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Travel Guide
Two Days in Edinburgh's Old Town
Our multi day tours of Scotland spend at least two days in each destination. Here is a short travel guide to what you can do in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Arrive – We transfer you to your hotel. One of the hotels we recommend is the Hotel DuVin, Bistro Place in Edinburgh’s Old Town (Doubles from £220.00 per night with breakfast www.hotelduvin.com)
Get up to Edinburgh Castle as early as possible to avoid the crowds to enjoy the history, tales, architecture and views of this amazing city from the castle ramparts. The castle tour offers a great overview of Scottish history as well as the story of the castle from its early beginnings.
Take a walk down The Royal Mile, the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, and immerse yourself in medieval life. Explore the closes, courts and wynds to discover many hidden gems. We love Riddles Court.
Grab that picture of the Scott Monument from Advocates Close, one of the finest views from Old Town to New Town. Step inside 12th Century St Giles Cathedral, the high kirk of Edinburgh and an architectural gem.
1.00pm – Walk down beautiful Victoria Street to The Grassmarket Market, a fantastic food stall market. Wander the stalls and pick-up lunch and enjoy on the go as you look around the old (and newer) buildings, including an amazing view of the castle from the bottom end of the market.
After lunch pop over to the West Port and wander into two amazing bookshops, Armchair Books and Edinburgh Books, you will be inspired!
Back in The Grassmarket the finest cashmere is available from Hawico, or you can pop next door to vintage clothing specialist Armstrongs. You can buy a wonderful new hat at Fabhatrix which is just around the corner.
Wander up Edinburgh’s most beautiful street, Victoria Street, and pop into the legendary Bow Bar for a pint of local ale or a single malt whisky. They have a fabulous collection.
Back on the Royal Mile, take a tour of Gladstones Land, one of the oldest buildings on this famous Edinburgh Street.
7.00pm - Wander down the Advocates Close to the Devil’s Advocate for pre-dinner drinks in their cool bar, then enjoy a wonderful meal in their wonderful restaurant.
After dinner head over to Sandy Bells for some traditional music in this lively pub.
Sunday Morning – after a lovely breakfast wander over to the National Museum of Scotland. There are two sections – The story of Scotland set over many floors in a funky new building and the Natural History section in a huge Victorian building. Do head up to the viewing terrace on top of the new building for up close views of the Old Town.
On leaving the museum walk over to Candlemakers Row and wander the ancient grounds of Greyfriars Kirk and learn of our most famous dog – Greyfriars Bobby.
1.00pm – Enjoy a Scottish ingredient – Spanish Tapas lunch at the wonderful Piggs restaurant on the Royal Mile.
After lunch you can buy authentic Scottish products and produce at the wonderful Cranachan & Crowdie.
Continue exploring the bottom of the Royal Mile (also known as the Canongait) to visit The Palace of Holyrood House. The excellent audio tour here will tell you the history of the palace from the old Abbey to the Stuart grandeur and to the current Royal family.
Opposite the Palace is the Scottish Parliament. It divides opinion but we love this building! You will get amazing photographs; such is its unique design.
Wander back up the mile and pop into the serene and beautiful Dunbar’s Close Garden and enjoy a peaceful meander around this little gem. Continue back up The Royal mile to The Whiski Bar another place you can enjoy a pint of local ale or a single malt whisky, they have a great collection.
8.00pm – Dinner at The Grain Store on Victoria Street, a fabulous restaurant upstairs, on this picturesque street. End the night with a walk through the old Town back to your hotel.
We offer fascinating tours of Edinburgh's Old Town including the best hidden gems and local food and drink places.
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