Hit the highlights and make the most of your Edinburgh trip with this essential 3-day Edinburgh itinerary.
Edinburgh is one of my all-time favourite cities, and the perfect place for a city break. Edinburgh is majestic, lively, and full of character. As Scotland’s capital city, it has witnessed many key events in Scotland’s history. I’ve visited Edinburgh countless times, but keep coming back because this beautiful city just keeps on giving.
This 3-day Edinburgh itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors. Whether you have a long weekend in Edinburgh or want some inspiration for a longer trip, this guide showcases the best places to visit in Edinburgh.
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
For the nicest weather, the best time to visit Edinburgh is in the summer (June to August). You’ll get more Scottish sunshine in the summer, but the weather is by no means tropical. Temperatures are typically in the range of 10-15°C (50-59°F), going up to a maximum of 20°C (69°F). There have been more heatwaves in the last few years (blame global warming), with temperatures of up to 30°C (86°F) recorded. Summer in Edinburgh is also the busiest, as this is the peak tourist season in Scotland and the school summer holidays. Note that schools in Scotland and England have slightly differing summer holiday schedules.
The annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a renowned performing arts festival, runs for most of the month of August. During this period, Edinburgh gets very crowded, and accommodation is much more expensive. Unless you’re specifically in Edinburgh for Fringe (which is excellent, by the way), August is a month best avoided.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) in Edinburgh are colder, but also have fewer crowds. Hotels in Edinburgh will generally be cheaper during spring and autumn.
Winter in Edinburgh (December to February) brings cold and gloomier weather, with shorter hours of daylight. But Edinburgh does look pretty magical covered in snow. Just don’t try to climb Arthur’s Seat in a snowstorm like me (I made it to the top, but with great difficulty!). Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration in Edinburgh, is also a very lively affair, with street processions, fireworks, and general merriment.
Be prepared for rain whatever time of year you visit, as we are talking about Scotland, after all. Edinburgh looks quite moody and atmospheric in the rain, and there are plenty of indoor activities to do in Edinburgh. Make sure to pack an umbrella and/or a waterproof coat whatever time of year you’re planning to visit Edinburgh.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
The best area to stay in Edinburgh is in the old town near the Royal Mile. Edinburgh is a very walkable city, and most of the attractions are clustered around the Royal Mile area.
For more budget-friendly accommodation options in Edinburgh, consider staying further out towards Haymarket or West End. This is still within reasonable walking distance of the main attractions, but tends to be cheaper than the old town.
Here are my recommendations for where to stay in Edinburgh:
Luxury Options
The Balmoral Hotel – iconic landmark hotel in Edinburgh, the only 5* hotel in Edinburgh. J.K. Rowling famously finished writing the final Harry Potter book whilst staying at the Balmoral Hotel in 2007.
The Witchery by the Castle – opulent gothic-style rooms with oak four-poster beds and velvet walls in a historic 16th-century building, located in the heart of Edinburgh old town near the castle. Also has a famous restaurant.
Mid-Range Options
Aparthotel Adagio – hotel with comfortable self-contained studio apartments, including a small kitchen with induction hob and fridge. Great location in the old town, and perfect for longer city breaks – I loved the flexibility of having somewhere to cook when I stayed here.
Motel One – stylish and modern rooms, excellent central location in the old town, only a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station. Perfect if you’re visiting Edinburgh by train.
Budget Options
Cityroomz Edinburgh – centrally-located at the edge of the old town, rooms are fairly small and basic (no air con in the event of a heatwave, as I discovered), but come with en suite bathrooms. Very good price for the location and ideal for budget travellers.
CoDE Pod Hostel – top-rated hostel with pod-style dorms for more privacy, as well as reasonably-priced private rooms. Located in the heart of the old town. Perfect for solo travellers.
3-Day Edinburgh Itinerary
Edinburgh Day 1: Quintessential Edinburgh
We start our 3-day Edinburgh itinerary with the quintessential highlights of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. We’ll also be exploring some other iconic spots in the old town such as Victoria Street and Greyfriars Kirkyard. If you only have one day in Edinburgh, you should follow day 1 of this Edinburgh itinerary.
