The house is, unfortunately, not open the entire year, only from March 1 until November 30. But if you are visiting Edinburgh during that time, definitely give it a visit.

Walk around Dean Village and Water of Leith Walkway

Dean Village is a charming part of Edinburgh, only a few minutes from the city center. The village was once a mill town back in the 1500s.

Stone houses surround the peaceful, flowing river, called Water of Leith. Alongside the river is a 12-mile path where many locals jog.

I spent more than two hours exploring Dean Village the first time because I loved it so much.

I’d even say that Dean Village is my favorite place in Edinburgh. Do not miss this spot!

Visit Waterstones Cafe for Views of Edinburgh Castle

The Waterstones Cafe on Princes Street has one of the most beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle.

Once inside the bookstore, head up the stairs to the cafe, and grab a cup of tea or coffee.

There are only 6 tables in the area by the window, so you may not get to sit in one of them unless you’re early or very lucky.

Take a break from your whirlwind day exploring New Town at the Waterstones Cafe. The views could not be better.

You can also try your luck at Starbucks, which is down the street, and also has great views of Edinburgh Castle. There is more seating and several large windows at Starbucks, so it may be easier to snag a table.

For even more views of Edinburgh Castle, see my post 19 Best Views of Edinburgh Castle: From the Vennel to Cafe Windows.

Visit St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard and Princes Street Gardens

Before leaving New Town, head down to the St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard, for even more incredible views of Edinburgh Castle.

Graveyards aren’t typically considered a sightseeing place, but the graveyards in Edinburgh are historic, and this one is no different.

St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard is near Princes Street Gardens. It’s easy to miss if you’re just walking by, but don’t miss this. Take a wander around the ancient tombstones and look up to admire the castle. It’s a great area for photography.

If the parish is open, feel free to tour the inside. The original church that stood here fell into ruins in the 18th century but it was eventually rebuilt in the New Town style. It’s very grand. Did you know that mystery writer Agatha Christie was married here?

Another fun fact: The Princes Street Gardens used to be a loch! It was a pretty toxic loch as waste was often thrown in it, giving off a horrid smell.

Because of this, as well as the coal-fire smoke that hovered thick over the city, Edinburgh was once nicknamed “Auld Reekie.” Today, the region couldn’t look any different!

Map of Activities Mentioned in This 2 Day Edinburgh Itinerary

What to Eat in Edinburgh

Haggis: One of the quintessential Scottish foods is haggis, a pudding containing sheep liver and lungs, cooked with onion and spices. It’s readily available at almost any restaurant, and there’s even a vegetarian version so the non-meat-eaters aren’t left out.

Full Scottish Breakfast: A full Scottish breakfast usually includes haggis as well as eggs, sausage, black pudding, baked beans, toast, mushrooms, fried tomatoes, and potato scones. Most restaurants will also offer a vegetarian version. Don’t skip breakfast in Scotland. We loved the Scottish breakfast at the Coffee Mill Cafe in Edinburgh and at Deacon’s House Cafe.

Whisky: While you’re here, try the whisky — you’ll know it’s authentically Scottish if “whisky” is spelled without an “e.” You can visit the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile, or there are also several distilleries to tour.

Drambuie Whisky Liqueur: I’d recommend trying a whisky liqueur called Drambuie, which is a mix of whisky, heather honey, herbs, and spices, and is truly an experience. It was created in Scotland by none other than Bonnie Prince Charlie, and is available at pretty much any pub, just ask for it!

Neeps and Tatties: You must try the neeps and tatties! It’s a traditional Scottish dish consisting of mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served alongside haggis. Go to McGonagall’s pub in Edinburgh, they serve neeps and tatties with a whisky sauce that is to die for. (They even serve a version with vegetarian haggis.)

Scottish Porridge: Okay, hear me out. The Scottish porridge is actually really good! It can be served with honey and fruit, and it tastes different than American oatmeal because the oats are slowly ground instead of rolled. You have to try it. We loved the porridge at Coffee Mill Cafe in Edinburgh.

Sticky Toffee Pudding: This is a dessert served at many pubs that is really delicious. It’s not an American pudding, but rather a sponge soaked in toffee sauce often served with ice cream. Definitely order some after dinner! We tried sticky toffee pudding at The Grand Cafe at the Scotsman and loved it.

Cranachan: This is a traditionally Scottish dessert, created to celebrate the raspberry harvest. So, yes, it has raspberries as well as a whisky-spiked cream, honey, oats, and biscuits on top. Yum. I’ve tried it at McGonagall’s pub in Edinburgh (and was corrected on my pronunciation when ordering) but it’s very good! For those curious, it’s pronounced kran-uh-kuhn not kran-a-kan, like I was saying (haha).

Mary’s Milk Bar: If you ever wander into Grassmarket, you’ll likely see a queue outside Mary’s Milk Bar and wonder if the gelato is really that good. Well, it is. I’ve been dozens of times (and keep going back). They rotate flavors daily and allow you to try one sample per visit. Get a cup and sit on a bench in Grassmarket, gazing up at the castle while eating your gelato. Divine.

