3 Days In Edinburgh: Ultimate Edinburgh Itinerary

Last Updated on October 15, 2025

In a country where the national animal is the unicorn, whiskey flows vigorously through the cities and countryside like water AND is known for being the birthplace of Harry Potter, you can’t help but wonder and daydream about how to spend 3 days in Edinburgh.

What’s even more mystical and unbelievable about Edinburgh is that although it is one of the most haunted cities in the world and home to the dirtiest sewer in Europe, Nor Loch (more on that later), they have since “put it down, flipped it, and reversed it” into not only the greenest city in the United Kingdom but a city that draws us travelers back in visit after visit for its unmatched charm.

If this is your first time in the city, this 3 days in Edinburgh itinerary is perfect for first-timers wanting to enjoy all it has to offer. Full of historic sights and amazing coffee and food. Let’s dive in.

This post may contain affiliate links for the products I mentioned, but as always, all opinions are my own. I make a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase or book through these links. This helps to support this space and keep me blogging, which I am so extremely thankful for.


Things to know before visiting Edinburgh

It’s pronounced “eh-din-bur-uh”, not “ed-in-burg”. I may or may not have found this out from personal experience… Locally it’s often reduced to “Edin-bru” or even “Embra”.

Keep left. They drive on the left side of the road in Scotland, which has translated to the rules of the sidewalk.

Bring comfortable walking shoes. While atmospheric, Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets don’t do your back any favors. Not to mention the city was built on seven hills.

Book in advance. Any time of year, but especially if you’re visiting during the summer. If you wait, you’ll get the last draft pick of just about everything: tours, accommodation, and rentals.

Pack a good raincoat. The weather in Scotland is known for changing on a whim and the city is no stranger to spontaneous rain. A good raincoat will keep you dry and prevent you from wasting your pint money on a cheap tartan umbrella…

Tipping isn’t as common. It’s generally only required for table service at a restaurant (around 10-15%).

Learn some local jargon. While wandering and interacting with locals, you’ll hear many things that may have you scratching your head. When asked if I was in the “queue” (the line), I looked confused for about five seconds before I realized what I was being asked. Here are some popular words to know:

Scran = food

Queue = waiting line

Loch = lake

Dram = a shot of whisky

Kirk = church

Law = hill

Burn = stream

Haar = the chilly fog that sometimes blankets the city

Greet = cry (not to say hello)

Avoid Edinburgh in August. Unless you’re going to the annual Fringe Festival.


How To Spend 3 Days In Edinburgh

This Edinburgh itinerary focuses on a few main parts of the city: Old Town, New Town, and Leith. It hits a lot of attractions Edinburgh is famous for, as well as some off-beat gems for you to uncover.

During these 3 days in Edinburgh, you’ll immerse yourself in Scottish history, see the city’s most photogenic spots, try local cuisine, sip whisky, and feel like royalty among castles and monuments. I’ve included a ton in this itinerary, but as always cater yours to your specific travel style.

Since there is so much to see and do in Edinburgh, I’ve included a small list of additional activities at the end of this blog post that are worth considering to make your visit extra special. A blog on the best things to do in Edinburgh is coming soon, so stay tuned for that.

Who this itinerary is for | I recommend this itinerary for first-time visitors to Edinburgh who want to visit famous attractions but also get off the beaten path. Bonus points for my fellow foodies as I’ve included some stellar coffee shop and restaurant recommendations throughout this post.

Use this map to help you navigate these 3 days in Edinburgh itinerary! For best use, download this map to your smartphone so you can use it offline (instructions here).


Edinburgh Itinerary: Day One

The first day on this Edinburgh itinerary is going to take you through some of the most popular locations in Edinburgh and give you a lay of the land. First, you’ll caffeinate at the Milkman, then enjoy a full Scottish breakfast. Afterward, explore the Royal Mile and Grassmarket Square for vintage shops and century-old bookstores. Finish off the day at the National Museum Of Scotland where you will dive into Scottish culture, history, and the world’s first cloned mammal.

a latte served at the Milkman, a perfect place to begin any Edinburgh itinerary.

Coffee At The Milkman

Nestled in the heart of Old Town, The Milkman welcomes coffee lovers and connoisseurs alike to a special environment to wake up and watch the city come alive. If you’re serious about your cup of joe, you’ll love their specialty coffee.

There are two locations, but the one off of Cockburn Street (linked above) is my favorite, atmospheric and right off the Royal Mile. Otherwise, check out my blog about the best coffee shops in Edinburgh for more great places to caffeinate.

