Making the Most of 3 Days in Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe — a historic city with cobbled streets, dramatic views, and a mix of medieval and Georgian charm. From Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock, to the winding Royal Mile, Edinburgh is packed with history, whisky, and culture.

We spent three days here and still didn’t have enough time to see it all. This guide shares the best places and main attractions in the Scottish capital, plus a sample 3-day Edinburgh itinerary that’s perfect for a first-time visit.

To see all the places we visited, check out our Google Map of Edinburgh.

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Top Things to do in Edinburgh

There is so much to do in Edinburgh, but here are some of our favorites.

Walk the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a great way to start your trip. It runs from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is packed with shops, pubs, and historic buildings, and is exactly one mile!

We walked all the way down the Royal Mile to see the rest of it. Luckily, it was downhill all the way. At the very end is Hollywood Palace, which is quite magnificent. We did not have the time or the energy to take a tour, but we got a few good pics. If you would like to see more, check out our Instagram post.

A great way to see it all and learn a bit on the go is to take a walking tour!

Edinburgh Castle

Sitting high on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is the most iconic landmark in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, you’ll find the Great Hall, state apartments, and the Crown Jewels. The best way to see the castle is to take a guided tour!

We have not done this yet, but we hear that it does take a good amount of time, so plan ahead. Visiting in the late afternoon can sometimes mean fewer crowds.

Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience is the best way to try different whiskies while you are in Scotland. They are located up on the Royal Mile and offer tours throughout the day. They do get full soon, so book your tour in advance. We didn’t do this on our trip, but it is on the list for next time!

St. Giles’ Cathedral

Named after the patron saint of Edinburgh, St. Giles’ Cathedral is right on the Royal Mile. It is the principal place of worship in Edinburgh, and Queen Elizabeth lay in state there for 24 hours so that the citizens could pay their respects.

Beth loves churches, so we could not pass up the opportunity to see it. The stained glass was gorgeous!

The Order of the Thistle

Inside the cathedral is a small chapel dedicated to the Order of the Thistle, the greatest order of chivalry in Scotland. It recognises Scottish men and women who have held office or contributed to national life. It has roots in the Middle Ages (c. 809 CE), but James II of England established the new rules in 1687. The sovereign is the leader of the order, and appointments are made only by him.

Inside the chapel, new members are installed by the king. The room is full of amazing stained glass and stalls for the 16 knights, 2 royal stalls, and the sovereign stall. There are religious and heraldic details, many of it Scottish, such as angels playing bagpipes.

The Real Mary King’s Close (Royal Mile)

This underground attraction offers a walking tour through a preserved 14th-century close beneath the Royal Mile. You’ll learn about plague, merchants, and Mary Queen of Scots’ time. Slightly touristy, but well worth visiting for a short walk into Edinburgh’s past.

We loved how this tour made medieval Edinburgh so real! We highly recommend it! They must not allow pictures because we did not have a single one for the entire visit. Plus, it really is dark down there!

Victoria Street and Grassmarket

Curved and colorful, Victoria Street is one of the best places in the Old Town and is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. Fans will love the quirky shops, from tartans to the sword-filled Knights Vault.

The Harry Potter Shop (Museum Context Limited) is a great place to stop in, especially if you are a Harry Potter Fan. The shop has 3 floors, although it is rather small, but fun to explore. It was June, so it was FULL of people.

**Special note–Chalmers Tweed shop used to be a joke shop and still has the glasses with the funny nose mounted outside. It was the inspiration for the Weasleys’ Joke Shop in Harry Potter. They are not allowed to remove the glasses because of this.

A short walk down brings you to Grassmarket, a lively square perfect for a pint or afternoon tea. Known for its bars and nightlife, it is a perfect place to get a drink and hang out, especially if the weather is good. The market was used as a market, of course, but also a place to hang witches back in the day.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Our good friends, David and Ansley, recommended that we go to the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society and have a tasting there. This is not your average whisky tasking. These guys boast that they have over 500 whiskies from Scotland. You have to be a member to buy these whiskies, but you can visit the guest room and schedule a tasting.

We had dinner there as well, and it was incredible. Luckily, it was after the tasting, so we could sober up a little.

