3 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary: Ideal for First Time Visitors
If you have only 3 days in Edinburgh, here is how I suggest you divide up your time. Possibly my favorite city in all of Europe, there is plenty to do and see in Scotland’s capital city.
- After taking my first trip to Scotland (an incredible 10 day road trip), I became hooked. I keep returning now to this magical country, and I can’t seem to stop!
- This itinerary is helpful if you need a basis of what to do each day, and a general idea of how much you can fit in.
- Use this 3 day itinerary as a starting point, and tweak to fit your interests.
- Edinburgh is extremely walkable, and all of this can be accomplished without taking taxis or even public transit.
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Day 1: The Royal Mile Area
To get your bearings of how the city is laid out, start in its touristic and historic center. The main road, known as The Royal Mile, is where to begin!
Full of activity and charming historic buildings, you could simply explore this area for days in a row and still find new things to try and see.
Edinburgh is known for its many narrow alleyways, which are called “closes”. Peeking into these is always worth it.
The closes have so much character, and I love thinking about what the old buildings lining the road have witnessed over the ages.
⇒ Road-tripping? Rent your car through Rentalcars.com
For your first day, start with an early morning tour of the city’s medieval underground street system. Named after the alleyway hidden below the Royal Mile, the tour is called The Real Mary King’s Close.
If you are intrigued by morbid history, tales of the plague, or how the city’s poor lived in the 17th century- this tour is for you!
No photos are allowed once you descend into the dark underbelly of the city, and it is a fascinating “must do” activity.
This tour books up fast! Reserve as far in advance as you can. Get your tickets below:
If you’re an Outlander fan, next head to Bakehouse Close (on the Royal Mile). It’s Jamie’s print shop from season 3, so it definitely holds a special spot in our hearts!
If you’re not a fan of the show (which in that case, reconsider your life choices!), another favorite photo spot is the view from Advocate’s Close.
⇒ Take a guided “Outlander” day trip out of Edinburgh!
Bakehouse Close
Advocate’s Close View
Next up, walk to the popular (and rightfully so!) Victoria Street. You will love the colorful buildings, historic architecture, and unique shops.
This iconic street supposedly inspired J.K. Rowling when she thought up Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Once here, make sure to go in the shop called “Museum Context” if you love HP!
My faux-suede jacket
Just off Victoria Street is the centuries old cemetery of Greyfriars Kirkyard. I love to visit old cemeteries while traveling- It helps create a more human connection to what can feel like an overwhelmingly long history! 🪦
This cemetery is touted as a place where J.K. Rowling would stroll when writing Harry Potter. It’s said she got the inspiration for character names from the headstones (most notably, there is a grave for a “Thomas Riddell”).
The supposed Voldemort inspiration
Cemetery Views
She did debunk this rumor on her Twitter account, but that doesn’t stop various Harry Potter walking tours claiming this is the case! Either way, the tours are fun!
⇒ Book a guided city Harry Potter walking tour!
After the cemetery, walk to the nearby bronze dog statue called “Greyfriars Bobby”. This was made for a Skye terrier who is known for spending 14 years at the grave of his owner, until the dog died in 1872.
You can also hop in to the Greyfriars Bobby’s Pub for a nice lunch, or a quick drink.
Loyal friend
Royal Mile
Back in the city center, you can’t miss St Giles’ Cathedral. If you hang around long enough, you will likely hear local musicians playing bagpipes out front!
The interior of the church is absolutely worth a visit (donation required to enter), so be sure to give yourself enough time!
From the Royal Mile, head downhill towards the looming architectural display of the Scott Monument. It’s one of the largest monuments made for a writer anywhere in the world, and honors Sir Walter Scott.
Nearby, stop at Ross Fountain for a great view of Edinburgh Castle behind it. You can also stroll around the Prince’s Street Gardens area, and see the unique Wojtek the soldier bear statue.
⇒ Book a local photographer for quality photos with your travel group!
If you’re hungry, try lunch at World’s End Pub, or a drink at the Balmoral Hotel Scotch Whisky Bar.
OUR HOTEL: No. 53 Frederick Street. – Great location, historic building, friendly owners! Tons of food, grocery, and parking nearby. Another ideal option is Virgin Hotel Edinburgh!