Indulge in a Full Scottish Breakfast

What is a Full Scottish Breakfast? By full, the Scots mean “complete”, but you WILL be full when you’ve finished this heart platter of goods: egg, tomato, sausage links, sauteed mushroom, baked beans, black pudding, thinly sliced ham, and a tattie (potato).

Good to know: Black pudding is quite the opposite of the sweet dessert, but ask what it is after you try it.

There are plenty of spots around Edinburgh to try this staple but I recommend Quinn’s Cafe, Greenwoods, Southern Cross Cafe, and Edinburgh Larder Cafe. They’re all close to the Royal Mile with drool-worthy menus. For my veggie folks, look to Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch.

a cobblestone road lined with historic buildings and cathedrals is flocked with pedestrians on a 3 days in Edinburgh itinerary

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the most iconic street in Scotland and probably the entirety of the United Kingdom.

The street runs between two important landmarks in Scottish history: Edinburgh Castle and The Palace of Holyrood. The series of streets and alleyways on the mile make up the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town, in Edinburgh.

While it’s not technically an ‘exact’ mile, the name does have a nice ring to it and has stuck since its naming in 1920. The Royal Mile isn’t a place where you necessarily “arrive” and then leave. The mile itself is iconic, but what you’ll be exploring are the shops, experiences, street performers, and restaurants that make up the mile and beyond.

Edinburgh is a melting pot of culture, cuisine, and history, so there is no limit to what you may see roaming the mile. Take it slow, wear comfortable shoes, and keep an eye out for these stops:

/ / Tour the Real Mary King’s Close. Closes were small gated communities long, long ago. This one is the most famous, named after a widowed merchant who lived there during the bubonic plague. You can take guided tours of this close that will tell the stories and give you all the disturbing, and maybe a little bit gross, history of this underground mystery. It’s one of the many great, unusual things to do in Edinburgh.

/ /  Spit on the Heart Of Midlothian. This heart mosaic built into the pavement marks the position of the Old Tollbooth. It was the location where people would gather for public hangings. If you were really unlucky, you would be sent inside to be tortured. If you were freed from jail, it was customary to spit on the heart on the way out to stick it to the man.

/ /  Marvel at St. Giles Cathedral. This cathedral was founded by King David I around 1124. Its intricate stained glass walls and ceilings lined with ornate archways take you back in time. There is a lot of history of this church involving The Jacobites, Bonnie Prince Charlie, John Knox, and John Calvin, but the Scottish tell it a whole lot better than I ever could, so brush up on it before you explore this wonder. The entrance is free and I recommend getting here early in the morning since it can get crowded by midday.

/ /  Stop by the Scotch Whisky Experience. This attraction tells the tale of Scotland’s national drink with high-tech exhibits and its collection of nearly 4,000 bottles of whisky, the largest in the world. They have several different tours, but I recommend this tour for first-time visitors.

A women unlocks a door nestled between two bookshops in Edinburgh.

Explore Grassmarket Square

Where the Royal Mile shines as put together and orderly, Grassmarket Square is The Royal Mile’s quirky, and kinda weird younger sister.

In 1477, Grassmarket Square was one of the most popular marketplaces in Edinburgh. The term “Grassmarket” comes from the animals’ grass pens that occupied the west end of the square. From that spot, you’re able to see Edinburgh Castle towering over the shops, making one of the more spectacular backdrops in all of Edinburgh.

Don’t miss the Vennel Viewpoint nearby for an insanely beautiful photo location.

Things to do around Grassmarket Square

/ / Visit The Elephant House. This is one of the main spots for Harry Potter lovers to visit. It’s said that J.K. Rowling wrote part of the series staring out the cafe’s tall glass windows. Albeit a classic Edinburgh Harry Potter location, don’t pass up the gourmet menu of breakfast and brunch items.

/ / Peruse the novels at Armchair Books. The “very nearly alphabetized chaos” of this old bookstore is a must-see while in Edinburgh. They have Victorian illustrated and secondhand books of nearly anything and everything.

/ / Thrift at Armstrong’s Vintage. This unique thrift store is dedicated to clothing, accessories, and shoes from various decades over the past century. You could spend hours rummaging through items from the ’70s, ’80s, or the grunge-y ’90s. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, you will find some seriously cool stuff here.

/ / Wander the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market. If your 3 days in Edinburgh itinerary falls over the weekend, the farmers market is a staple for a taste of local life. Under the regal Edinburgh Castle, you can shop for everything from cheese, wine, freshly baked bread, spreads, produce, and other local brands.

/ / Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and statue. The story of Greyfriars Bobby is one of the most popular stories in Scotland among tourists. It’s like the Scottish version of Balto: a loyal Skye terrier refused to leave his master’s grave, eventually passing away. Tourists leave a stick by his gravestone in the kirkyard and then rub the nose of his statue for good luck.

The graveyard is also one of the most popular Harry Potter filming locations in Edinburgh. The graves of Tom Riddle, William McGonagall, and Elizabeth Moodie are dotted throughout. They’re said to have inspired the respected characters in the novels.

/ / Snap a photo along Victoria Street. This is one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh. It’s lined with colorful shops winding up from Grassmarket Square. Get here early for a good photo, then explore any of the shops.

National Museum Of Scotland

One of the best, free things to do in Edinburgh is visit the National Museum of Scotland.

There are a ton of interesting things to see here like Dolly, the world’s first cloned animal. Other highlights are Arthur’s Seat Coffins, the Cramond Lioness, and the Muonionalusta Meteorite. You could easily spend hours here looking at artifacts, paintings, Viking treasure, dinosaurs, and their newest exhibitions.

Location: Google Maps | Cost: Free


Edinburgh Itinerary: Day Two

Begin day two of this Edinburgh itinerary starts at the Scott Monument. Next, you’ll walk over to Calton Hill and admire the many monuments at the top, plus the most photographed view in the city. Afterward, head to The Dome for afternoon tea and finish off the day exploring the Palace of Holyrood, Holyrood Abbey, and Arthur’s Seat before grabbing a pint to conclude the day.

an up-close photo looking up at a Victorian gothic monument

Scott Monument

The Scott Monument, built from 1840-1844, is a Victorian Gothic monument commemorating Scotland’s greatest novelist, Sir Walter Scott.

It protrudes above Edinburgh beautifully and is hard to miss while you walk between Old and New Town. You can climb all 287 stairs to access four different viewing platforms that overlook Princes Street, the Princes Street Gardens, Old Town, New Town, and Edinburgh Castle.

Inside, different types of artifacts and excerpts about Walter Scott’s life are framed by stained glass windows.

Location: Google Maps | Cost: £8 ($10 USD)

A photo of the Calton Hill monument overlooking the city of Edinburgh.

Calton Hill

Edinburgh is built on seven hills: Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat, Castle Rock, Corstorphine Hill, Braid Hill, Blackford Hill, and Craiglockhart Hill. You can explore the top of all seven of them, but today you’ll be exploring Calton Hill.

What makes this hill different from the other six is that there are other monuments along this walk that you’ll be able to see on your way to the top:

Things to see on Calton Hill

/ / National Monument of Scotland. Although unfinished, and informally known as the Edinburgh Acropolis, the National Monument of Scotland was built to commemorate the soldiers who died during the Napoleonic Wars. The idea for this monument arose in 1816, a year after the wars, and was to be modeled after the Parthenon that stands in Rome. It was modeled after this structure since Edinburgh is known as “The Athens of the North”. Unfortunately, due to the cost of constructing Edinburgh’s New Town, the funds to finish this monument were cut in half, and the monument was left unfinished in 1829 and is now recognized as “the pride and poverty of Scotland“, and “Edinburgh’s shame” by William Playfair, the monument’s architect.

/ / Nelson Monument. This was designed to look like an upturned telescope to honor Admiral Horatio Nelson’s victory and death in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The white cross at the top was for ships in the harbor of Leith to indicate the time. Every day at one o’clock, the ball would drop and signal the time. Seven years after starting that, Edinburgh Castle decided to coincide with this and start the one o’clock gun to let the captains know.

/ / Dugald Stewart Monument. One of the most famous monuments in Edinburgh built to honor Scottish philosopher and writer Dugald Stewart in 1831.

/ / City Observatory. In 1818, William Henry Playfair was inspired by the Greek Temple of Four Winds and built this observatory. The first astronomer to study here in 1834, Professor Thomas Henderson, discovered parallax and how to calculate the distance to a star.

Location: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Afternoon Tea At The Dome

Drenched in opulence, The Dome is one of the best places in Edinburgh for afternoon tea.

They offer multiple different menus (GF, vegan, and children) and will make you feel like royalty inside their Georgian Tea Room. Tea here books up fast, so make a reservation in advance. Another great option is Clarinda’s Tea Room.

Location: Google Maps | Cost: £32 ($40 USD)

1,000 year old abbey ruins dusted in vibrant green moss. One of the best things to see on a 3 days in Edinburgh itinerary.

