Edinburgh is much, much more than its famous castle and even its picturesque Old Town.
Even if you can’t make it to “Auld Reekie” to celebrate a traditional Scottish Hogmanay, though it’s highly recommended, here’s how to make any three-day Edinburgh itinerary colourful and enchanting.
No matter what sorts of things you imagine yourself doing on this getaway, all amazing Edinburgh itineraries include a few of the same stops:
• Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
• Calton Hill and/or Arthur’s Seat.
• Neighbourhoods like Haymarket, Grass Market and Leith.
• Special events such as Hogmanay and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
• Edinburgh day trips like Glasgow and Loch Ness.
• Destinations further afield in Scotland such as the Scottish Highlands.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
As Scotland’s top tourist destination, Edinburgh has a wide range of accommodations across the spectrum. If you’re looking for a stylish boutique hotel in a central location and at a fair price, consider Motel One on Princes Street, which is part of a chain, but expertly decked out in Scottish Tartan such that it seems homegrown.
Luxury travellers can go a few steps above this at The Witchery by the Castle, while The Hostel is great for budget travellers and backpackers.
Day 1: Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
Its beauty and eclecticism notwithstanding, there are two main things about Edinburgh:
(i) It is extremely walkable.
(ii) Thanks to the height of the castle, you can never, ever get lost.
Start day one by walking to Edinburgh Castle, whether you’re staying south of it in the Old Town or north of it in the New Town.
The castle is actually not incredibly exciting inside, so you’ll probably get done with it quickly. This is just as well, since there are so many Edinburgh attractions like the Royal Mile, which is the road that extends eastward from the castle, ending down the hill at the Scottish Parliament building.
Among other places to visit in Edinburgh along the Royal Mile, sample single malts at the Scotch Whisky Experience, unleash your inner voyeur at Camera Obscura or take in amazing architecture such as St Giles Cathedral.
One spot to enjoy lunch with an outstanding view of the castle is Contini Cannonball — the fish and chips here are to die for.
Alternatively, walk south down the stairs from the castle and into the bohemian Grass Market, which is not only a great place to eat, but incredibly photogenic as well.
Day 2: ‘New’ Edinburgh and the Port of Leith
It’s only after exploring old Edinburgh that you can understand how the 300-year old Georgian houses north of Waverley Station are considered to be the “new” town.
Start your second of three days in Edinburgh here, making sure to visit the Scottish National Gallery and the Scott Monument, at the bare minimum.
A walk down George Street is also a good idea, as is a stroll up Calton Hill, although if you’re blessed with a clear day the hill may be a better bet for sunset.
Before that, head northward into Leith, Edinburgh’s coastal district and port, either on foot via Leith Walk or via taxi or bus.
Although some people head to the magnificent Royal YachtBritannia (which is located inside a not-as-magnificent shopping mall), the most alluring thing about Leith is wandering through its colourful streets and along its charming canals, which tops many Edinburgh walking tours of the Old Town itself.
Day 3: Lunch with Nessie
Make no mistake: You could easily spend three days within Edinburgh’s city limits and not get bored – the city just so happens to be within a day’s trip distance of Scotland’s most ubiquitous attraction: Loch Ness.
Whether you make your way independently or with a tour from Rabbie’s, whose one-day Loch Ness option also allows you to see Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands, it is recommended you eat lunch when you arrive, then head over to the (surprisingly beautiful) Loch itself.
Otherwise, Nessie might be out to lunch. A girl gets hungry in water so cold and black!
Have more than three days and want to expand upon what do in Edinburgh? Create an Edinburgh itinerary four days or longer by taking a day trip to Glasgow (it’s just an hour away) or even to parts of the Scottish Highlands (namely Glencoe), which can be enjoyed in a day if you leave early and don’t mind returning to your Edinburgh hotel late.
The bottom line
This Edinburgh itinerary is but the beginning of the incredible adventures you can have in Scotland’s capital.
Whether you stick to city-centre Edinburgh attractions like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, walk though Leith toward the Sea, or take day trips to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands, eclectic Edinburgh is one of the best cities in Europe.
The places to visit in Edinburgh and its vicinity are simply breathtaking.
This article first appeared in https://leaveyourdailyhell.com/
Leave Your Daily Hell informs, inspires, entertains and empowers travellers with evocative photography, immersive essays, easy-to-follow itineraries and priceless travel advice.