Edinburgh is a great city. There’s so much to do, but the city’s small size means everything is easy to get to. Here’s your ultimate itinerary for 3 days in Edinburgh
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When is the best time of year to spend 3 days in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a great city to visit all year round. Many of Edinburgh’s best attractions are inside, so you can enjoy these all through the year no matter what the weather is doing. My ultimate itinerary for spending 3 days in Edinburgh will show you all of the best things to do, and all of these activities can be enjoyed all through the year.
Summer is always lovely in Edinburgh. In the summer, you have the best chance of enjoying sunny, arm days. Although in Scotland, you can expect rain at any time! However, be aware that every August Edinburgh hosts the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It’s amazing to visit if you enjoy seeing new and cutting-edge plays, comedy and musicals. But this festival is super popular, so the city will be busy and accommodation will be expensive. But the atmosphere in Edinburgh is unmatched.
Christmas is also a great time to visit Edinburgh. The city is really beautiful at Christmas, with Christmas Markets and Christmas Light trails. Check out my guide to visiting Edinburgh at Christmas if you’re interested in planning a festive trip to Edinburgh.
If you’d rather visit Edinburgh without the Fringe or Christmas crowds, then spring or autumn are great times to visit. You can enjoy all of the top attractions without them being too busy, and save money on accommodation as well.
Where should I stay to spend 3 days in Edinburgh
When you’re spending 3 days in Edinburgh, you’ll definitely want to be staying in central Edinburgh. The city centre is fairly small, so if you stay in the centre, you’ll be able to walk to all of the top attractions in Edinburgh. This will save you lots of time and money on transport costs.
The Royal Mile is the central hub of Edinburgh. So many of the city’s top things to do are along the Royal Mile, or at either end. So staying along the Royal Mile, or just a few streets away, is the best.
If you want a luxury, unforgettable 3 days in Edinburgh, look at staying at The Balmoral Hotel. This beautiful hotel is one of the best in Edinburgh, with a great location and unmatched service. But there are so many other hotels to choose from, for all different budgets.
Check out hotels in Edinburgh on Booking.com (affiliate). It’s best to book your stay well in advance for the best availability and price – especially if you’re visiting in August or Christmas.
What is the best way to get to Edinburgh?
If you’re in (or near) London, there’s a really unique and unforgettable way you can travel to Edinburgh. The Caledonian Sleeper is an overnight train that runs from London to Edinburgh, plus several other destinations in Scotland. The Caledonian Sleeper train is a great way to travel. You can book a compact but comfortable cabin with proper beds to get a good night’s sleep. It’s a really time efficient way to travel as well – you can enjoy an evening in Edinburgh, then get on the train and be back at work in London the next morning! You can read my review of the Caledonian Sleeper train here.
Edinburgh is also well connected to many cities across the UK by normal train. Trains in the UK can be expensive, so it’s best to book in advance. You can get the best advance train prices through Omio (affiliate). Or, if you’re travelling from further away, Edinburgh airport is well connected across Europe.
What should I pack for 3 days in Edinburgh?
No matter what time of year you travel to Edinburgh, there’s a good chance you can expect some rain! So make sure you’ve got a waterproof coat and umbrella, so you can still enjoy the city even if it rains. If it’s cold outside, it’s best to wear layers – you’ll likely be going inside lots of museums and other attractions, which can get warm inside. So wear layers so you can adjust depending on the temperature at each attraction.
Edinburgh is a fairly small city, so all of the top sights are in walking distance from each other. But this means you’ll likely be doing quite a lot of walking. So good. comfortable trainers are essential so you can enjoy walking all over the city. Trainers are great to wear in Edinburgh all year round. Even in winter, you don’t need boots if you’re just staying in the city.
Now you’re all prepared for your trip to Edinburgh, keep reading for your day-by-day ultimate itinerary for 3 days in Edinburgh.
