Edinburgh Castle viewed from Salisbury Crags

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Edinburgh in 3 Days - 72-Hour Itinerary

So, you've got three days in Edinburgh, you lucky thing. Much of the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there’s no shortage of brilliant museums, dramatic vistas, fascinating historical attractions, and stunning architecture to soak in.

Make the most your short stay in this enchanting city with our Edinburgh travel itinerary

Start / Finish
Edinburgh - City Centre / Edinburgh - City Centre
  • Days
    3
  • Distance
    7Miles

    11km
  • Transport
    Walking
  • Main theme
    Sightseeing
Highlights
The Royal Mile
World class museums
Excellent restaurants and bars
Scotch whisky sampling
Areas covered
East

Day 1The Old Town: The Royal Mile, Canongate and Holyrood

Transport:
Bus
Walking

Edinburgh's Old Town lives and breathes history. It's a warren of cobbled streets, winding wynds, long lanes, and dark alleys - it's easy to feel like you've stepped out of a time machine! Spend today discovering historic places and iconic sites and soak up the bustling Old Town atmosphere.

  • Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh - City Centre

    Edinburgh Castle in the sunshine

    Top tip

    Time your visit just right so you're there to witness the firing of the famous One o'Clock Gun. 

    Just walking up the esplanade on approach, you know you're about to step into one of Scotland's most special historic buildings. Take in the views across the city and learn about the dramatic events which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments and dungeons. To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your tickets far in advance for guaranteed entry.

    Plan your trip to Edinburgh Castle
    Castle Hill,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 2NG
    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh - City Centre

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse

    © Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022.

    Outlander connections

    In September 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie established his court at Holyroodhouse for six weeks. This is portrayed in the Outlander novels when Claire and Jamie visit the Prince at the palace and beg him to abandon his hopeless cause.

    At the bottom of the Royal Mile you'll find the Canongate and Holyrood area of the Old Town which dates back over 800 years. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is an elegant royal residence with links to monarchs from throughout the centuries situated at the foot of the Royal Mile. Today it is the official Scottish residence of His Majesty The King.

    Take a tour and see Mary Queen of Scots' bedchamber and the room where her confidante, David Rizzio, was brutally murdered. If you've got time afterwards, pop into the Scottish Parliament opposite for a tour.

    Find out more about Palace of Holyroodhouse
    Palace of Holyroodhouse,Canongate, Royal Mile,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH8 8DX
    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Edinburgh bus tour Edinburgh

    The shore in Leith, Edinburgh

    Another great way to get a feel for this exciting city is to take an open-top Edinburgh Bus Tour. Departing from Waverley Bridge, the tour is an hour in total. It's a hop-on, hop-off service which gives you the freedom to do a bit of exploring along the route. You'll pass some awesome parts of the city such as the New Town, Old Town and Grassmarket, and see Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and much more.

     

    Hop on the Edinburgh bus tour

Day 2Royal connections: Leith and New Town

Transport:
Bus
Walking

The next 24 hours are going to be just as awesome as the last!  In fact, we'd say that day two is a royally good day indeed. Taking in the historic Port of Leith and the handsome Georgian New Town, you'll find there are some rather wonderful sites to uncover.

  • The Royal Yacht Britannia Edinburgh

    Exterior photograph of The Royal Yacht Britannia.

    The Royal Yacht Britannia is named by many as one of the UK's best attractions. Step on board the late Queen Elizabeth II's former floating Royal residence, where you'll see the engine room, a Rolls Royce and state apartments across five decks. After the tour, take some time to explore the Shore in Leith, one of the most fashionable areas to live in Edinburgh.

     

     

    Find out more about The Royal Yacht Britannia
    Ocean Terminal,Leith,Edinburgh,EH6 6JJ
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

    Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

    Look out for

    You might want to visit nearby Stockbridge in the elegant New Town - it's a bustling village-like area with a superb blend of independent retailers, delicatessens, charity shops, bars and restaurants.

    Spend a few hours touring the Royal Botanic Garden with its wonderful glasshouses, exhibitions and a world of colourful plants and shrubs. It's located in the Inverleith part of the city and is just a mile from the city centre.

    Find out more about The Royal Botanic Gardens
    Arboretum Place/Inverleith Row,Edinburgh,EH3 5NZ
    Key facilities
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Shopping and galleries in Edinburgh Edinburgh - City Centre

    St James Quarter

    Head to Princes Street and George Street, the ideal destinations for some retail therapy. There's a huge range of top high street brands, or if you like designer stores, head to Multrees Walk and the new St James Quarter which also has an amazing selection of eateries.

    If shopping isn't your thing, then why not head to Calton Hill to the east of Princes Street? It's home to the National Monument and offers some superb city skyline views. Or, if you're in the mood for a bit of culture, head to the Scottish National Gallery to see some masterpieces for free.

    Find out more about Shopping and galleries in Edinburgh
    St Andrew's Hall,2 Little King Street,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 3AR

Day 3The Old Town: The Royal Mile and Grassmarket

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