3 Days in Edinburgh – The Perfect Itinerary for First Timers

Are you heading to Edinburgh for 3 days?
I’ve got you! We spent 3 days in Edinburgh on a recent trip to Scotland and had a fabulous time. It is now one of our favorite cities in Europe.

With 3 days in Edinburgh, you’ll have enough time to see the city’s major landmarks, explore several neighborhoods, and definitely learn some of the fascinating history that makes this capital city so special and earned it the UNESCO World Heritage status.

We found Edinburgh to be a very walkable city, which is one of my criteria for what makes a city great for touring. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of hills and steps, but if you’re a strong walker and have good shoes, you’ll be fine.

Most of the main attractions are located in Old Town and the nearby New Town, which are on opposite sides of the Princes Street Gardens. These areas are easy to find and safe to wander through.

Side note, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll know that places like London, Edinburgh, Porto, and Coimbra each have spots that clearly inspired J.K. Rowling’s books. Keep your eyes open in Edinburgh, and you’ll see some of the sparks that created the world of Harry Potter.

This itinerary covers the must-see sites while also including a few neighborhoods and some cool stuff that you won’t want to miss!

Check out this map of all the highlights on your 3 Days in Edinburgh visit.

Your 3 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary

This 3 Day Edinburgh, Scotland itinerary takes you to the heart of Edinburgh, I’ll even tell you where to stay and where to eat along the way. 3 days in Edinburgh can easily be part of a full Scotland Road Trip.

Day 1 of Your 3 Days in Edinburgh: The Upper Royal Mile

Day 1 will be about The Upper Royal Mile and getting some history lessons while you explore.

Breakfast Option
Coffee N’ More
34 Cockburn Street
A cute cafe with great eggs and coffee.

Take a Guided Walking Tour of The Royal Mile or do it DIY style.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. It’s the main street that runs through Old Town. This is where you’ll get the true feel for Edinburgh’s medieval architecture. It’s often described as a little disorganized, or chaotic, as it leads up to the Edinburgh Castle on the top of the hill. The Royal Mile runs one mile, from the castle all the way down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Book This Top Rated Edinburgh Walking Tour Here!

Here are some highlights you’ll see on the tour. Depending on your timing, you might be able to explore some of these attractions today. If, not there will be time on Day 2.

Edinburgh Castle

At the very top of the Royal Mile sits Edinburgh Castle, which is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks. The castle sits on an extinct volcano that was formed over 300 million years ago. It’s called Castle Rock, and due to erosion, it developed into a cliff that the castle is perched on. That 80 meter drop made for a good defensible location.

Inside the castle complex you can see:

• The Scottish Crown Jewels
• The Stone of Destiny, used in royal coronations
• Historic military buildings
• Views over the city and surrounding hills

Pro Tip: If you don’t have time for the castle on Day 1, then buy tickets in advance for the morning of Day 2. This castle is one of the busiest attractions in Edinburgh. You can plan to spend 1.5–2 hours at the castle. OR move more quickly to just see highlights, especially if it’s too crowded to enjoy. (That’s basically what we did).

This Excellent Royal Mile Tour of the Castle & Palace
is Likely To Sell Out! Book Now!

Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery

Greyfriars Kirkyard is the graveyard surrounding the Greyfriars Kirk  (Church) in Edinburgh. People have been buried here since the 16th century. Some of Scotland’s most famous people included.

This is a particularly fun stop for any Harry Potter fans because this is where J.K. Rowling got the idea for many of the names of her characters. You can see headstones with names such as Thomas Riddell , William McGonagall, Elizabeth Moodie, Robert/Annie Potter, and Scrymgeour.

The Elephant House Cafe

21 George IV Bridge – Victoria Street
Speaking of Harry Potter – You’ll pass by the “birthplace of Harry Potter,” The Elephant House is a cafe where J.K. Rowling was known to write. The surroundings clearly inspired Diagon Alley and many other HP details. Sadly, the cafe burned down in 2021. It has finally been restored and has reopened on Victoria Street. I’m not suggesting you try to eat or get a coffee there, as it’s crazy crowded. However, if you’re a big Harry Potter fan, then it might be worth the wait for you!

Book A Top Rated Edinburgh Harry Potter Tour Here!

The Real Mary King’s Close

The Real Mary King’s Close, located just off the Royal Mile is a deep dive, literally, into what life was like in the 1600’s for the poor and unfortunate people trying to survive in Edinburgh. Because Edinburgh was built on hills and constantly growing upward, older streets were built on top. The narrow alleyways and streets off of the Royal Mile are called “closes.” This tour takes you into a preserved section of the underground streets and homes. I highly recommend this, it was one of our favorite and unusual tours of the trip.

