Got just 3 days in Edinburgh? This easy guide will help you make the most of every minute!
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With its castles, cobbled streets, hills, and cozy cafés, it feels like something out of a storybook. No matter if you love history, nature, food, or shopping, this city has something for everyone.
This guide is perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and first-time visitors. It is also great if you are visiting on a budget or looking for local food and free things to do.
Let’s make the most of your 3 days in this magical city.
3-Day Edinburgh Travel Plan at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at your 3-day Edinburgh adventure:
Day 1: Old Town, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle
Day 2: Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat, Dean Village or Stockbridge
Day 3: New Town, museums, shopping, and dinner in Leith
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Edinburgh is spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October). The weather is mild, and it is not too crowded.
Where to Stay
Budget: Hostels in Old Town or Leith
Mid-range: Guesthouses in New Town
Luxury: Hotels near Princes Street or Calton Hill
Transport Tips
Edinburgh is easy to walk around, but buses and trams are great too. Get the Lothian Buses app to help plan your routes.
Day 1: Exploring Old Town, Royal Mile & Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh’s Old Town is where the city began. You will walk along old streets, visit a famous castle, and enjoy tasty food.
Start Your Day at the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a long, cobbled street full of history. You will find old buildings, small museums, souvenir shops, and street performers.
Don’t forget to explore the tiny “closes” (hidden alleyways) along the way. They’re fun, mysterious, and great for photos!
Photo Tip: Stand near Victoria Street for a colorful shot of Edinburgh’s most famous curve.
Visit the Iconic Edinburgh Castle
At the end of the Royal Mile sits Edinburgh Castle, sitting high on a rock. It is the city’s most famous attraction.
Tips:
- Book tickets online to skip the line
- Visit in the morning to avoid crowds
- Look out for the One O’Clock Gun and the Crown Jewels
Inside, you will find old royal rooms, war memorials, and amazing city views.
Lunch in a Traditional Scottish Pub or Café
Head down to Grassmarket or Victoria Street for lunch. These spots are full of charm and great food.
Try:
- Haggis (a Scottish favorite)
- Mac and cheese
- Or a simple soup and sandwich if you prefer something light
Cafés like The Elephant House are also fun, J.K. Rowling once wrote there!
Afternoon Visit: St Giles’ Cathedral & Scottish Parliament
Stop by St Giles’ Cathedral, right on the Royal Mile. It is free to enter and has beautiful stained glass and old stonework.
Afterward, head down to the Scottish Parliament near Holyrood. The modern building is interesting to look at and sometimes open for visits.
Evening: Dinner + Ghost Tour / Pub Crawl
For dinner, choose a Scottish restaurant with a cozy vibe. you will find veggie options too!
Want something fun after dinner? Join a ghost tour! Edinburgh is known for spooky stories and underground tunnels. Some tours are family-friendly, while others are more thrilling.
Day 2 : Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace & Hidden Gems
On Day 2, you will enjoy nature, royal history, and quiet parts of the city that most tourists miss.
Morning Hike to Arthur’s Seat for Breathtaking Views
Start your morning with a hike up Arthur’s Seat, an old volcano that gives you the best view of Edinburgh.
- Takes about 30–45 minutes to climb
- Wear comfy shoes
- Go early for sunrise if you can!
Photo Tip: The view from the top is perfect for a group photo or a solo shot with the city behind you.
Explore Holyrood Palace and the Abbey
After the hike, walk to Holyrood Palace, the official home of the King in Scotland.
you will see royal rooms, gardens, and the ruins of an old abbey.
Tip: Use the free audio guide to learn cool facts as you walk around.
Lunch Near Holyrood: Local Cafes & Bakeries
There are small cafés near the palace with lots of lunch options. You will find vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free food too.
Try a cheese toastie, Scottish shortbread, or a warm bowl of soup.
Afternoon in Dean Village or Stockbridge
In the afternoon, go somewhere quiet like Dean Village. It is a peaceful area with pretty houses and a stream.
Or head to Stockbridge, where you will find local shops, markets, and cute coffee spots.
Instagram Tip: The bridge in Dean Village is one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
Evening at the Theatre or Live Music Pub
If you love the arts, go to the Festival Theatre or catch a local show.
In August, check out the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! Performances happen on every corner!
Prefer music? Many pubs have live folk music in the evenings.