Day 1: Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
On your first day in Edinburgh, spend the morning at Edinburgh Castle. After lunch, visit the nearby Camera Obscura for amazing views and a fun museum. The spend some more time along the Royal Mile, before enjoy the sunset at Calton Hill and dinner at one of Edinburgh’s top restaurants.
Edinburgh Castle
In the morning of your first day of 3 days in Edinburgh, head to one of Edinburgh’s top sights. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous places to visit in Edinburgh, and you can easily fill the whole of your first morning in Edinburgh here.
Book tickets to Edinburgh Castle in advance here (affiliate). It’s a popular attraction that gets fully booked, so it’s best to buy tickets in advance. Or you could book these tickets for Edinburgh Castle that also include a walking tour of the Royal Mile (affiliate), or a tour of the castle with a local Scottish man in a kilt (affiliate). And for any fans of Harry Potter, this Harry Potter tour including Edinburgh Castle (affiliate) is a must.
Edinburgh Castle is a fortress steeped in over 900 years of history. It’s perched at the top of Castle Rock, at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Edinburgh Castle’s history goes back to the Iron Age, when a hill fort occupied the volcanic crag. By the 12th century it had become a royal residence under King David I. Over the centuries, the castle played an important role in Scotland’s royal and military history, through various wars. It has served as a royal residence, military garrison, and prison. And today, it’s one of Edinburgh’s most visited attractions.
There’s lots to see and do within the castle walls. The Great Hall, completed in 1511 for James IV, showcases medieval weaponry and grandeur, and is a really impressive room.
The Crown Room houses Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of monarchs.
There’s also St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, and the National War Museum which provides an insight into Scotland’s military history. And make sure you take time to enjoy the panoramic views across Edinburgh from the battlements alongside the canons.
And take some time to enjoy the views of the whole castle from the hill just outside.
Lunch at Deacon’s House Cafe
After exploring Edinburgh Castle, head to the nearby Deacon’s House Cafe for a quick lunch. This cafe is really close to the castle, so it’s a great location for lunch.
The cafe has an interesting history. It gets its name and theme from the infamous 18th-century cabinet maker and city councillor, William Brodie, a respected citizen by day and secret burglar by night, who inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde.
The charming cafe has a great menu, including Scottish breakfasts, scones, and cakes. It’s also a great place to find freshly baked Scottish shortbread with a cup of tea. It’s a cute and cozy cafe, with decor reflecting Brodie’s dual life, making it a great character-filled and delicious lunch spot.
Camera Obscura and Museum of Illusions
After lunch, head to another of Edinburgh’s top attractions. Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is one of the city’s oldest and most intriguing attractions, blending history with fun, interactive science.
Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura and Museum of Illusions is one of the most popular attractions. So make sure you book in advance, with a timed entry slot, otherwise you probably won’t get in. Book your discounted tickets for Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura and World of Illusions here (affiliate).
The Camera Obscura was built in the 19th century as a device using mirrors and lenses to project live moving images of the city onto a viewing table. When you visit Camera Obscura, you can enjoy a 15 minute presentation that explains the history of the ‘camera’, and see it in action. You can really imagine how amazing it must have been for a Victorian audience to see live images of the surrounding city projected onto the viewing table.
The top floor of the Camera Obscura in Edinburgh also offers some of the best views in the city.
You can go outside and enjoy the views in all directions.
I really liked the views across to Edinburgh Castle, and across the churches and rooftops of the city all the way to the sea.
The rest of the Camera Obscura and Museum of Illusions is the illusions museum. There are 4 floors, each with a different range of interactive illusions. There are lots of different optical illusions, holograms, a mirror maze, and the dizzying vortex tunnel. It’s a great attraction for families, but also plenty for adults here as well.
Royal Mile shops and bagpipes
After spending an hour or two at the Camera Obscura and Museum of Illusions, head out onto the Royal Mile and spend a bit of time just walking down the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s most famous street. It stretches from Edinburgh Castle at one end, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other end.
