Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and a great base for anyone traveling through the country. It’s a beautiful area along the sea with the perfect rocky landscape for a backdrop. With so much to do and so little time, it may be hard to decide what all to do during your visit. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled an easy 3-day Edinburgh itinerary for first-time visitors to help you out:
Day 1
Breakfast: The Milkman
A stone’s throw away from Edinburgh’s main train station, Waverley Station, this cozy café is the perfect spot to grab some breakfast. Fuel up on some excellent coffee sourced from the Edinburgh-based Obadiah Collective, paired with pastries from local bakeries for breakfast as you watch the city slowly wake up.
The Royal Mile
There's no better introduction to Edinburgh than a walk down the spine of the old town. Stretching a Scots mile long from a hill-topping castle to a queen's palace, this ramble is appropriately called the Royal Mile. Despite being touristy, a stroll down the Royal Mile remains one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
Spanning 5 different streets, the Royal Mile is chock full of many landmarks, including some of the city’s oldest buildings and the 12th-century St Giles Cathedral with its iconic crown-shaped steeple. Seek out the Heart of Midlothian, set in the pavement in front of the Cathedral, and take part in the local custom of spitting on the Heart. Explore the city’s historic closes and wynds as you stroll down this busy street with the sound of bagpipes accompanying you.
For more on what to do along the Royal Mile, check out our guide [here].
Edinburgh Castle
Sitting atop a volcanic peak, the castle is Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmark and dominates the city’s skyline. Within the various galleries in the castle, you’ll see a whole variety of historical Scottish artefacts, including the “Scottish Crown Jewels” and the Stone of Destiny, which has been used in the coronation of British monarchs for centuries. The castle is also home to the National War Museum and the beautiful National War Memorial.
Skip the lines and save time by joining the Edinburgh Castle Tour. Apart from skip-the-line access (particularly great during the busy summer months), an expert guide will lead you through the history and secrets of the castle, and you will be able to continue exploring the castle independently after the tour.
Scotch Whisky Experience
Being on holiday means being able to indulge in day-drinking right? Just a minute’s walk away from the Castle Esplanade is this not-to-be-missed attraction. Modelled to resemble an actual distillery, journey into the world of whisky at the Scotch Whisky Experience. With a variety of tours aimed at all types of whisky drinkers, from the newcomer to the connoisseur, this fun and informative experience is sure to appeal. Best of all, all tours come with an exclusive tasting session, led by your expert guide, before ending amidst the largest whisky collection in the world.
Lunch: Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Leaving the Royal Mile, head to Makars Gourmet Mash Bar at the top of The Mound for a healthy and delicious lunch. This cosy restaurant and craft bar serves up generous portions of traditional Scottish fare using seasonal, locally-sourced produced. Spoilt for choice? Your friendly server will be more than willing to offer their recommendations. With both vegan and vegetarian menus available, it is no wonder that Makars consistently ranks among the top restaurants in Edinburgh.
Princes Street
Work off your lunch by walking along Edinburgh’s famed Princes Street (also the main shopping street). Spend the afternoon popping into the shops in search of souvenirs, or for those not keen on shopping, head to the beautiful Princes Street Gardens.
With a variety of interesting sites, such as the former gardener’s cottage, or the famous flower clock, there is plenty to see within this green sanctuary in the heart of the city. And of course, it is impossible to miss the towering Scott Monument along Princes Street.
Calton Hill
Watch the sunset from Calton Hill. Sitting at the east end of Princes Street, this hill is easily accessible via a set of steep but short stairs that brings you to the top. Check out the various monuments on the top of the hill, particularly the iconic National Monument (also known as “Edinburgh’s Disgrace”). Before leaving, don’t forget to take THAT postcard shot of the city’s skyline featuring the Dugald Stewart Monument.
Dinner: Arcade Haggis and Whisky House
Head back to the Royal Mile for dinner at the famous Arcade Bar. Specialising in Scotland’s most famous products: haggis and whisky, the most popular dish here is Robert Burn’s Famous Haggis. This delicious tower of haggis, neeps and tatties drenched in a delectable whisky sauce is the perfect combination of Scotland’s 2 loves. Don’t forget to order some whisky to wash your meal down with!
Day 2:
Breakfast: Loudons
This modern café serves up some of the best breakfasts and brunches in the city. Get here early or be prepared to queue to be seated. With a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available, this bright and airy café caters to all kinds of diets, ensuring a smooth start to the day. Their eggs Benedict come highly recommended!
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Visit the Royal Family’s official Scottish residence. This regal abode located on the opposite end of the Royal Mile is full of Scottish history. While most of the palace remains closed to the public, the historic Royal and State Apartments can be visited on a tour, including the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots. Don’t leave without also checking out the romantic ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and the remarkable royal gardens.
Arthur’s Seat
Can you even say you’ve been to Edinburgh if you don’t hike up the famous Arthur’s Seat? Head to the adjacent Holyrood Park after touring the Palace for some greenery and fresh air. Make it to the top of this extinct volcano and be greeted by breath-taking views of the city and the surrounding Salisbury Craigs. The hike up will take around 30-minutes (or less) and is relatively easy, with the hardest part being the steep walk to the top. Make sure to wear or bring layers as it gets very windy near the top.
