With the car returned, the last two days are all about Edinburgh on foot. The city is small and dense, so you can pack in a lot without ever needing wheels — the castle, the Royal Mile and the closes of the Old Town are all within a short walk of each other.
Split the time in two. Day 9 tackles the headline Old Town sights and a whisky tasting; Day 10 slows down for the green spaces, the pretty corners and the harbour district of Leith before you head home.
Day 9: Edinburgh’s Old Town
Start at Edinburgh Castle, ideally at opening, then walk the length of the Royal Mile downhill towards Holyrood. Detour onto curving Victoria Street and into the Grassmarket for the city’s most photogenic streets.
A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is a good way to rest your feet and get your bearings, and an evening tour of the underground vaults adds a shiver of the city’s darker history. Round off the day in Princes Street Gardens beneath the castle.
Whisky tasting in Edinburgh
No Scottish trip is complete without a proper whisky tasting, and Edinburgh has three strong options. The Scotch Whisky Experience next to the castle is the classic barrel-ride introduction; the Johnnie Walker Princes Street venue is the polished, multi-floor experience with a rooftop bar; and a small-group whisky storytelling tasting suits those who want the history in the glass.
Day 10: Calton Hill, Stockbridge and Leith
Begin the final day with a climb — either the easy steps up Calton Hill or the bigger push to the summit of Arthur’s Seat — for the best views over the city and out to the sea.
Then wander the villagey streets of Stockbridge and the storybook Dean Village on the Water of Leith, before finishing in Leith, the revived harbour district with its Michelin-starred restaurants and dockside pubs.
Getting home
When it is time to leave, the tram runs straight from the city centre to the airport in around half an hour. Our guide to getting from Edinburgh to the airport covers the tram, buses and taxis so you can time the last leg with confidence. New to the city? The start here guide is a good primer.
Practical tips
- Book Edinburgh Castle tickets online for a timed slot and to skip the queue
- Do the castle first thing — it is busiest late morning
- Wear proper shoes for Arthur’s Seat; the ground is uneven and can be slippery
- Book whisky experiences ahead, especially Johnnie Walker at weekends
- Allow at least an hour before your flight for the tram plus check-in
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
Two full days is enough to cover the essentials without rushing. Day 9 handles the Old Town — the castle, the Royal Mile and a whisky tasting — while Day 10 leaves room for Arthur’s Seat, Stockbridge, Dean Village and Leith at a gentler pace.
What is the best whisky experience in Edinburgh?
The Scotch Whisky Experience beside the castle is the classic introduction, the Johnnie Walker Princes Street venue is the slick modern option with a rooftop bar, and smaller storytelling tastings suit anyone who wants depth over spectacle.
How do I get from Edinburgh to the airport?
The tram runs from the city centre directly to Edinburgh Airport in about half an hour, and it is the cheapest, most reliable option. See our guide to getting from Edinburgh to the airport for tram, bus and taxi details.