The Royal Mile is the hub of city life in Edinburgh. Throughout your 3 days in Edinburgh, you’ll end up walking along here a lot. And it’s a great place to see.
There are lots of souvenir gift shops along the Royal Mile. And lots of Whisky shops as well – with many offering the chance to taste some before you buy.
There are also frequently performers along the Royal Mile playing bagpipes. This classic Scottish instrument is such an iconic sound, and it’s really magical to walk down Edinburgh’s most famous street while listening to the bagpipes performers.
Sunset at Calton Hill
If you’re lucky to be in Edinburgh on a sunny day, make sure you head up Calton Hill to enjoy the sunset. It’s definitely the best place to enjoy the sunset in Edinburgh. Make sure you check the sunset time for when you’re visiting Edinburgh. Sunset can be before 4pm in winter, or after 9pm in summer.
Calton Hill is a small hill in Edinburgh that offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. The hill is home to lots of monuments as well. It’s home to landmarks like the unfinished National Monument (a Parthenon replica), Nelson’s Monument, the City Observatory, and the Dugald Stewart Monument. It’s a short and easy walk from the Royal Mile to get up to the top of the hill. And the views from the top are definitely worth the short but steep climb.
The most direct route to the top climbs a lot of steps. But there’s a more gentle, step-free route as well that winds around the back of the hill.
I loved Calton Hill at sunset. It’s a really beautiful place to watch the sunset. I loved seeing the bright colours of the sunset just behind the iconic monuments. If you’d like to learn more about the monuments on Calton Hill, you can book this guided walk of Calton Hill and the equally impressive Arthur’s Seat (affiliate).
Dinner at Makars Mash Bar
For dinner on your first night in Edinburgh, head to one of Edinburgh’s most famous restaurants. Makars Mash Bar is a Scottish restaurant, that is famous for its range of mashed potatoes. You can choose from a variety of different types of mashed potato – my favourite is the cheesy one!
The mashed potato is served with a range of meat and vegetarian option. Wild boar sausages, slow cooked beef and lamb are highlights on the menu. All are served with plenty of gravy. You can also get Haggis – either as a main course, or as a side dish. And you can find some of the best Scotch Eggs in Edinburgh here. Enjoy the delicious Scottish comfort food with a glass of Scottish Irn Bru to drink. The restaurant can get busy, so if you don’t have a table booked, expect to wait a while. But it’s worth the wait. And it’s a great way to end the first of your 3 days in Edinburgh.
Day 2: Palace, Parliament and Science Museum
On your second day, explore the other end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. At the opposite end of the Royal Mile to the Castle and Camera Obscura, there’s lots to do to fill another great day. Visit the Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse, and then the Scottish Parliament and Dynamic Earth Science Museum. And of course, enjoy more great Scottish food as well.
The other end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
Start your day by heading towards the opposite end of the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Mile gets a bit quieter as you head away from the castle, but the buildings are just as beautiful and impressive the whole way down.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
At the far Eastern end of the Royal Mile is the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s another of Edinburgh’s top attractions. Book discounted tickets to skip the queue through Get Your Guide here (affiliate), or book your tickets through Viator here (affiliate)..
The Palace of Holyroodhouse traces its origins to Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128 by King David I. Over the centuries, the abbey evolved into a royal residence, beginning with James IV’s early‑16th‑century palace and later expanded by James V, whose tower still dominates the north‑west corner. The palace became inseparable from the dramatic life of Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived there between 1561 and 1567 and witnessed the brutal murder of her secretary David Rizzio within its walls.
Rebuilt and refined in the 1670s, Holyroodhouse grew into the elegant Baroque residence seen today, serving as the official home of the British monarch in Scotland and a ceremonial counterpart to Edinburgh Castle.
The palace is impressive from the outside. And it’s equally impressive inside as well. You can go inside the palace and see the State Rooms. The rooms are still decorated as they would have been during the time the palace was used as a royal residence for the royal family of Scotland. It’s fascinating to get a glimpse into life in these times.
