This smoky, gothic city has castles built on extinct volcanoes and infamous views.
A town that dates back to the 12th century, but is so incredibly thought out…
The city is laid out in squares, everything just makes sense. It’s an absolute DREAM for tourists.
With most attractions in the city center, Edinburgh is incredibly walkable!
Let me show you how to make the most out of your trip!
Not sure how to get Data internationally? Check out the 7 Top Essentials you NEED when traveling abroad↗
Here’s a map ↗ it includes the full itinerary, walking directions, and food recommendations!
Feel free to rearrange, add, delete, and make it your own!
Don’t forget to check out Day 1 and Day 3 Walking Directions!
Key Tip #1
Day 1 and Day 3 take you along the city center.
Day 2 has you visiting the outskirts of Edinburgh!
Though most of this city is walkable, I recommend using the Lothian Buses, especially on Day 2!
Key TIP #2
Public Transportation
I recommend using the Lothian Bus Service! All the locals use it and it’s super easy!
You’ll need to download 2 apps.
The Lothian Bus and Tram App and the M-Tickets app.
The Lothian Bus & Tram app ↗ is live and shows you how to use the buses.
The M-Tickets app ↗ is how you purchase your tickets.
Let’s go through how to use the Lothian Bus service.
First, how to purchase tickets.
The M-Ticket app
Adult Single is only a one-way ticket!
Once you’ve purchased your tickets, you can activate them! After you activate them you will receive a QR code to scan on the bus upon entry!
Next, let’s go over how to locate your bus.
The Lothian Bus and Tram app
Select a route.
It tells you how long you walk and how long you’re on the bus!
Where to Stay
If you like being around a younger crowd or if you are solo traveling, I recommend staying at the Castle Rock Hostel!
With a beautiful view of the castle I mean you can’t get much better than that!
Click Here ↗ to book!
They have loads of different accommodation options including single, triple, quads, and 10+ dorms!
If you don’t mind sharing, this is the quickest way to meet people!
They also have a breakfast buffet for around $2.50!
This is a great way to make friends and enjoy the nightlife that Edinburgh has to offer!
Castle Rock is big on doing things as a group so join in on the pub crawls, parties, and tours!
Scotland Highlands Tours
Castle Rock is home to an amazing tour company Macbackpackers.
They offer 3-5 day tours of the Beautiful Scotland Highlands! Most likely, whoever stays there will add this to their trip! So you can continue to explore with new friends!
Click here to book a tour! ↗
Day 1
1. Edinburgh Castle
This beauty was built over 900 years ago on an extinct volcanic rock! How much more badass can you get?
This castle was home to hundreds of Kings and Queens throughout history and it’s simply breathtaking.
Upon entry, you can rent an audio guide to help navigate you through the years of christenings, deaths, prisons, and battles.
I highly recommend getting it!
The audio guide go in detail such as the history behind the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Something I might not have learned otherwise.
Tickets are around $20. Get them here↗
Audio Guides £3.50 adults *Highly recommended, takes you on a personal tour of the castle!*
Summer Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Winter Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Key Tip: A cannon is fired daily from the bottom of the castle. It goes off at 1 p.m. Don’t miss it!
2. Tartan Weaving Mill & Exhibition
This shop is located right outside the castle.
Shop for cashmere scarves, kilts, and endless collections of harry potter, star wars, and Comic apparel.
They have 5 stories of wonders to explore. Perfect for any gift shopping!
3. Ross Fountain
Such an amazing view of the castle! This is a great one for the Instagram pics!
4. St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard
Okay.. if you’re into the spooky vibe, Edinburgh has some of the coolest cemeteries… If that’s you’re thing 🙂
Take a stroll through the past with these beautifully crafted headstones and a gorgeous view of the castle!
6. Grass Market
Alongside the colorful Victoria Street, Grass Market is home to independent vendors selling designer items, food, and trinkets!
A wonderful market that is open on the weekends!
Grass Market runs on Saturday yearly from 10:00 a.m.- 5 p.m.
7. The Elephant House
“Birthplace” of the infamous J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series!
Did you know Edinburgh was her inspiration for Hogwarts? This café is where she wrote most of her books!
By now you must be starving! Along this colorful road, you’ll find cafés, shops,
8. Greyfriars Kirkyard
Talk a wander into this Kirkyard and see Bobby Greyfriar’s statue!
A dog who laid over his owner’s grave for 14 years until 1872.
If you’re hungry, hop into Greyfriars Bobby Pub for a delicious steak pie!
9. The National Museum of Scotland
Another Free of charge exhibit in Edinburgh! Perfect for those rainy days!
Open daily from 10:00 a.m.- 5 p.m. Save this in case you need an inside activity!
There really is so much to explore here from artifacts to East Asian ceramics, and royal history!
It’s also a nice place to grab a drink on a hot day and enjoy the air conditioning 🙂
Day 2
1. Dean Village
Absolute Fairytale, am I right? Dean Village is a cute little neighborhood that places you in the center of a storybook!
Take some time to explore the alleyways around here. It makes for great photos!
2. The Dean Bridge
If you go from Dean Village to Stockbridge, you have to cross the Dean Bridge! A back view of the village along the river is to die for!
3. Stockbridge
Stockbridge is a town neighborhood right outside the city center.
