Discover Edinburgh's Best in 2 Days
Discover the charm of Scotland's capital with a trip to Edinburgh.
22 April 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Edinburgh is a stunningly beautiful and historic city that offers travelers a wealth of opportunities to explore its architecture, culture, and natural beauty. With world-renowned museums, galleries, and landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, visitors can immerse themselves in centuries of Scottish history and heritage. Whether it's hiking in the stunning Scottish highlands or sampling local cuisine and whiskey, a trip to Edinburgh is sure to be unforgettable for tourists of all ages and interests.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Stay at the stunning Gothic Royal Mile Hotel, located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town.
- Start your day with a traditional Scottish breakfast at Café Royal, serving local produce such as haggis and black pudding.
- Visit the Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland's most iconic landmarks, to learn about the country's history and see the famous Stone of Destiny.
- Stroll down the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, lined with shops selling tartan kilts and souvenirs.
- Visit the National Museum of Scotland, showcasing the country's cultural heritage and natural wonders.
- End the day with a spooky ghost tour of the city's haunted alleyways and underground vaults.
- Have brunch at The Milkman, a quirky café with a vintage vibe serving delicious pastries and artisan coffee.
- Visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art to see works by artists such as Salvador Dali and Damien Hirst.
- Take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, home to over 13,000 plant species, including a giant redwood tree.
- Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland, and see the stunning royal apartments.
- Finish the day with dinner at The Witchery by the Castle, a gothic-style restaurant serving Scottish cuisine in a candlelit setting.
- Edinburgh is a city full of history, culture and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in Gothic architecture or modern art, there's always something to do and explore in this enchanting Scottish capital.
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Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Edinburgh by plane is to fly into Edinburgh Airport, which is located approximately 8 miles from the city center, with many major airlines such as British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair offering direct flights from a range of cities around the world.
Car
Driving to Edinburgh is a great option for those who prefer to travel at their own pace or are traveling with a lot of luggage. You can reach Edinburgh by taking the M8 motorway, which connects the city to Glasgow and other major cities in the region.
Train
The most convenient way to travel to Edinburgh by train is to catch a train to Edinburgh Waverley station, which is located in the heart of the city center and is well connected to the rest of the UK. Trains are available from a range of cities including London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Boat
If you're traveling from Europe, taking a ferry to Rosyth in Fife is a great option. From there, you can easily reach Edinburgh by car, bus, or train. DFDS Seaways operates a direct ferry service from Zeebrugge, Belgium to Rosyth.
Bus
The best way to get to Edinburgh by bus is to take a coach from Edinburgh Bus Station, which is located just a short walk from the city center. A variety of coach companies, including National Express and Scottish Citylink, provide direct services from various cities across the UK.