You can also visit the ruins of Holyrood Abbey in the grounds of the palace. It’s a fascinating place, and humbling to walk in the same footprints as the people who would have walked here nearly a thousand years ago.
Scottish Hog Roast for lunch
After spending several hours exploring the Palace of Holyroodhouse, head back to the Royal Mile. There’s a great small cafe/restaurant along this end of the Royal mile called ‘Oink’. It serves amazing hog roast rolls. You can choose a variety of different toppings, from the traditional sage & onion stuffing and apple sauce, to haggis and spicy sauces. You order at the counter, and then there are some seats to sit inside. It honestly was one of the best lunches I’ve had for a long time!
Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is also situated at this end of the Royal Mile. It’s another great place to learn more about Scotland’s history, and its history of union and devolution with the rest of the UK.
The original Scottish Parliament was dissolved in 1707 with the Acts of Union, which transferred legislative authority to Westminster and merged Scotland with the United Kingdom. After nearly three centuries without its own legislature, Scotland voted for devolution in 1997. This led to the re‑establishment of the modern Scottish Parliament in 1999, a moment celebrated as both a political renewal and a reconnection with a deep constitutional tradition. Although Scotland remains part of the UK, there are several areas where it has its own control over the politics and political decisions that affect only Scotland.
You can visit the modern Scottish Parliament, and go inside on a tour to look around. The Debating Chamber was my favourite room. It’s laid out as a semi-circle, symbolising the more cooperative nature of Scottish politics, compared to the confrontational layout of the House of Commons in Parliament in Westminster, London.
Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth is right next to the Scottish Parliament. It’s one of Edinburgh’s best museums. This interactive science museum is great for kids, but there’s loads here for adults as well. Expect to spend between 1.5-2 hours here.
There are various rooms within the museum with interactive exhibits about a wide range of science. There are some memorable rooms that show videos on large screens, showing the formation of tectonic plates and volcanoes. There’s even one where the floor suddenly moves, like you’re in an earthquake.
The polar room is also fascinating, with a huge real ice berg. The room is kept at freezing temperature, so the ice berg in the centre of the room stays frozen. From this room, you go into a large 3D cinema to go on an ‘exploration’ journey by aircraft, flying over all of the earth’s different habitats at various latitudes (until you get chased by a rhino!).
The highlight of Dynamic Earth is the Planetarium. The Planetarium has shows daily, roughly every hour. It’s definitely worth going to see one of these shows. Some are presenter-led, and others are videos. The Planetarium is a huge room, with the images projected onto the huge domed ceiling above you. I went to a show that talked about the constellations you could see in the stars at this time of year, and then went on to talk more about recent discoveries in space. It was a good show, with some impressive images and videos on the domed ceiling screen.
Dinner at Browns
For dinner on your second night of 3 days in Edinburgh, I recommend heading to the restaurant called Browns. This restaurant is a really nice balance between being a bit fancy, but still casual and comfortable. The steaks here are the highlight of the menu. But save some room for desert as well – the chocolate brownie was delicious.
Alternatively, if you want a slightly different evening in Edinburgh, you can try this traditional Scottish dinner and folk music experience (affiliate). It’s a great way to get to know Scotland’s traditional culture. Or you could take this food tour, which includes trying Haggis (affiliate).
Edinburgh at Night
After dinner, take some time to walk around Edinburgh at night. Edinburgh is a really safe city, and it’s usually still busy and feels safe around 10pm in the centre, and later. So you can safely explore the central area at night. If you walk along North Bridge, near Edinburgh Waverley train station, you get a great view across the city to see the castle lit up in the distance. And walking down the Royal Mile at night is lovely as well. It feels so safe, and it’s great to see some of the iconic buildings and statues lit up at night.
