How To Spend 3 Days In Edinburgh: A Fun Itinerary For Your Family Vacation
Scotland’s capital has so much to offer. From beautiful castles to captivating ways to learn about Scottish history, there’s something for everyone. We’ve got in all covered in a fantastic 3-day Edinburgh itinerary.
Scotland had been on our travel wishlist for quite a while before we finally made it to this intriguing country. With a rich culture, fascinating history and the ease of going to an English-speaking place, we knew we wanted to visit.
And no trip there seemed complete without a stop in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. It’s the hub of activity in a country known for castles, bagpipes, and whisky.
Edinburgh is also strikingly beautiful. That’s thanks in part to Edinburgh Castle which looms majestically over the town’s fabled streets and storied buildings. Of course the many parks and multitude of trees don’t hurt when it comes to making the city charming.
But, there were other places we wanted to explore in Scotland too. So, we knew we didn’t have a whole week to spend in Edinburgh.
After tons of research and loads of conversations with people who had been there, we found the perfect way to see the city in 72 hours. This 3-days in Edinburgh itinerary had us seeing all the best things to do.
And we’re sharing it with you.
(NOTE: While there are some affiliate links listed in this article, all of the things mentioned are personally recommended by us. There is no additional cost to you if you click the link. And rest assured that, as always, any proceeds from our site are donated to charity.)
(Pictured above: Edinburgh Castle is the centerpiece of any trip to the city.)
Is 3 days enough In Edinburgh?
First things first though. Can you even scratch the surface with just three days in Edinburgh?
While you could certainly fill a week or more with great sites and activities, yes, this gives you a satiating taste. We think three days is a good amount of time to see the best things to do in Edinburgh.
This is primarily because Edinburgh is compact and walkable. While the city takes up about 102 miles, much of what there is to do is centered around two hubs.
The first hub is Old Town. This area is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the epicenter of the city’s history. It’s jam packed with activities, beautiful architecture, and important landmarks.
The second hub is New Town. Also a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s not quite as young as its name might suggest. The area was built in the mid to late 18th century. Adjacent to Old Town, it contains elegant Georgian houses, restaurants, stores, and a large amount of green space.
Exploring both of these areas can be done in about three days, allowing you time to see more of what Scotland has to offer.
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(Pictured from left to right: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Balmoral Hotel, Caledonian Edinburgh.)
Where To Stay To Spend 3 Days In Edinburgh
Choosing where to stay is important for several reasons.
First, you’ll want to make sure you’re well positioned to see the sites. Taking advantage of the walkable nature of the city is best done when you’re centrally located.
It’s also important because you’ll want a hotel with all the amenities that make your stay comfortable and convenient. If you’re spending the morning dragging because of an uncomfortable bed or to search for coffee, it’s a no-win.
We found a few hotel options that check all the boxes.
(Pictured above: The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton was our choice during our stay.)
Our Picks for Hotel Options for 3 Days in Edinburgh:
The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton - This was our choice during our stay. It’s a fantastic hotel, centrally located and close to all the best things to do in Edinburgh. Service is wonderful at the hotel, with everyone going out of their way to make guests happy. They are experts on the city as well and had great suggestions for us. The hotel has everything from a fitness center and spa to on-site dining. And it’s full of history and charm.
The Balmoral Hotel - This luxury resort is also chock full of history, including that of the more recent kind. J.K. Rowling is said to have finished her seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series here. And it’s no wonder the famous author would choose this landmark spot. The hotel is grand and ornate and has housed celebrities for decades. It features a formal restaurant, an informal restaurant, and a tearoom. It also has a spa, pool, and fitness room.
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel - You might have to take a second look at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel to not mistake it as private housing. This hotel looks like a series of townhouses joined together. It’s stately from the outside and purposefully unique on the inside. We love it for Edinburgh because it’s quirky in the best way, just like the city. From unexpected colors to bold lighting and funky artwork, it’s a great choice.
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(Pictured above: Wandering the city helped us find Innis & Gunn on the Mound, a festival held in partnership with The Fringe. We also explored more of Princes Street Gardens.)
How this Edinburgh Itinerary Is Different
Travel is something that is so individualized. It shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. So, we’re the first to admit that this 3-days in Edinburgh itinerary is something you’ll want to personalize.
Here are a few ways in which this itinerary might be a little different than others.
We like to factor in a little time to “smell the roses”. Wandering a bit in a place is sometimes the best way to see it.
We do list our version of the “must sees”… except you don’t actually have to see every one. In fact, we caution against it. Rushing from one thing to the other is not a great way to experience a destination in our opinion. For example, although you’ll see Arthur’s Seat on the itinerary, it’s one we didn’t actually make it to. We opted for family time spent at a traditional Scottish breakfast that morning instead.
