Two days in Edinburgh – our recommendations

We’ve put together a list of places to see, following a sensible route, over a two day visit.

Day 1 covers the Old Town and day 2 covers the new town. You can pick and choose, but some of these places are ‘hidden gems’ that don’t attract a lot of tourists (I’ve marked these with a *.

Day One - The Old Town

(Use this list in conjunction with Google Maps)

  • 9 bus to George iv bridge
  • Castle
  • Grannies green steps*
  • Lunch in grass market (Mussel and Steak is good, as is Mamma’s pizzas)
  • Candle maker row
  • Greyfriers Kirkyard
  • Greyfriers Kirk (free entry)
  • National museum (free entry)
  • Infirmary street*
  • Cowgate*
  • Holyrood 9a – pub with good selection of beers*
  • Hutton memorial garden*
  • Dynamic earth
  • Scottish Parliament
  • Holyrood Palace
  • High street
  • Canongate Kirkyard
  • Dunbar’s close*
  • St Johns land*
  • Mackay’s on the mile (recommended by a guest for food)
  • Celtic Craft Centre*
  • Cockburn street
  • Advocates close*
  • High street

Day Two - The New Town

  • Walk to George street including botanic gardens (see our walk description)
  • St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard*
  • West Princes Street gardens
  • National Gallery
  • East Princes Street gardens
  • Scott Monument
  • Calton hill
  • St Andrews Square
  • Royal Bank of Scotland*
  • St James square*
  • W hotel
  • Thistle Street*
  • George Street