3 Days in Edinburgh 🇬🇧 – The Ultimate Itinerary for Exploring Scotland’s Capital

Day 1: Exploring Old Town

1. Morning: Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile

Start Early. The best time to begin your Edinburgh Castle adventure is right at opening – 9:30 AM. Arriving 15-20 minutes before opening helps avoid the notorious queues that form later in the day.

Castle Exploration. My first tip is to head straight to the Crown Room to see the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels) immediately after entry. The queues here can stretch to 20+ minutes by midday. The stunning crown, scepter, and Stone of Destiny showcase Scotland’s royal heritage in spectacular fashion.

Key Attractions. After the Crown Jewels, make your way to these castle highlights:

• St. Margaret’s Chapel – Edinburgh’s oldest building dating to the 12th century
• The Great Hall with its magnificent hammerbeam roof
• The One O’Clock Gun – fired daily except Sundays at 1 PM
• Mons Meg – the massive 15th-century siege cannon

Budget Tip: Book your castle tickets online in advance to save money and guarantee entry. Adult tickets cost £19.50 online versus £22.00 at the gate.

Royal Mile Descent. After exploring the castle, begin your journey down the Royal Mile – actually five connected streets: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand.

Hidden Gems. Don’t miss exploring the narrow closes (alleyways) branching off the main street. These historic passages offer glimpses into medieval Edinburgh and often lead to hidden courtyards and gardens.

Local Experiences. Stop at St Giles’ Cathedral to admire its crown spire and stunning stained glass. Look for the Heart of Midlothian mosaic embedded in the cobblestones outside – but watch out for locals following the tradition of spitting on it for luck.

Insider Tip: Most tourists crowd the upper sections of the Royal Mile. The lower portions near Canongate Kirk often have fewer visitors but equally impressive architecture and attractions.

Morning Timing: Plan about 3 hours for the castle if you want to see everything properly. The Royal Mile exploration can easily fill the rest of your morning.

Best Activities

Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour: Skip the long queues and explore Edinburgh Castle with an expert guide. Learn about the castle’s rich history, see the Crown Jewels, and enjoy panoramic city views from this iconic landmark atop the Royal Mile.

The Royal Edinburgh Package – Check availability of tickets

Midday: St Giles’ Cathedral and Victoria Street

Cathedral Grandeur. Walking into St Giles’ Cathedral, I’m always struck by the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful Thistle Chapel. The cathedral’s stunning stained glass windows cast colorful shadows across the medieval stonework, creating perfect photo opportunities.

Budget Tip: While there’s a suggested £5 donation to enter, photography permits cost £2. Visit during choir practice (usually midday) for a free musical experience.

Victoria Street Magic. Just a short walk from St Giles’, Victoria Street curves downhill in a colorful array of independent shops and cafes. The street’s distinctive two-level architecture inspired J.K. Rowling’s Diagon Alley, making it a must-visit for Harry Potter fans.

Insider Tip: The upper terrace of Victoria Street, called Victoria Terrace, offers the best photo angles of the curved street below. Visit between 2-4 PM when the sun hits the colorful shopfronts perfectly.

Best Activities

Edinburgh Guided Tour: Walk through Edinburgh’s historic heart with a knowledgeable guide, starting at Usher Hall and ending at the majestic Scott Monument. Perfect for first-time visitors wanting to understand the city’s layout and history.

Afternoon: National Museum of Scotland and Greyfriars Kirkyard

Museum Highlights. The National Museum of Scotland offers seven floors of wonder. I always start at the Grand Gallery, then head to the Kingdom of the Scots exhibition. The rooftop terrace provides stunning city views that many visitors miss.

Time Management. With over 20,000 artifacts, you can’t see everything. Focus on:

• Dolly the sheep exhibit
• Lewis Chessmen
• Ancient Egyptian collections
• Scottish History Gallery

Budget Tip: All permanent exhibitions are free. Download the museum’s app for self-guided tours instead of paying for guided ones.

