The Good 3 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary for Your First Go to

A very long time in the past, the town of Edinburgh was often known as “Auld Reekie.” This was again within the days of peat hearth smog, overpopulation, and a scarcity of contemporary plumbing. Add to this a stagnant Nor Loch (which was polluted with every part from waste to lifeless our bodies), and also you most likely can work out the place the “Reekie” got here from.

Fortunately, Edinburgh has come a good distance since then.

I am going to always remember my first journey to Edinburgh. It was on the tail finish of my very first journey to Europe, and I arrived on the practice from London proper smack in the midst of the town’s competition season in August. I hadn’t finished my analysis beforehand, and was completely shocked by this timing.

It was nice, although – I explored the town AND loved the Fringe Pageant on the similar time.

It was on that first journey that I completely fell in love with Edinburgh. The town is crammed with historical past (each its Outdated and New cities are UNESCO World Heritage Websites), wonderful structure, loads of Scottish tradition, and never one however TWO castles/palaces!

Should you’ve by no means been to “Auld Reekie” earlier than, listed below are my ideas for what to do with three days within the metropolis. (And don’t be concerned – they found out these plumbing points ages in the past.)

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3 Days in Edinburgh itinerary

I’ve personally been to Edinburgh half a dozen instances now, and this prompt itinerary is what I’d suggest for any first-time customer!

Day 1: Iconic Edinburgh

In your first day in Edinburgh, I like to recommend specializing in its most well-known websites. We’ll dub today “Iconic Edinburgh.” Begin on the Royal Mile, go to a fort or two, and finish the day with a spooky tour.

Morning: Royal Mile

Edinburgh’s most well-known attraction by far is the Royal Mile. Although “attraction” is not actually the proper phrase, because the Royal Mile is a lot greater than only a singular factor to see.

Right here you will discover every part from pubs to tartan retailers, and the pedestrian-only part is often crammed with road performers. As you make your means up (or down) the Royal Mile, try the next historic websites and points of interest:

1. St. Giles Cathedral

You may’t miss this 14th-century cathedral with is crown-shaped steeple on the Royal Mile. Not solely is St. Giles lovely on the surface, however the church is simply as fairly on the within, too. Pop in to see the stained glass home windows, fairly blue ceiling, and complicated Thistle Chapel.

(Notice that St. Giles is often open on daily basis, although typically is closed to guests for personal occasions like weddings. It is free to go to, although they do ask that you just pay a small payment to take photographs inside.)

2. Scotch Whisky Expertise

Close to the Edinburgh Citadel, you will come across the Scotch Whisky Expertise. Even if you happen to do not love whisky, that is one thing value doing.

You may take quite a lot of excursions that promise that can assist you “develop into a ‘one-hour-whisky-expert,’” and likewise see a assortment of greater than 3,300 bottles of Scotch whisky. The tour comes full with a scratch-and-sniff card to stroll you thru several types of whisky, in addition to one tasting.

(Guide a guided whisky tour right here, which is nice for first-timers.)

3. Writers’ Museum OR Digital camera Obscura

The small Writers’ Museum is simply off the Royal Mile, and is value a go to! It is devoted to a few of Scotland’s most well-known literary figures: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. The free museum has issues like portraits, uncommon books, and private objects belonging and associated to those well-known Scottish writers.

Or, if you happen to’re within the temper for a extra enjoyable option to spend an hour or two, try the Digital camera Obscura and World of Illusions proper subsequent to the doorway to Edinburgh Citadel. This interactive museum is crammed with optical illusions and enjoyable puzzles, and is very nice if you happen to’re touring to Scotland with youngsters.

You may see the digicam obscura itself and be taught the way it works, and the tower atop the constructing additionally offers you some nice views out over the town.

Afternoon: Go to a fort

You may’t actually go to Edinburgh with out visiting a fort or palace (in spite of everything, keep in mind that there are two of them right here!).

1. Edinburgh Citadel

Edinburgh Citadel, sitting proudly on the prime of the Royal Mile, is the fort that you will see probably the most typically because it’s seen from many elements of the town. And whereas the traditional fortress is fairly cool, I discover the doorway payment (at the moment £19.50 for adults) a bit steep for what you may really see.

Edinburgh Citadel has not been occupied for hundreds of years, so what you will discover inside consists largely of the crown jewels of Scotland and a few army reveals.

(Should you do go to and wish to get extra out of your time there, decide up a skip-the-line ticket that features a guided tour.)

2. Palace of Holyroodhouse

If you’d like my sincere opinion, I believe that visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse is extra value it than visiting Edinburgh Citadel if you happen to solely wish to go to certainly one of them. This palace on the backside of the Royal Mile has an identical entrance payment (£19.50) to tour, however provides the added bonus of nonetheless being an official royal residence.

Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. The late Queen would come to remain (and throw an enormous backyard occasion) each summer time, and it’ll now be utilized by the King.

You may view the State Residences (that are nonetheless used), in addition to the previous chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots. After I visited, in addition they had a particular show of a few of the clothes Queen Elizabeth had worn all through her reign.

Outdoors the palace, you will discover some lovely grounds, in addition to the ruins of the Holyrood Abbey.

This was all rather more attention-grabbing for me than Edinburgh Citadel – however after all you do you!

Night: Get ghostly

Edinburgh has a really lengthy historical past – and never all of it good. There are numerous excursions you may take to discover the darker aspect of the town, from nighttime ghost excursions to after-dark historic excursions.

You must also try the Actual Mary King’s Shut, which is a posh of slim alleyways partially hidden beneath the Royal Trade within the Outdated City. The world has loads of darkish tales related to it, so be ready for some goosebumps.

Listed below are some spooky Edinburgh excursions to take a look at:

Day 2: New City

In your second day in Edinburgh, enterprise away from the Outdated City into the newer elements of the town (that are nonetheless tremendous lovely and historic!).

Morning: Princes Avenue Gardens

Begin your morning with a stroll by means of Princes Avenue Gardens, that are technically two adjoining gardens within the heart of Edinburgh, simply down the hill from the fort. The Gardens had been created within the 1820s, after the Nor Loch was drained.

As we speak, they are a beautiful place for a stroll, particularly within the spring and summer time when numerous issues are in bloom! (Should you’re visiting between mid-June and early July, hold a watch out for the purple thistle blooms, as that is the one time of yr you will see them.)

Late morning: Scottish Nationwide Gallery

Subsequent, you may head to the Scottish Nationwide Gallery, situated on The Mound beneath Edinburgh Citadel. The very best half about this museum (aside from the good paintings) is that it is free to go to.

Afternoon: Climb the Scott Monument

The Victorian Gothic monument devoted to Scottish creator Sir Walter Scott sits on the sting of Princes St Gardens, and is without doubt one of the largest monuments to a author anyplace on the earth. 

It is not a straightforward climb (it is 287 steps up, and consists of some extraordinarily slim passages), however climbing to the highest of the Scott Monument will get you a few of the absolute best views of Edinburgh. 

And if making that climb does not sound like enjoyable to you? Then head over to George Avenue to do some procuring!

Afternoon: Dean Village

Subsequent up is a stroll by means of the New City on foot to go to certainly one of my favourite spots in Edinburgh: Dean Village. This little neighborhood is characterised by colourful historic homes and the Water of Leith operating by means of it.

It is an important place for a stroll – however beware that you will really feel such as you’ve stepped again in time right here!

To search out Dean Village, take Bell’s Brae down beneath the Dean Bridge, solely a few 10- or 15-minute stroll from Princes Avenue.

Night: Calton Hill

Positioned past the east finish of Princes Avenue is Calton Hill, the place you will discover varied monuments (just like the Nelson Monument and Robert Burns Monument) and a few extra unimaginable views out over Edinburgh.

Should you do not fancy climbing the Scott Monument earlier within the day, positively be sure to get to Calton Hill for the views.

It is a in style spot to observe the sundown in Edinburgh.

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Day 3: Historic Edinburgh

I am dubbing your third day in Edinburgh “Historical past Day,” as a result of that is what all my ideas for as we speak appear to focus round. (And sure, I do know you’ve got already seen historical past on the Royal Mile and contained in the castles, however this is extra!)

Morning: Nationwide Museum of Scotland

Begin your day with one other museum: the Nationwide Museum of Scotland. This museum is devoted to the historical past of (you guessed it) Scotland, however has reveals overlaying issues like artwork, design, world cultures, and even dinosaurs, too. (Guys, they’ve the true Dolly the Sheep right here!)

And, like with most museums within the UK, this one can be free. Undoubtedly plan to spend a pair hours right here.

Afternoon: Go to an previous cemetery

This may occasionally sound a bit bizarre, however I actually take pleasure in visiting previous cemeteries after I journey. They are often hauntingly lovely, and that is positively true of Greyfriars Kirkyard, the graveyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh’s Outdated City.

Greyfriars is legendary for a few issues, together with Greyfriars Bobby, a bit canine that guarded its former grasp’s grave within the graveyard for 14 years. It is also *supposedly* the place creator JK Rowling acquired a couple of concepts for names within the Harry Potter collection. 

(For extra Harry Potter websites in Edinburgh, try this put up: A Harry Potter Lover’s Information to Edinburgh, Scotland.)

