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Edinburgh in 2 Days: Historic Royal Mile, Castle Spires & Arthur's Seat
📷 Photo by Kris Tian / Unsplash
Featured Itinerary by IE

Edinburgh in 2 Days: Historic Royal Mile, Castle Spires & Arthur's Seat

United Kingdom 2 Days
Trip Overview

A community itinerary template you can customise.

Prepare to be spellbound by Edinburgh's dramatic skyline, from its towering Castle spires to the historic Royal Mile, packed with centuries of tales. In just two days, you'll uncover hidden closes, explore royal palaces, and conquer Arthur's Seat for breathtaking views across this magnificent Scottish capital.

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Trip Length

2

days

Places Included

11

stops

Country

United Kingdom

Explore each day below, then clone to edit.

Trip Timeline
1

Day 1

5 places to visit

10:00

Edinburgh Castle

Visited
10:00 Visited

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK

120 min stay
Book your tickets well in advance to guarantee entry, and head straight to the Crown Jewels and the Great Hall before the dense mid-morning tour groups form.
Edinburgh Castle Victoria Street
7 min 547 m
Route updated 2 days ago
12:07

Victoria Street

Visited
12:07 Visited

Victoria Street

Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2EX, UK

30 min stay
This curving, colourful, multi-level street is widely believed to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley; take your photos from the upper terrace for the best unobstructed views.
Victoria Street The Real Mary King's Close
4 min 284 m
Route updated 2 days ago
12:41

The Real Mary King's Close

Visited
12:41 Visited

The Real Mary King's Close

2 Warriston's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, UK

60 min stay
Pre-book this fascinating underground guided tour to walk through the perfectly preserved, 17th-century subterranean streets hidden beneath the Royal Mile.
The Real Mary King's Close Makars Mash Bar
3 min 208 m
Route updated 2 days ago
13:44

Makars Mash Bar

Visited
13:44 Visited

Makars Mash Bar

9-12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN, UK

75 min stay
Perfect for a dedicated, sit-down lunch; try their legendary traditional haggis, neeps, and tatties served with a rich whisky peppercorn sauce.
Makars Mash Bar National Museum of Scotland
5 min 374 m
Route updated 2 days ago
15:04

National Museum of Scotland

Visited
15:04 Visited

National Museum of Scotland

Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, UK

90 min stay
Head straight to the breathtaking, light-filled Grand Gallery, and don't miss the free rooftop terrace on the 7th floor for sweeping panoramic views of the castle.
2

Day 2

6 places to visit

09:30

Dean Village – Riverside Hamlet & Water of Leith Walk

Visited
09:30 Visited

Dean Village – Riverside Hamlet & Water of Leith Walk

2 Dean Path, Edinburgh EH3 7UA, UK

45 min stay
Start your morning strolling alongside the Water of Leith in this former 19th-century milling village; the best photo spot is from the picturesque stone bridge at Bells Brae.
Dean Village – Riverside Hamlet & Water of Leith Walk Princes Street Gardens
15 min 1.1 km
Route updated 2 days ago
10:30

Princes Street Gardens

Visited
10:30 Visited

Princes Street Gardens

Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2HG, UK

45 min stay
Walk through this beautiful valley separating the Old and New Towns, pausing at the Ross Fountain to capture an incredible shot with the castle towering in the background.
Princes Street Gardens Scott Monument
7 min 452 m
Route updated 2 days ago
11:22

Scott Monument

Visited
11:22 Visited

Scott Monument

E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, UK

30 min stay
While you can climb the narrow 287 steps for a great view, simply admiring the intricate Gothic stonework of this towering monument from the ground is equally impressive.
Scott Monument The Holyrood 9A
13 min 952 m
Route updated 2 days ago
12:04

The Holyrood 9A

Visited
12:04 Visited

The Holyrood 9A

9a Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AE, UK

75 min stay
Located just off the lower end of the Royal Mile, take a leisurely lunch break here to enjoy some of the city's best gourmet burgers and an extensive selection of local Scottish craft beers.
The Holyrood 9A Palace of Holyroodhouse
12 min 934 m
Route updated 2 days ago
13:31

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Visited
13:31 Visited

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK

90 min stay
Explore the official Scottish residence of the British monarch; pay special attention to the atmospheric ruins of Holyrood Abbey located right in the palace gardens.
Palace of Holyroodhouse Arthur's Seat
37 min 1.8 km
Route updated 2 days ago
15:38 Now

Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh EH15 3PY, UK

120 min stay
Tackle this dormant volcano in the late afternoon to experience the golden hour; the summit offers the single best panoramic viewpoint in the city as the sun begins to set.
Logistics Tips
85 Trip Score

"This itinerary offers a well-paced exploration of Edinburgh's historic core, balancing key attractions with relaxed walking, though some geographical flow could be further optimised."

Pro Tip: Make travel between slightly more distant points efficient by utilising Edinburgh's excellent Lothian Buses. Purchase a 'DAYticket' for unlimited daily travel or simply use contactless payment directly on the bus, which is very convenient.
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