3 Days In Edinburgh Itinerary: Royal Medieval Gems, Waterfronts & Whisky!

Looking for an itinerary for 3 days in Edinburgh that captures a perfect mix of historic highlights and modern city experiences?

Scotland’s vibrant capital city exudes expected history and tradition but also shines with a thoroughly modern attitude. We never get bored of things to do and we’re Scottish, spending 3-4 months in Edinburgh each year.

Don’t miss the Royal Mile cobbles retracing footsteps of the first Scottish Kings and Queens to St Giles Cathedral. Be transported to ‘Diagon Alley’ and the wizardly world of Harry Potter as you discover Victoria Street nearby.

Throw in medieval castles, palaces, stunning walks, free entry to top museums, UNESCO monuments, top restaurants and great entertainment, and you have a bucket-list 3 days in Edinburgh itinerary.

This post is an ideal itinerary for first-time visitors. We combine unmissable Edinburgh sights with a few hidden gems, organized day by day for your unforgettable stay.

3 Days In Edinburgh Itinerary

Our suggested itinerary is designed for a first time visit, an average budget and a desire to dip into historical life, while enjoying modern Edinburgh too.

We know your time is valuable and perhaps you just want a snapshot of a suggested itinerary before delving into the details. So, here it is:

• Day 1: Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket & Royal Mile
• Day 2: UNESCO Calton Hill, Holyrood Palace & Whisky or Gin Tasting
• Day 3: National Museum, Greyfriars Bobby, Leith Waterfront, Ceilidh

Our Winter in Edinburgh Guide is also a helpful read if you’re coming from November to February.

We know things can be more expensive in the UK for many travelers so our Cheap Things To Do In Edinburgh might be worth checking out.

Best Places to Stay In Edinburgh

If you want to stay in the city Centre, you will pay a premium but be right on the door step of everything in our 3 day Edinburgh itinerary. 

Alternative cheaper places to stay in Edinburgh include the suburb of Leith, or Portobello (on the coast) with good bus, tram connections.  Also, Murrayfield, the home of Scottish Rugby, is a good city base and also near to train and tram services.

Our picks below are based on location, links to transport hubs and value for money. All have character and comforts!

And so, onto our itinerary, organized day by day. Swap things around to suit your interests, the weather and budget!

Day 1 Itinerary: Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle | The Grassmarket | Royal Mile Sightseeing

Morning: Tour Edinburgh Castle

In our view, this is the #1 thing to do when visiting Edinburgh! Perched on a volcanic peak, and visible from around the city, stories behind the iconic fortress on the rock are legendary. This is also where you can see our Scottish Crown Jewels!

Visit the oldest building in Edinburgh within the castle, the poignant St. Margaret’s Chapel, who died in 1093. Look out for the initials of Mary Queen of Scots and the honors of Scotland, the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain.

Redcoast cafe within the castle grounds is a great place for coffee and take a break during your visit. Plan for around 2 hours to see all the main sites.

If you are here around 1pm, listen for the daily firing of the castle canon!

Lunch: At A ‘GrassMarket’ Pub

As you leave the castle, head down the Granny Green’s Steps to the Grassmarket. It might feel like a back alley (& it is) but it’s how residents got around the hilly city in the past.

Living in Old Town we use these all the time when coming and going from the castle. The Grassmarket area of Edinburgh’s Old Town has been here since the 14th century.

Years back cattle were brought here to sell and the many pubs are where farmers would stay overnight.

On a darker note, part of the square was also where public executions took place.  Today the Convenanter’s memorial marks this sad spot. Take time to walk around and read the historic plaques that tell some wild tales of events over the years.

The Grassmarket is a perfect spot for lunch with a lively mix of pubs and cafes.  Treat yourself to Ince-cram from the  classic Mary’s Milk Bar.  The White Hart is famous for having Robbie Burns amongst its clientele.

Look out for ‘The Last Drop’ pub where prisoners due to be hung, had their last shot of whisky. 

The mainly independent shops that line these streets and square offer a rich mix of wares. At the weekends markets appear selling a mix of old and new.

Afternoon: Victoria Street And Royal Mile

After a leisurely lunch, head out of The Grassmarket and turn left onto Victoria Street or as we now call it locally ‘Daigon Alley’!

If you are a Harry Potter fan, take a deep breath and get ready as this street will transport you to all things Hogsworts!

A curved cobbled street is full of multi-level and brightly painted buildings which house shops of all descriptions, cafes, a hotel, pub or two and the Elephant House.

You can’t miss the bright red door and hoards of people taking photos – this is the relocated version of the original cafe where the inspiration for Harry Potter came from. (The original is closed after a fire.)