Palace of Holyroodhouse & Holyrood Abbey

Dating back to 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse started as an abbey for monks by David I.

He named it “Holyrood”, “Holyrod”, or Holy Cross. As time went on, kings who ruled would build on the abbey and it ended up being frequently visited by royalty. Around the 15th century, the king built a palace on the property, creating the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

I recommend picking up an audio tour as you walk through rooms, gardens, and galleries. It tells a bunch of stories and history about Bonnie Prince Charlie, Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Victoria, other royal residences, and the palace itself.

This is one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh, so grab your entry tickets in advance.

Behind the palace is the original Holyrood Abbey. It was burnt down in the 13th century, so it’s now in ruins. However, the property is a beautiful place to take photos since the remains are almost one thousand years old and covered in this beautiful bright green moss.

Location: Google Maps | Cost: £20 ($25.20)

a drone photograph of a lush dormant volcano rising over a historic city

Sunset at Arthur’s Seat

From the abbey ruins you can walk right over to Arthur’s Seat.

This is another one of the seven hills Edinburgh was built on. Arthur’s Seat is interesting because it’s actually a dormant volcano. It’s one of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh and is a popular spot for locals to catch a sunset.

It takes a bit to get up there since the paths can get steep, so arrive a few hours before the sun goes down to explore and get some nice photos.

Things to see on Arthur’s Seat

/ / Saint Anthony’s Chapel Ruins.  This chapel has been linked to the Holyrood Abbey, but very little is known about this spot, even when it was built. A majority of the chapel is gone, but a small portion still stands. The best way to get up to the ruins is by following St. Margaret’s Loch and taking the path furthest to the left since it has the most steady elevation. Centuries ago, the same path was also taken by Pilgrims before arriving at Holyrood Abbey.

/ / St. Margarets Loch. Scenic loch with wildlife that is in the foreground of the ruins.

Location: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Grab a pint at a local pub

If you wander around and pop into the coziest pub you see, it’s nearly guaranteed to be a good time.

There is no shortage of pubs in Edinburgh, but if you need a little guidance, here are some recommendations:

/ / The Devil’s Advocate. Cozy, brick-lined gastropub with over 300 whiskys.

/ / The Last Drop. Atmospheric pub next to an old execution site.

/ / Auld Hundred. Old school pub with an intimate dining room upstairs.

Grabbing a pint is the best way to end day two of this Edinburgh itinerary. If you don’t drink, pop into Secret Arcade, although it’s a vodka bar, they have an extensive tea menu and are open late.


Edinburgh Itinerary: Day Three

The final stop on this 3 days in Edinburgh itinerary begins at Edinburgh Castle. From there, you’ll venture to Dean’s Village, have lunch in Stockbridge, and then spend the rest of the day visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens and Scottish National Gallery, ending the day with a movie at The Cameo Picturehouse.

A view looking up at Edinburgh Castle from the Edinburgh Farmers Market.

Relive History at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is the most famous monument in the city and one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. It has a long and rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress.

As you walk, you’ll be in the same footsteps as kings, queens, prisoners, and the occasional pirate or two. The castle grounds are massive, so you can easily end up spending half a day seeing everything in there.

Tickets sell out far in advance, especially during the summer months. Once they’re sold out, no other tickets are available to get into the castle, so make sure you grab yours ahead of time. I recommend getting the earliest possible time slot because the castle grounds are packed by the late morning.

You can buy a ticket that includes a guided tour or pick up a self-guided audio tour when you get inside. The audio tour is quite long, so I recommend getting a ticket that includes a tour. After that, you can explore around on your own.

Things to see at Edinburgh Castle

/ / Marvel at The Crown Jewels. Regalia (crown, sword, and stone) that were worn by Scottish Monarchs during their coronation.

/ / Visit the Great Hall. A wonder of medieval Scotland built for King James IV in 1511.

/ / Hear the One O’Clock Gun. An old time signal for ships in the Firth of Forth. The firing dates back to 1861 and the tradition is still carried on today.

/ / See the Royal Palace. The old residence of kings and queens. Many significant events in Scottish history happened within the palace walls.

Location: Google Maps | Cost: £19.50+ ($25+ USD)

a centuries old bucolic village formed along a lush stream

Dean Village

Dean Village (meaning “Deep Valley”) is a dreamy, bucolic village built along a tranquil stream in West Edinburgh.

This little spot thrived for over 800 years until trade picked up and caused residents to abandon it during the second half of the 20th century. During that time, New Town had expanded, casting a casting a shadow on the small village.

