Edinburgh Itinerary: How To Spend One Perfect Day In Edinburgh
Looking for the best things to do on a day trip to Edinburgh – or just trying to figure out whether it’s worth going for a day? I lived in Edinburgh for 15 years, and this is my ultimate guide, including an itinerary for spending the perfect one day in the Scottish Capital.
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Far away from the mountainscapes of the highlands and the quaint villages of the west coast, there lies Scotland’s most magical city. A place of soaring spires, narrow alleyways that lead from one cobbled street to another, medieval churches and ancient castles, the capital needs little introduction.
Edinburgh.
This city was my home for over 15 years, and I loved every moment of living there. To this day, it’s one of my favourite destinations - a buzzing, cosmopolitan, wonderful place truly deserving of its reputation as one of Europe’s best cities.
Although much smaller than its counterpart, London, Edinburgh punches well above its weight when it comes to history and culture. An endless list of things to see, historical gems, and a phenomenal culinary scene rub shoulders with centuries-old streets and a castle atop an ancient volcano.
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As such, the Scottish capital is the country’s cosmopolitan and cultural epicentre (though Glasgow may beg to differ!) and a must-visit on any Scotland road trip.
This city buzzes from morning until sundown, offering more than enough action for a day trip, if not a long weekend getaway.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect Edinburgh one-day itinerary, then look no further – in this guide, I’m sharing how to spend the perfect day in Edinburgh, including where to eat, visit, and what to see.
How much time do you need in Edinburgh?
How much time you need in Edinburgh depends on your appetite for exploring, but seeing many of Edinburgh’s highlights in one long and fun day is entirely possible.
However, to truly experience the capital, including its many cafes, restaurants, iconic streets and sights, you need around two to three days. This extra time means you can see more or take in the city at a slower pace.
Is it worth going for a day?
That said, Edinburgh is a compact city, with many of its ‘best bits’ clustered around the Old Town and city centre. As such, it’s very much worth going to Edinburgh for a day, and with careful planning, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible day out in this vibrant city.
Visiting on a Scotland road trip
With an international airport, train station, car rental, and heaps of hotel options, Edinburgh is my preferred transport hub. Therefore, it makes sense that the capital is your first stop on a much bigger Scotland road trip.
Whether you’re visiting the breathtaking West Coast, Scottish Highlands, or NC500, you’ll find transport links and major roads all leaving from Edinburgh. Getting to the Isle of Skye is especially easy.
Getting around Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s historic centre is, for the most part, relatively small. However, it's anything but flat, and the Old Town is built on a hillside that climbs steadily towards the Castle.
Luckily, all the main attractions are only a short distance from one another, through a maze of cobbled streets and alleyways, and the oldest part is easily walkable - perfect for an Edinburgh day trip.
Of course, there are exceptions, and hotspots like Calton Hill and suburb Dean Village extend around 2 miles / 3km beyond the Old Town. You can walk or take public transport; the local bus service is excellent, easy to use, and runs regularly around the city.
If you plan to use public transport, be sure to buy a day pass, which allows you to hop on and off the local buses. They cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children or purchase a family travel ticket. Check the journey planner for times and ticket information.
But, if you can, I recommend exploring on foot. It’s the best way to immerse yourself in the city's atmosphere and architecture and, best of all, find little nooks and hidden gems amongst the ancient streets.
My top tip is comfy shoes; similar to cities like Seville or Malaga, you’ll be clocking up serious steps so trainers are a must!
Harry Potter in Edinburgh
It would be remiss of me not to mention the famous wizard - so, if you’re a Harry Potter fan visiting Edinburgh, you’ll love this walking tour. It visits many of the magical places that inspired people, scenes, and locations in the books like the real life Diagon Alley.
Plus, you’ll have the advantage of a tour guide who’ll also share local knowledge and interesting historical facts along the way.
A One-Day Edinburgh Itinerary
This Edinburgh in one day itinerary focuses on the highlights that are easily walkable around the city centre. You’ll start in the Old Town and loop through it’s most beautiful places, before crossing Princes Street and entering the New Town.
Ready to visit the Scottish capital? Pull on your walking shoes, grab a coffee, and let’s go!
Coffee and breakfast
First things first, time for breakfast. You might be eating in your hotel, but if not, these are my favourite Edinburgh cafes for excellent coffee, pastries, or hearty Scottish brekkies:
Castlegate Café, Grassmarket
Hula, Victoria Street
La Barantine, Victoria Street
The Milkman, Cockburn Street
Duck & Waffle, St James Quarter
Bonnie Barista, Castle Street
Morning
The Grassmarket | Your first stop is the historic Grassmarket, one of Edinburgh’s many cobbled streets - and your first glimpse of the castle. This historic area comes to life at night, thanks to its lively pubs. But, in the morning, it’s a quiet spot with picturesque views, excellent cafes, and benches for people watching.