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without exploring the glorious cobbled Royal Mile, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you leave Victoria Street (top end), turn left and then you will connect into the Royal Mile. (it’s a couple of minutes walk!).

Head down the Mile in the opposite direction from the Castle, taking your time to explore whatever jumps out at you, or follow our suggestions below:

Listen to the piper usually playing our traditional bagpipes on the corner opposite the entrance to St Giles Cathedral. It’s been a working church for over 900 years and the interior is beautiful!

St Giles Cathedral

Either pre-book a FREE 45 minute St Giles tour at 10.30am or 2pm (it’s free and really fascinating) or just enter to look around.

The building played a key role in Scottish history and legacies of this are seen around the main worship area. There are frequent music performances so check in local media for what’s on when you are in town.

Mercat Cross.

Just outside St Giles you will see a circular stone monument, often a meeting place for walking tours of Edinburgh. This was a common way to signal a market or community meeting point and the original cross was erected here in 15th century. Today’s replacement came along in the 19th century!

Hidden Closes Off Royal Mile

Poke your head down these narrow passageways to get a sense of how residents got around town in days of old. There are a couple of great spots for photography: Check out Advocates Close for views of Scott Monument on Princes Street for example.

Others have passages leading to cafes or courtyards and some connect via stone steps back down towards the railway station and Princes Street.

If you have time, take a guided tour of Mary King’s Close for a real insight into old Edinburgh, with underground sites, and mesmerizing stories, some true 🙂

It is in theory possible to just turn up for the tour, but we have usually been disappointed, so now we always book ahead of time.

🔍 Very Popular Tour: Check Availability

The Peoples Museum

Also on the Royal Mile, The Peoples Museum is our final suggested stop if you still have energy and time this afternoon.

It’s small but incredibly interesting showcasing life as it was over the centuries. From how a typical home looked to the darker side of life, this is well worth a walk through.

Dinner Recommendations: Old Town Edinburgh

Here are 3 popular restaurants near to the Royal Mile. ‘Come as you are’ after your sightseeing day.

• Makars Gourmet Mash Restaurant – for a taste of Scotland at reasonable prices. Fresh food, friendly service and even vegetarian haggis dishes!
• The Devil’s Advocate – for a great cocktail and whisky menu along with delicious sharing boards and a quality all day menu.
• The Witchery, Royal Mile – the top restaurant on the Royal Mile, and one of Edinburgh’s best, it’s gothic fine dining! And you can pop into the Edinburgh Whisky Society next door before or after!

Day 2 Itinerary

Calton Hill | Holyrood Palace | Whisky Tasting

Morning: Stroll Up Calton Hill

When you look up from central Edinburgh in the opposite direction of the castle you might spy something that looks like it’s better placed in Ancient Rome. This is our National Monument and is a UNESCO heritage site.

It was indeed inspired by the Parthenon in Athens was never completed, so what you see is pretty much all that was built:) But surprisingly as well as to die for 360 degree views, there is a whole lot more to discover on top of this city hill.

Check out the upgraded City Observatory and the exhibits at the base of Nelson Monument. Or buy a ticket to clim to the top for 360 degree views over Edinburgh and beyond.

You can enjoy see Birds Eye views of Holyrood Palace and over to Arthur’s Seat. The park has benches so another option is to bring your own picnic and enjoy an al fresco lunch.

Restaurant On Calton Hill

If you fancy sipping a steaming cappuccino as you soak in the views, Calton Hill Cafe is perfect. They offer a full breakfast and lunch menu too.

If you have been here before you might remember ‘The Lookout’ Restaurant here. It’s gone, but Calton Hill Cafe is a perfect newcomer in the same spot. Their pre-theatre dinner menu is also popular, so book in advance if you want to come back one evening.

Alternatively, head back into town and check out the food court Bonnie and Wild at St James Shopping: they have something for everyone, including coffee, cocktails and local options.

Nearby, The Alchemist conjures up speciality cocktails, perhaps a place to return to after your afternoon of sightseeing.

Afternoon: Holyrood Royal Palace

Plan an hour or two to enjoy a self-guided tour of this working palace, which is King Charles official Scottish residence. If you come in the run up to Christmas you will get the bonus of the festive grandeur that fills the palace.

As well as the palace, you can enjoy the gardens, art displays and the on site cafe.

After you are done exposing the palace, you can walk over the road to the Scottish Parliament, and if you’re interested, pop in for a look. It’s open Monday to Saturday (including public holidays) from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm).

Evening: Dinner With Whisky Tasting

Stop by one of the many pubs and sample no end of Scottish whiskies on your own. Does your palate prefer the peaty depth of the islands, the smoothness of the highland malts or lowlands? From our experiences you won’t know until you try!