Day 3: The Cathedral, an Underground Tour, Whisky, and Comedy
On your final day of your itinerary for 3 days in Edinburgh, there’s still more to do along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. There really is so much to do in this city in a fairly small area. Explore the Cathedral, and then learn more about Edinburgh’s darker history on an underground tour at The Real Mary King’s Close. And later on, indulge in one of Scotland’s most famous products: whisky! Finish your evening at one of the city’s famous comedy shows.
St Giles Cathedral
Start your day by visiting St Giles Cathedral. By this point, you’ll probably have walked past the cathedral several times as you walk up and down the Royal Mile. But it’s definitely worth coming back so you can go inside.
St Giles’ Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh, has stood at the heart of the Royal Mile for nearly nine centuries. Its origins date back to a church founded by King David I in 1124. The earliest building was a modest Romanesque structure, which was later expanded into the grand Gothic form that began taking shape in the late 14th century. Over the centuries St Giles Cathedral has been a centre of Scotland’s religious and political life.
The inside of the cathedral is just as grand as the outside. The stained glass windows are particularly impressive. And the high vaulted ceilings add to the grandeur of the building.
The Real Mary Kings Close
Just opposite St Giles Cathedral is your next stop. The Real Mary King’s Close offers underground tours, showing you a different side to Edinburgh’s history. It’s best to book in advance, as you can only visit on a guided tour and it often gets fully booked. Book discounted tickets for The Real Mary King’s Close here (affiliate). The guided tour takes about an hour.
On your tour, a costumed actor leads you down some steps and into Edinburgh’s hidden underground world.
The Real Mary King’s Close preserves one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric fragments of the 17th‑century Old Town: a warren of narrow alleyways and tall tenements buried beneath the Royal Mile. Named after Mary King, a respected merchant burgess who lived there in the 1600s, the close was partially demolished and entombed in the mid‑18th century when the Royal Exchange was built above it. Though sealed off from the surface, residents continued to live in the surviving underground dwellings until the last inhabitant, Andrew Chesney, was compelled to leave in 1902.
Reopened as a visitor attraction in 2003, The Real Mary King’s Close now offers guided tours through these remarkably preserved subterranean spaces, revealing the daily life, hardships, and folklore of Edinburgh’s past.
Your costumed guide will tell you stories of what life used to be like living here. A lot of these stories focus on the plague, and the realities of living in these cramped, crowded and unhygienic conditions during the plague outbreak in the city. You can really imagine how scary it must have been to live here during the times of disease. You’ll also hear stories about the ‘interesting’ process for disposing of toilet waste – with just a single shared bucket used by an extended family within one house, that was then thrown down the street. And how farm animals would be living in these houses as well. It’s not a surprise that diseases like the plague were rife. It really makes you appreciate the modern comforts we have today, and gives you admiration for the people who lived in these conditions.
There’s even a ghost story here. The ghost story of ‘Annie’ is one of the most memorable stories you’ll hear on this tour. The legend of Annie began in the 1990s, when Japanese psychic Aiko Gibo visited Mary King’s Close while filming a documentary on haunted places in Britain. According to Gibo, she felt overwhelming sorrow as she approached a small 17th‑century room off Allan’s Close and initially could not enter because of the emotional intensity she sensed there.
When she finally stepped inside, she reported the presence of a young girl, clutching at her trouser leg, who said her name was Annie. The child’s spirit was described as heartbroken because she had been separated from her parents and had lost her favourite doll, which left her feeling abandoned and alone.
Gibo bought a replacement doll for Annie and placed it in the room. Since then, visitors from around the world have left toys, dolls, and small gifts in what is now known as Annie’s Room, creating a shrine-like space filled with offerings for the lonely child spirit.
Whether you believe in the ghost story or not, the sight of the shrine of toys is really moving. And it helps bring to life a personal story, where you can imagine a young girl who once lived here.
Lunch at a cafe on the Royal Mile
The area around St Giles Cathedral and The Real Mary Kings Close is filled with shops and cafes. So you’ll have no problem finding somewhere to stop for lunch. The Castle Rock Cafe is a good choice – they do excellent toasted sandwiches, which are perfect for a quick lunch in between all your sightseeing.