The Vennel | From the Grassmarket, head to The Vennel. This alley is tucked around a corner and is often missed, but eagle-eyed travellers will spot it towards the end of the Grassmarket. Head up the steps to discover that quintessential Edinburgh Castle viewpoint.
Victoria Street | Next, it’s onto iconic Victoria Street. Famous for its graceful curves, cobbles, and colourful buildings, this is easily one of the most photographed streets in the city. Spend an hour or so wandering between the boutique stores; you’ll find cute souvenirs in the little gift shops and a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of its past as a busy thoroughfare.
Coffee stop | Ready for a break? Visit patisserie La Barantine, where beautiful cakes and exceptional coffee invoke that French café experience. Alternatively, Knoops serves up the best hot chocolates and seriously excellent milkshakes.
Victoria Terrace | Surrounded by medieval history, grand architecture, and graceful archways, this is one of my favourite spots in the Old Town. Head along the terrace for that iconic Victoria Street photograph. Then stroll through the archways to the end of the street and discover the little alleyway that leads to the Lawnmarket and Edinburgh Castle beyond.
Greyfriars Bobby | If you have time, take a quick five minute detour to the much loved Edinburgh statue on George IV Bridge. But please don’t rub his nose, as the statue is starting to erode! Nearby, you’ll also find the free to enter National Museum, an interesting place and particularly good on a rainy day.
The Castle / Esplanade | If you’re a history lover, then you’ll want to buy a ticket for Edinburgh Castle well in advance to avoid the queues. Once home to Mary Queen of Scots, inside are exhibitions and rooms showcasing 3,000 years of Scottish history, including banquet halls and royal bedrooms.
However, if that’s not your thing, you’ll still want to visit the Castle Esplanade. Free to enter, you’ll be rewarded with the best view of the city – perched on top of an ancient volcano, the Castle sits high over Edinburgh, and it’s a popular place with old canons, the castle walls, and panoramic views.
The Royal Mile | No day trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to the Royal Mile – the traditional cobbled street synonymous with the capital.
Built in the 12th century, it has a long history, and was originally designed to connect Holyrood Palace with Edinburgh Castle. Today this busy street is packed with historic gems, such as iconic closes, hidden plazas, and St Giles Cathedral, as well as numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars.
This walking route (coming soon) gives you a unique opportunity to see the Royal Mile’s best spots as it heads downhill.
Rather than (or after) walking to the bottom, I recommend leaving the Royal Mile via Cockburn Street. Another cobbled gem, here you’ll find heaps of cafes and coffee shops, including my favourite, The Milkman.
A fun fact; the Royal Mile is actually longer than a mile - it’s 1.13 miles. It was measured using an old Scots mile, a distance which hasn't been used since the 18th century.
If you’re looking for an activity on the Royal Mile, choose either:
Scotch Whisky Experience | Scotland’s most famous drink is undoubtedly whisky and those looking to sample a dram should head to The Scotch Whisky Experience. Perfect for whisky aficionado and beginners those alike, join an expert guide for a tour and tasting.
Real Mary Kings Close | Go back in time with a tour of the Edinburgh’s best preserved 17th-century street. Follow in the footsteps of it’s residents and discover how they lived 400 years ago, from a deadly plague epidemic, to a famous royal visitor. This is a popular tour, so book your ticket in advance.
Coffee, Cakes, and Lunch
La Barantine, Victoria Street
Scott’s Kitchen, Victoria Terrace
Edinburgh Larder, nr Royal Mile
Scran Bistro, Cockburn Street
The Milkman Coffee, Cockburn Street
Afternoon
Princes Street Gardens | Once you’ve fuelled up on lunch, head into the city centre. Firstly, take a stroll through leafy Princes Street Gardens. This verdant oasis in the heart of the city is a beautiful spot, especially on a sunny day.
The walk through the gardens is around 2km in length, and you can leave the gardens at any time, with various gates exiting onto Princes Street. There’s also the National Gallery to explore. However, I recommend walking right to the end, where you’ll find the Ross Fountain, one of the best places to photograph Edinburgh Castle.
Did you know Princes Street Gardens was once a loch that surrounded the castle?
Johnnie Walker Experience | Located on the corner of Princes Street, the newly built Johnnie Walker Experience is a super fun attraction in the centre of town. Rather than a traditional whisky tasting, this modern take offers a an immersive, 90-minute experience, including live performances, light shows, and whisky cocktails.
