United Kingdom · 3 days · 14 stops
3 days in Edinburgh – a ready-made itinerary
Edinburgh is built on hills: the castle on top, below it the Old Town with its narrow closes and the Georgian New Town. Day one covers the castle and the Old Town, day two Holyrood, Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill, and day three Dean Village, Stockbridge and Leith. The stops are in walking order.
In short
- Length
- 3 days, 14 stops
- Highlights
- Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Dean Village, St Giles' Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard
- Where to stay
- Old Town, New Town
- Getting around
- Explore the centre on foot, but expect hills and steps.
- Best time to go
- May to September has the longest days and the mildest weather, though it rarely gets warm.
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Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. YesTrip editorial team · Updated: .
Day 1
The castle and the Old Town
Edinburgh Castle
The castle on its volcanic rock, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. Book tickets online in advance and allow about 2 hours.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Edinburgh Castleabout 10 min on foot
St Giles' Cathedral
The High Kirk on the Royal Mile, with the intricately carved Thistle Chapel.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): St Giles' Cathedralabout 5 min on foot
Grassmarket
An old market square below the castle, lined with pubs. The way down leads through colourful, curving Victoria Street.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Grassmarketabout 5 min on foot
Greyfriars Kirkyard
An old graveyard with a view of the castle. The statue of the dog Greyfriars Bobby stands outside the gate.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Greyfriars Kirkyardright next door
National Museum of Scotland
Scottish history, natural history and Dolly the sheep – entry is free. The roof terrace looks across to the castle.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): National Museum of Scotland
Day 2
Holyrood, Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The King's official residence in Scotland, with Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers. Closed during royal visits – check first.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Palace of Holyroodhouseabout 20 min on foot
Arthur's Seat
An extinct volcano in the middle of the city. About 45 minutes up, often windy at the top – wear sturdy shoes and a jacket.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Arthur's Seatabout 30 min on foot
Calton Hill
A hill with monuments and the classic view along Princes Street to the castle.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Calton Hillabout 10 min on foot
Scott Monument
The Gothic tower for the writer Walter Scott in Princes Street Gardens. The stairs to the top are narrow.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Scott Monument
Day 3
Dean Village, Stockbridge and Leith
Dean Village
An old mill village on the Water of Leith, just a few minutes from the New Town.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Dean Villageabout 15 min on foot
Stockbridge
Follow the river to Stockbridge, with cafés and small shops. There is a market on Sundays.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Stockbridgeabout 10 min on foot
Royal Botanic Garden
A large botanic garden with free entry to the grounds. The glasshouses cost extra.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Royal Botanic GardenBus to Leith, about 20 min.
Royal Yacht Britannia
The Queen's former yacht, now a museum in the port of Leith. Allow about 1.5 hours.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Royal Yacht Britanniaabout 10 min on foot
The Shore
Leith's waterfront street with pubs and seafood restaurants. Back to the centre by tram or bus.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): The Shore
Good to know
Best time to go
May to September has the longest days and the mildest weather, though it rarely gets warm. The festivals are in August: the city is packed and accommodation is expensive. Rain and wind are possible all year.
Getting around
Explore the centre on foot, but expect hills and steps. Buses are frequent, and the tram links the airport, the centre and Leith. Buy tickets via the app or when you board.
Where to stay
Old Town
Between the castle and Holyrood, right in the thick of it. Can be noisy at night.
New Town
Georgian streets north of Princes Street, quieter but still central.
Your plan
Start with this plan.
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Edinburgh: frequently asked questions
Are 3 days enough for Edinburgh?
Yes, they are plenty for the city. With more time, take trips to the Highlands, Stirling or the coast.
Is the climb up Arthur's Seat worth it?
Yes, the view over the city and the sea is wide. The path is steep and slippery in the rain – allow about 2 hours there and back.
Do I need travel authorisation?
Many visitors, including EU citizens, need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for the UK, applied for online before travelling. Check the current rules on the UK government website.
How do I get from the airport to the city?
By tram or airport bus, both go to the centre. The journey takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. Coordinates checked with Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap (Photon). Photo: Saffron Blaze, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. More in Sources & licences. YesTrip is a trip planner, not a travel agency – nothing is booked.
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