How to Spend 2 Days in Edinburgh – What Not to Miss

Edinburgh is a city unlike any other. It truly is one of our favorite places we’ve ever visited, and once you’ve visited we think you’ll agree that one trip to Edinburgh could never be enough. Still, you have to start somewhere. Wondering how to spend 2 days in Edinburgh? Keep reading to see what made our list, and an example itinerary to help you make the most of your time. (Hint: If you’re an Outlander fan you’ll want to see day 2!)

Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of our links. Please see our disclosure policy and terms and conditions for more detail. We appreciate your support!

Day 1 – Old Town Edinburgh

The Vennel Viewpoint

On your way to Edinburgh Castle make sure to stop by The Vennel Viewpoint for an impressive view of the castle. This spot offers an iconic view of the castle and is among the best photo spots in Edinburgh! Stopping by early in the morning should help avoid the crowds.

Explore Edinburgh Castle

A visit to Edinburgh Castle is a must. You’ll want to book tickets ahead of time to ensure your entry slot and avoid the lengthy que. We would suggest a visit in early morning and allotting approximately 3-4 hours for the castle. This will allow for plenty of time for wander the grounds and really get the most value for your tickets. If you’re looking for an even more immersive experience consider booking a guided tour.

Wander Along The Royal Mile & Victoria Street

While in the area, after you’ve immersed yourself in all the history of Edinburgh Castle, take some time to stroll along The Royal Mile. This stretch of road connects Edinburgh Castle to Palace of Holyroodhouse. You’ll find lots of shops, museums (like the Writer’s Museum), and more as you walk along. This is a great place to get some souvenirs. Take a moment to stop and admire the beauty of St Giles’ Cathedral and the colorful shops of nearby Victoria Street!

Princes Street Gardens & the Scott Monument

The Princes Street Gardens offer incredible views of the castle and are a lovely place for a rest after a busy morning. The Scott Monument is a prominent landmark in Edinburgh situated in the Princes Street Gardens. The Victorian Gothic style monument is dedicated to author Sir Walter Scott. It is a must see if you visit the gardens.

Day 2 – Beyond the City & Arthur’s Seat

While you could easily spend more than 2 full days in Edinburgh alone. There were some things we wanted to fit in beyond the city that could not fit in our larger road trip itinerary. Edinburgh is a great base for these attractions. Keep reading to see if these stops are worthy of a spot on your itinerary. (Hint: If you’re an Outlander fan, you’ll likely want to include a few of these on your list!)

Midhope Castle

Midhope Castle is located just 30 minutes from Edinburgh. You might recognize Midhope Castle as the fictional Lallybroch from Outlander. You may also wish to explore the Hopetoun House located on the same estate during your visit. A joint ticket may be purchased ahead of time here. When we visited a portion of Midhope Castle was closed off for filming, so you’ll want to check their website to stay up to date on any similar closures before planning your visit.

Blackness Castle

Another Outlander filming location is just a 15 minute drive away from Midhope Castle. The imposing Blackness Castle represented Fort William in the television series. The unique shape of this castle made it very interesting to explore, and we’d recommend a visit even if you aren’t a fan of the show. Tickets can be purchased on their website in advance.

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace earned a spot on our itinerary because it was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Even though the inside of the ruined palace was closed for repairs during our visit, it was still quite lovely to wander the surrounding grounds. The palace is situated on Linlithgow Loch beside a large park making it a great place to enjoy an afternoon. Linlithgow Palace was also used in filming for Outlander as the entrance and corridors of Wentworth Prison. It will take you about 40 minutes to make it back into the city from here.

Arthur’s Seat

After a day of exploring the surrounding area, head back into the city for a sunset hike up to Arthur’s Seat. Located in the expansive Holyrood Park, the hill is actually an ancient extinct volcano. The views of Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat are truly unbeatable, and it offers a perfect end to your time in the city.

Looking to Explore More of Scotland?

We visited 14 castles on our road trip through Scotland. See which 5 made the list of our favorites.

Walking tours can be a great way to get acquainted with a city. Whether you’re looking to hear of Edinburgh’s dark past or simply looking to learn more of the history of this incredible city, here are some guided tours to consider on your first trip to the city.