Pro Tip: Get tickets in advance for a late afternoon time slot. The tours last about one hour.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill was recommended to us by a friend as a must-see at sunset experience. So glad we listened! Sunset is the most popular time to visit, when the light hits the city skyline and the monuments create one of the most photographed scenes in Edinburgh.

Calton Hill is one of the easiest viewpoints to reach in Edinburgh and has some of the best views in the city. At the summit you’ll see several historic monuments – the unfinished National Monument (Parthenon), the Dugald Stewart Monument, and the Nelson Monument, along with sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle, the Old and New Towns, Arthur’s Seat, and the Firth of Forth.

• Location: At the east end of Princes Street, near the city center of Edinburgh. 
• Walking: About 15–20 minutes from the Royal Mile or central Edinburgh.  Take the stairs or path up the hill. 
• Climb: The walk to the top takes about 5 minutes from the base via paved paths and steps. 

Day 1 Dinnertime

Dishoom
3a St Andrew Square
Dishoom is an amazing Indian food experience! Get a reservation – you won’t be sorry. You’ll want to go back for brunch!

Day 2 of 3 Days in Edinburgh – The Lower Royal Mile

Day 2 will be an opportunity to walk down the Royal Mile. You’ll pass some notable sites, statues, and landmarks that were pointed out to you on your tour on Day 1. Now you might have time to step inside and do some further exploring.

Breakfast Option
Edinburgh Larder
15 Blackfriars Street
A charming cafe with locally sourced everything and rave reviews.

St. Giles Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral is one of the most important historic churches in Scotland. This cathedral was established in the 12th century and became the home of the Scottish Reformation movement lead by minister John Knox in the mid 1500’s. You can’t miss the crown-shaped spire as part of Edinburgh’s skyline. You’ll see beautiful stained glass windows and the Thistle Chapel. The Thistle Chapel is the ceremonial home of the Order of the Thistle – Scotland’s highest order of chivalry. Entering the cathedral is free, though a small donation is suggested.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse AKA Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom in Scotland. As did Queen Elizabeth, King Charles III and Queen Camilla stay there once a year for a week. They call this “Royal Week” at the end of June to the beginning of July. The Royal family host garden parties during that time, so  the palace is not open to the public during Royal Week.

It’s open the rest of the year, however, so you’ll be able to visit if your timing works out! You’ll see the Abbey, the throne room, the state apartments, gardens, and some treasures. There are often special exhibitions and a huge art collection to see as well. The Scottish Parliament buildings are on the grounds as well.

Pro Tip: You’ll need tickets in advance. Check the website for “Last Admission” times and closures. (It has happened to us more than once that we arrive at an attraction before the closing hour, but are turned away because we missed the “last admission” time.)

Hike Arthur’s Seat

From the Holyrood Palace, you’ll see the trail heads for the hike up to the giant hill called Arthur’s Seat. Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park. If you’re in the mood for a big hike and have enough time, then go for it!

Details of Arthur’s Seat:

• Height: about 823 feet (251 meters)
• Hiking time: about 45–60 minutes to the top
• Difficulty: moderate

Is the Arthur’s Seat hike worth it? From the top, apparently, you’ll see amazing views of the city. I’ve heard that the early morning and evening sunset hours tend to be less crowded on the trail. We chose not to use the time for this because we felt really satisfied with the Calton Hill at sunset experience.

Day 2 Dinnertime

Witchery
352 Castlehill
Billed as Scotland’s best restaurant. It’s luxury dining in an elegant old world setting either in the original dining room or one tucked into a secret garden, near the castle. It’s definitely a special occasion kind of meal. You must have reservation and if the menu and price aren’t what you’re in the mood for, then consider Afternoon Tea. (The earliest reservation we could get was for 9PM. We were too tired and hungry earlier and ended up cancelling the reservation)

Grand Cafe Edinburgh
20 North Bridge
Elegant cafe in a circa-1905 venue, offering traditional European plates, brunch & cocktails. We had a surprisingly delicious meal in this lovely setting, and were seated right away without a reservation!

The Pipers Rest
3 Hunter Square
A traditional Scottish pub with great food, fun atmosphere, excellent location, and plenty of drinks!

Day 3 of 3 Days in Edinburgh – Dean Village & Stockbridge

Day 3 is the time to explore the area north of Old Town which is called New Town. You’ll walk there and back and see plenty of Edinburgh’s most beautiful areas along the way.

Breakfast Options
Edinburgh Press Club
20-30 Cockburn Street
Espresso drinks, light breakfast food, fresh baked goods in a cute setting.

