72 Hours in Edinburgh: Itinerary Ideas

Edinburgh is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its stunning castle, charming Old Town, and beautiful parks, you’ll find that Edinburgh is a city rich in character and attractions. If you have just 72 hours to explore Scotland’s capital, then you’re in the right place! In this blog post, we’ll provide you with an itinerary that will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city.

The itinerary will be from morning until night, but of course it may need shuffling depending on when you arrive to and depart from Edinburgh. And we will also offer some alternative suggestions!

This blog post is accompanied by our YouTube video on itinerary ideas for 72 hours in Edinburgh! Be sure to check it out!

DAY 1

09.00 - Start the day off with a yummy breakfast in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Some places to consider include:

• The Edinburgh Larder Cafe (Blackfriars Street)

• The City Cafe (Blair Street)

• Mimi’s Little Bakehouse (Canongate, Royal Mile)

• Deacon’s House Cafe (Brodie’s Close, off the Royal Mile)

10.00 - Walk along the Royal Mile and check out sites like Ramsay Garden, St Giles’ Cathedral, and Advocate’s Close. You can check out our blog post featuring the Royal Mile for more ideas on things to see. Make sure you also poke your head behind some of the wynds and closes, which are basically alleyways, off the Royal Mile!

11.00 - Head to the crown jewel of the city, Edinburgh Castle. This iconic landmark sits atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Some highlights of Edinburgh Castle include the Scottish Crown Jewels and St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. If time permits, make sure to stay for the shooting of the One o’Clock Gun!

Edinburgh Castle’s website offers several itineraries, depending on how long you’d like to visit for. Because the castle is quite big, to properly explore the different parts, allow from a few hours up to half a day.

As popular an attraction Edinburgh Castle is, we know that it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, so here are a few alternatives to visiting the castle:

• The Scotch Whisky Experience, an interactive attraction that tells the story of how whisky in Scotland is made

• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, a fun attraction offering over five floors of over 100 illusions, and may be especially fun if travelling with kids

• Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland

• National Museum of Scotland, a free museum featuring collections relating to Scottish history, science and technology, natural history, and more

13.30 - Have lunch in Old Town. A few suggestions include:

• Oink (Canongate, Royal Mile)

• The Whiski Rooms (North Bank Street)

• The Outsider (George IV Bridge)

• Ting Thai Caravan (Tevoit Place)

14.30 - Walk down to Victoria Street and the Grassmarket. With its curved, sloped street and colourful buildings, it’s no wonder Victoria Street is one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh. In the Grassmarket, you’ll find a vibrant area with pubs, hotels, and local shops. Historically, Grassmarket was a marketplace as well as a place of public executions.

15.30 - Go on a guided tour of The Real Mary King’s Close. While this attraction is not usually at the top of lists of things to do in Edinburgh, we would highly recommend visiting for the history and to help you understand Edinburgh’s Old Town better.

During the 1-hour guided tour, you get to visit, indeed, the real Mary King’s Close, which is now hidden under Edinburgh City Chambers.

17.00 - Get panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond by hiking up to Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano near the end of the Royal Mile. The climb is moderate in difficulty and takes around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your fitness level and pace.

If climbing up hills is not your forte, consider instead visiting:

• Princes Street Gardens, which offers a picturesque green space in the heart of the city

• The Meadows, another beautiful public park located in the south of the city and spans over 63 acres of green space, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike

• Calton Hill, which is still a hill, but a much shorter climb, for beautiful views of Edinburgh

18.30 - After all of that exercise, it’s time for some dinner! There is a wide variety of options in Edinburgh to suit all budgets, and some suggestions include:

• The Royal Mile Tavern (High Street, Royal Mile) (currently temporarily closed due to a fire)

• Angels with Bagpipes (High Street, Royal Mile)

• The Cellar Door (George IV Bridge)

• The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage (Calton Hill)

20.30 - To end the day, have a nightcap at one of Edinburgh’s many bars or pubs. There is no shortage of bars and pubs in Edinburgh, and here are just a few suggestions:

• The Devil’s Advocate (Advocate’s Close, off the Royal Mile)

• The World’s End (High Street, Royal Mile)

• Sandy Bell’s (Forrest Road)

• Whistlebinkies (South Bridge)

DAY 2

09.00 - Enjoy some delicious breakfast in or near Edinburgh’s New Town. There is no shortage of options but some suggestions include:

• Urban Angel (Hanover Street)

• Papii (Hanover Street)

• Loudons (Sibbald Walk)

• Snax Cafe (West Register Street)

10.00 - Visit the National Museum of Scotland, a museum with collections spanning the fields of science, technology, art, and design, as well as telling the story of Scotland’s history, culture, and people. Some highlights include the stuffed body of Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal, and the Millennium Clock, which combines art and science to depict the passage of time.