Greyfriars Discovery. Just around the corner, Greyfriars Kirkyard isn’t just another cemetery. It’s where you’ll find tombstones that inspired Harry Potter character names like Tom Riddle. The kirkyard tells fascinating stories of Edinburgh’s past, from body snatchers to faithful dogs.

Insider Tip: Look for the Flodden Wall remains within the kirkyard – they’re often overlooked but played a crucial role in Edinburgh’s defense.

Best Activities

• City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off: Explore Edinburgh at your own pace with this flexible bus tour covering 14 stops and 26 key attractions. Operating year-round with frequent service, it’s an excellent way to see the city’s highlights.
• Underground Ghost Tour: Delve into Edinburgh’s spooky underground vaults on this thrilling 75-minute ghost tour. Experience the city’s dark history and hear chilling tales from your expert guide.

Evening: Grassmarket and Dinner

Historic Hub. The Grassmarket, once a medieval marketplace and execution site, now buzzes with Edinburgh’s best pubs and restaurants. The area offers perfect views of Edinburgh Castle looming above.

Local Flavors. My favorite evening starts with a traditional Scottish pie at Piemaker (under £5) or haggis at The Last Drop (around £12). The White Hart Inn, Edinburgh’s oldest pub (1516), serves excellent local ales.

Insider Tip: Visit The Last Drop during weekdays between 5-7 PM for their early evening menu deals. The pub’s name comes from its location near the former gallows – grim history, great atmosphere!

Day 2: Nature and New Town

Morning: Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill

Start Early. For your second day in Edinburgh, I recommend beginning with a hike up Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano that dominates Edinburgh’s skyline at 251 meters above sea level. The best time to start is around 8 AM when the morning light bathes the city in a golden glow and the crowds are still thin.

Choose Your Path. For an easier ascent, take the route starting from Dunsapie Loch, which offers a gentler slope and takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit. Alternatively, more experienced hikers can tackle the steeper main path from Holyrood Park, following the well-marked trail past the ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel.

Calton Hill Alternative. If Arthur’s Seat seems too challenging, Calton Hill offers an excellent alternative with its short climb and equally impressive views. This historic hill, nicknamed the Athens of the North, features the iconic National Monument and provides perfect vantage points for capturing Edinburgh’s architectural splendor.

Best Activities

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Uncover Edinburgh’s sinister side on this walking tour through the Old Town, visiting haunted locations and hearing tales of murders, mysteries, and legends.

Midday: Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal Residence. The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands proudly as the King’s official residence in Scotland, welcoming visitors to explore its magnificent State Apartments and rich history. The palace’s Baroque architecture and stunning decorative elements make it an unmissable stop on your Edinburgh journey.

Historic Highlights. The palace’s Great Gallery, the largest room in the building, showcases 89 remarkable portraits of Scottish monarchs commissioned by Charles II. The collection tells a fascinating story of Scotland’s royal lineage, though some paintings still bear sword marks from the 1746 government troops.

Budget Tip: Convert your standard ticket into a 1-year pass by asking the palace to treat it as a donation, giving you unlimited access for 12 months.

Insider Tip: Visit during Holyrood Week at the end of June when the palace comes alive with royal ceremonies and the annual Garden Party, where around 8,000 guests are entertained in the palace grounds.

Palace of Holyroodhouse – Check availability of tickets

Afternoon: Princes Street Gardens and New Town

Garden Exploration. Princes Street Gardens spans 37 acres of peaceful greenery nestled between Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns. The gardens occupy the former site of the Nor Loch, which was drained in the 1760s to create this stunning urban park.

Must-See Monuments. The iconic Scott Monument dominates the landscape – a 61-meter Gothic spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott that offers spectacular city views. The Ross Fountain, installed in 1872, provides perfect photo opportunities with Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop.

Floral Highlights. Don’t miss the famous Floral Clock, one of the few working timepieces in the world made almost entirely of flowers. The patterns change seasonally, with vibrant blooms in summer and hardy varieties in winter.

Georgian Grandeur. After exploring the gardens, head into New Town to admire its stunning Georgian architecture. The area was built between the 1760s and 1830s, representing the largest planned city development of its time.

Budget Tip: The Scottish National Gallery on The Mound is free to enter and houses an impressive collection of European and Scottish artworks.