It’s not riddled with sights and shops, but it is an ideal spot for a peaceful walk devoid of tourists. It’s only a ten-minute walk from Princes Street as well so it’s not too far away from the main areas.

While you’re here, don’t miss St. Bernard’s Well, Bell’s Brae BridgeDean Cemetary, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

Location: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Lunch In Stockbridge

Right next to Dean Village is my favorite neighborhood in Edinburgh, Stockbridge.

There are a ton of great places to eat here:

/ / Skua. Modern Scottish cooking featuring small plates and drinks.

/ / Nok’s Kitchen. Traditional Thai food in a relaxed setting.

/ / The Scran and Scallie. Gastropub with a modern Scottish menu.

/ / Blackwoods. Local and regional Scottish cuisine.

/ / Bell’s Diner. Gourmet burgers, steaks, and shakes.

Also in this area, is one of the prettiest streets in Edinburgh, Circus Lane, a must-see before you head back into the city.

Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh was founded in 1670. It boasts over 70 acres of greenery and a stunning view of the Edinburgh skyline.

There is a next-level herbarium (a collection of dried plant specimens) that contains over three million species of plants from over 300 years of collecting. They also host a variety of temporary exhibitions you can walk through.

Location: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is home to some of the finest art in the world from artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Leonardo da Vinci, and Salvador Dali. Plus hundreds, if not thousands of other notable artists from the Renaissance and onward.

If you’re an art lover, you’ll love this place. Since it’s the last major stop on this itinerary, you can take your time here and explore it thoroughly.

Location: Google Maps | Cost: Free

Catch A Movie At The Cameo Picturehouse

The Cameo Picturehouse is the oldest entertainment complex in Edinburgh. It has almost, if not all its original decor and detailing which takes you back to when it was built in 1910.

They feature older and more modern movies. You can view the schedule here if you’re interested. They only play a handful of movies at a time, so find something you’ve never heard of or a new flick you’ve been anticipating for months.

They have snacks, free wifi, and all sorts of other goodies that you can snack on during the movie. This is a great way to close off your final night in Edinburgh and get that last taste of history before setting off to the Isle of Skye or your next destination!


3 Days In Edinburgh Overview

Here is an overview of what you’ll explore over this Edinburgh itinerary. Download the free map at the top of this blog post to help you map directions up to all these amazing stops.

Day One

Coffee at The Milkman

Enjoy A Full Scottish Breakfast

The Royal Mile

Grassmarket Square

National Museum of Scotland

Day Two

Scott Monument

Calton Hill

Afternoon Tea at The Dome

Palace of Holyroodhouse & Holyrood Abbey

Arthur’s Seat

Have a Pint at a Traditional Pub

Day Three

Edinburgh Castle

Dean’s Village

Stockbridge

Royal Botanical Gardens

Scottish National Gallery

Cameo Picturehouse


More Things To Do in Edinburgh

These are more things to consider for your Edinburgh itinerary. A guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh is on the way.

/ / Leith. A bustling and artistic port district with waterfront cafes and traditional pubs.

/ / Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Longstanding tower with five floors of illusions and hands-on exhibitions.

/ / Royal Yacht Britannica. The former floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II. You can tour it, enjoy high tea, and even book a stay overnight. Get tickets.

/ / Sheep Heid Inn. Cheers at Scotland’s oldest pub.

/ / Edinburgh Guided Food Tour. Spend 3 hours eating like a local around Old Town.


How Long Do You Need in Edinburgh?

3 days in Edinburgh is enough time to cover the city’s main highlights. I always say more time is always merrier when exploring larger cities. Three days is perfect if you’re visiting as part of a larger Scotland itinerary, and it’s all the time you have.

One or two days in Edinburgh is possible, but you’ll have to jam-pack your itinerary and miss out on some key places.  If you have less time, prioritize Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyrood, Holyrood Abbey, Calton Hill, and Arthur’s Seat.


a photo of an ornate hotel, The Balmoral. One of the best places to stay during an Edinburgh itinerary

Where To Stay In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is filled with amazing places to stay no matter what type of trip you’re taking. I recommend staying as close to the Royal Mile or Princes Street as you can for convenience’s sake, especially if it’s your first time in Edinburgh.

Whether you’re traveling to Scotland on a budget or have more to spend, here are some amazing, centrally-located stays to consider. I also have a list of the best hostels in Edinburgh worth considering if you’re backpacking.