We tried 5 of the whiskies and OMG they were amazing! They ranged from full peat to not peaty at all. We wanted so badly to buy a bottle, but alas, we were not members. Maybe next time.

Harry Potter Walking Tour

We booked a guided tour of Kat’s Harry Potter walking tour through Airbnb, but Kat has her own website with Travel Kat Tours. She does a Harry Potter tour, a witches tour, and can also do a custom tour.

The tour started at the Royal Mile by Edinburgh Castle, so we were able to see the other part of the Royal Mile that we had missed the day before. We walked around the outside of the castle, saw some really cool owls, and visited the famous tartan store there. That’s where we were meeting up with our tour guide, Kat.

We visited several places that were inspirations for J.K. Rowling while she was writing her book. We visited the Writers Walk, next to the Writers Museum, which had a stone for every writer who had something to do with Scotland. Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and Robert Louis Stevenson all have stones here. Rowlings wasn’t there yet, since you have to be dead to get one.

There are other Harry Potter Tours out there that offer tickets to Edinburgh Castle. We haven’t tried them yet, but they are on the list.

We walked back down Victoria Street once more and ended the tour at the Greyfriars Kirkyard, where you can see many names that were used in the books. You can also see the cafe where she wrote before she became really famous. Unfortunately, it burned down several years ago and has not been rebuilt.

Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Greyfriars Bobby

Walking distance from the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirkyard is filled with names familiar to any Harry Potter fan. You can find McGonagall’s name and Tomas Riddle’s grave here.

At the end of the Greyfriars Kirkyard, there is a grave dedicated to a Terrier. This terrier was so loyal to his owner, John Grey, that he guarded his grave for 14 years. A statue was erected to honour the sweet boy, and people often leave sticks on his grave as a tribute.

National Museum of Scotland

Free, vast, and full of treasures, the National Museum of Scotland covers everything from natural history to fashion. Highlights include the Millennium Clock Tower and exhibits on Scottish history. It’s also a great way to spend an afternoon if you have extra time or limited time and need one perfect place to see it all.

Calton Hill

For some of the best views of the city centre, climb Calton Hill. The highest point is dotted with neoclassical monuments and an observatory. From here, you can spot the Scott Monument, Princes Street, and even Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano rising behind the city center.

Princes Street Garden & New Town

Stretching below the castle, Princes Street Gardens are a great spot for a stroll, picnic, or live music. On the other side is Edinburgh’s New Town, full of Georgian elegance, George Street shopping, and the Scott Monument.

Johnny Walker Experience

This building used to be a department store back in the day, but now it is used to promote Johnny Walker Whisky. You can get a tour of the place, but to be honest, the best part of it is the rooftop bar, where you get some of the best views in Edinburgh.

Writer’s Museum

Hidden just off the High Street in the city centre, this small but fascinating museum celebrates Scotland’s literary giants: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. It’s free to enter and a great place to connect with Scottish literature, rare manuscripts, and historic buildings.

Shelley especially wanted to visit this time since we only saw the outside of the building and the writer’s walk. The building is really quite interesting, but the museum makes the old printshop even more inspiring.

Festivals & Performances

Late July through August is a busy time for Edinburgh. They host the two biggest events in Scotland: the Fringe festival and the Royal Tattoo. If you don’t mind crowds (and I mean big crowds), this is a great time to go.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Tattoo is staged at Edinburgh Castle each August, with military bands and fireworks. This year we had the chance to experience it, and it was every bit as moving as we’d hoped. The sound of the pipes and drums echoing against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle gave us chills, and the international performances added such a special touch—bands from the US, Switzerland, and Ukraine brought their own flair to the show. The mix of tradition, precision, and pageantry made the whole evening unforgettable, a true highlight of our time in Scotland.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

The Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world, full of street performers and comedy shows. Over three weeks, thousands of performers, from comedians and musicians to actors, dancers, and experimental artists, take to theaters, pubs, and even street corners to showcase their work.

The atmosphere is electric, with the Royal Mile buzzing with street performers, pop-up venues, and a global crowd eager to discover something new. Whether you’re drawn to big-name acts or looking for something out of the ordinary, the Fringe offers an unforgettable mix of entertainment, culture, and sheer artistic energy.