Other places that you can consider visiting include:

• Surgeons’ Hall Museums, a unique museum that displays the history of medicine, surgery, and pathology, showcasing various medical specimens and provides insights into the evolution of medical practices and procedures

• Royal Botanic Garden, which is one of the finest botanical gardens in the world, home to over 13,000 plant species and offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle

13.30 - Have some lunch in New Town. There are a multitude of options, but some suggestions include:

• The Dome (George Street)

• Contini (George Street)

• Dishoom (St Andrew Square)

• Chaophraya (Castle Street)

14.30 - Head to Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens, which is dedicated to the famous Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. There are breathtaking views of the city at the top of the monument.

16.00 - Relax in Princes Street Gardens and enjoy the wonderful views of Edinburgh Castle. Make sure to check out spots like Gardener’s Cottage, Wojtek the Soldier Bear Memorial, and Ross Fountain.

If the weather is unfavourable for being outside, consider:

• Shopping at the new St James Quarter, on George Street, or Multrees Walk

• Visiting the Scottish National Gallery on The Mound, which has a large collection of Scottish and international art, including works by Botticelli, Van Gogh, and Monet

• Visiting the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, which showcases portraits of famous Scottish figures through history

17.30 - Enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants offering a diverse range of cuisines. A few ideas include:

• Six By Nico (Hanover Street)

• Forage & Chatter (Alva Street)

• The Bon Vivant (Thistle Street)

• Cafe Andaluz (George Street)

19.30 - After dinner, take a ghost tour of the city. Edinburgh is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the world, and a ghost tour is a great way to learn about the city’s spooky history. Many companies offer ghost tours, including:

• Mercat Tours, which offers several different ghost tours

• City Explorers, which offers a free tour, but you will of course be expected to tip at the end of the tour

• The Ghost Bus Tours, which is a comedy-horror theatre experience on wheels

If you’d rather not be scared, there are other evening walking tours that might be of interest. South Bridge in Old Town has a series of chambers that are called the Edinburgh Vaults or South Bridge Vaults. If you are interested in exploring more about the vaults, we can highly recommend the Historic Underground tour by Mercat Tours.

DAY 3

09.00 - Start your day with some breakfast in Stockbridge. A few options include:

• The Pantry (NW Circus Place)

• The Pastry Section (Raeburn Place)

• Cafe Gallo (Raeburn Place)

• Fortitude Coffee Stockbridge (Hamilton Place)

10.00 - After breakfast, visit the Royal Botanic Garden, a stunning 70-acre garden that is home to over 13,000 species. Stroll through the vibrant gardens and explore the glasshouses, including the Victorian Palm House and the Tropical Palm House.

If plants are not your thing, consider these alternative options:

• Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, which is comprised of Modern One and Two, and are home to Scotland’s collection of modern and contemporary art and located in a sculpture park

• Relax in nearby Inverleith Park, a public park with lots of green spaces and areas for sporting activities

13.00 - Enjoy some lunch in the Stockbridge area. Some suggestions include:

• Bells Diner (St Stephen Street)

• Hectors (Deanhaugh Street)

• Herbie of Edinburgh (Raeburn Place)

• The Stockbridge Tap (Raeburn Place)

14.00 - Take a short walk to Dean Village, a hidden gem in the heart of Edinburgh. This picturesque village is located along the Water of Leith and is known for its historic buildings and peaceful atmosphere. Stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway and enjoy the tranquility of this hidden oasis.

16.00 - Head to Circus Lane, a picturesque street in Stockbridge that is often called one of the most beautiful streets in Edinburgh. Admire the charming stone houses and colourful doors, and take some photos of this Instagram-worthy spot.

17.30 - Now, it’s time for some dinner! A few options in Stockbridge include:

• The Scran and Scallie (Comely Bank Road)

• Taisteal (Forth Street)

• New Chapter (Eyre Place)

• Pepe Nero Restaurant (Raeburn Place)

19.00 - For a memorable evening, catch a show at one of the city’s iconic theatres, such as Edinburgh Playhouse or Festival Theatre. Alternatively, get some laughs at The Stand Comedy Club, which hosts regular comedy nights featuring both up-and-coming and established comedians.

72 hours in Edinburgh is a great amount of time to explore the city. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the stunning architecture, lively atmosphere, and friendly locals. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Edinburgh has something for everyone! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!

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