/ / PRINCES STREET HOSTEL | This is a budget-friendly social hostel right off Princes Street. It’s within walking distance from the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, and other popular sites. They have mixed and female-only dorms with a variety of different beds. Onsite they also have a shared kitchen, free wifi, lockers, a lounge area, shared bathrooms, and a game room.

/ / SIX BRUNTON PLACE | This charming stay is on the east side of Edinburgh near Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s a historic bed and breakfast with a garden, terrace, and free wifi. Each room has a TV, a private bathroom, a private patio, and a lounge area.

/ / KIMPTON CHARLOTTE SQUARE | Nestled right below the towering Edinburgh Castle, this hotel is yards away from Princes and Georges Street and within walking distance from the Scott Monument, Grassmarket Square, and the Royal Mile. Rooms have smart TVs, complimentary treats and drinks, and a private bathroom. Onsite, guests can access the hotel’s swimming pool, gym, spa, and indoor courtyard, where breakfast is served.

/ / THE BALMORAL | This historic hotel opened in 1902 and is now one of the most luxurious stays in the heart of Edinburgh. It’s within walking distance of the Royal Mile, Scott Monument, Princes Street, and Edinburgh Castle. Onsite there are multiple fine dining restaurants and bars, a sauna, a Turkish steam room, an exercise studio, free wifi, and a swimming pool.

Booking.com


How To Get Around Edinburgh

/ / Walking | Edinburgh is very compact, so it’s an extremely walkable city. However, it’s a city built on seven hills and the roads are cobblestone, so pack comfortable walking shoes.

/ / Bus | Some destinations are too far for walking, and the next best option for getting around is by taking the bus. Edinburgh has a highly efficient bus system. The Lothian Bus website will tell you all the best bus options and times based on where you’re staying. You can purchase day tickets for £1.80 or a full-day pass for £4.50. Use this visitor’s guide to give you the COMPLETE 411 on navigating the city’s bus system.

/ / Taxi/Rideshare | If you ever need a ride after a late night out, an Uber or taxi is your best bet. While not the cheapest option, I found Uber more affordable and not as obnoxiously priced as taxis.

When To Visit Edinburgh

Choosing when to plan your Edinburgh itinerary largely depends on what you want to do.

Summer and fall are typically the two most favorable, but each season in Scotland offers something different and there are pros and cons to each of them. Read my guide on the Best Time To Visit Scotland for specific advice for each season and a month-to-month overview.


If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, feel free to reach out for additional advice and travel tips while you’re there. Otherwise, browse my other useful guides to help you plan your trip:

Best Things To Do in Edinburgh (coming soon)

Best Time To Visit Scotland

Scotland Packing List

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Tips For Traveling Scotland On A Budget

46 Scotland Travel Tips

Isle of Skye Itinerary

How To Get From Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye

Old Man Of Storr Hiking Guide

Best Day Trips From Edinburgh

Best Hostels In Edinburgh

Best Coffee Shops In Edinburgh


I hope you enjoyed my 3 days in Edinburgh itinerary. If you found it useful, save the pins below to Pinterest so you can reference it for your trip.

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  • This is an awesome itinerary! You clearly put in a lot of work. I’m going to Edinburgh in November, and I’ve added so many things to do from this. Without you I would be stranded! Thank you!!

  • Hi! This is a fabulous article. I am planning a trip to Scotland with my daughter and it has been so helpful for me to map activities out.

  • A lovely write-up, in general, & engendered many happy memories! On two points, however, I must correct you:

    First, Scotch is ‘whisky’; all that other stuff is ‘whiskey’.

    Second, no matter how many tourists you may see doing it, it is very bad form to rub Bobby’s nose!

    • Hi Martha!

      Thank you so much for this feedback (: I went ahead and made some revisions to this post to reflect your insight.

  • I love this, good job!

    You have done an amazing job with this review of Edinburgh! I’ve been there before and after reading your post, I feel like I missed out on some great experienses. Thank you, now I really have to book a new trip to Edinburgh 😀

    • THANK YOU (: This is so kind!!

      It took ages and I wanted to make sure I didn’t leave anything out – You can never see it all in one trip, so it really is all the more reason to go back (:

  • Such a great guide! I would love to visit Edinburgh someday. The royal botanical gardens sound great – definitely sounds like a great place to spend an afternoon!

  • This looks like such a perfect itinerary! We’re headed to Scotland in September so I hope the weather is ok then too! Will bookmark this for my reference -thanks!

  • Great guide! I’m planning to spend a weekend there soon, this will make it so much easier, thanks!