It has a village feel to it. And if you’re there on a Sunday, take a look around the Stockbridge Market!
Located beside the Water of Leith (river) and Circus Lane!
4. New Town
So New Town, well it’s exactly that! Built on as an extension to Old Town, this is where you can find most of the locals!
An Urban neighborhood right outside the city center with an ode to Old Town Architecture with a modern twist.
There are a lot of pubs, shopping and local chain markets in this area!
3. Circus Lane
Circus Lane continues to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing and popular streets in the UK!
When this part of New Town was built, architects were going for a more interesting feel to build on the outskirts of the boxy Old Town.
Why be straight when you can be chic and curvy?
In the Spring and Summer, this street will be covered head to toe in greenery and flowers!
Arguably the most Instagram-able part of Edinburgh!
5. Calton Hill
Calton Hill- small risk, GREAT REWARD! From Regent Road on the South side, it takes about 5 minutes to walk up easily accessible staircases.
It gives you a great eye-level view that’s absolutely stunning! You’ll be able to see the whole city in great detail from here!
I recommend going for sunset! But be sure to check the times.
Sunset is
early in the Winter and late in the Summer!
6. Royal Botanic Garden
Second oldest Botanical Garden in the U.K.
It includes the Chinese Hillside, RBGE Rock Gargen, giant lily pads, and the Scottish Heath Garden inspired by the Scottish Highlands!
Garden Entry is Free! and greenhouses are extra upon entry.
Open daily:
November to January: 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last entry 3:15 p.m.)
October and February: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last entry 4:15 p.m.)
March to September: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last entry 5:15 p.m.)
Now depending on what time of year you go, you can do this activity
BEFORE or AFTER Calton Hill.
Going during Spring-Autumn? go before.
Going during Christmas? go after.
- Christmas Trail: Walk along this mile trail and enjoy the beautiful illuminations!
- Tickets are £21.50 for an adult, they will be available in season here!↗
Day 3
1. Arthur’s Seat
Okay, I’m not gonna lie… You feel on top of the world after you hike Arthur’s Seat.
Such a different view than Calton Hill, everything is so tiny!But you really do see ALL of Edinburgh beneath your toes.
And though this is a more challenging hike, the view is quite incredible!
It’s a 2.4-mile hike and you’ll reach the top in about 30-60 minutes.
It really just depends on how fast you want to go!
But don’t worry, many locals were using Arthur’s Seat as their casual jogging route..
So it’s not that bad, this is a must-do!
2. The Fudge House
You deserve a treat after your long hike! Hop into the Fudge House on Canongate for some seriously delicious fudge.
And if you’re not a fudge person, try a Scottish Tablet! A sweet crumbly caramel if you will, a Scotland must-try snack!
3. Cowgate
Cowgate is one of the oldest streets in Edinburgh that carries tons of history.
It was originally used to transport cattle into the city for the Grass Market. Get it? Cowgate… 🙂
A famous photo spot and a nice shortcut through Old Town!
4. The Royal Mile
Ahh.. The Royal Mile. You’ll probably find yourself walking along this particular road more than once while you’re in town as it is attached to the castle.
But let’s take time to explore! On the right, you’ll see the Tron Kirk, built in the 17th century, it has remained a famous Old Town landmark for 400 years.
It’s now home to the Royal Mile Market where you can find loads of trinkets and clothing pieces!
5. City Chambers
While walking along the Royal Mile, take a turn into the gorgeously designed, City Chambers.
This is the meeting ground for the City of Edinburgh Council. Here you’ll see a statue of the architect himself, John Adams.
6. St. Giles’ Cathedral
St. Giles’ Cathedral was founded around 1130 by King David I. In 1559, under John Knox, the church became protestant, becoming a key symbol of the Scottish Reformation.
The 16th-century European reformation defines the conflict between catholicism and protestants.
This 3-century event that includes battles, wars, and endless deaths divided Western Europe.
Learn more about how Edinburgh, Scotland was effect while you wander about the grounds.
Open
Monday-Friday: 10:00 am-6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00a.m-5:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
7. Scottish National Gallery
Visit one of the most popular attractions and admire pieces from the early Renaissance to the 19th century.
Dive deep into Scotland’s History and observe stunning international collections.
Artists include Botticelli, Raphael, Van Goh, and more!
It’s open daily from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. and admission is free!
A great activity for a rainy day!
7. Princess Street
One of the most famous streets in Edinburgh New Town!
Come here for all your shopping needs!
Department stores such as Primark and Urban Outfitters and high-end shops scatter this street!
I don’t recommend dining on Princess Street unless you are willing to pay the tourism fees!
But there is something happening along every inch of this strip!
8. Scott Monument
While walking along Princess Street, take a moment to take in this magnificent piece of art.
It was Built in 1846 to honor the great Scottish Novelist, Sir Walter Scott.
This incredibly intricate monument is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!
9. The Standing Order- Wetherspoons
Wetherspoons or “Spoons” is a trendy pub chain around the UK, but THIS one is sooooo cool!
It was converted from an old union bank into a pub!
The drinks are reasonably priced with a stunning view. Enjoy the architecture and a pint with the locals 🙂
I hope you’ve enjoyed the Best 3-Day Edinburgh Itinerary! Let me know what you think in the comments!