Day 2: Scenic Edinburgh
If you’re up for the challenge, start the day off by hiking up the hill to Arthur’s Seat. This is a viewpoint overlooking the city, and while steep, provides views to make it all worth it!
⇒ See my Scotland summer or my winter packing lists!
Once finished with your hike, enjoy some refreshments at Clarinda’s Tea Room. You could also get some coffee at Maison de Moggy Cat Cafe (book a time in advance).
Next, walk over to take a stroll down Circus Lane. It is a residential street, but incredibly scenic!
From there, pop over to Stockbridge Market. We were there on a weekend, and were able to enjoy the various stalls from their farmer’s market on Saunders street.
Getting to eat from a Spanish paella food stall while being serenaded with a local primary school’s bagpipe band is definitely a very Edinburgh coded memory!
Stockbridge Market free entertainment
From there, walk over to Dean’s Village. The buildings and streets are beautifully impressive, and perfect for photos. The best views are of the water, from the bottom of Hawthornbank Lane. We spent about an hour here.
Scenic Dean’s Village
Next, walk a bit of ways towards the Grassmarket Area, stopping first at the “Vennel Viewpoint” for a classic view of the castle.
On Grassmarket street itself, there is a weekend farmer’s market. You can also pop in The White Hart Inn. It claims to be the “city’s oldest pub”, and is also haunted! 👻
On this street, another popular stop is for ice cream at Mary’s Milk Bar – just be prepared for a long line going down the street!
If you have the energy, walk next to The Writer’s Museum. Located in a 17th century home and dedicated to Scotland’s great writers, you can go inside or simply admire the facade.
Next, head to the very bottom of the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse – a place with ties to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Mary Queen of Scots, and the current royal family.
⇒ Get your tickets to Palace of Holyroodhouse in advance
For dinner, you can eat or have drinks at The Witchery, a baroque styled spot with a fun atmospheric dining experience.
If you’d like something more casual, try a tourist staple of fish and chips on Victoria Street at Bertie’s Restaurant & Bar, which we really enjoyed!
After dinner, try one of the city’s ghost walking tours. These can be a bit cheesy, but honestly they’re super interesting and allow you to hear more about the morbid stories of this ancient city!
OUR HOTEL: 53 Frederick Street – Great location, historic building, friendly owners! Tons of food, grocery, and parking nearby. Another ideal option is Virgin Hotel Edinburgh!
Day 3: Castles & Day Trips
The cherry on top of an incredible journey, no visit to Edinburgh is complete without exploring Edinburgh Castle. I’ve been to a lot of castles in my day, but I promise you this one is worth seeing!
⇒ Get your Edinburgh castle tickets in advance
Once inside, do the self-guided audio tour. You can go at your own pace, and you’ll actually know what you’re looking at. There is minimal signage, so this is the way to go!
After you’ve spend a few hours exploring the castle, it’s time for lunch! I really enjoy The Piper’s Rest, which is delicious and also, again, haunted.
Afterwards, begin the walk towards Calton Hill. This involves a bit of an uphill trek, but rewards you with gardens, a museum, and a scenic overlook.
Next, head over to “The Scotch Whisky Experience” building. Is it touristy? Absolutely. Is it still fun and worth doing? Definitely!
The tasting tour lasts about 2 hours, and even if you’re not a fan of whisky (like me), it’s still fun.
⇒ Book your whisky tasting in advance.
Pro Tip: The unassuming shop across the street from here is actually massive, and has a HUGE Harry Potter themed area!
If you have more time on your hands, and don’t just want to roam the charming streets, there are several fabulous day trip options:
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Visit the mysterious and ornate Rosslyn Chapel & Scottish Borders
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Tour the boat of the British royal family: Royal Yacht Britannia
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Visit the Kelpies Statues at the Helix complex
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See Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands
As one does in Scotland, finish off your day at Biddy Mulligan’s pub for some drinks! 🍻 Slainte!
OUR HOTEL: Motel One Edinburgh Royal – Perfect location near the Royal Mile at the bottom of idyllic Cockburn Street. Rooms are nice and the lounge/bar area is fun!
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