Edinburgh Castle
The iconic Edinburgh Castle is a must-see attraction in Edinburgh. Built high on a rocky crag known as Castle Rock, it can be seen from all over the city due to its elevation. It is majestic and imposing, and looks particularly glorious bathed in a warm golden glow around sunset.
Edinburgh Castle dates back to at least the 11th century, and there is a lot of history to unpack here. The castle is huge and actually made up of lots of separate buildings. You need around 2-3 hours in Edinburgh Castle to fully appreciate the place, although you can easily spend longer here.
Edinburgh Castle was the seat of power for Scottish monarchs for hundreds of years. It has the distinction of being the most besieged castle in Europe, having been under siege 23 times! Later, in the 17th century, the castle was used mainly as a military garrison rather than a royal residence. Nowadays, Edinburgh Castle is more of a museum, and the Royal Family stays at Holyrood Palace when visiting Edinburgh.
Highlights of Edinburgh Castle
Here’s a round-up of what to see in Edinburgh Castle:
The Honours of Scotland, aka the Scottish Crown Jewels, are on display in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle. The Scottish Crown Jewels, comprising a magnificent crown, sceptre, and sword of state, are actually older than the English… I mean British… Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Mary, Queen of Scots used the crown and sceptre for her coronation in 1543. The Stone of Destiny, which Scottish monarchs traditionally sit upon to be crowned, was previously also displayed at Edinburgh Castle. Since March 2024, it has been moved to the newly-opened Perth Museum.
Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James VI, future King of Scotland and England, in the Royal Palace at Edinburgh Castle. You can visit the birth chamber, which is decorated as it was when James VI returned to celebrate his golden jubilee at Edinburgh Castle.
The Great Hall is a grand feasting hall fit for a king. It was built in 1511 for King James IV, and the hall still features the original wooden hammerhead beam ceiling.
The One O’Clock Gun is fired at, you guessed it, one o’clock every day (except Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas). This tradition dates back to 1861, when it was used to help ships in the Firth of Forth set their maritime clocks. Although the actual gun used has been updated, the original tradition continues to this day. You can watch it being fired from the castle ramparts – get there at least 10 minutes beforehand. It’s located near the Redcoat Café.
Make sure to take in the stunning views of Edinburgh from the castle walls, whichever part of the castle you’re in!
Tips for Visiting Edinburgh Castle
I advise booking tickets for Edinburgh Castle in advance, as they often sell out, particularly in the summer. You can book tickets online on the official website.
Entry is free for Historic Scotland members (online booking required) and 50% off for English Heritage members. If you’re planning to visit multiple historic sites and castles in Scotland, consider getting an Explorer Pass (valid for 14 days and cheaper than a full Historic Scotland membership).
Edinburgh Castle is open daily from 9:30am. Last entry and closing times vary by season, and may be affected by national holidays, seasonal events, and extreme weather. Check the official Edinburgh Castle website for the most up-to-date information.
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is a historic road that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. The name comes from the fact that it is the traditional processional route for monarchs, and is approximately one mile long. Mary, Queen of Scots famously rode down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace upon her return from France to rule Scotland in 1561.
The Royal Mile is located in the heart of Edinburgh Old Town. The roads are lined with the tall grey-brown sandstone buildings that give Edinburgh its distinctive character. This area is perfect to wander through and soak up the atmosphere, although it can feel quite crowded at times. Don’t forget to look back and admire the views of Edinburgh Castle as you go. Make sure to walk through a few of the historic narrow alleyways known as “closes” between buildings as well.
The Royal Mile is packed with pubs, cafés, shops and other attractions. If you want to pick up a tartan scarf as a souvenir, this area has plenty of shops selling tartan (and tweed) of varying quality and price.
Have lunch in the old town in between exploring. I recommend MUMS Great Comfort Food for an excellent gourmet sausage and mash. Or try Arcade Haggis & Whisky House for a classic Scottish meal of “haggis, neeps and tatties” (they also have a vegetarian version). Oink on Victoria Street does a very tasty hog roast, which I also highly recommend (there’s another branch near Holyrood Palace).
If you’re interested in Scottish history and its religious reform, take a peek inside the 900-year-old St Giles’ Cathedral, which is free to visit. John Knox, who led the Scottish Reformation (Scotland’s change from Catholic to Protestant in the 1500s), regularly preached here. You can also visit the nearby John Knox House, where he lived.