Meal Deals: If you are more of a budget traveler, then definitely take advantage of the meal deals in the UK. You’ll find them at most grocery stores, such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco. With a meal deal, you can choose an entree (sandwich, salad, wrap, etc.), a side (crisps, fruit, etc.), and a drink (water, soda, juice) for only £3. Some items may have an extra cost, but it’s a great deal nonetheless.

Tap Water: At restaurants, you’ll often be asked if you want sparkling or still water. How to respond? NEITHER. Say you’d like tap water! Tap water is free, and the tap water in Scotland is very good. Both the still and sparkling water are fancy bottled water that will cost you at least £5 a bottle. My mom would rack up a hefty water bill at restaurants because she kept asking for still water when we meant tap. It became a running joke between us. (“Are you gonna spend £20 on water again?”)

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

My number one recommendation of where to stay in Edinburgh on your first visit is: Old Town.

It will 100% be the best place to experience all of Edinburgh’s charm and magic.

For a full, detailed breakdown of the best areas to stay in Edinburgh, see my posts:

• Where to Stay in Edinburgh the First Time: 5 Best Places + 5 to Avoid
• Best Hotels with a View of Edinburgh Castle

Some Recommended Hotels in Old Town:

• Apex Grassmarket Hotel ($$, for views of the castle)
• Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel ($$, for views of the castle)
• Leonardo Royal Hotel ($$, near the train station)
• The Witchery by the Castle ($$$, on the Royal Mile)

When to Go to Edinburgh

Anytime is a good time to visit Edinburgh. I live in Edinburgh now, and love how different the city feels in each season.

Spring: In April, the cherry blossoms will be blooming in the Meadows, but other flowers bloom during the whole of spring (such as daffodils, bluebells, and snowdrops). The weather will be warming up and it won’t be quite as crowded as summer.

Summer: For greenery, visit from May to September. The famous Royal Military Tattoo and Fringe Festival both usually occur in August. It will be much more crowded and expensive during these festivals.

Fall: In autumn, Edinburgh’s trees will be covered in beautiful orange and red leaves, lending off eerie, autumn vibes. The weather will be cooler and crowds dimming out.

Winter: For Christmas and winter vibes, visit from mid-November to January. (The Christmas decorations and Christmas market stay up in Edinburgh well into the new year.) Hogmanay, a Scottish word for “last day of the year,” is celebrated a few days before New Year’s, and it includes a torchlight procession, a street party, and fireworks. During Hogmanay, hotel prices are 3x as expensive, but you’ll get to experience the festivities. It’s very cold in the winter, so pack your winter coats.

Getting Around Edinburgh: Do You Need a Car?

No, you definitely don’t need a car in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is an incredibly walkable city.

We were able to get to every activity in Edinburgh via walking or taking the tram.

One or two times we had to book an Uber, but otherwise it’s so easy to get around!

Can’t Stay 2 Days?

For ideas on what else you can do if you decide on a longer (or shorter) stay, see my:

• 1 day Edinburgh itinerary
• 3 day Edinburgh itinerary
• 4 day Edinburgh itinerary

If you have even more time to spend, consider going on a few day trips from Edinburgh to see more of beautiful Scotland.

What to Pack to Visit Edinburgh

Warm, waterproof wear

If you’re visiting Edinburgh during its cold and rainy season (almost every month of the year besides a few weeks in summer), you should definitely bring a warm waterproof jacket and waterproof walking boots.

• This waterproof jacket and these waterproof boots I took with me to Scotland helped us explore no matter the weather. We walked around Edinburgh in the rain and snow, during foggy mornings and chilly evenings, and enjoyed it all. Be prepared for rainy weather, and dress for it, so you don’t miss out.
• Also consider bringing fleece-lined leggings — I loved this pair I packed!

Favorite travel essentials

• I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
• I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
• I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
• I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.

Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Scotland

Scotland Overall

• 20 Best Castles in Scotland + Map (I’ve Been to 20+)

Edinburgh Itineraries

• 1 Day Edinburgh Itinerary: Absolute Must-Dos with Limited Time
• 3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for First Timers
• 4 Day Edinburgh Itinerary: City Break + Day Trip Ideas
• How Many Days in Edinburgh Is Enough?

Edinburgh Accommodations

• Best Hotels with a View of Edinburgh Castle
• Where to Stay in Edinburgh the First Time: 5 Best Places + 5 to Avoid

Edinburgh

• 18 Best Views of Edinburgh Castle: From the Vennel to Cafe Windows
• 10 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh (I Tried 6!)
• Vaults vs Mary King’s Close: Best Underground Tour in Edinburgh (Comparison + Map)
• 12 Hidden Closes on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile (with Map!)
• Create Your Own Harris Tweed Bag in the Islander Edinburgh Workshop
• Complete Guide to Joining the Edinburgh Torchlight Procession during Hogmanay
• Where to See Hairy Coos in Edinburgh

Day Trips from Edinburgh

• Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: What’s Worth It?
• Best Outlander Tour in Scotland: Which Sites Are Worth Seeing?
• Is a Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh Worth It?