Edinburgh in 2 days
STAY
The Old Waverley Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Edinburgh on Princes Street, and extremely walkable in New Town. It’s a ten minute walk to the Royal Mile, and a short drive to Edinburgh Castle.
The hotel was built in 1848. The staff is friendly, the decor feels authentic and the price tag is very reasonable.
DO
Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano, but today is a short hike right outside of Edinburgh city. It’s a mile from Edinburgh Castle.
The hike has amazing panoramic views of the city. There are many paths to the top, so you can choose the level of incline you’re in the mood for.
Old Town v. New Town: Edinburgh has two main areas. Old Town (pictured here) dates back to Medieval times, and New Town was built during the Georgian era (between 1766-1820).
The Royal Mile is in the heart of Old Town, Edinburgh. It spans from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The street is named for the processional route that kings and queens used for the last 500 year.s
Explore this road and be transported back in time.
The Royal Mile is filled with charming cobblestones and narrow alleyways. Old Town is filled with old fashioned pubs, historic shops and medieval architecture.
HARRY POTTER SELF GUIDED TOUR
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you can spend an afternoon on a self guided Harry Potter tour.
Start at The Elephant House.
Elephant House is a coffee shop where JK Rowling wrote a lot of the series. Grab some coffee and stay for breakfast.
The café leans into their Harry Potter roots and of course, elephants. Check out the bathrooms that are filled with HP fan grafitti.
The toast was excellent fuel before we continued onto our Harry Potter tour.
Nearby, Greyfriar’s Kirkyard is also in Old Town. You can wander the gravestones and spot a few names that inspired characters in JK Rowling’s novels including Tom Riddle and Professor McGonagall.
The graveyard is one of the most famous graveyards in the world. It has been in Edinburgh since 1620.
Victoria Street and Candlemaker Row most likely inspired Diagon Alley, and you can see the resemblance.
It is a colorful and historic cobblestone lined street, and you can even find a joke shop (which Fred and George Weasley would surely appreciate)
Museum Context is a cute shop filled with Harry Potter paraphernalia, and gets an 11/10 for Hogwarts inspired decor.
You can find JK Rowling’s hand prints by the City Chambers, which honors outstanding Edinburgh residents.
DRINK
The Sheep Heid Inn is marketed as Scotland’s oldest surviving public house. Stop here after hiking Arthur’s Seat (and its a quick car ride back into Old Town or New Town).
There’s a cozy indoor space, wooden bar, and outdoor patio.
Even if this building isn’t from 1630, there has been a pub in this spot since then. Today, there’s a bowling alley from 1880 behind the patio.
As an added bonus, Her Majesty the Queen of England dropped in for a surprise visit a few years ago.
Hoot the Redeemer is a basement bar with tarot inspired cocktails, retro arcade machines and boozy ice cream. It came locally recommended so you know it is good.
Hoot the Redeemer’s entrance is just as fun as the drinks and atmosphere inside.
Bramble Bar & Lounge is a speakeasy underneath a…wait for it…dry cleaner in New Town.
Walk down the staircase and keep your eyes out for the tiny sign. This place has true speakeasy vibes, but you know it is real because it is listed on Google Maps.
I always recommend sitting at the bar: you can talk to the bartender and get local recommendations.
The venue isn’t anything flashy but the drinks, creative concoctions and booze expertise are top notch.
The Devil’s Advocate in Old Town is located in a narrow alleyway.
The interior is lined with bricks and tall shelves of whiskey. The building used to be a Victorian pump house.
EAT: Vegan & Ramen
Maki & Ramen is a haven for true ramen lovers.
Located in St. James Quarter in New Town,
The walls are lined with neon sticky notes left from other ramen visitors, incase you’re too busy slurping your bowl to notice.
From my vegan or vegetarian friends… Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is a great option in Old Town. It’s a quaint restaurant specialization in mashed potatoes with meat or vegetarian toppings.
Our entire meal was authentic Scottish… but vegan.
El Cartel is authentic Mexican street food with fun vibes.
Tacos are always a good idea. This restaurant is owned by the same group as Devil’s Advocate.