Insider Tip: For the best views of Edinburgh Castle, find a spot near the Ross Fountain in the Western section of the gardens.

Best Activities

Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour: Comprehensive walking tour starting at Johnnie Walker, covering Edinburgh’s main attractions and ending at the castle. Perfect for those wanting an in-depth exploration of the city.

Evening: Scotch Whisky Experience

Evening Magic. The Scotch Whisky Experience sits majestically at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, offering an immersive journey into Scotland’s national drink. As the day winds down, this is the perfect spot to warm up with a dram and discover the secrets behind Scotland’s most famous export.

Tour Choices. I always recommend the Gold Tour for serious whisky enthusiasts, priced at £38.50, which includes an extensive tasting of four regional single malts. The Silver Tour at £24 provides an excellent introduction for beginners, while the Platinum Tour at £48 offers the ultimate experience with chocolate pairings and exclusive access to special collections.

World’s Largest Collection. The Diageo Claive Vidiz Collection houses over 3,384 bottles of whisky in a stunning marble and glass vault.

Interactive Elements. The experience includes:

• Multi-sensory barrel ride
• Scratch-and-sniff cards for regional whisky aromas
• 180-degree cinema showing Scotland’s whisky regions

Regional Discovery. Your expert guide will take you on a journey through Scotland’s whisky regions, from the peaty malts of Islay to the lighter, floral notes of the Lowlands. The experience includes scratch-and-sniff cards that help identify distinct regional characteristics, making it both educational and entertaining.

Evening Timing. Book your tour for around 5 PM to finish just in time for dinner at the award-winning Amber Restaurant downstairs. The restaurant offers perfect whisky and food pairings, with traditional Scottish dishes given a modern twist.

Best Activities

Scotch Whisky Experience: Discover Scotland’s national drink through expert-led tastings and learn about the whisky-making process in this fascinating tour perfect for both novices and connoisseurs.

Day 3: Hidden Gems and Leith

Morning: Dean Village

Hidden Charm. Just a five-minute walk from Princes Street lies Dean Village, one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque hidden gems nestled in the deep valley of the Water of Leith. This former milling community dates back to the 12th century when King David I awarded the income from its water mills to Holyrood Abbey.

Historic Heritage. The village’s name comes from ‘dene,’ meaning deep valley in Scots, and its warren of streets showcases a fascinating mix of converted mills, Victorian social housing, and sympathetic new developments. Well Court, with its stunning clock tower and red sandstone architecture, stands as the village’s most iconic building, constructed in the 1880s to house local mill workers.

Cultural Connection. The area connects seamlessly to Edinburgh’s cultural scene, with the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art just a short walk away. The gallery, housed in two impressive neoclassical buildings, offers free exhibitions and provides a perfect complement to your village exploration.

Walking Routes. The Water of Leith Walkway offers a peaceful pathway to explore the area, connecting Dean Village to other Edinburgh neighborhoods like Stockbridge. This tranquil route provides opportunities to spot local wildlife and appreciate the village’s unique position in Edinburgh’s landscape.

Best Activities

Dean Village Walking Tour: Explore Edinburgh’s hidden gems including the picturesque Dean Village and charming Circus Lane with a local guide, discovering the city’s lesser-known but equally beautiful areas.

Midday: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Garden Overview. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh spans 72 acres of stunning landscape just one mile from central Edinburgh, making it a perfect escape from the busy city life. As one of the world’s leading botanic gardens, it houses over 13,500 plant species from around the globe.

Living Collection. The garden’s impressive array includes the Rock Garden with over 5,000 mountain plants, the stunning Chinese Hillside featuring 1,600 plants from Southwest China (the largest collection outside China), and the peaceful Woodland Garden with towering coast redwoods.

Seasonal Beauty. In winter, bright stems of Cornus and Salix glow in the clear light, while spring brings magnificent Japanese magnolias and rhododendrons. Summer showcases the vibrant Herbaceous Border, and autumn transforms the garden with spectacular foliage colors.