We say combine dinner with an introductory whisky tasting. Here are 3 different whisky tasting experiences with dinner and sometimes music to try:

Scotch Whisky Experience: Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar – Open to 9pm.

Whiski Bar & Restaurant: with over 300 to choose from and often live music too, come for dinner, stay for the atmosphere! Open until 1am for night owls!

Johnny Walker Scotch Whisky: Edinburgh Roof Top views from Princes Street and a great option for food too. As well as whisky, try cocktails that you’d never guess are whisky based. Our favourite is the banana based one! Their sharing boards are fantastic too! Open until midnight with food served until 830pm. Pre-book for rooftop!

Finally, if you want a deeper whisky introduction, take the tram to Leith. The spiritual home is the whisky society in Leith. Leith itself has a fascinating history and well worth an afternoon or full day of exploring when you return to Edinburgh.

Now, why would we mention Scottish gin in the same section as whisky? Well, believe it or not Scottish gin has blown up in popularity with 100 gin distilleries across our small nation. Head to:

Pickerings Gin Jolly Tour is around an hour as you walk through a small production operation that has its roots from a recipe of spices that survived all the way from India.

Edinburgh Gin Tour and Tastings – famous for all the right reasons, take a tour and sample from a wide range of styles. We love the Rhubarb one!

Day 3 Itinerary

National Museum | Greyfriars Bobby | Leith Waterfront

Morning: National Museum & Greyfriars Graveyard

We’re back in Old Town this morning.

Although it might look a bit dull from the outside, the National Museum of Scotland incredible museum with thousands of Scottish related artifacts over 7 floors, with a wonderful rooftop.

There are rotating exhibits but the core of the museum gives the visitor a brilliant introduction to Scotland and its history.

Next, as you leave the museum, turn left and cross over to Greyfriars Graveyard. Pay your Respects to ‘Bobby’ first as you’ll see his memorial as you enter the gates to the church and graves.

It is said that when his owner, John Gray, who was a policeman died, Bobby, a terrier stayed at the graveyard for fourteen years. Locals brought food and water over this period. When Bobby finally passed, he was buried here close to his beloved owner.

If you love all things ghostly, book yourself on this 1.5 hr Greyfriars Haunted Guided Tour which runs from 5.30pm onwards tonight. It’s a blast and full of folklore & true stories! On this tour you also go underground into the Vaults!

🔍 Check Haunted Tour Times & Availability

Afternoon: Discover Leith Waterfront

It’s time to return to Princes Street to catch the tram service down to Leith for lunch on the waterfront. Leith has been transformed over the past decade while holding on to its gritty culture.

You can also Tour Royal Britannia while you are in Leith. Rated as a top UK visitor experience, you can see how the late Queen Elizabeth sailed the world, and also enjoy lunch on deck!

Or enjoy a short Guided Leith Walking Tour to delve into the side streets and historic neuks of town. Afterwards, pick any of the waterfront restaurants like Fishers for a lazy lunch and watch the world go by.

Evening: Get Your Kilt On For A Ceilidh Dance

Only kidding, you don’t need to wear a traditional Scottish kilt, unless you want to!

If you are planning to be in Edinburgh when there are Edinburgh Ceilidh Dance events happening, grab tickets early as these are fantastic nights.

Alternatively, if dancing to Scottish tunes isn’t for you, why not treat yourself to a Michelin starred Restaurant in Leith: The Kitchin or Martin Wishart are both fantastic. Book well in advance to secure a table.

Want A Last Idea? Climb Arthurs Seat

If you have time before you leave, tackle the climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat.

Start at Holyrood Palace, or Dunsapie Loch for a shorter route. The roughly 40 minutes climb follows a rough path which can be a little steep in places, so wear good walking shoes.

Travel Resources For Edinburgh

If you fly into London, it’s easy to get a train to Edinburgh (4 hours non stop), or other options including flying into Glasgow (an hour away by train).

Multiple airlines fly into Edinburgh offering direct links from Dubai, Qatar, USA, Iceland, Canada, Turkey and a huge number of European cities. Check below for availability and prices.

Tips For Getting Around Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s international airport is conveniently connected to the downtown city by a tram, and bus service.  It’s not necessary to have a car if you’re going to be based in Edinburgh – trust us!

Check Edinburgh Tram Website for ticket information, payment options and timetables and Airlink Website for Bus Services. Both services take you to Princes Street, in the city center.

Uber and Black Cabs are available all around town if you are traveling further distances.

FAQs

Inspiration For A Scotland Road Trip

Scotland is a small geographical country but is paced with stunning scenery and real diversity from highland peaks to west coast & northern islands.

Our Scotland Road Trip is packed with ideas and practical tips to plan a 10 day bucket list Scottish adventure.