Edinburgh Old Town
This next part of our Edinburgh itinerary will be of particular interest to Harry Potter fans. Although, I hasten to add, you don’t need to be a Harry Potter fan to appreciate it.
Victoria Street and Candlemaker Row are two colourful cobbled streets in the old town. Aside from being exceptionally charming to walk through, they are also thought to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley, the magical shopping district in Harry Potter.
At the bottom of Candlemaker Row, you’ll find the famous Greyfriars Kirkyard, a 16th century graveyard in Edinburgh containing several notable graves. As you enter, you’ll see a statue of a small terrier dog. This is a tribute to Greyfriars Bobby, who wins the award for being the most loyal dog in Scotland. He sat and guarded his master’s grave for 14 years! He’s now also buried in the graveyard near his owner.
For Harry Potter fans, there are five notable graves in Greyfriars Kirkyard to look out for: Tom Riddell, William McGonagall, Anne Potter, Elizabeth Moodie, and Margaret Louisa Scrymgeour Wedderburn. I challenge you to find them all. (Most of these are now marked on Google Maps). These gravestones are thought to be the inspiration for several Harry Potter character names.
Author J.K. Rowling wrote much of the first Harry Potter book at the nearby café The Elephant House, and it’s very possible that she wandered down to Greyfriars Kirkyard for a bit of inspiration. Unfortunately, the original Elephant House café has been closed for a few years due to a fire that broke out in 2021. As of the end of 2025, it’s still undergoing repairs, and is not open for business.
If you’re interested in exploring Edinburgh’s connection to Harry Potter, check out this free Harry Potter walking tour.
Grab dinner (+/- a pint) at a traditional Scottish pub on the Royal Mile. If you’re feeling somewhere fancy, try Ondine (their oysters are excellent) or Angels with Bagpipes.
Edinburgh Day 2: Culture & Scenery
On day 2 of this 3-day Edinburgh itinerary, we are delving a bit deeper into Scottish history at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as admiring some picturesque views in Dean Village, and watching the sunset on Calton Hill.
Dean Village
Start your day with a relaxing morning walk in Dean Village. Dean Village is an idyllic and peaceful village on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Picturesque 19th-century houses line the banks of the stream known as the Water of Leith.
Walk along the riverbank and through the cobblestone streets of the village to take in the atmosphere.
Dean Village is about a 30-minute walk from Edinburgh Old Town. But you can also easily hop on a bus to get there. Several bus routes stop in Dean Village – check Google Maps for live bus times. Its further out location makes it a bit of a hidden gem in Edinburgh. Indeed, I didn’t make it to Dean Village until my fourth or fifth visit to Edinburgh, but it’s well worth the trek.
Dean Village does tend to get a bit busier later in the day, and loses a bit of its tranquil charm, so it’s best to go in the morning. Try to be mindful of the fact that Dean Village is a real, functioning village where people still live.
Grab lunch in the old town again, as we are headed to the same area as yesterday. Our next stop, the National Museum of Scotland, is very close to Greyfriars Kirkyard.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland, which has a wide range of exhibitions on Scottish history, archaeology, natural history, and science. The National Museum of Scotland is free to visit.
If you’re not really into museums, I still encourage you to at least take a look at the Grand Gallery. The open atrium with metal arches framing a domed glass ceiling is an impressive architectural sight. It’s also an excellent spot for people watching, especially on a cold or rainy day. Sit down for a cup of tea in the Balcony Café, which overlooks the Grand Gallery.
Here are some museum highlights:
Dolly the Sheep, the famous cloned sheep, is on display in the National Museum of Scotland. She was the first mammal cloned from an adult cell. This was done at the Roslin Institute, part of the University of Edinburgh.
My personal favourite is the Kingdom of the Scots gallery, which covers the reigns of the Scottish Kings and Queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. You can see a replica of her tomb effigy (the original is in Westminster Abbey), as well as various items she once owned.
To see some real Viking treasure, check out the Galloway Hoard exhibition. This Viking Age hoard was discovered in 2014, and is one of the most significant Viking hoards ever found in Britain. Learn about the painstaking restoration process, and see the magnificent gold and silver treasures that were unearthed.
