The Best of Edinburgh: A 2-Day Itinerary

The main city center of Edinburgh is divided into “Old Town” and “New Town,” divided by the Princes Street Gardens, which sits at the base of Edinburgh Castle. Spend day one in Old Town, known for its Reformation-era architecture.

Start your day with a stroll down the Royal Mile, grab a coffee from The Milkman on Cockburn Street, and 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 the Scottish Crown Jewels and the one o’clock gun.

As you head back down the Royal Mile, make a stop at St. Giles Cathedral, and then make your way to Victoria Street. This Instagrammable street of multicolored shops curves its way down to the Grassmarket, a great place to grab lunch at the Castle Rock chippy.

Pro tip: The “Edinburgh way” to order chips is with salt and 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 trailhead near Holyrood Palace for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.

Enjoy dinner with a view at The Outsider. This cozy spot has a laid-back vibe, with a fresh, seasonal menu. For a nightcap, head to one of the Royal Mile pubs, such as The Scotsman or Pipers Rest, for a pint paired with live music.

Instagrammable spots in Old Town

• Advocate’s Close

• The Writer's Museum courtyard

• The Vennel

• Victoria Street

• Armchair Books

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, this area will make you feel like you have been transported to Shakespearian times as you wander along the waterway.

From here, make your way to Princes Street. If shopping is your thing, this is the place to find all of the high-street shops and designer stores. The M&S Foodhall 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.

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

• Circus Lane

• Ross Fountain, Princes Street Gardens

• The second-floor windows at Princes Street's Waterstones