I’ve been delaying writing this Edinburgh itinerary post for months! I love this city so much, it makes me feel a lot of pressure to make recommendations, even though I’ve been there so many times. But it’s time! I’m pretty sure I’ll come back to it time and again to update and add more. But for now, here it is.
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city rich in history, culture and stunning landscapes. It’s one of my favourite cities in the world! It’s so unique and magnificent and stunning! Every single time I visit, I come back on the train/car looking up real estate there. If I stay in the UK, I have a feeling I’ll move there eventually. I must say, the weather is a total turn off… However, not only Edinburgh is an incredible place but Scotland is a fascinating country! The landscape is otherworldly, the people are so friendly and there’s so much to do, especially if you’re into the outdoors.
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Whether you’re a fan of architecture, Harry Potter, dramatic landscapes or simply want to soak in the local atmosphere, this 3-day Edinburgh itinerary offers a full on schedule! Attractions, restaurant suggestions, hidden gems, views…
There’s A LOT to see and do in the city so this 3-day Edinburgh itinerary is full on! I suggest you pack your comfiest clothes and trainers.
The Royal Mile Starting with one of the most famous spots in Edinburgh! Stroll up the Royal Mile, the main street connecting the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle. This historic street is lined with shops, pubs and landmarks. Don’t miss St Giles’ Cathedral, a stunning piece of Gothic architecture.
Edinburgh Castle Stop by for a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock. Explore the Great Hall, the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The views over the city are breathtaking and a great way to kick off your trip. Going early also means you’re likely to get smaller crowds than the usual madness that is the Royal Mile, where the castle is located.
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: £19.50 (book tickets online for faster entry)
Edinburgh Farmer’s Market If it happens to be a Saturday, you’re in luck. The farmer’s market is right below the castle. You can grab local delicacies like hog roast, venison rolls and great cup of coffee!
Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Address: NCP Castle Terrace Car Park, Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EN
Thomas J Walls This is one of my favourite cafes in town (possibly THE favourite)! Stop by for a delicious brunch of eggs royale on hash browns, coffee and the best banana bread.
Address: Forrest Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2QN
Afternoon:
National Museum of Scotland Spend the afternoon exploring this vast museum, filled with Scottish history, artifacts and interactive exhibits. The building alone is stunning and it’s free to visit.
Greyfriars Kirkyard A must for Harry Potter fans, this historic cemetery inspired some of the names in J.K. Rowling’s books, including “Tom Riddle.” It’s also a beautiful place to wander around in the autumn. Don’t forget to say hello to Greyfriars Bobby!
Elephant House Café Also nearby is what used to be the iconic café where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the “Harry Potter” series. It was destroyed in a fire but they’re working on it. In the meantime, on Victoria Street you’ll find a temporary Elephant House Café.
Address (original): 21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH11EN
Grassmarket Go down to Grassmarket and head to number 19. There you will find the best ice cream you’ll ever have! Yep, Mary’s Milk Bar is another spot I won’t shut up about. They make their ice cream right there and every day they have new flavours – I will never forget the ricotta and orange blossom one! Please note they close on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Vennel Viewpoint By this point you might be feeling like taking a nap… However, you’ll be right by one of the most iconic views of Edinburgh. So hike up the almost 150 Vennel/Miss Jean Brodie steps – take your time if you need to. I promise the view is worth it! The top of the steps also has remaining parts of the Flodden Walls and Telfer Walls, medieval barriers to hold back invading armies.
Victoria Street Head back and up (yep, Edinburgh is a lot of up and down!) Victoria Street, one of the most colorful streets in Edinburgh, known for its quirky shops and restaurants. It’s said to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in “Harry Potter.”
Harry Potter Walking Tour Speaking of Harry Potter… if you wish, instead of going through some of these spots by yourself, you can take a Harry Potter Walking Tour like this one that takes you to most of these places and a couple of extra ones. This way you can also learn a lot from your guide rather than just looking around.
Dinner:
The Witchery by the Castle For a more refined dining experience, The Witchery offers a gothic atmosphere and a menu rich in Scottish flavours, perfect for a memorable first evening.
Address: Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NF
Day 2: The Outdoors and the Underground
Morning:
Arthur’s Seat For an adventurous morning, take a hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that offers panoramic views of Edinburgh. It’s a moderate hike and well worth the effort. Google Maps will tell you it takes about half an hour but it’s actually about 1, 1:30 up… it’s STEEP at times but you get a 360º view at the top.
