2 Days in Edinburgh, UK
UK

2 Days in Edinburgh: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

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Here is how a real traveler spent 2 days in Edinburgh. Day 1: Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse. Day 2: The Real Mary King's Close, National Galleries of Scotland: National. The full plan below has times, ticket prices and travel time between stops.

Built from 1 real traveler itineraries on Packy AI. Last updated October 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

The itinerary

2 days in Edinburgh, day by day

A real plan from a traveler on Packy AI. Follow it as it is, or copy it and change anything.

Map of the route in Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Day 1: Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse

Day 1 starts at Edinburgh Castle (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the historic site. Afterward, take a 15-minute walk to the Palace of Holyroodhouse - arrive by 11:30 AM for a 90-minute visit.

  1. 9:00 AM

    Edinburgh Castle

    A historic fortress that dominates the skyline, offering stunning views and rich history. Explore the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

    120 mins£19.5020 mins by walk to the next stop
  2. 11:30 AM

    Palace of Holyroodhouse

    The official residence of the monarch in Scotland stands at the end of the Royal Mile, rich in history with beautiful gardens.

    90 mins£17.5020 mins by walk to the next stop
  3. 1:30 PM

    Arthur's Seat

    A dormant volcano offering breathtaking views of the city. It’s a perfect spot for hiking and experiencing natural beauty.

    120 minsFree

Day 2: The Real Mary King's Close and National Galleries of Scotland: National

Start Day 2 at The Real Mary King's Close at 9 AM - allow 75 minutes for the tour. Walk 10 minutes to the National Galleries of Scotland: National by 10:45 AM and enjoy for 2 hours. For a scenic break, stroll to Calton Hill at 1:15 PM and relax for 1 hour. Enjoy the 10-minute walk between the galleries and Calton Hill.

  1. 9:00 AM

    The Real Mary King's Close

    Dive into Edinburgh's history with a unique guided tour of this underground close, steeped in tales of plague and life in the 17th century.

    75 mins£19.5020 mins by walk to the next stop
  2. 10:45 AM

    National Galleries of Scotland: National

    Home to a stunning collection of art, including works by Van Gogh and Turner, set in a beautiful neoclassical building in the heart of Edinburgh.

    120 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
  3. 1:15 PM

    Calton Hill

    Offering a panoramic view of the city and its landmarks, Calton Hill is also home to several iconic monuments, like the National Monument.

    60 minsFree

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about spending 2 days in Edinburgh

Yes. The plan on this page fits 6 stops into 2 days, about 3 a day. Travelers on Packy have planned Edinburgh trips from 2 to 14 days.

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