We took kids ranging in age from 12 to 19 on this trip. So, we could sneak in a few adult oriented places while the kids were (happily) relaxing in the room. If you are taking young kids, be sure to check age restrictions.
This is an active itinerary. It involves a fair amount of walking. If you have mobility restrictions, you can replace some of the walking activities. The Edinburgh: City Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus Tour is a good way to do that.
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(Pictured above: The Scott Monument and various stops on our Edinburgh Food Tour.)
3-Day Edinburgh Itinerary:
Day 1:
Day one is about getting your bearings for the 72 hours you’ll be in the city. You’ll also potentially be jet lagged from your inbound trip. So, this day includes some options to see the sites of Edinburgh without rushing.
Morning:
On your fist morning in Edinburgh, spend some time leisurely exploring the architecture of the city.
The Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens are close and provide the perfect backdrop for a morning stroll.
Also walk by The Mound, which connects Old Town and New Town. You’ll see places like the magnificent Bank of Scotland building and the National Gallery of Scotland.
Pick a coffee shop along the way or around the corner for your mourning cup of joe. Books ‘N Cup Cafe, Hideout Cafe Old Town, or our choice, the tiny, cute Artisan Roast, are a few options.
Afternoon:
We love starting off a visit to any city with a tour. So, we have two suggestions for a tour on your first day.
The first, and our choice, is a food tour. We’ve found food tours are great ways to learn about the culture of the area, fill everyone’s bellies, and keep the kids entertained.
The best way to get an authentic tour is to book through your concierge prior to your arrival. They’re happy to give suggestions and you’ll be keeping your travel dollar local. Edinburgh is just the right size to make this a great option. The concierges in the city know knowledgeable locals to make your tour authentic and unique.
Our tour began at noon and lasted about three and a half hours. We started with Cullen skink and then had haggis, neeps and tatties. These were served with a local malt for adults and a Scottish soda for those under 18. We sampled creamy cheese, a traditional afternoon tea with Scottish cakes, and ended in a local ice cream shop.
Another super fun option is the Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour. This 2-hour tour provides a unique way to see the city that’s perfect for families.
Evening:
Your food tour will give you the lay of the land and some history on the area. So spend the rest of the afternoon and evening revisiting some of the sites you passed.
Explore more of the Royal Mile. It’s the heart of Edinburgh’s historic center, that’s bookended by Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The road that connected the two became known as High Street when it was established in the 12th century. It grew to include Esplanade, Castle Hill, Lawnmarket, Parliament Square, and Canongate as well.
At the time it was established, the Royal Mile housed taverns, shops, and other businesses. It encompasses a bit more modern version of these things today. So, it’s a great place to spend the evening exploring and shopping.
You might even want to grab a bite to eat. This is especially if you did the food tour and found traditional Scottish food wasn’t your favorite. (We have to admit that while we loved trying things like haggis, not everyone in our group was going back for seconds.) The Royal Mile has a variety of great restaurants.
(Pictured above: A guided tour of Edinburgh Castle is the best way to learn about the rich history found here. And Panda and Sons makes a fun stop after a busy day of touring.)
Day 2:
Now that you know a bit about the city, you’ll likely find Edinburgh a little easier to get around.
Morning:
If you’re up for a morning hike, check out Arthur’s Seat. This hike, located a short distance from the Royal Mile, rewards hikers with stunning views of the city.
Arthur’s Seat is so named after legends told pertaining to King Arthur. It’s located in Holyrood Park and rises over 800 feet above the land below.
The park has a history that some say dates back to 5000 BC when human activity is expected to have begun there. Traces of houses dating back to the Iron Age can be seen, as well as natural foliage and wildlife.
Afternoon:
Spend your afternoon touring Edinburgh Castle.
This fortress built on an inactive volcano in the middle of Scotland’s capital has an enthralling history. The protective walls have been there in some form or another since Edinburgh was settled. In the Middle Ages, it became the chief royal castle of Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle has served as a residence to kings and queens. Some of the most famous (or infamous) include Queen Margaret, King David I, King James IV and V, and Mary Queen of Scots.
It has also served as a military garrison, prison and fortress.
Today the castle serves as a military station and space for the Scottish National War Memorial. It is also where the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held every year in August. (The Tatoo is an event very worth going to if you’re in town at that time.) And it’s home to the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
For those who want a deep dive into Scotland’s most famous spirit, we’ve got an option for you next. After your castle visit, check out the the Scotch Whisky Experience. Guests can take a tour, book a tasting, or have a meal.