Holyrood Palace Head back down and pop over to the Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Explore the historic apartments that were once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. You can also visit The King’s Gallery (reopening on 28 Feb 2025) and grab a coffee at The Cafe to rest from all the hiking. They also have a souvenir shop if you’re into the royals.
Calton Hill Now that you’ve had a little rest, head up to Calton Hill, home to several iconic monuments and spectacular views of the city. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also a filming location from “One Day”. Don’t worry, it’s only a short hike. You’ve already done Arthur’s Seat so this is nothing!
Lunch:
Howies If you fancy more of a full meal and taking your time to enjoy it, head over to Howies. It’s just a few steps away from Calton Hill and serves Scottish seasonal food.
Address: 29 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3BQ
Maki & Ramen If you’re looking for something a bit more casual and quick to keep you going, may I interest you in some ramen? Maki & Ramen is nourishing, quick, easy and delicious!
Address: 37 Leith St, Edinburgh EH1 3AT
St James’ Quarter Alternatively, you can pop over to the mall across the road where you’ll find all kinds of options like Five Guys and Itsu.
Address: St James Crescent, Edinburgh EH1 3AD
Bonus for the bookish: Very close to St James’ Quarter you’ll find one of my favourite bookshops in Edinburgh: Topping & Company. I highly recommend you pop by! The shop is beautiful and it also has a great selection, including a section of only books about Scotland!
Afternoon:
Writers’ Museum A free and small museum you can go around in about 10-20 minutes. First of all, the 17th century house is SO pretty and SO Edinburgh! Second of all, it’s loaded with literary relics of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. Located right on Lady Stairs’ Close where you can also see a beautiful view of the city while escaping the crowds of the Royal Mile. Opens every day from 10am – 5pm.
Address:
The Real Mary King’s Close Explore Edinburgh’s hidden history with a tour of The Real Mary King’s Close, a network of underground streets frozen in time. This guided tour offers a fascinating look into the city’s past and its haunting history. Open 9:30am – 7pm Sunday – Thursday, 9am – 9pm Fridays and Saturdays
Address: 2 Warriston’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG
Dinner:
Osaka Sushi I’d recommend getting out of the tourist areas for food. If you’re up for some Japanese, Osaka is highly related!
Address: 85 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1HN
The Abbotsford Bar & Restaurant If you’re looking for more of a local pub vibe, The Abbotsford is only a 10-min walk away from Real Mary King’s Close. It looks fancy but it’s casual and it offers Scottish pub food. When in Rome!
Address: 3-5 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 2PR
Day 3: Hidden Gems & City Centre
Morning:
Dean Village Walk over to Dean Village, a picturesque area along the Water of Leith known for its beautiful architecture and quiet atmosphere. No doubt you would’ve seen photos and videos of it on social media! It really is like a little village but just a few minutes’ walk away from the city centre. If you’re feeling energetic and have time on your hands, you can take the Water of Leith path and go all the way to the National Galleries of Scotland!
Butta Burger Head back into town via Charlotte Square and you’ll find plenty of eateries around. One of them is Butta Burger for a casual, no-fuss classic burger.
Address: 137 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JY
BABA Another is BABA for delicious, morish mediterranean cuisine.
Address: 130 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JZ
Afternoon:
Princes Street Gardens As you’ll be just a couple of blocks away, head to the Gardens for a post-lunch stroll to admire the gardens and take in the city.
National Gallery of Scotland Just across the road you’ll find the National Gallery. Pop by to admire the works of art and the neoclassical building first opened in 1859.
Dinner:
Topolabamba I know there’ll be other spots nearby but this one is only a 16min walk away. If you’re into Mexican food, I had the most delicious feast at Topolabamba! Accompanied by their special frozen margaritas and finished off with classic churros!
Address: 93 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH3 9AW
Tips for Your Edinburgh Trip:
Best Time to Visit: Autumn (September to November) offers cooler weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful foliage, especially in Princes Street Gardens and Arthur’s Seat.
Where to Stay: Look for accommodations near the Old Town or New Town for easy access to major attractions.
Transportation: Edinburgh is a walkable city, but public buses and trams are also convenient.
Day Trips: extend your stay to explore more of Scotland. From Edinburgh you can take all kinds of day trips including to the Highlands and Loch Ness as well as themed tours like the Outlander one.
This 3-day itinerary is perfect for experiencing the history, culture and beauty of Edinburgh with a mix of well-known landmarks and hidden gems.
Are you planning to visit Edinburgh soon? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!
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If you’re looking for other UK destinations for a cosy weekend getaway, head over to this post.
