Edinburgh Scotland 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary: Discover the Magic of Edinburgh

This itinerary focuses on exploring some of Edinburgh’s most iconic sights and enjoying its unique charm. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for all types of weather in Edinburgh, even in summer. It can be unpredictable, so pack layers and a raincoat.
  • Currency: The currency in the UK is the Pound Sterling (£). Most places accept card payments, but it’s wise to have some cash on hand.
  • Language: English is the official language of Scotland.

Accommodation:

  • For this itinerary, we’ll assume you’re staying in a hotel near the Royal Mile, like The Balmoral, Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh, or Virgin Hotels Edinburgh for easy access to the city centre and many attractions.

Day 1: Historic Edinburgh

Morning:

  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Explore Edinburgh Castle, perched atop the volcanic Castle Rock. Walk the ramparts, see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, and learn about its rich history as a fortress, royal residence, and military base (allow at least 3 hours).
  • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at The Witchery by the Castle for a unique dining experience in a historic setting.

Afternoon:

  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wander down the Royal Mile, stopping to admire the architecture of St Giles’ Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament Building, and the charming closes (alleyways) leading off this famous street.

  • Evening:

    • Take a walking tour of the city centre and discover hidden gems on the Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with a lively atmosphere.
    • Enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner at Sandy Bell’s, a legendary pub known for its live music and cozy ambience.

Day 2: Literary Edinburgh & Nature Escape

  • Morning: Visit the birthplace of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling at The Elephant House. Explore the world of literature in Edinburgh with a stroll through the charming Grassmarket, home to many historic pubs and cobbled streets.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, wander through the literature-themed gardens, visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (modernist art) and explore the Writers’ Museum showcasing the lives and works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott and others

Day 3: Underground History & Fringe Festival Fun

  • Morning: Explore the underground chambers and vaults of the Real Mary King’s Close, a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s past.
  • Afternoon: Visit Greyfriars Kirk and learn about its history, or enjoy a picnic and explore the picturesque scenery of Arthur’s Seat.

Day 1: Exploring the Old Town

  • Morning:

    • Start your day at Edinburgh Castle, exploring its many historical sites (allow 3 hours).
    • Visit the National Museum of Scotland to delve into the city’s rich history, from the Industrial Revolution to the natural world.

Things to Eat:

  • Traditional Scottish Fare:

    • Sandy Bell’s: Enjoy hearty meals like haggis, neeps and tatties (potatoes)
    • The Sheep Heid Inn: Experience a classic Scottish pub atmosphere and try their famous fish and chips.

  • International Flavors:

    • Ting Thai Caravan: Delicious and affordable Thai food in a cozy setting.

Things to Consider:

  • Interests: This itinerary focuses on historical sites and the traditional experience. If you have specific interests (e.g., museums, art galleries, shopping, nightlife), let me know so I can tailor it further.
  • Weather: Edinburgh’s weather is notoriously fickle. Dress in layers and be prepared for rain, wind, and sunshine - even if it’s a warm day, the weather can change quickly!

Food Options:

  • Sandy Bell’s: This pub is known for its hearty pub food, live music sessions, and traditional atmosphere.
  • The Salt Horse: A popular spot for craft beer lovers, with a wide selection of local and international brews and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Edinburgh Farmers Market: If you’re looking for fresh, local produce and delicious Scottish food, this is the place to be on a Saturday morning.

Things to see & do:

  • The Royal Mile: Stroll down this iconic street connecting Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, exploring its historic architecture and shops.
  • St Giles’ Cathedral: Visit the stunning stained glass windows and explore the history of this beautiful building.
  • Edinburgh Dungeon (optional): Experience the dark side of Edinburgh’s history through interactive shows and exhibits.

Edinburgh:

  • History & Culture:

    • The Royal Mile: Explore Edinburgh’s historic heart, strolling past charming closes like the Close of the Dead, and visiting the National Museum of Scotland (for general history) and the Scottish Storytelling Centre for a taste of local culture.

  • Museums:

    • The National Museum of Scotland: Discover fascinating artifacts and displays on Scottish history, culture, and science.

  • The Camera Obscura & World of Illusions: Enjoy a fun and interactive experience with optical illusions and quirky exhibits.

  • The Scotch Whisky Experience: Explore the history of whisky making and learn about different varieties.

Edinburgh Dungeon (optional):

  • Experience: Immerse yourself in the dark side of Edinburgh’s past at the Edinburgh Dungeon, a theatrical attraction featuring spooky historical tales and characters.

Accommodation:

This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can tailor it to your interests and budget. For example:

  • Budget travelers:

    • Consider staying in a hostel like Castle Rock Hostel, The Baxter or The Edinburgh Backpackers.

  • Families:

    • Look for family-friendly hotels near the Old Town, such as The Balmoral, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh (for a more luxurious experience), or The Dunstane Houses Hotel (for a boutique stay).

