The Ultimate 3 Day Guide to Edinburgh, Scotland!
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and offers visitors encaptivating dark, moody architecture and serene landscapes. The city’s medieval charm and cobblestone streets feel like a real like history book with new things to learn at each corner. Edinburgh has something for every type of traveler and is a great destination to visit on a budget!
Edinburgh has a special place in my heart, because it was one of the destinations on my first trip out of the country! After I graduated from high school, I took a two-week solo trip to Scotland and England, which was such a fun and freeing experience! Keep reading to learn how I spent my three days in Edinburgh and tips on how you can have an amazing trip exploring Scotland’s capital!
Day 1: Exploring the Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood
Stay: Castle Rock Hostel
I visited Edinburgh as an 18-year-old high school graduate traveling solo, which is clearly reflected in my choice of accommodations! I stayed at the Castle Rock Hostel, a lively hostel located right at the bottom of the hill up to Edinburgh Castle. It was super affordable and probably my favorite hostel I have ever stayed at! I also ended up taking a guided tour up to the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye and the tour departed from this hostel which was perfect.
Morning: Getting Lost in the Famous Edinburgh Castle
I started my day at Edinburgh’s most iconic attraction, the Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle has hosted many royal events and has also been the place of many battles, making it a significant part of the country’s history. The castle is perched on “Castle Rock,” hence the name of my hostel, which provided a strategic high ground for the military.
I spent a few hours here, exploring every square of the castle and listening to an audio guide along the way for context. Make sure to check out the Regimental Museum located inside the castle, which serves as the National War Museum of Scotland, take a look at the old prison, and stare out at the beautiful views of the city!
Midday: Visiting the King’s Official Resident in Scotland
After grabbing a bite to eat, I made my way to the second major attraction of the day was the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the official residence of the King of Scotland. This amazing residence and royal event space showcases Scotland’s grandeur in every room. The Great Gallery is a magnificent room full of historical portraits of the Scottish royals and the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, is adorned with lavish decor but also offers historical highlights of her life.
I’d suggest purchasing tickets in advance as they are a bit cheaper than buying at the front door. You can buy tickets at their official website here: Palace of Holyroodhouse (rct.uk).
Evening: A Fun Climb up Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park Attractions
Nearby to Holyrood Park is the climb of Arthur’s Seat. Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano and is the highest point of Edinburgh at 822 feet above sea level. There are a few different paths you can take to the top, with the longest one taking just under an hour to reach the top. I climbed on a rainy day, but still enjoyed the views of the city!
Since I was already in Holyrood Park, I decided to explore the area a bit more. St. Anthony’s Chapel remnants are left in this area, with just a few stone walls standing and Dunsapie Crag is another hiking option perfect for people who prefer a gentler hike than Arthur’s Seat. Duddingston Loch is also in this area, it’s a cute freshwater lake but it’s not where you’ll find Loch Ness!
Day 2: Exploring Old Town and the Parliament
Morning: Walking Down the Royal Mile in Old Town
I started the day early in Edinburgh’s Old Town. From the Edinburgh Castle, I walked down the Royal Mile and took in all my surroundings. There were small museums, several restaurants, and some street performances that I stopped to watch.
St Giles Cathedral is located in Old Town and is a beautiful church with a small square out front perfect for sitting and reading or energizing with a coffee and pastry!
Midday: A Glimpse into the Scottish Political System
Next on the agenda was to check-out the Scottish Parliament Building, which also has free entry! The building sets itself apart from the rest of Edinburgh’s typical architectural style and incorporates organic shaping and natural building materials. I especially loved the design of the debate chambers and the natural lighting in this room!
Evening: A Relaxing End to a Long Day
I admired the Scott Monument before going to a restaurant for dinner.
Day 3: More Scottish History and Trying Scotch
Morning: A Breakfast Fit for Harry Potter Fans
If you are a Harry Potter fan, check out Spoon Cafe where JK Rowling spent some time writing a few chapters of the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This is a perfect place to grab some coffee or brunch!
Midday: Walking Through Scottish History at the Museum
The National Museum of Scotland is along the Royal Mile path and is free to enter. I spent over an hour wandering around the different exhibits and learning about Scotland’s history. After that I continued wandering off the main Royal Mile road to get lost in the side streets. I have always loved doing this and think it’s one of the best ways to explore a city!
Evening: Quaint Village Walks and a Scotch Taste-Test
Something I wish I spent more time doing was exploring Dean Village which has cute cottage like homes on small old cobblestone streets. I’d suggest taking the whole evening to walk around the neighborhood!
Last on my agenda for Scotland was to try some Scotch!
Conclusion
Edinburgh is truly a captivating city that enchants visitors with its unique blend of historic grandeur and vibrant modern culture which blend seamlessly. From the majestic Edinburgh Castle perched on its volcanic rock to the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town, the city offers so much to explore and see. There are also many free museums and attractions which is always great for the budget conscious travelers out there!
With its picturesque gardens, cultural landmarks, and friendly atmosphere, Edinburgh perfectly intertwines the old and the new, making it an unforgettable destination for anyone seeking a memorable travel experience!
FAQs:
What’s the best time of year to visit Edinburgh? The best time to visit Edinburgh is late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September and October). The weather is nice, and the crowds are smaller. Summer (July and August) is super popular, but it can get pretty busy and pricey.
How many days should I spend in Edinburgh? You’ll want at least 3 days to really get a feel for Edinburgh. That’s enough time to check out the big sights like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and maybe even climb Arthur’s Seat. Plus, you’ll have time to enjoy the local culture and food.
What are the must-see attractions in Edinburgh? Don’t miss Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Scott Monument. Take a stroll through the Old Town, explore Dean Village, and relax in one of the city’s beautiful gardens.
How do I get around Edinburgh? Edinburgh is pretty easy to get around. You can walk to most places, but there are also buses and trams if you need them. Taxis are available, but usually the costliest option. If you’re into biking, there are rentals around the city.
What currency is used in Edinburgh, and can I use credit cards? Edinburgh uses British Pounds (GBP). You can use credit or debit cards almost everywhere. Still, it’s handy to have some cash on you, just in case.
Are there any day trips I can take from Edinburgh? Definitely! You can head to the Scottish Highlands, check out Stirling Castle, visit Loch Ness, or pop over to nearby towns like St. Andrews or Glasgow. Rosslyn Chapel, which you might know from “The Da Vinci Code,” is also just a short drive away.
What should I pack for a trip to Edinburgh? Edinburgh weather can be all over the place, so pack layers. Bring a rain jacket, comfy walking shoes, an umbrella, and something warm for the evenings—even in summer. And if you’re coming from outside the UK, don’t forget a power adapter and your passport!
What local dishes should I try in Edinburgh? You’ve got to try haggis (it wasn’t a favorite of mine, but it’s part of the Scottish experience haha) and Scotch pies. For dessert, try cranachan or shortbread. And of course, try some Scotch since they take pride in brewing it here!
