The Atlas

Scotland · United Kingdom

Edinburgh

Volcanic ridge, medieval closes, whisky bars with low ceilings.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The LNER Azuma gets you from King's Cross to Waverley in four and a half hours, and you step off into the centre of one of Europe's most dramatic capitals. Two days handles the Old Town, Arthur's Seat, and a quick Leith whisky stop.

How to get there

From Car Train Flight
London8h4h 30m LNER1h 25m
Manchester3h 30m3h 15m1h
Dublin1h 10m

Budget breakdown

Estimated 2-night trip for two travelers.

Old-town hotel (2 nights)£289
Meals & whisky£170
Train tickets (2 people)£221
Castle + museum entry£51.00
Estimated total£731

A 2-day itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Morning

    Royal Mile from the Castle down to Holyrood, coffee at Mary's Milk Bar.

    Afternoon

    Hike Arthur's Seat for the panoramic.

    Evening

    Dinner in Stockbridge — The Scran & Scallie.

  2. Day 2

    Morning

    Dean Village walk along the Water of Leith.

    Afternoon

    Whisky flight at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Leith.

    Evening

    Last pint at Sandy Bell's before the sleeper or evening train.

Best season

August for the Fringe, May for long light and no crowds.

Weather

Cool, windy. Summer 16–19°C, frequent showers. Pack layers.

Where to stay

Hotels (Booking.com)

Full-service hotels near Edinburgh.

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Short stays (Airbnb-style)

Guesthouses, B&Bs and cottages near Edinburgh.

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Where to eat

Top-rated restaurants around Edinburgh. Order in or get directions.

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Events nearby

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