Lunch: Southside
Edinburgh’s Southside is full of places to eat. The reasonable menu prices reflect the large student demographic of this area, which is all the better for your wallet (especially after having worked up an appetite hiking up Arthur’s Seat!). A large variety of options are available, including Thai, Malaysian, Chinese, Italian and Korean, so feel free to have your pick! For classic pub food with a delightful ambience, the popular Southpour is where you want to be.
The Grassmarket
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, behind Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket area is one of the most vibrant, picturesque and lively areas of the city. A paradise of independent merchants, designers and artisans, while the afternoon away in this bustling area. Some of the significant landmarks include the bronze sculpture of Greyfriars Bobby, as well as the colourful and Insta-worthy Victoria Street. This small winding street is full of charm and a must-visit during your stay in the capital. Don’t forget to pop into Greyfriars Kirkyard to see the graves which inspired certain characters in J.K Rowling’s popular boy wizard series.
The area is also home to some of the city’s best and most historic pubs. Check out the history behind The Last Drop Tavern, which owes its name to the history of public executions and hangings in the Grassmarket. Or visit the haunted White Hart Inn for a chance at a spooky encounter.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is also in the area, and is always worth a visit. Entry is free, and this is a great way to while the time away (particularly if the weather is dreadful). Children (and adults for the matter) will enjoy the interactive science exhibits which are both educational and fun. Though the highlight of your visit will perhaps be saying hi to Dolly the sheep, who was the cloned in this very city.
Dinner: Howies
For dinner, head to this Edinburgh institution located on Victoria Street. The menu at this family-owned restaurant collection is centred on seasonal, local ingredients, being a celebration of Scotland’s natural larder and local suppliers. Apart from the traditional Scottish fare, Howies is best known for their delicious and fresh seafood. Set menus are available (and often cheaper), and vegan and vegetarian options are also offered.
Take a Ghost Tour
Discover why Edinburgh is known as one of the most haunted cities in the world on a ghost tour. There are a variety to choose from and they all highlight the doomed souls of this dark place. The tour takes you through the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults, where your tour guide will regale you with stories of the dastardly deeds done by the residents. Following tales of cannibalism, body-snatching and deals with the devil, you’ll walk along the streets to the Canongate graveyard, the resting place of the city’s most famous figures.
Alternatively, for those who prefer to travel in comfort, the Ghost Bus Tour [st3] is another popular option. Join your terrifying conductor aboard a vintage Routemaster double-decker bus as they regale you with thrilling and gory anecdotes from the city’s chilling past.
Day 3:
Breakfast: Edinburgh Larder
Just off the touristy Royal Mile, the Larder remains a peaceful hideaway, with six wooden tables and a few deli shelves full of locally sourced and organic produce. Known for their delicious food made with local produce, this is the perfect spot for a hearty breakfast to start the day. Their fry up is legendary, and they also offer a range of healthy options such as their own homemade granola, porridge cooked to order with a selection of toppings, and a variety of freshly-baked pastries and breads to be paired with marmalade.
Dean Village
After breakfast, head to Dean Village on the outskirts of the city centre. One of Edinburgh’s hidden treasures, this small village is a welcome respite from the bustle of the city. Entering the charming and quaint Dean Village is like stepping into a time machine – the pavement beneath your feet is transformed into cobbled streets, and the noise of the city melts away into tranquil silence.
Stockbridge
Walk along the Water of Leith to get to the affluent suburb of Stockbridge. Along the way, look out for the beautiful Greco-Roman structure housing St Bernard’s Well, which is believed to contain healing properties.
With plenty of independent retailers and a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars giving Stockbridge a strong, individual character, this neighbourhood is a beautiful spot to explore when in Edinburgh. If you’re lucky enough to be here on a Sunday, be sure to check out the farmer’s market for a range of artisanal foods and crafts.
At the very top of Stockbridge’s list of attractions is the Insta-famous Circus Lane. This picturesque lane is especially popular with bloggers, and it is worth every bit of hype it receives. With plenty of independent book shops (we recommend checking out Golden Hare Books) and coffee shops, there is plenty to do in the Bohemian neighbourhood.
Lunch: Scran and Scallie
The brainchild of celebrity chefs Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack, this gastropub serves up comforting food at surprisingly affordable prices. Aside from pub staples such as juicy burgers, chunky chips and fish pie, the selection here also includes oysters, home-cured salmon, braised hogget, sheep’s head broth. Not to be missed is the delectable stout ice cream!
Reservations are vital, but if you are lucky enough, you may be able to score one of the few tables the restaurant sometimes holds back during normal service for walk-ins.
New Town
Spend the rest of the day exploring the nooks and crannies of Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town. With plenty of cafes and independent stores to check out, you can spend hours simply walking around this charming area. This is also the perfect opportunity to get all your souvenir shopping done!
