48 hours in Edinburgh - what can a couple do?

[Pistom]

Can anyone give ideas of what a couple of visitors from Europe could find to do in Edinburgh for 48 hours who will be relying on public transport.

They arrive at the airport on the 10th August and are staying in the city for 2 nights.

Obviously there's the castle but after that, I'm a bit stumped.

It's a couple in their late 50s from Hungary. They're not on any particularly tight budget.

They like cultural sights and I'm pretty sure he'd like to visit a distillery and they'd probably like music in the evening.

[Muzzer79]

The Royal Yacht Britannia is in Edinburgh - there's a visitors centre there, which also has a shopping mall.

You can walk around the yacht and a lot of the rooms - I found it very interesting.

[Jader1973]

Castle
Mary thingy’s Close (the city under the city)
Holyrood
Royal Mile
Britannia (not sure if the trams go all the way there yet or not)
Dean Village (walkable from the centre)
National Museum

[Fitz666]

Er, the festival is on?

[NaePasaran]

As an Edinburgh resident, I'd say avoid Edinburgh and goto Glasgow!?

In all seriousness the Festival is on. So there's no shortage of things to do, city pretty much doesn't sleep this month. But expect it to be busy, stupidly busy, and quite expensive.

Personally I'd avoid the city centre as the crowds and Ques around the main attractions are ridiculous. But I guess it's the main attractions that bring people

Britannia might be a good shout if they want to escape the madness but I'd imagine that will need booked in advance. Trams go door to door, plenty nice bars and cafes 10-15 minute walk at the Shore then tram near-by to get back into town.

[CallThatMusic]

Walk the Royal Mile, visit Holyrood Palace and the Castle.
Get down Victoria Street to the Grassmarket.
Discover Stockbridge or Leith ( Royal Yacht as above ).
Museums Galleries if wet…
Brilliant pubs tucked away…hidden
Princes Street Gardens.

[Pistom]

Fitz666 said:

Er, the festival is on?

Yes - quite.

Not sure how that will impact their stay and opportunity/restrictions on doing stuff.

[BREMBOV6]

Tram from Edinburgh Airport down to Leith. As previously mentiined can do the Royal Brittiana then the new Leith Distillery which is right beside the boat where you can do a tour which includes a tasting. Nice views from the restaurant as well.

[//j17]

The centre of Edinburgh's quite compact and either walkable or connected by the tram/buses, and other than the zoo that's where most of the tourist attractions are.

With a bit of age based stereotyping I'd suggest they try to get tickets for the Edinburgh Tatoo.

[Steve Campbell]

If the weather is kind, a walk from the castle to the top of Arthurs Seat is a pleasant way to spend a morning or afternoon. It's about 5 mile round trip and great views from the top on a clear day.

[Pistom]

Great suggestions so far - thank you.

[yellowbentines]

NaePasaran said:

As an Edinburgh resident, I'd say avoid Edinburgh and goto Glasgow!?

As a Glasgow resident, I'd ask if you've ever been to Glasgow

For tourists Edinburgh is the superior City IMO, I still enjoy a day trip or overnighter for a show or gig.

Some good suggestions already covering most of the main atrractions - I'd add a walk up Calton Hill if you want great views with a less strenuous walk than Arthur's Seat.

[ecsrobin]

As others have said it’s fringe.

Probably worth getting some dinner reservations in now if they want to have a nicer sit down meal.

[renmure]

Muzzer79 said:

The Royal Yacht Britannia is in Edinburgh - there's a visitors centre there, which also has a shopping mall.

You can walk around the yacht and a lot of the rooms - I found it very interesting.

I'd agree with that.

I got dragged unwillingly to this a few years ago and came away enthusing about how good it had been.