Day 3: Discover Edinburgh’s New Town, Museums & Local Life
Today, It is time to explore the modern side of Edinburgh, with art, shopping, and good food.
Start at the Scottish National Gallery or Portrait Gallery
Start your day at the Scottish National Gallery, right by Princes Street. It is free to enter and full of beautiful paintings.
If you love portraits, check out the Scottish National Portrait Gallery too.
Don’t miss: Works by Van Gogh, Turner, and Scottish artists.
Shopping on Princes Street & George Street
Princes Street is full of popular stores. Walk over to George Street for local shops and fancy boutiques.
Tip: If you’re on a budget, check out souvenir shops near Waverley Station.
Lunch at a Cosy Cafe or Afternoon Tea Spot
Stop for lunch at a New Town café. You can also treat yourself to afternoon tea with scones, cakes, and tiny sandwiches.
Good places to try:
- The Dome (fancy and festive)
- Eteaket (relaxed and friendly)
Stroll to Calton Hill: A Quieter Sunset Alternative
In the afternoon, head to Calton Hill. It is a short, easy climb with a great view of the city.
The hill has old monuments that look like Roman ruins, great for photos!
Sunset Tip: Arrive an hour before sunset for the best light.
Final Dinner in Leith: Edinburgh’s Portside District
Finish your trip with dinner in Leith, near the water.
you will find cozy bistros and even Michelin-star restaurants. If you love seafood, this is the place!
Try:
- Fresh fish
- Local stew (Cullen Skink)
- Or a sweet dessert with local berries
How to Make the Most of Your 3-Day Edinburgh Trip
Planning your first visit to Edinburgh? These simple tips will help make your trip smoother, more fun, and stress-free.
Where to Buy a City Pass or Attraction Combo Ticket
Save money and skip lines by getting the Edinburgh City Pass or Royal Edinburgh Ticket. These passes include entry to top places like Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and more.
You can buy them online or at the VisitScotland iCentre near Waverley Station.
Rainy Day Alternatives
Rain in Edinburgh? No problem! There are lots of things to do indoors:
- Visit the National Museum of Scotland (great for kids and adults)
- Explore St Giles’ Cathedral
- Try a local café and enjoy warm tea and cake
- Shop inside covered malls like St James Quarter
Cultural Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
- A smile and a simple “hello” or “hi” is always welcome
- Say “please” and “thank you” often
- Tipping: Add 10–15% at restaurants if the service is good
- In buses or trains, give your seat to older people or families with kids
Best Apps to Download for Edinburgh
Make your trip easy with these free apps:
- Lothian Buses: for bus and tram schedules
- Google Maps: to find places easily
- TheFork or OpenTable: to book restaurants
- XE Currency: to check exchange rates
- VisitScotland App: for up-to-date event info
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best time to visit Edinburgh for a 3-day trip?
The best times are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). You will get mild weather, pretty views, and fewer crowds.
Is 3 days enough to explore Edinburgh?
Yes! In 3 days, you can see all the top sights like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and more. you will get a great feel for the city.
Can I do Edinburgh on a budget?
Absolutely. Many attractions are free, like Calton Hill, Dean Village, and the National Gallery. You can also eat well at small cafés or grab takeaway from markets.
What should I pack for 3 days in Edinburgh?
- A light rain jacket or umbrella (it rains often)
- Comfy walking shoes (lots of cobbled streets)
- Layers (weather changes quickly)
- Camera or smartphone for all those photo spots!
Is Edinburgh safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Edinburgh is very safe for solo travel. Just follow basic safety tips: avoid empty streets at night and keep your things close in busy areas. Locals are friendly and helpful.
Don’t Miss These Photo Spots in Edinburgh
Want some great pictures for your Instagram or travel album? Edinburgh has some amazing photo locations!
Victoria Street
This curvy, colorful street looks like a fairytale. It is also said to have inspired Diagon Alley from Harry Potter.
Circus Lane
A peaceful cobbled lane with flowers and cute houses. Best in the morning when it’s quiet.
Calton Hill
Climb up for sunset views and snap photos by the tall columns. The city view from here is stunning!
Dean Village
Hidden away near the river, this is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in the city. Stone bridges and cottages make it feel like a different world.
The Vennel Viewpoint
This small stairway gives you a direct view of Edinburgh Castle. It is one of the best secret photo spots in town!
