Last updated on November 7th, 2023
Looking for the perfect Edinburgh Itinerary for your trip to Scotland? Well, look no further! Here are the best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Edinburgh is like someplace straight out of a movie set, but it’s very much REAL LIFE. Dark, haunting buildings, cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and more. It’s no wonder why millions visit every year.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland, I’ve got you covered with this fantastic Edinburgh Itinerary.
You will learn about what to do in Edinburgh, day trips to take, and more.
After reading this post, you’ll be well prepared for your adventure in Scotland.
This post is all about the perfect Edinburgh itinerary.
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The Perfect Edinburgh Itinerary
Day 1 of Things to do in Edinburgh Scotland
Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
I’m a huge fan of hop-on hop-off bus tours, even though they may be seen as a super touristy activity. However, if you visit a new city for the first time, the bus tours are an excellent way to get introduced to the city & learn about what it offers.
So, the Edinburgh bus tour is the first activity on your weekend in Edinburgh itinerary. This will ensure you get a quick overview of the town and where everything is.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is an iconic landmark that is an absolute must-see during your time in the city. Once home to royals like Queen Margaret & King James IV, a military stronghold, and a prison, the castle has seen much in its long history.
Spend the afternoon immersed in the war experience, and sit for some tea in the Tea Rooms after.
Fun Fact: It is rumored that the Hogwarts castle from the ever-popular Harry Potter series was inspired by Edinburgh Castle.
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the famous street that runs straight through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The sloped road has played an essential part in Edinburgh’s history, and now the street is full of shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Exploring the Royal Mile is an excellent way to end your first day in Edinburgh. You can shop, collect souvenirs, and then grab some delicious dinner afterward.
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Day 2 on the Edinburgh Itinerary
Breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder
Start the day with a hearty meal at The Edinburgh Larder. With locally sourced & mouthwatering food, this restaurant has you covered!
The Edinburgh Larder offers breakfast, lunch, and even spiked, warm beverages after 11 am. They also have vegetarian and vegan options for those that’d prefer it.
Arthur’s Seat
Now it’s time to work off that food by hiking up Arthur’s Seat. 251 meters above sea level sits one of the best views of the city, the ancient volcano: Arthur’s Seat. No one knows where the name came from, but some believe Edinburgh is linked to King Arthur.
Luckily, there are several routes to reach the summit, so you can choose the right path for you depending on the difficulty level you’re looking for.
Old Town of Edinburgh
Old Town is Edinburgh’s oldest neighborhood, linked back to medieval times. So, it’s no wonder people love to walk its cobblestone streets. But, besides the vast history, there is also plenty to do in Old Town that keeps people coming back.
The city’s top landmarks and attractions, like St Giles’ Cathedral & Museum of Edinburgh, lay in the Old Town. Also, this is where the ever-popular Royal Mile is located. In addition, there are shopping opportunities and plenty of restaurants to get lunch.
Spots to grab lunch:
- Le Bistrot: A little bit of French in Scotland; delicious food you can’t go wrong with.
- Makars Gourmet Mash Bar: an excellent location for authentic Scottish food
- Greyfriars Bobby Bar: Scottish pub with amazing pies
Scotch Whisky Experience
The Scotch Whisky Experience is one of the top visitor experiences in Edinburgh. And if you’re a fan of whiskey, this tour tells you all about Scotch whiskey. Wrap up the evening with a local tasting and stay for dinner if you’re up to it!
If you only have 2 days in Edinburgh, you can stop here or look ahead for alternate activities.
Day 3 of a Weekend in Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden
Start the morning exploring some colorful plants and flowers at the Royal Botanic Garden. The Royal Garden is a world-leading plant science, horticulture, and education center.
If you’re anything like me, then plants & flowers rejuvenate you beyond measure. And there are over 60 acres of beautiful landscape to explore!
Bonus tip: If visiting during the holidays, the Garden puts on a special Christmas exhibit that is quite the show.
Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour
Once upon a time, J.K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh, which was when she wrote the first installments of the Harry Potter series. Several sites around the city are thought to have inspired Rowling. So, if you’re a fan, take a free Harry Potter tour!
National Museum of Scotland
Next is the National Museum of Scotland, a free museum full of Scotland’s history and exhibits on natural history, science, and more. If you’re traveling with children, this is the perfect way to spend the afternoon!
Dinner
The perfect way to wrap up the trip is to have a lovely dinner in Edinburgh! There are several spots all over town & you can’t go wrong with any of them. But to make the decision a little easier for you, I’ve listed a few favorites below:
Where to eat in Edinburgh:
- Contini – Italian
- The Fishmarket – delicious fish & chips
- Pickles – for a relaxing dinner
- Chop House – British beef
- The Outsider Restaurant: a little bit of everything
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Day Trips from Edinburgh
Day trips are the way to go if you are in Edinburgh for a while and want to explore more of Scotland! Here are some of the top destinations to visit from Edinburgh.
Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and is a nice change from Edinburgh. The city has been deemed a UNESCO City of Music, so you can expect lots of live music and creative vibes.
Besides a thriving music scene, Glasgow has plenty of free museums & shopping opportunities, stunning street art, and gorgeous parks. The city is also known for its FABOLOUS architecture. The Riverside museum, Clyde Auditorium, and Glasgow Cathedral are just a few of the city’s impressive structures.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh, CANNOT miss Glasgow. So go ahead and add it to your itinerary – trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park
Spend the day hiking at Scotland’s first national park, the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. Just an hour and a half away from Edinburgh, Loch Lomond is easily accessible by car. You can also get there by train and bus, but a car ride or day tour is usually the easiest.
Visitors enjoy several outdoor activities at the park, like hiking, camping, biking, and numerous watersports. You can also check out the nearby historic villages, hop on a cruise, or simply take in the AMAZING views.
Stirling Castle
Located an hour from Edinburgh lies one of the city’s iconic castles, Stirling Castle. If you’re into castles and history, this is definitely worth the visit. Some also believe it to be even more impressive than Edinburgh Castle.
Stirling Castle used to be one of the most important castles in Scotland and has seen a lot in its long history. It’s also been home to Scotland’s & Britain’s royalty, such as Mary Queen of Scots, James VI and I. So, it’s no surprise the castle is one of Stirling’s most popular tourist destinations.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is an ancient stronghold built by the Roman Empire. The Wall spans 73 miles along the coast and was designed to guard the Romans in 122 AD. And it’s still standing!
The famous UNESCO World Heritage Site has become a favorite among tourists. Now, UK residents like to walk from one end to the other, but if you’re visiting on a day trip, you can stop at sections of the wall & explore the forts.
Fun Fact: Hadrian’s Wall inspired the ‘Wall’ in George RR Martin’s popular series Game of Thrones.
The simplest way to get to Hadrian’s Wall is by car or by booking a day tour. Unfortunately, public transportation is limited here due to the rural area, so make sure to plan in advance.
Rosslyn Chapel
Although the Rosslyn Chapel became well-known worldwide through the film adaption of Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code, it has been around for centuries. Just 45 minutes outside of Edinburgh, the Rosslyn Chapel, also known as the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, has been a popular destination for tourists over the years.
Initially built in 1466 by William Sinclair as a Roman Catholic Church for the family, the chapel is considered one of the architectural gems of Scotland. And despite the chapel’s age, it still holds services throughout the week.
While the chapel is relatively small, visitors can book 90-minute tours to view this ancient place of worship. The Rosslyn Chapel is an excellent option for a day trip from Edinburgh.
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No matter what you do in Edinburgh, you will have a wonderful time.
Wishing you happy & safe travels.
This post is all about the perfect Edinburgh itinerary.
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