Edinburgh

A Two-Day Festive Itinerary to Edinburgh

More than a day on foot, from Edinburgh’s Christmas Market to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Written by Shawna Law

For most of the year, Edinburgh leads a fairly laid-back existence with the exception of summer, when the city hosts the world's largest cultural arts festival, and on the run-up to Christmas. Winter may bring shorter days and cooler temperatures but it’s a small price to pay for the magical experience of Edinburgh lit by the twinkling glow of fairy lights. The city centre’s historic buildings are donned in their best festive attire; the Edinburgh Christmas Markets bring a palpable buzz to the city and there’s a host of festive activities to keep you entertained. It’s a delightful time to be in the Capital!

We hope you enjoy our two-day festive itinerary to Edinburgh to help you make the most of your visit!

How: More than a day on foot
Distance: About 6 miles
Starts: Edinburgh Larder
Ends: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Good for: Food and drink, Walks, Gardens, A rainy day

The day

Day One
9am
Edinburgh Larder
A café
Before we begin our day of festivities, let’s start the day right with a spot of breakfast. The Edinburgh Larder (15 Blackfriars Street) is a hugely popular spot for breakfast and brunch and is tucked away just off the Royal Mile in Old Town. The café is aptly named: since it opened in 2009, it’s made a name for itself by serving delicious and seasonal food using local ingredients sourced from Scotland’s best producers. Their most popular dishes include a traditional full breakfast, veggie breakfast, eggs benedict or smoked cod, chorizo and potato hash with a poached egg. If it’s a particularly wintry day, there’s also the option of a bowl of porridge with a selection of seasonal toppings and toasted nuts! *Due to its popularity, it's best to make a reservation online before your visit! If you forget, the Little Larder is directly next door and operates on a walk-in-only basis.
More about Edinburgh Larder
The rest of these 2 days is for members.
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10am
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market
An attraction
12pm
A Pause for Lunch
Food and drink
1pm
It’s Time to Admire Edinburgh’s Christmas Decorations
An attraction
3pm
Calton Hill
An attraction
4pm
Drinks at the Dome
An attraction
6pm
Thistle Street for Dinner
Food and drink
A Christmas Concert for a Calming End to the Day
An attraction
Day Two
9am
Papii
An attraction
10am
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
An attraction
11am
A Spot of Christmas Shopping
A shop
12pm
Fhior
Food and drink
1pm
A Hot Chocolate Break
An attraction
2pm
A Visit to Stockbridge
A walk
5pm
The Raeburn
A place to stay
7pm
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
An attraction