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2 Days in Edinburgh: Castle, Old Town & Arthur's Seat

Itinerary by the TimeLine team

The Royal Mile from castle to palace, a hike up an extinct volcano and the Georgian New Town.

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Day 1 · 4 stops

  1. Edinburgh Castle

    Castlehill

    The fortress on its volcanic rock, holding the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

    Tip: Book a timed ticket; the One O'Clock Gun fires daily except Sundays.

  2. Royal Mile

    The Old Town's main street between the castle and Holyrood, lined with closes (alleys) worth exploring.

  3. St Giles' Cathedral

    High Street

    The crown-spired church with the ornate Thistle Chapel.

  4. Victoria Street & Grassmarket

    Victoria Street

    A curved street of colorful shopfronts leading down to the pubs of the Grassmarket.

Day 2 · 4 stops

  1. Arthur's Seat

    Holyrood Park

    A 251 m extinct volcano in the middle of the city; the hike up takes about 45 minutes.

    Tip: It's windy at the top — bring a layer.

  2. Palace of Holyroodhouse

    Canongate

    The King's official residence in Scotland, with the ruined abbey behind.

  3. Calton Hill

    Monuments and a classic view down Princes Street to the castle — best at sunset.

  4. Dean Village

    A former mill village on the Water of Leith, a short walk from the New Town.

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