Itineraries for Your Trip to Edinburgh
3 Days in Edinburgh for First Timers
I grew up around 60 miles (90 kilometers) north of Edinburgh and have been visiting the city my whole life. I even spent three years living there. Yet, no matter how familiar Edinburgh feels, my first glimpse of the city when I walk out of the train station feels astonishing every time. Edinburgh is an extraordinarily beautiful city, and while its attractions are well-known—and sometimes over visited—it’s a city that still can surprise thanks to its many hidden nooks and long, rich history.
Once you’ve visited Edinburgh, you’re sure to feel the pull to return. In the meantime, here are the top tips for what to do on your first visit.
It’s rarely hot, but June through August is Edinburgh at its balmiest.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the view from the top of Arthur’s Seat.
Discover the history behind the atmospheric architecture of medieval Old Town by taking a walking tour that leads you along and around the Royal Mile toward Edinburgh Castle. From the castle it’s a 10-minute walk to the free National Museum of Scotland where you can dive deeper into Scottish history, from prehistoric times to today.
After dark, get a different perspective on the city with a tour of Edinburgh’s unique underground vaults. Warm up afterward with a pint or two in one of the Old Town’s cozy bars or sample a few drams at the Scotch Whisky Experience.
Together, Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town form a UNESCO World Heritage site, so kick off your second day with a stroll around the elegant New Town. From there, take a walk to the Royal Botanic Gardens, stopping for coffee in the bohemian Stockbridge neighborhood along the way.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, taste your way around the area on a food tour—you’ll soak up the sites while trying some of the city’s best dishes.
On your third day, get a different perspective on Edinburgh by visiting Leith, Edinburgh’s old port. Explore the neighborhood through the eyes of a local by taking a walking tour that introduces you to Leith’s history, including its Trainspotting legacy. Afterward, a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, formerly used by Queen Elizabeth II to sail around the world on state visits, offers yet another contrast.
Leith is full of great places to eat and drink so stick around for a meal in one of the neighborhood's many restaurants and bars, which offer food from around the world.
