How to spend 48 hours in Edinburgh
Whether you are looking for a quick in-person tutorial on Scotch or just a cool place to spend the weekend, Edinburgh is well worth a visit.
As the capital of Scotland, it offers a range of cultural and historic attractions including Scottish Parliament and the Supreme Courts of Scotland. What makes Edinburgh somewhat unique though for a capital city, is that it's not actually that large -- which makes it easy to explore.
Getting there & around
Edinburgh can be reached easily via train or plane from all over the U.K. Both Haymarket and Waverley stations are reasonably central and there's a bus network as well as taxis and Uber -- though Uber is not that widely available.
The Edinburgh tram is the best way of getting from the airport into town and getting around. It's a very slow tram service whilst in the city center but turns into a speedy train once it has left -- so a quick way to reach the airport.
Old Town & historic Edinburgh
There is no shortage of history in Scotland -- and in Edinburgh, particularly. Anyone visiting should visit Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse (commonly referred to as just Holyrood Palace) and the Royal Mile -- a road that connects the two.
Edinburgh Castle sits high above the city on Castle Rock and has been there since the 12th century. Today it is Scotland's most-visited paid tourist attraction with more than two million visitors a year. It also forms the backdrop for the Military Tattoo during the annual Edinburgh Festival (more below). A gun is also fired at 1 p.m. every day (except Sundays) dating back to when this was a time signal for ships in nearby harbors.
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Once done at the castle, stroll down the Royal Mile. This part of Edinburgh is also known as Old Town and it's worth exploring the cobbled streets and discovering shops, bars and restaurants in this area and neighboring Grassmarket.
Heading east along the Royal Mile past St Giles Cathedral will eventually bring you Holyrood Palace. It has been the principal residence of kings and queens of Scotland since the 16th century and Queen Elisabeth II spends a week at the palace in early summer every year carrying out a range of royal engagements.
Many of the royal apartments and rooms, as well as the impressive grounds and gardens spread over 10 acres, are open to the public to visit.
Whilst in the Holyrood area, fans of more modern architecture should check out the Scottish Parliament building. Opened in 2004, it sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Princes Street, George Street and New Town
The Castle and the Royal Mile are on a hill to one side of the city. Dividing Old Town and the part referred to as New Town is a small "valley" through which the train line runs.
Princes Street and George Street are two main streets running parallel to each other, with the latter being mostly pedestrianized. Take in the Scott Monument as you "cross" the two parts of town as well as the Scottish National Gallery and the Royal Scottish Academy.
For art lovers, the Modern One and Modern Two galleries house the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and are just a 15-minute walk from Princes Street. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is just north of George Street where Queen Street meets York Place (the final station of the tram) and is conveniently on the way if you are heading to the Royal Botanical Gardens.
And whether it's haggis, a deep-fried Mars bar or non-Scottish cuisine, Edinburgh has a lot to offer on the food front.
Seasonal events
The most well-known event in the Edinburgh calendar is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, often simply referred to as the Edinburgh Festival.
Taking place for roughly three weeks in August, it claims to be "the single biggest celebration of arts and culture on the planet". Best known for its comedy acts -- ranging from well-known comedians at ticketed and paid-for events to those trying to break into the comedy scene with free shows in pubs -- it's a spectacle worth seeing.
There are thousands of performers taking to hundreds of stages -- in normal times. The 2020 Edinburgh Festival was cancelled but the 2021 event went on as planned and 2022 is already in the works.
Another big event in the Edinburgh calendar is the Christmas market which takes place in the park between Old Town and New Town. Combined with a funfair and market stalls and set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, it's probably amongst the prettiest Christmas markets in the U.K.
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Arthur's Seat & Salisbury Crags
Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags provide stunning views over Edinburgh -- and indeed are themselves a breathtaking backdrop. Part of Holyrood Park, just east of the city center and near the palace and parliament buildings, there is a number of climbs to the top, including relatively easy ones. Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano and the main peak in the group of hills.
Another great viewpoint over the city (and an easier one to conquer) is Calton Hill, situated to the east end of Princess Street.
Beyond the city center
In nearby Leith, a harbor just north of Edinburgh, Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia (also known as the Royal Yacht Britannia) is moored. It served as the yacht to the Queen and the Royal Family from 1954 to 1997 and is now a tourist attraction with 300,000 visitors per year.
Even further afield, though still reachable within a day is Blackness Castle, 20 miles to the west of Edinburgh on the coast. The 15th-century fortress stands empty but is open to the public. Given its seaside location, there are some pretty impressive views from the tower, too.
Where to stay
There is no shortage of hotels in Edinburgh to suit all budgets. Unless you are looking for accommodation during peak season during August when the Edinburgh Festival is on and prices can be very high, you'll find something affordable, including with all the major hotel chains and brands.
If you want to maximize your hotel status and earn miles and points, at the top end is the Hilton Waldorf Astoria (The Caledonian) or the IHG Intercontinental (The George). A tier below, Marriott, IHG, Hilton and Accor have numerous other properties both in the center and farther out.
The options for non-chain hotels is also endless. If you're feeling flush and looking for something different, The Witchery by the castle is fabulous. The Balmoral Hotel is probably the city's most famous hotel with its grand facade and clock tower.
Bottom line
Edinburgh combines being a capital with being compact enough to be able to explore it mostly on foot. It offers culture, history and museums as well as plenty of cool bars, foodie restaurants, shopping and much more. Beyond Edinburgh, there are some amazing places to visit in wider Scotland if the above whetted your appetite!
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.