Your route, day by day
Edinburgh in 3 days
Edinburgh in 3 days: castle, closes and hills
Photo: Hoàng Vũ / Pexels · Pexels License
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Three days covers the Old Town, the New Town and a big hill. Spend day one at the castle and on the Royal Mile, day two at Holyrood and on Arthur’s Seat, and day three in the New Town, Dean Village and Leith – or on a trip to Stirling.
Day 1
Castle & the Old Town
Morning
Edinburgh Castle at opening.
Afternoon
Down the Royal Mile to St Giles’, then Victoria Street, the Grassmarket and Greyfriars.
Evening
Dinner in the Old Town, then a ghost tour if you like.
Tip: Book your castle ticket online: it’s cheaper than at the gate.
Day 2
Holyrood & Arthur’s Seat
Morning
Climb Arthur’s Seat early, while it’s quiet.
Afternoon
Palace of Holyroodhouse, then the National Museum of Scotland.
Evening
Sunset on Calton Hill.
Tip: Check that Holyroodhouse is open on your date.
Day 3
New Town, Dean Village & Leith
Morning
The Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens and the Scottish National Gallery.
Afternoon
Walk to Dean Village and along the Water of Leith to Stockbridge.
Evening
Tram to Leith for dinner on The Shore.
Tip: Prefer castles? Swap this day for a trip to Stirling.
Where to stay for this route
This plan works best from a central base. Here is each area in one line, with a link to live hotel prices there.
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Old Town· our pick
Best for first-timers · $$$$
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New Town
Best for couples and shoppers · $$$$
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Stockbridge
Best for repeat visitors and foodies · $$$
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Leith
Best for value and food lovers · $$
Budget for this itinerary
Paid anchors: the castle and Holyroodhouse. The National Museum, the Scottish National Gallery, the hills and St Giles’ are free. TapTapCap caps your bus and city tram fares at £5.70 a day.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Edinburgh?
3 days covers the big highlights at a comfortable pace if you group sights by area, as in this plan. Add a day if you want a day trip or more museum time.
What should I book in advance?
Anything with timed entry: Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse. Check the official sites for current prices and release dates.
Can I change the order of the days?
Yes. Each day is built around one area, so you can swap whole days around, for example to put an indoor museum day on a rainy day.