Greenwoods
61 Frederick Street
Traditional English breakfast in a bright cafe.

Princes Street Gardens

Start by walking in Princes Street Gardens, the large park that sits in the valley between Old Town and New Town. The gardens used to be North Loch, the lake that protected the medieval city. It was polluted and was eventually drained in the 1820’s to be transformed into a public garden. Today it’s a lively green space with some of the best views of Edinburgh Castle towering above the cliffs.

Dean Village

From Princes Street Gardens, walk about 20 minutes to Dean Village. This is practically our favorite part of Edinburgh! I rate this neighborhood as an absolute must-see.

Dean Village was once a milling village along the Water of Leith river. The mills operated here for hundreds of years because of the reliable water supply. Now it’s a quiet residential area that looks like a fairytale village with historic stone houses and quaint little bridges. It’s one of the most photographed areas of the city, and you’ll see why!

Walk the Water of Leith

As you wander through the village, you’ll come to the path along the river. Walk on the Water of Leith Walkway, through several neighborhoods, pass a stone tower named Miller Row, tucked under the Dean Bridge. Its not actually a tower, but a former private squash club!There used to be mills lining the river which is now this scenic spot along the walkway. After you emerge from under the bridge, you’ll come up to the neighborhood of Stockbridge.

The full path is about 12 miles long, but even a short section near Dean Village offers a relaxing break from the busy Old Town streets.

Explore Stockbridge

Next, walk up into Stockbridge, a neighborhood known for independent shops and restaurants. Wander around, shop, eat, and if it’s Sunday, you’ll find the Stockbridge Market open. Stop for a snack or drink at one of the many cute cafes.

We loved The Pantry
1 N W Circus Place
It’s a lovely spot, with seating outside, and excellent food and drinks.

Walk Along Circus Lane

Before leaving the neighborhood, stop by Circus Lane, a small cobblestone street lined with historic houses. It was originally built in the 18th century as stables and carriage houses. Today it’s one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh. Another one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems.

Day 3 Dinnertime

Ivy on the Square
6 St Andrew Square
We are big fans of the Ivy restaurant chain. We have enjoyed Ivy restaurants in London, Dublin, and couldn’t pass up an opportunity to dine with them in Edinburgh. We were not disappointed! The Ivy’s each have a unique style of modern brasserie, colorful, classy, and excellent service!

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Motel One Edinburgh Royal is in an ideal location and was perfect for our 3 day stay. Everything was clean, well appointed, and the service was great. It’s in an older building connected to other older buildings, so the elevator and stair situation is a bit awkward. The affordable price and convenience of the location, however, made up for any minor faults.

The Balmoral Hotel is a stately, 5 star hotel in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Since 1902, it’s known for its luxury accommodations, service, and great location.

The Intercontinental Edinburgh The George is a chic hotel in a 1700’s building in an excellent location in Old Town. It has wonderful reviews for accommodations, food, service, and location,

When is the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh?

Edinburgh, like most of Scotland, is great to visit any time of the year! The crowds in the Old Town are notoriously high during the summer and apparently the Fringe Festival brings so many people each August that the prices can skyrocket.

You’ll always need layers in Scotland, so my recommendation is not to try for the best weather, but rather that activities you want to enjoy. For instance, traveling during the winter holidays is always so much fun in Europe, even thought the weather is cold and wet.

FAQ’s – Edinburgh’s Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 Days Enough in Edinburgh?

Three days is a great amount of time to experience Edinburgh’s highlights. We didn’t feel rushed and saw all the sites we wanted to with some down time for cafes and relaxing dinners. A few days in Edinburgh is also a great way to begin a longer road trip through Scotland.

Where are the Best Photo Spots in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is one of the most photogenic places I have ever been! Everywhere you look, are great photo moments. here are some of the most popular photo op spots:

• Victoria Street
• Vennel Steps
• Dean Village Bridge
• Circus Lane
• Calton Hill
• Arthur’s Seat Summit

Now you’re all set with the perfect 3 days in Edinburgh Itinerary.

In a nutshell…

I think that three days is the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights of Edinburgh. Could I have enjoyed a few more days? Absolutely, but 3 days worked out very well.

We explored the historic streets of Old Town, visited landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, walked through neighborhoods such as Dean Village and Stockbridge, and saw the panoramic views from Calton Hill.

Edinburgh is easy to explore on foot, and the Scottish people are so charming and personable. Everyone we met truly loves this city.

Visit Edinburgh as part of a bigger trip to Scotland or just as a one city getaway. I’m sure you’ll love the architecture, culture, history, and the people. Honestly, I can’t want to return to Scotland and will definitely make Edinburgh the hub for the trip.

xx,
Carrie