OR make a customized bag

If strolling by means of previous cemeteries does not attraction to you, then one other factor you are able to do close by (proper across the nook from the graveyard, in truth) is create your individual customized bag at Islander.

Common bag store Islander has a number of places round Edinburgh the place you may e book a “bag workshop” to construct your individual customized bag with a bit of Harris Tweed. These workshops are enjoyable and simple (“constructing” a bag actually simply consists of choosing out your colours/designs after which including some screws and fastenings), however you stroll away with a very distinctive memento. It is pretty reasonably priced too, with baggage beginning at £65.

There are a pair Islander places in Edinburgh to do a bag workshop, however I like to recommend the one at 42 Candlemaker Row. Guide on the Islander web site (superior reserving is required).

Late afternoon: Grassmarket

Positioned beneath the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Citadel (on the other aspect as Princes Avenue Gardens) sits the Grassmarket. What as soon as was a historic market place is now crammed with pubs, eating places, and extra of the town’s unimaginable structure.

Whilst you’re there, make sure you head up West Bow road, which results in certainly one of my favourite streets in Edinburgh: Victoria Avenue.

Victoria Avenue is crammed with distinctive retailers, together with a couple of Harry Potter-inspired ones.

Night: Literary pub tour

Do you know that Scotland (and Edinburgh extra particularly) has produced a large number of writers and poets? Discover out for your self by happening a novel literary pub tour, which could have you tracing the town’s literary historical past by visiting locations frequented by the likes of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.

(Or, how about a Harry Potter strolling tour of the town? Edinburgh has numerous enjoyable Harry Potter-related websites.)

You probably have extra time

End up with an extra day or two in Edinburgh? Then the opposite must-do within the metropolis is unquestionably climbing to the highest of Arthur’s Seat if the climate is sweet. This historical volcano sits above Holyrood Park and provides the perfect views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.

The hike typically takes a few hours to finish, however you can simply stretch it to a half-day exercise if you happen to convey a picnic lunch.

The place to remain in Edinburgh

Lastly, listed below are a couple of of my favourite locations to remain in Edinburgh:

Mid-range resort within the Outdated City: Vacation Inn Categorical Edinburgh Royal Mile – I like this resort on Cowgate as a result of it is near the Royal Mile, and but not tremendous noisy. The rooms are shiny and clear, the free wifi is quick, and also you often get free breakfast together with your reserving. (Learn opinions | Guide right here)

Condo within the Outdated City: No1 Residences Edinburgh – George IV Bridge – On a earlier solo go to to Edinburgh, I rented a one-bedroom residence on George IV Bridge by means of No1 Residences. The residence was beautiful, and I had a view of Edinburgh Citadel from my kitchen window! (Learn opinions | Guide right here)

Condo-hotel within the New City: Eden Locke – For studio and one-bedroom flats on George Avenue, I like Eden Locke. It is completely located close to eating places and cafes within the New City, however nonetheless inside strolling distance to Princes’ Avenue Gardens and the Outdated City. (Learn opinions | Guide right here)

Luxurious resort within the Outdated City: Radisson Blu Edinburgh – If you wish to keep proper ON the Royal Mile, try the Radisson Blue with its up to date rooms. (Learn opinions | Guide right here)

Luxurious near the practice station: Market Avenue Resort – Proper throughout the road from Edinburgh Waverley Station, this resort is certainly one of my favorites. It is understated luxurious with numerous added particular touches, together with a welcome glass of champagne and a free mini bar in each room.  (Learn opinions | Guide right here)

The place to eat in Edinburgh

Now that you’ve got an concept of what there’s to do in Edinburgh, listed below are a couple of ideas of the place to seize a chunk to eat within the metropolis. (And, opposite to what you’ve got heard about Scottish meals, there’s really loads of nice issues to attempt past haggis!)

For pies: The Piemaker – No, not fruit pies; we’re speaking meat pies right here! The Piemaker on South Bridge serves up low cost and attractive pies which are excellent for a takeaway meal.

For soup: Union of Genius – That is Edinburgh’s first soup cafe!

For upscale Scottish pub meals: Satan’s Advocate – Down Advocate’s Shut, this bar and eatery serves Scottish-inspired dishes.

For severe foodies: The Kitchin – This Michelin star restaurant has a “from nature to plate” philosophy, and serves up British/Scottish delicacies with French-influenced aptitude.

For dessert: Moo Pie – Head to this tiny store for glorious gelato or scorching chocolate (get the marshmallow fluff on prime!).

For drinks: SCOTCH – This whisky bar on the swanky Balmoral Resort is THE place to go if you happen to’re on the seek for distinctive or attention-grabbing Scotch.

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Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 international locations on 6 continents from her house base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by means of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!