And even if whisky isn’t for you, visit their incredible rooftop bar for cocktails or food, and take in the breathtaking view of the city’s skyline and historic Old Town.
Avoid the queues and book your Johnnie Walker ticket in advance.
Coffee break| Whisky not your thing and looking for a coffee break instead? Visit the Bonnie Barista on Castle Street. This contemporary spot is a strong contender for Edinburgh’s best coffee shop and you’re guaranteed to love the aesthetic, flat whites, and friendly service.
Stockbridge | Your next stop on your Edinburgh day trip is the pretty suburb of Stockbridge. A 15-minute walk from the city centre or a quick 5-minute bus journey, this leafy area is considered by locals to be a village in its own right, and the vibe is far more mellow and laidback.
In fact, it feels totally different to the rest of Edinburgh. There are boutique stores, boujee bakeries, and high-end cafes to discover, and a busy farmers market every Sunday.
Circus Lane | The most popular spot in Stockbridge is postcard-perfect Circus Lane. Made somewhat famous thanks to Instagram, this quaint cobbled street is lined with mews houses, a quaint church spire, and pretty flower boxes. After the Royal Mile, it’s one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets and worth a stroll.
Water of Leith | Pick up a coffee from the exceptional La Barantine bistro and stroll from Stockbridge to Dean Village along the Water of Leith. This riverside walk is an easy one and will take around 15 minutes, but it is oh-so-pretty.
Dean Village | Finally, you’ll arrive at Dean Village. Technically speaking, this is an extension of Stockbridge. However, it has a uniquely peaceful vibe sets it quite apart from its neighbours. Far quieter than anywhere else in the city, Dean Village is very much worth visiting – it is an incredibly picturesque area with pretty views, charming buildings, and a series of bridges crossing the river.
Once an industrial mill, the area has been transformed over the years into a tranquil haven that feels a million miles away from the city.
Edinburgh’s Museums & Galleries
Edinburgh is packed with museums and galleries, many free and worth visiting. They also make excellent places to shelter from the rain! So, if you have time on your day trip, or I’ve convinced you to stay longer, be sure to visit:
National Museum | Only a short walk from the top of Victoria Street, inside, you’ll find a vast collection of antiquities and artefacts, including Dolly the Sheep, and interactive exhibits for kids. However, even if you’re not interested in the history part, pop in to see the impressive atrium; it is bright and light with an excellent little cafe.
The National | Located on The Mound, visit on your walk-through Princes Street Gardens. There’s a café, ever-changing art exhibitions, and world-famous paintings from both international and Scottish artists.
National Portrait Gallery | This is one of my favourite Edinburgh museums; the inside is stunning. Art-wise, you’ll find portraits of famous Scots, from Robert Burns to Billy Connolly. But even if you’re not an art lover, you’ll want to experience the zodiac ceiling in the Neo-Gothic Great Hall; over 2,000 golden stars and 47 constellations are on display. Located on Queen Street, visit going to or from Stockbridge.
Evening
Calton Hill | Come evening, if you still have the energy, it’s worth visiting Calton Hill. This is one of the best spots in the city to catch golden hour (both sunrise and sunset are gorgeous up here). And although the walk to Calton Hill is steep - this is another volcanic hill after all – it’s also short and you’re rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the city centre.
On the hill, you’ll find a miniature Greek Parthenon (yes, really. In the 19th century, Edinburgh was envisioned as the ‘Athens of the North’), a National Monument, and a Gothic-style observatory.
Be sure to bring your camera and a warm layer because it gets chilly on top!
Where To Eat At Night
Luckenbooths, Royal Mile
Angels with Bagpipes, Royal Mile
Spanish Butcher, Castle Street
Noto, Thistle Street
Aizle, Charlotte Square
The Spence, St Andrews Square
Timberyard, Lady Lawson Street
Day Trip to Edinburgh: Round-Up
This rounds up my Edinburgh day trip itinerary - there’s a lot to see, and you’ll need an early start and comfortable shoes. But it is possible to see the best parts of Edinburgh in one day, and I hope this guide helps you plan an incredible trip!
That said, two or three days is likely the perfect amount of time to see more of the city, so, if you can, extend your trip and experience the Scottish capital at a slower pace. Or see further than the city centre, with a trip to waterside Leith, leafy suburbs Bruntsfield & the Meadows, or a hike in the nearby Pentland Hills.
These days I split my time between Scotland and Spain - and no matter where I visit, Edinburgh remains one of my favourite European cities, one visit time and time again.