Remember to:

  • Book accommodation in advance: Edinburgh is a popular destination and accommodation can fill up quickly.
  • Consider the Royal Mile: The historic heart of Edinburgh, with plenty of museums, shops and restaurants for a fun and memorable experience.
  • Explore the city’s history: Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Old Town by visiting its many historical landmarks and taking part in one of the historical walking tours.

Day 2:

  • Visit the National Museum of Scotland (optional): Explore the collection of historical artifacts, including items from the Scottish Enlightenment like the “Enlightenment Gallery” and “The World of Nature” exhibit.

  • Experience:

    • The National Museum of Scotland:

    • Edinburgh Castle: Experience the history and grandeur of this iconic landmark with stunning views of the city.

    • Whisky experience: Enjoy a guided tour and tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience, located on the Royal Mile.

Don’t forget:

  • The Camera Obscura & World of Illusions:

Explore the “World of Illusions” museum, where you can see optical illusions and enjoy interactive exhibits about Edinburgh’s history.

  • Enjoy traditional Scottish fare:

    • Explore the National Museum of Scotland, a treasure trove of artifacts from across the globe.

Other things to do:

  • Walk the Royal Mile: Take a stroll down this historic street, exploring its many closes and hidden gems.
  • Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One & Two) or the Scottish National Portrait Gallery: Enjoy a walking tour of the Scottish National Gallery, exploring its collection of Renaissance art.

Other options:

  • Enjoy a performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (in August): Experience the world’s largest arts festival, featuring comedy, theatre, music and more.
  • Take a hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat: Enjoy breathtaking views from this extinct volcano overlooking the city.

Explore: Enjoy the history of the city through the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a world-renowned event for the performing arts held annually in the city.

  • Wander through the Royal Botanic Garden: Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this oasis amidst the bustling city.
  • Discover the hidden secrets of Edinburgh’s Old Town: Explore the intricate details and history of the city.

This itinerary:

  • This is a basic framework. You can customize it based on your interests, budget and how long you want to spend at each attraction.

Enjoy the charming atmosphere:

  • Enjoy the charm of the Close of the Dead, which features historical exhibits about Edinburgh’s past.

For those who want something unique:

  • Explore the Royal Mile and its history.
  • Consider visiting the National Museum of Scotland.
  • Enjoy a traditional pub meal: The Sandy Hags at The Salt Horse

Day 3: Exploring the Underground:**

  • The Real Mary King’s Close: This popular museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s past, with tours exploring the hidden streets and stories of the 17th century.
  • Edinburgh Castle: Visit this historical landmark for breathtaking views of the city and its history.

Remember:

  • To bring your camera to capture the memories!

Enjoy:

  • The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Enjoy a traditional Scottish meal and experience the vibrant culture of the city.
  • Greyfriars Kirk: The historic church on the Greyfriars Kirk offers a unique and historical experience for travelers.

This is just a suggestion, of course:

  • You can adjust this itinerary to your preferences:

    • The Writers’ Museum: Learn about the literary history of Edinburgh.

  • Enjoy the Festival Fringe atmosphere: Explore the history of Scottish storytelling at this popular attraction.

Other options for the “underground” experience:

  • Edinburgh Dungeon (in a less spooky way!):

    • The Camera Obscura & World of Illusions:

This is a fun and interactive museum with a variety of optical illusions, exhibits on historical torture methods, and more.

  • Explore: Enjoy the quirky charm of this attraction for a deeper dive into the history of the city’s Old Town.

  • Discover:

  • Explore Edinburgh’s rich history through its many museums and historic sites.

Enjoy:

  • The Scotch Whisky Experience, located on the Royal Mile, is a great place to start.

Remember:

  • The Edinburgh Dungeon is a fun, interactive museum experience that explores the city’s darker past.

Enjoy the history of Edinburgh:

  • Enjoy:
    • Exploring the Royal Mile: This historic street has a lot to offer in terms of exploration.

Things to see and do on the Royal Mile:

  • Visit the National Museum of Scotland.

Edinburgh Castle: A must-see for all:

  • Explore: The castle’s history is fascinating, with stories dating back to the 12th century.

Other options for this “experience” include:

  • Visiting the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
  • Visiting the Writers’ Museum, a free museum on the Royal Mile that explores the lives and works of famous Scottish writers like Robert Burns.

Remember to visit the Edinburgh Dungeon website or contact them directly for the latest information on ticket prices, availability and opening hours.

This is just a suggestion, but you can easily personalize it by adding your own interests! For example:

  • Add: Details about a specific museum exhibit (e.g., “The history of Edinburgh’s most famous residents” at the National Museum of Scotland for a deeper dive into the city’s culture.

  • Enjoy a picnic: enjoy the stunning views from the Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat, or the Royal Botanic Garden.

Remember:

  • This is just a starting point. You can adjust it to your interests, budget and time constraints.
  • Enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere!