2 days in Edinburgh: itinerary with prices (2026)

Day 1 — The Castle and the Royal Mile

Start at Edinburgh Castle at opening, then walk down the Royal Mile — with a short detour to the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street — to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the foot of the hill. Day 1's only named fee is the Castle, at £23.50; the Palace of Holyroodhouse is ticketed separately — check the official Royal Collection Trust site for current prices.

Day 2 — Royal Mile curiosities and a viewpoint

Spend the morning on two Royal Mile attractions almost next door to each other — The Real Mary King's Close and Camera Obscura & World of Illusions — then walk up Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park for the afternoon. Day 2's named fees come to £53.45; the summit walk itself is free.

What 2 days in Edinburgh costs

Named fees below are standard adult admission; the Palace of Holyroodhouse is excluded from the totals because its tickets are sold and priced separately — check the official site when you book. Add public transport and meals on top of the figures below.

More on Edinburgh

• Edinburgh city guide
• Best cities to visit in the UK
• 2 days in London: itinerary with prices

FAQ

Is 2 days enough for Edinburgh?

Yes for the Old Town core covered here — Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile's underground and illusion attractions, and Arthur's Seat. Add a day for the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith or the Scottish National Gallery if you have longer.

How much are entrance fees in Edinburgh?

The National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery and the walk up Arthur's Seat are all free. Paid sights here are moderate to high: Edinburgh Castle £23.50, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions £24.95, The Real Mary King's Close £28.50. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is ticketed separately — check the official site for current prices.

Do you need to book Edinburgh Castle in advance?

Yes — online booking is recommended, as tickets sell out, especially in summer, and the walk-up price is higher. The Real Mary King's Close also sells out and should be pre-booked.