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

Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK

💡 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.

Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2EX, UK

💡 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.

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

💡 Pre-book this fascinating underground guided tour to walk through the perfectly preserved, 17th-century subterranean streets hidden beneath the Royal Mile.

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

💡 Perfect for a dedicated, sit-down lunch; try their legendary traditional haggis, neeps, and tatties served with a rich whisky peppercorn sauce.

Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, UK

💡 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 Dean Path, Edinburgh EH3 7UA, UK

💡 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.

Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2HG, UK

💡 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.

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

💡 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.

9a Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AE, UK

💡 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.

Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK

💡 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.

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh EH15 3PY, UK

💡 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.