There are also the Lewis Chessmen: intricately-carved 12th century walrus ivory chess pieces found on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
Sunset at Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a volcanic hill located in the centre of Edinburgh in the New Town. Calton Hill is one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh, and is the perfect place to see the sunset over Edinburgh. It can get crowded in the summer, so sunrise is a more peaceful option if you’re an early bird.
There are several notable 19th Century monuments on top of the hill. The most unusual is probably a classical Greek-style structure with columns, which was modelled on the Parthenon in Athens. This is the National Monument, built to commemorate Scottish soldiers who died during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815). It’s actually unfinished, as they ran out of money halfway through construction in 1829!
The Dugald Stewart Monument is another iconic monument on Calton Hill. The small circular temple with columns also draws on classical Greek influence (same architect), and is often featured in panoramic photos of Edinburgh. Dugald Stewart was a prominent 19th Century Scottish philosopher and mathematician.
You’ll also find the Nelson Monument, which is a tower built in the shape of an upturned telescope. It commemorates British naval hero Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Calton Hill is a fairly easy 5-10 minute climb via a flight of stairs and then a paved pathway. The entrance to the stairs is off Regent Road (A1), close to Edinburgh Waverley train station.
Edinburgh Day 3: Royal Edinburgh & Outdoor Adventure
The final day of this 3-day Edinburgh itinerary takes us to the east side of Edinburgh, where we will visit a grand royal palace and hike the largest volcanic hill in Edinburgh.
Holyrood Palace
Holyrood Palace, also known as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. This means that when the King visits Edinburgh (feels weird not to write “the Queen”), he stays in Holyrood Palace, not Edinburgh Castle.
As a working royal palace, it very much has the luxurious furnishings fit for a king. You can visit the State Apartments, which are still in use by the British monarch today. Queen Elizabeth II came to stay at Holyrood Palace for a week every year, and her son King Charles III has continued this tradition.
Mary, Queen of Scots lived at Holyrood Palace during her reign, and you can visit the preserved Mary, Queen of Scots Chambers. Holyrood Palace is also the site of a very dramatic event in her life. Mary’s private secretary, David Rizzio, was brutally stabbed to death in her chambers here. You can see the site where it happened, and you may spot a (perhaps modern-looking) bloodstain on the floorboards. A collection of jewels and portraits related to Mary, Queen of Scots are also on display here.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Mary, Queen of Scots, check out my deep dive on her life and reign.
Across the road from Holyrood Palace is the Scottish Parliament building. It’s free to visit, so worth a quick peek inside if you have some extra time. The debating chamber, where new Scottish laws are passed, is open to the public when parliament is not in session.
There are plenty of lunch options nearby. The Café at the Palace serves afternoon tea and light lunch options. The Scottish Parliament Café has haggis if you’re curious about trying it. A little further down the road on Canongate, Clarinda’s Tearoom makes excellent tea and cakes. There’s also another branch of Oink (delicious hog roast).
Arthur’s Seat Hike
For our afternoon activity, we don’t need to stray too far from where we left off in the morning at Holyrood Palace.
Arthur’s Seat is a striking rocky peak rising behind Holyrood Palace. It’s an extinct volcano which erupted around 340 million years ago. It may surprise you to know that this will be the third extinct volcano you’ll visit in Edinburgh. The other two extinct volcanoes in Edinburgh are Castle Rock, which Edinburgh Castle is built on, and Calton Hill.
Arthur’s Seat is a moderate-intensity hike, which takes about 45-60 minutes to reach the summit depending on the route you take. The panoramic views of Edinburgh city and the surrounding areas is well worth the effort to reach the top. Check the Historic Environment Scotland website for the map and up-to-date information on route closures.
Arthur’s Seat is located in Holyrood Park, and the start of the hike is within easy walking distance of Holyrood Palace.
We’ve now reached the end of our 3 days in Edinburgh! I hope you found this itinerary helpful in planning your trip to Edinburgh. Whether you’re going for a weekend or a longer visit, Edinburgh has a wealth of things to see and do, and we have only really scratched the surface. I hope you love Edinburgh as much as I do, and keep returning to discover more of the city’s beauty and charm.
For more Scotland travel inspiration, check out my North Coast 500 road trip itinerary.
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