Other Great Places Worth Visiting

If you have a little bit more time in Edinburgh beyond the main attractions, there are plenty of additional sites worth visiting that showcase the city’s diversity. From quirky museums to peaceful green spaces and royal history, these spots round out your visit to Scotland’s capital.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Located just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile, this is a great spot for families and curious travelers alike. Inside, you’ll find five floors of interactive exhibits, including optical illusions, light tricks, and a rooftop terrace with some of the best views of the city centre. The Victorian-era camera obscura itself projects a live panorama of Edinburgh, offering a unique way to see the city.

Dean Village
Nestled along the Water of Leith, Dean Village feels worlds away from the bustling city centre, even though it’s only a short walk from Princes Street. This former milling village is full of historic buildings, cobbled streets, and riverside paths. It’s a perfect place for a quiet stroll, photography, or simply soaking up the charm of a residential area that feels untouched by time.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
If you have extra time and want a peaceful escape, the Royal Botanic Garden is a perfect place to recharge. Spanning 70 acres, it showcases plants from around the world, beautifully designed glasshouses, and stunning seasonal displays. It’s also a great way to enjoy a little bit of Scotland’s lush greenery without leaving the city centre.

Scottish Parliament
Standing at the end of the Royal Mile across from Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament is a striking piece of modern architecture in the heart of a historic city. Visitors can explore the award-winning design, learn about Scotland’s government, or even attend a public debate or committee session if Parliament is in session. It’s worth visiting for both its political and architectural significance.

Royal Yacht Britannia
Moored in Leith, just outside the main city centre, the Royal Yacht Britannia offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life at sea. Once the royal residence for Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family, the yacht is now a floating museum. You can tour the State Apartments, see the crew’s quarters, and even stop for afternoon tea on board. It’s one of the best things to do if you’re interested in the royal family or maritime history.

Scottish National Gallery & National Gallery of Scotland
Art lovers shouldn’t miss Edinburgh’s premier galleries, located right in the city centre near Princes Street Gardens. The Scottish National Gallery houses works by masters like Rembrandt, Turner, and Van Gogh, while the National Gallery of Scotland highlights Scottish artists such as Sir Henry Raeburn. Both galleries are free to enter, making them a great way to spend a late afternoon indoors while learning about art and Scottish history.

Where to Eat

Loudons has a lovely brunch and also offers a full Scottish breakfast complete with haggis. They have great scones and pastries as well, and the coffee is amazing!

Maker’s Mash is on North Bank Street and is a treat! You order your choice of meat (baked chicken, lamb shank, roasted beef) and then pick your mashed potatoes. There are 10 different choices, and they all sound amazing. I had apple-smoked cheese potatoes, and Beth had horseradish. We will definitely be going back!

Howie’s is another restaurant we enjoyed while in Edinburgh. The food is upscale traditional Scottish fare. They have a lunch special where you can get a starter and a main for £20, and it was worth it. The tomato soup is fantastic, and Beth said the haggis starter was incredible (I’m not a big fan of haggis–too gamey for me). They have two locations–one in Waterloo and one on Victoria Street. Make reservations because they fill up quickly.

Pubs

There are so many pubs in Edinburgh that you would have a hard time not passing one just walking down the street. The pubs on the Royal Mile will be a bit more expensive than the off-track ones. We visited the George IV bar, looking for a pint after a long walk, the White Hart because it was one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh, and the Ensign Ewart because it was the best place to wait before we got into the Royal Tattoo.

Getting to and around Edinburgh

There are often direct flights into Edinburgh Airport and airport taxis that can take you to your next destination. The bus system is quite reliable for getting around and only costs around £2. Contactless payment or exact change are the only forms of payment used.

We also took a train from King’s Cross in London to Edinburgh Waverley station. The ride was about 4 1/2 hours long, but through the beautiful countryside. Getting a bus or taxi from Waverly is very easy, too.

Final Thoughts

Three days is a good time for a first visit, but if you have more time or extra time, add Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Scottish Highlands to your list. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, a whisky lover, or simply want to explore a historic city, Edinburgh is a great place and the perfect way to experience Scotland.

Want to learn more about our adventures? Check out our podcast! We often tell stories we don’t include in our blog posts. Look out for UK part 2, highlighting Glasgow, Dunblane, and Strathaven!

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