Insider Tip: Visit between 2-4 PM when the light is perfect for photography, and don’t miss the peaceful Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden with its intricate design featuring over 10,000 plants.

Afternoon: Leith and Royal Yacht Britannia

Royal Welcome. The Royal Yacht Britannia, permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith, stands as one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious attractions.

Ship Exploration. The yacht spans five decks, each telling its own story. Start at the Bridge for panoramic views, then explore the State Apartments where world leaders once gathered. The Sun Lounge, Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite room, offers a more intimate glimpse into royal family life.

Hidden Gems. Below deck, discover the surprisingly immaculate Engine Room with its gleaming chrome and turbines that powered the ship over one million nautical miles. The Royal Sailing Exhibition showcases the monarchy’s deep connection to maritime life.

Budget Tip: Book tickets online in advance to save money and guarantee entry. Adult tickets cost £19.50 online versus walk-up prices.

Leith Exploration. After the yacht tour, explore The Shore area of Leith, Edinburgh’s coolest neighborhood according to Time Out magazine. This historic port district offers a vibrant mix of Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional pubs, and independent boutiques.

Insider Tip: Visit the Royal Deck Tea Room aboard Britannia for freshly baked scones and panoramic views of the Leith waterfront. Time your visit for mid-afternoon when crowds are typically smaller.

Best Activities

Edinburgh Shore Excursion: Perfect for cruise ship passengers, this comprehensive city tour ensures you see Edinburgh’s highlights efficiently, with convenient pickup and drop-off at your ship.

Evening: Waterfront Dining in Leith

The Ship on the Shore. This historic establishment, dating back to 1834, specializes in sustainable Scottish seafood. Their menu features impressive dishes like Seafood Pie Royale with salmon, king scallops, and lobster (£24), and luxurious Fruits de Mer platters perfect for special occasions.

Fishers. Located in a converted 17th-century watchtower, this nautical-themed restaurant offers both casual and refined dining experiences. Their menu includes local specialties like tempura softshell crab burgers and whole east coast lobster.

The King’s Wark. This historic waterfront inn, built in 1432, serves robust Scottish cuisine and real ales. The building’s fascinating history includes time as a royal residence and private armory for James I.

Budget Tip: Visit during weekday early evening

hours (5-7 PM) when many restaurants offer special menu deals and the lighting is perfect for waterfront photos.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Transportation and Travel Tips

Getting Around Edinburgh. The city has an excellent public transport network that helps you plan the perfect visit to Edinburgh’s many attractions. When using buses, simply tap your contactless card and enjoy exploring the different parts of Edinburgh, while for trams that connect Edinburgh Waverley station to various locations in Edinburgh, purchase tickets in advance from platform machines or via the Transport for Edinburgh app.

Budget-Friendly Travel. To help you plan the perfect Edinburgh itinerary, consider a day ticket covering both buses and trams – it’s the best value. The Lothian Buses day saver costs £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, making it easy to spend your time in Edinburgh exploring efficiently.

Best Times to Visit

Peak Season Planning. While summer (June-August) offers spectacular views of the city with longer daylight hours, it also brings larger crowds to Edinburgh Castle and other worth-a-visit attractions. For a more relaxed first time in Edinburgh, consider visiting in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when you can better appreciate the history of the town.

Festival Considerations. If experiencing the Edinburgh International Festival isn’t your priority, avoid August when accommodation near Edinburgh Waverley station and the Royal Mile becomes extremely expensive. You’ll also find that the city becomes incredibly crowded during this time.

Money-Saving Strategies

Smart Booking. When planning your visit to Edinburgh, book accommodation and major attractions well ahead, especially if you want to spend 3 days in Edinburgh during festival season. Edinburgh Castle is best booked online for advance discounts.

Free Experiences. The city has lots of free attractions perfect for your Edinburgh itinerary, including the Museum of Edinburgh and various art galleries found in Edinburgh’s cultural quarter.

Daily Must-Haves. To make the most of your tour of the city, remember to bring:

• A reusable water bottle
• A day bag for carrying essentials while visiting Edinburgh Castle
• The correct plug adapter (Type G, 230V) for your Edinburgh travel needs