48 hours in Edinburgh

A view from Calton Hill over Edinburgh city.

With 48 hours in Edinburgh, you can soak up its iconic landmarks, uncover hidden gems, and indulge in delicious food. From where to stay and what to see, to the best places to eat, this guide will help you make the most of a short trip to Scotland’s capital.

Top tips

  • Getting around: Edinburgh is a great city to explore on foot. The public transport is excellent and easily accessible with trains, buses and trams serving the city and beyond.
  • Reservations: To avoid disappointment, pre-book your visit to popular attractions and restaurants.
  • What to pack: The weather can change quickly, do pack layers and a waterproof jacket as well as comfy shoes for walking on cobblestones and nature trails.

Where to stay in Edinburgh for all budgets

  • Fingal Hotel: On the vibrant Shore of Leith, full of independent cafes and restaurants, Fingal is only 2 miles from the city centre, connected by the tram, which is only a 5-minute walk from the hotel, giving you easy access to the city centre but with the tranquillity of being nestled in the dock for a great night’s relaxation. Enjoy fine dining in the onboard The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.
  • The Hoxton: Conveniently located near Haymarket Train Station in the West End of the city, the stunning Georgian-influenced rooms and soft furnishes are perfect for relaxing after a day exploring.
  • YOTEL Edinburgh: An ideal base if you want easy access to the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The hotel is close to many of the popular sights and transport links.


Fingal Hotel

Day 1

Morning
Make your way to the vibrant waterfront area of Leith to find popular visitor attractions, independent shops and eateries.

  • The Royal Yacht Britannia: Take the tram from the city centre to stop Ocean Terminal to spend the morning exploring the five decks of Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace and Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction. Learn about life on board with our free tour commentary, available in 36 languages, including a children’s English version, BSL/ASL tablets, and Braille script. Make sure to take a break during your tour to have tea and scones in the Royal Deck Tearoom. 
  • Port of Leith Distillery: Located next to Britannia is Scotland’s first vertical distillery. Take a tour to learn about the whisky-making process and visit the top floor bar to try their impressive whisky collection while admiring the stunning views over the waterfront and the city. 

If you are looking to spend more time in Leith, you may find our blog Things to do in Leith interesting.

A man and boy on the Verandah Deck of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. the boy is pointing into the distance.The Royal Yacht Britannia 

Lunch
Take a stroll around the Shore area where you will find numerous cafes, restaurants and bars to fill you up for the afternoon ahead.

  • Roseleaf Bar Café: Popular with locals, visit the quirky bar for comforting dishes made with seasonal and locally sourced fare.
  • Relish: Stop by for a freshly made sandwich, bowl of soup and delicious home baking.
  • Rocksalt Café: A favourite spot for an all-day breakfast and a cup of coffee, located next to the Shore tram stop for access into the city.

Afternoon
Ride the tram from the Shore into the city centre where you can explore the heart of the city.

  • Princes Street Gardens: Have a leisurely wander through the gardens and admire the seasonal floral displays and the stunning Ross Fountain situated at the foot of Edinburgh Castle. 
  • Scott Monument: Built as a tribute to Sir Walter Scott, visitors step inside and learn about his life and works. Climb to the top for spectacular views over Edinburgh’s Old Town.
  • The Royal Mile and St Giles’ Cathedral: Walk along the historic Royal Mile, which connects Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, exploring its cobbled streets and narrow closes. Along the way, visit the impressive St Giles’ Cathedral and marvel at the beautiful stained-glass windows, architecture and the Thistle Chapel.

The Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens EdinburghScott Monument

Dinner

  • Makars Mash Bar: Specialising in a variety of mashed potato, paired with hearty toppings such as haggis and lamb shank.
  • Cannonball Restaurant & Bar: Serving traditional seasonal Scottish food with stunning views over Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
  • The Outsider Restaurant: Enjoy relaxed dining with European and Scottish-inspired dishes. Ask for a window seat for views of Edinburgh Castle.

Day 2:

Morning
See the sights in the city centre, starting at the top of the Royal Mile.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched on Castle Rock, high above the city, discover the historic Great Hall, the Crown Jewels and St Margaret’s Chapel, the castle’s oldest building dating back to around 1130. Make sure to pre-book your tickets to guarantee entry.
  • Scottish National Gallery: Situated on Princes Street, the Scottish National Gallery is a must for art enthusiasts. Its impressive collection spans international and Scottish masterpieces from the 1300s through to 1945, featuring artworks from Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Raeburn.

Edinburgh CastleEdinburgh Castle

Lunch
Refuel and relax after your busy morning sightseeing.

  • The Scottish Café & Restaurant: Located at the Scottish National Gallery, their menu features Scottish classics like Cullen Skink and fish and chips.
  • Edinburgh Street Food: Perfect for those who love variety, this vibrant food hall offers everything from juicy burgers and Cantonese street food to plant-based tacos.
  • Loudons: They offer a menu full of creative and flavourful brunch and lunch dishes.  

Afternoon
Enjoy the afternoon exploring Edinburgh’s natural wonders and interesting past.

  • Arthur’s Seat: Head to Holyrood Park and walk up Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views over the city skyline. Explore the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel and enjoy spotting birdlife around St Margaret’s and Dunsapie Lochs.
  • Walking tour: Join a Mercat Tours walking experience to uncover hidden closes and underground vaults, wander through historic graveyards, and explore iconic landmarks around the Old Town, guided by a local expert.

Arthur's seat in Edinburgh.Arthur's Seat

Dinner

  • The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar: Aboard Fingal Hotel, the 2 AA Rosette awarded restaurant offers a warm, contemporary setting with a menu focused on fresh, locally sourced Scottish produce, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed yet refined dining experience.
  • Down The Hatch: Serving Canadian-inspired comfort food such as poutine, wings, burgers and sandwiches.
  • The Devil’s Advocate: Hidden in an Old Town close, this stylish bar and restaurant offers creative Scottish cuisine and a wide selection of whiskies and cocktails.

Hands are holding a knife and fork, cutting into a beetroot dish in the Lighthouse Restaurant aboard Fingal Hotel in Leith.The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar

For further information about visiting Edinburgh, our other blogs The ultimate guide to experiencing Edinburgh, What to wear when visiting Scotland and How to get to The Royal Yacht Britannia may be of interest to you. 

 

Image copyright:
Connor Mollison
Jeremy Rata
Latasha Millette
VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

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