First-Timers’ Guide to 48 Hours in Edinburgh

Grab some breakfast at the hotel before kicking off your Edinburgh adventure at the city’s crown jewel: Edinburgh Castle. Perched high on Castle Rock, it’s a must for first-time visitors—but don’t just show up at 9:30 am when the gates open to the public. Pro tip: book a VIP Private Early Access tour through us to enjoy the castle in a small group before the crowds roll in. It’s a magical (and far more peaceful) way to step into centuries of Scottish history.

From the castle, many begin their walk down the Royal Mile, a historic stretch of Old Town packed with cathedrals, tartan shops, street performers, whisky stops, and photo ops at every turn. Though called a “mile,” it’s actually a Scots mile—a touch longer at 1.12 miles—and ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. We recommend taking your time and soaking in the energy of the streets, especially if it’s your first time navigating Edinburgh’s charming chaos.

We opted to stay close by through lunch, detouring to Victoria Street, a colorful, winding lane said to be the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley. Fans of a certain boy wizard will want to line up for Museum Context, an immersive Harry Potter-themed shop. Short on patience? Skip the line and head across the street to Enchanted Galaxy for a faster (and still fantastical) shopping fix.

When hunger hits, snag a table at The Mussel & Steak Bar, just steps from Victoria Street. Pro tip: order their Mussel & Steak Old Fashioned and enjoy a complimentary welcome oyster while deciding between local favorites like Cullen Skink soup, Haggis Wellington, or mussels served five different ways. The Scottish venison steak is a solid call, too. It’s casual, delicious, and walkable—everything you want after a morning of sightseeing.

Still have energy before dinner? Pop into the nearby Scotch Whisky Experience for a quick (or deep) dive into drams, or check out the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions for mind-bending fun. If storytelling is more your style, the Scottish Storytelling Centre nearby offers a cozy cultural detour.

Dinner tonight? Book a table at The Palmerston, one of Edinburgh’s buzziest spots, with a fresh daily menu sourced from local farms and waters. Don’t leave without ordering the EVOO Martini—it’s as slick and satisfying as the rest of your day.

Not quite ready to call it a night? Make your way to Hey Palu, a chic, retro-inspired cocktail bar slinging some of the city’s finest drinks. Come for the craft cocktails, stay for the paper plane-folding challenges and the Godfather quotes whispered over Amaro. If you prefer your nightcap with fewer flourishes and more whisky and beer, just slip next door to The Blue Blazer—a no-fuss local favorite where the vibe is cozy, the banter is sharp, and the pours are generous.

Start your second day with a quick, satisfying breakfast from Snax Café (fast and unfussy) or the charming Mimi’s Bakehouse if you want something sweet with a side of cozy. Then head underground—literally—for the Real Mary King’s Close Tour. Book in advance for this immersive journey into Edinburgh’s buried alleyways, guided by character actors who bring the city’s haunted past to life.

When lunchtime rolls around, indulge in a moody midday meal at The Witchery, just steps from the castle. Choose between the romantic Garden Room or the luxurious Gothic Suite. Choose between a two-course menu or choose from the menu all by itself. Craving something quicker and more low-key? Locals rave about the hot meat pies at Saunderson’s Butchers—ideal for on-the-go sustenance.

Spend your afternoon enjoying more of the Royal Mile’s atmosphere. Shop for tartan items, watch a street performance, or find yourself in a quiet close to relax from the crowds. If whisky’s still on your list (and it should be), head to the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street. It’s an interactive, high-tech introduction to Scotland’s national drink, suitable for both newbies and seasoned drammers. For a stylish pause, the rooftop 1820 Bar offers craft cocktails, small plates, and panoramic views.

Looking to peel back more layers of Edinburgh’s eerie past? Before dinner, dive deeper—literally—with a guided tour of the city’s Underground Vaults and historic graveyards. Unlike the structured storytelling of Real Mary King’s Close, these tours are darker, rawer, and less curated—exploring former slums-turned-storage tunnels beneath the South Bridge and infamous burial grounds like Greyfriars Kirkyard, home of the Mackenzie Poltergeist. Want to experience Edinburgh’s most haunted corners like a pro? DM me to reserve your spot—I’ll help match you with the tour that best suits your spooky side.

Dinner options tonight range from casual chef hangouts to fine-dining showstoppers. Try Little Capo for hearty Italian (yes, the Cioppino is worth the hype), or Mirin for elegant, French-inspired small plates. Ready to splurge? Treat yourself to a 7-course tasting menu at Number One at The Balmoral, one of the city’s most iconic culinary experiences. Start or finish with a dram at the hotel’s legendary SCOTCH bar—or opt for Afternoon Tea earlier in the day for a more leisurely (and slightly less spendy) indulgence.

However you wrap up your day, don’t miss a stroll through Edinburgh at night, particularly down Princes Street from the Balmoral back to the Caledonian. The historic buildings glow under the city lights, transforming the cobbled streets into something straight out of a storybook. It’s the perfect way to end your 48 hours—and it doesn’t cost a thing.