Evening:
Grab dinner tonight at one of the many great restaurants in town. We chose Hawksmoor Edinburgh, a butcher style restaurant where you choose your meat based on weight. Or you try things like lobster and British style side dishes here.
After dinner, check out Panda and Sons. The speakeasy style bar may require knowing a bit of a secret to get in to. (What fun would the theme be otherwise?) But, it will be well worth it.
(Pictured above: St. Giles Cathedral, the Royal Mile, Mary King’s Close, and some of our favorite pub spots are on the to-do list for day #3.)
Day 3:
This day is all about soaking in the last few things you’ll have an opportunity to do during your stay. Because of its manageable size, you’ll likely find you know your way around the city fairly well. So now is a great time to explore a few of the nooks and crannies.
Morning:
You don’t want to go back home empty handed. So spend some time this morning looking for something special to take back with you.
Lawnmarket and High Streets are a good places to buy the traditional Tartan items Scotland is known for, like scarves, ties, and gloves. You’ll also find fun t-shirts, sweatshirts, and many other souvenirs items.
Afternoon:
Tour Mary King’s Close this afternoon to hear a fascinating 1-hour portrayal of how the people of Edinburgh lived in the 16th and 17th centuries. Costumed tour guides will escort you through the underground alleys and rooms that housed generations of families. You’ll learn how society functioned during this time period through challenges like the Bubonic Plague.
And if you are looking for one more thing to fit in on your tour of the city, pick one of its great museums. Or visit a castle that’s just a bit less known than Edinburgh Castle. The National Museum of Scotland and Lauriston Castle and Gardens are our top picks.
The National Museum of Scotland is actually the UK's most popular attraction outside of London. Guests enter through the Grand Gallery, which is a huge atrium flanked by several floors of exhibits. The exhibits highlight the history of Scotland as well as house artifacts from around the world.
Or Lauriston Castle and Gardens is a perfect choice for those who want to escape the city center for a bit. Visitors can walk the expansive, tranquil grounds. Or you can tour the interior of the castle to see what life was like for its inhabitants in the beginning of the 20th century.
Evening:
Spend your last night in Edinburgh at the fun pubs located in the heart of the city. Or take a tour of the haunted side of Edinburgh.
Whighams Wine Cellar proved to be among our favorites. It’s a cave cellar dating back to the time of Earl Haig, who occupied the property when it was a traditional townhouse. It now serves a huge variety of wine, as well as cocktails, mocktails, beer, and a full food menu.
We also loved the laid-back, welcoming vibe of Rose Street. The cobblestoned street that’s situated between Princes and George Streets is quaint and less crowded than the Royal Mile. It features places like Abbotsford Bar, which was a favorite hangout for famous poets in the 1950s and 1960s.
The Voodoo Rooms and Cafe Royal deserve a spot on the list as well. Located on Register Street, they came recommended to us by locals.
If pub hopping isn’t your vibe tonight, no problem.
Another great option for this evening is a ghost tour of Edinburgh. Some claim this city is one of the most haunted cities in Europe. On all our tours, we heard stories of the hardships of life that are the perfect makings of supernatural stories. What better way to hear them all than though a guided ghost tour?
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(Pictured above: This view from Edinburgh Castle shows how close the city is from the water as well as the layout of Edinburgh.)
Where To Go After Your 3 Days In Edinburgh
Chances are good your Scottish adventure began in Edinburgh. It’s the transportation hub of the country. The city is home to Scotland’s largest airport and one of the busiest train stations. So starting your tour here makes sense.
But, much of what any country has to offer can be found in its smaller cities and towns. While the city of Edinburgh is definitely worth a visit, the small-town rule holds true for Scotland.
Some choose to make Edinburgh their home base, taking day trips from the city to see other parts of the country. Others, like us, make overnight trips out of other places to see in Scotland.
The most popular places to visit on a day trip or overnight are the Highlands located in the northwest part of Scotland. The area is known for incredible scenic drives along often one lane roads in the mountains. Travelers can take tour, like THIS one of Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands. Here you’ll see castle ruins of Urquhart Castle, picturesque waterfalls, and dolphins in the Moray Firth.
Fort William and Inverness are the main points from which to explore the Highlands. The two are located about two hours apart. Both are approximately three and a half hours from Edinburgh.
The rugged landscape and fishing villages of the Isle of Sky is another noteworthy choice to see Scotland’s natural beauty. At five and a half hours from Edinburgh, its more remote location means it’s maintained an uncrowded feel.
We choose to explore the Scottish coast. The scenic drive allowed for a stop in Glasgow and along the shoreline of the country. And it allowed for a stay in the magnificent castle. If a castle stay is on your Scottish to-do list, check out our full review of Glenapp Castle HERE.