48 hours in Edinburgh Part 2
Urban Angel –
Start your day off with a late brunch at Urban Angel, which aim to provide innovative meals made with well-selected ingredients in Edinburgh’s city core.
Urban Angel, which is located in a New Town basement, has a small café at the entrance and interconnected dining rooms farther back. Since its inception, it has been committed to sourcing local, organic, free-range, and fairtrade products. With a menu that includes everything from breakfast to outstanding cakes, sandwiches, and salads to satisfying lunch and midday savouries.
Small plates of falafel balls in curry and coconut emulsion or smoked ham hock and Cheddar croquettes to larger plates of Caesar salad, Urban burgers with beetroot salsa, or pulled pork on ciabatta. The dishes are robust and professional. Sea fish on thyme-scented ratatouille and slow-braised lamb shank in a three-bean and cumin broth, as well as desserts like plum frangipane tart, can all be found on the always-changing specialities menu.
Bus tour –
After filling your bellies up for the day, head over to the Melville Monument in St Andrew’s Square and jump on a City Sightseeing tour bus! There are three other tour bus services in Edinburgh that offer similar tour bus services (but for the purpose of this itinerary we are taking City sightseeing tour buses).
Once on board, relax and enjoy the ride as you take in some of Edinburgh’s most beautiful and culturally rich locations. Grassmarket, Edinburgh’s mediaeval marketplace, is located in the heart of the city’s Old Town. Stop at the National Museum of Scotland on famed Chambers Street to discover more about Edinburgh’s history.
So simply unwind and leave the driving to their special red buses. Keep your camera ready for fantastic selfies as we drive you through some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. When you see Edinburgh Castle, kindly ask the driver to let you off!
Edinburgh Castle Gun Salute –
Aim to get to the castle before 1 pm as to not miss the iconic Gun Salute. The One o’Clock Gun used to be used by ships in the Firth of Forth to set their marine clocks. The first time the cannon was fired was in 1861 when merchant John Hewitt took the invention from Paris to Edinburgh.
Except on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day, the gun is still fired every day at 1 p.m. Crowds congregate to see the show, and the loudness often astounds passers-by on Princes Street below.
Meander through the many rooms and long hallways of Edinburgh Castle and get lost in the magical history of the centuries-old castle that has stood the test time.
Lunch –
You can venture out into the town and try and find a spot to grab some grub for a lunchtime bite, or you could try out the Tea Room at Edinburgh Castle. The Tea Rooms, located in Crown Square at the top of the castle, is a sophisticated and elegant spot to eat snacks and meals or a classic afternoon tea.
In Crown Square, visit The Tea Rooms for afternoon tea. This classic British custom, claimed to be the invention of a duchess, is best served in a regal setting. Each visitor receives their own cake stand, which is brimming with sweet and savoury treats.
The Tea Rooms also serves soups, salads, and other light foods. From smoked salmon to Scottish cheeses, sample some of Scotland’s renowned high-quality food.
There’s a nice selection of whiskies, as well as artisan beers and lagers, wines, and spirits. Lemonade prepared in the castle is one of the soft beverages available.
Camera Obscura –
Venture up to their majestic Rooftop Terrace and take in a breath of fresh air, as well as the most breathtaking 360-degree views of Edinburgh. You can experience and participate in over 100 illusions. Experience five levels of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks, and fun things to do at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, including a vortex tunnel, mirror maze, and shrinking room.
(Allow about 2 hours. Please note the attraction is located in a listed 17th Century building over 5 floors without a lift.)
Lawn Market –
As you travel down the hill from Castlehill to the Lawnmarket’s midpoint, look to your left for Gladstone’s Land, a well-preserved 16th-century townhouse erected in 1552. After passing through a tunnel, you will reach Lady Stair’s House, which houses the Writer’s Museum and crossing the road, you will arrive at the High Court on the left, which is marked by a statue of David Hume, a Scottish philosopher, historian, and economist. The location of the final public hanging is direct across the street.
Aizle –
(The word is Scots for a bright hot ember and rhymes with hazel.)
Every day is different at this vibrant Newington institution due to their daily, no-choice, six-course menu, where everything is baked, fermented, and otherwise prepared in-house. It features stunningly delicious food which is consistently creative, fascinating, and effective in its application of great ingredients.
All of the cuisines are delicious, but the fish is truly exceptional.
Paired with an exceptional Dinning experience is an amazing range of drinks that enhances the food, and takes your taste buds to a whole new dimension.
Take in one Last Breath of Edinburgh
Whatever way you choose to end your 2-day Edinburgh tour, one more look around the city is a necessity. Take a stroll over the North Bridge, where you’ll be surrounded by the city’s glittering lights, as well as most of the city’s most beautiful structures and attractions. The Balmoral Hotel is in front of Arthur’s Seat, and the Scott Monument and Edinburgh Castle appear to be side by side. It’s a lovely site to take in the sights of the city one final time before retiring to your bed for a well-earned rest.