Edinburgh

Edinburgh is such a charming city, rich in history and perfect for a leisurely exploration. Here’s a delightful 2-day itinerary that balances historic sights with a relaxed pace. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: The Royal Mile and Old Town

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Local Café: Start your day with a hearty Scottish breakfast at a cozy café. Try “The Baked Potato Shop” for a delicious baked potato or “The Edinburgh Larder” for a traditional breakfast.

• Edinburgh Castle: After breakfast, make your way to Edinburgh Castle. It’s a short walk from the café, and the views from the castle are absolutely breathtaking! Spend some time exploring the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the stunning skyline!

Midday:

• Stroll Down the Royal Mile: After your castle visit, take a leisurely stroll down the Royal Mile. This historic street is lined with shops, street performers, and quaint little pubs. Pop into St Giles' Cathedral to admire its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

• Lunch at a Pub: Stop for lunch at “The Royal McGregor” or “The Last Drop,” where you can enjoy some traditional Scottish fare like haggis or Cullen skink.

Afternoon:

• The Real Mary King’s Close: After lunch, take a guided tour of The Real Mary King’s Close. This underground tour gives you a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s past and the lives of its residents during the 17th century.

• Explore the Grassmarket: After your tour, wander over to the Grassmarket area. This historic marketplace is filled with charming shops and pubs. It’s a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere.

Evening:

• Dinner at a Local Restaurant: For dinner, consider “The Witchery by the Castle” for a truly magical dining experience or “Howies” for a more casual vibe with delicious local dishes.

• Ghost Tour: If you’re up for it, end your day with a ghost tour! Edinburgh is known for its spooky history, and a guided tour can be a fun way to learn about the city’s darker past.

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Day 2: New Town and Arthur’s Seat

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Bakery: Start your day with a pastry and coffee from “Mimi’s Bakehouse” or “Patisserie Valerie.” Their treats are simply divine!

• Scottish National Gallery: After breakfast, head to the Scottish National Gallery. It’s a short walk from the New Town area and houses an impressive collection of art, including works by Van Gogh and Turner.

Midday:

• Stroll through Princes Street Gardens: After your gallery visit, take a leisurely walk through Princes Street Gardens. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and offer stunning views of the castle.

• Lunch at a Café: Grab a light lunch at “The Garden Café” in the gardens or “The Elephant House,” famously known as the birthplace of Harry Potter!

Afternoon:

• Arthur’s Seat: After lunch, make your way to Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano and the main peak in the group of hills in Edinburgh. It’s a bit of a hike, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it! Take your time enjoying the scenery and perhaps have a little picnic if you brought snacks.

Evening:

• Dinner in Leith: Head to the Leith area for dinner. “The Kitchin” is a Michelin-starred restaurant that focuses on seasonal Scottish produce, or you can try “The Shore” for a more casual dining experience with lovely views of the waterfront.

• Evening Stroll along the Water: After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Water of Leith. It’s a peaceful way to end your day, and you might even catch a glimpse of some local wildlife!

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And there you have it! A lovely, historic, and walkable 2-day itinerary in Edinburgh that allows you to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!