Greyfriars Bobby statue and the Museum of Scotland
In the afternoon, it’s time to head away from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. But you won’t be going far! Just a few streets away from the Royal Mile is the Greyfriars Bobby statue. This small statue of a dog is one of Edinburgh’s most famous symbols – you’ll find the picture on postcards and souvenirs all around the city.
The Greyfriars Bobby statue commemorates the 19th‑century Skye Terrier famed for reportedly keeping vigil at his master John Gray’s grave for 14 years. Erected near Greyfriars Kirkyard, it has become one of Edinburgh’s most beloved landmarks and a symbol of loyalty. Over time, visitors began rubbing the little dog’s nose for luck, polishing it to a bright shine.
Just across the road is the Museum of Scotland. I really liked this museum – there’s loads inside. I didn’t give myself enough time to look at everything – the museum was a lot better than I was expecting! But I only had about an hour here, and felt like I needed to rush around. So try to give yourself a bit more time – there’s so much to see and do here. It’s completely free to go inside, but there’s so much here.
There are multiple floors at the museum, and various rooms which cover a huge range of topics. The Natural History area is impressive, with lots of taxidermy and skeletons of animals. And there’s more about science and space as well, as well as the history of communications. And there’s a huge area that displays aircraft from history, teaching you about the history of flight and the development of planes. Plus there are Mummy’s and Egyptian artefacts, and a few rooms dedicated to fashion.
There really is a lot to see here, so try to give yourself plenty of time and focus on the areas that most interest you.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
For a fun end to your afternoon, head to Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience. The Scotch Whisky Experience, perched at the top of the Royal Mile beside Edinburgh Castle, opened in 1988 as a collaborative project created by the Scotch whisky industry to introduce visitors to Scotland’s national spirit.
You can take immersive tours through the experience, learning more about how whisky is made and the different types made in different regions of Scotland. There are also plenty of options to book tastings as well. Different tours and tickets offer different levels and mounts of Whisky tasting – so pick the tour that best suits your taste for whisky! If you’re not a big fan, you can try just one type. But if you’re an expert whisky connoisseur, consider taking the more in-depth tour that includes trying lots of different whiskies.
I recommend taking this tour which includes a whisky tasting (affiliate), or this similar Whisky Experience tour (affiliate).
The Amber Restaurant, which is attached to the Whisky Experience, is a great place to get dinner and also try a few more whiskies from their extensive list.
Or if you really don’t like Whisky, there are so many other things you can do in Edinburgh. For something a bit different, try this Islander Harris Tweed Mini Satchel workshop (affiliate).
Monkey Barrel Comedy
To end your 3 days in Edinburgh in a memorable way, head to one of Edinburgh’s famous comedy shows. If you’re visiting Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Fringe in August, you’ll be spoilt for choice, as the city is filled with a huge range of performances. But there are still plenty of shows to choose from for the rest of the year as well.
I went to a stand-up comedy show at Monkey Barrel Comedy, one of the top comedy clubs in Edinburgh. There were a range of different stand up performers, and they were all excellent. It was a really fun evening, with a bar to get drinks to take in and enjoy the show. It was a fantastic way to end your 3 days in Edinburgh.
Extend your trip to Scotland with a full day tour from Edinburgh to the famous Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands (affiliate). Or you can this similar day tour to Loch Ness (affiliate). Or why not try this 3 day tour that includes the amazing Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands scenery (affiliate).
Hope you enjoyed my ultimate itinerary for 3 days in Edinburgh! Make sure you check out my guide to visiting Edinburgh at Christmas, and also my review of the Caledonian Sleeper train. Scotland has lots of amazing scenery, so it’s definitely worth extending your trip to Scotland if you can. Check out the top things to do in the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye. Or you can read my detailed guide to one week on the Isle of Skye, or 5 days around Ben Nevis and Loch Ness.
