Edinburgh splits neatly in two — the brooding medieval Old Town piling up toward the castle, and the elegant Georgian New Town laid out in honey-stone crescents. Two days lets you do justice to both.
Spend the first morning climbing the Royal Mile to the castle, then duck into the closes and underground vaults that thread beneath it. Afternoon belongs to Arthur's Seat for the city laid out below.
Cross to the New Town for the second day: independent shops on Thistle Street, the Scottish National Gallery, and a dram tasting that explains why this city takes its whisky seriously.
Pack for all four seasons regardless of month, book a table for dinner, and end on Calton Hill at sunset when the whole skyline turns gold.
Good to know
- Pack for four seasons whatever the month says.
- Climb Arthur's Seat early and save Calton Hill for sunset.
- Book dinner ahead, especially during the festival season.
