Edinburgh Itinerary: 3–4 Days of Things to Do in Edinburgh

I’ve visited Edinburgh three times, and each time I’ve found something new to love about the city. While the famous attractions absolutely deserve a spot on your itinerary, some of my favourite experiences have been the places I discovered beyond the typical “top things to do in Edinburgh” lists. The city is filled with cozy pubs, fantastic architecture, amazing tourist attractions, and more. It is a widely popular destination for Harry Potter fans, where J.K. Rowling wrote many of the books. She drew inspiration for many of the the places and characters from Edinburgh and Scottish folklore. There is a dormant volcano you can hike to the top of for 360 panoramic views of the city. Alexander Graham Bell was born in Edinburgh. Read on for your Edinburgh Itinerary with more than 15 things to do within the city!

Glasgow or Edinburgh?

You might be asking yourself “Should I visit Glasgow or Edinburgh?” and, I’m sorry but you should do both. If you’re interested in a city that’s not as touristy and is closer to the highlands, Glasgow is for you! If you love Harry Potter and a city rich in history, Edinburgh is for you.

Read more: Glasgow Itinerary | 10+ Things to Enjoy in this Fantastic City

Edinburgh Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town

• Edinburgh Castle
• Royal Mile
• Victoria Street
• Greyfriars Kirkyard
• National Museum
• Pub

Day 2: Holyrood + Edinburgh Views

• Holyroodhouse
• Arthur’s Seat
• Calton Hill
• Princes Street Gardens

Day 3: Dean Village + New Town

• Dean Village
• Water of Leith
• Circus Lane
• Stockbridge
• Royal Botanic Garden

Day 4: Choose Your Adventure

• Pentland Hills (great on a sunny day)
• Midlothian Alpine Coaster
• Whisky/gin experience
• Museum (great for rainy days)

Read more: Ultimate Edinburgh Photography Guide: Most Iconic Locations and Hidden Gems

Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

Victoria Street

There are a few streets that claim to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, and Victoria Street in Edinburgh is one of them. It’s not hard to imagine why this street inspired Diagon Alley with it’s curving street and bright storefronts! Stop in at one of the shops, or head to the Victoria Terrace off NCR 75 to grab a seat on a patio. For my fellow Harry Potter fans, the Elephant House is a location in the city where J.K. Rowling used to sit in front of the window with a view of Edinburgh Castle and write the cherished series. The original cafe had a terrible fire in 2021 but the cafe has reopened after major renovations. They have still kept the temporary location on Victoria Street open too!

Read more: Ultimate Scotland Itinerary for Harry Potter Fans | 10+ Things to Do

Dean Village and Leith Walk Pathway

Dean Village is a picturesque neighbourhood in Edinburgh, near the Stockbridge neighborhood. Head to the bridge crossing the Water of Leith and walk down Hawthornbank Lane. You can get there using the Hop-on/Hop-off bus, walking about 25 minutes from Edinburgh Castle, or drive (taxi or uber works well). Stop in a cafe for a drink, or just explore the quaint neighbourhood. It really is picture perfect! I also highly recommend walking along the Leith Walk Pathway. It winds along the Water of Leith, and is a fairy-esque path and so serene! It leads from Dean Village to the south.

Circus Lane

Another picturesque location in Edinburgh is Circus Lane. Not far from Dean Village in the Stockbridge area, Circus Lane is just behind St Stephen Street (one of the main bar-filled areas in Stockbridge.)

Want the best photos in Edinburgh? I’ve put together a separate guide including exactly where I stood to get some of my favourite shots.

Read more: Ultimate Edinburgh Photography Guide: Most Iconic Locations and Hidden Gems

Calton Hill

Calton Hill has amazing views of the city, set on a hill with neoclassical monuments. It’s a much easier climb that Arthur’s Seat. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect location to watch the sun rise or set. On a beautiful sunny day in Scotland, you’ll find the hill packed with locals and tourists enjoying the sun!

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano east of the city centre. You can easily walk to the base and hike to the top of the volcano for panoramic views of Edinburgh. There are even opportunities to rock climb on the side of the volcano! It takes about 2 hours to hike up and down the volcano. There are multiple routes to the top. Once you get there, take in the view (and beware the high winds!). Hiking boots are not necessary, but I recommend sturdy walking shoes!

TIP: If you hike up from the southeast side, the climb is a wide, gentle path upwards followed by a rocky climb near the top. There are a number of ways up, some more difficult than others. The way up from Dr. Neil’s Garden is lovely.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle sits at one end of the Royal Mile. Take a tour around the castle, wander aimlessly yourself or grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants. There is often a scotch tasting at one of the gift shops. I highly recommend pre-booking your admission ticket, especially in tourist season. I didn’t book ahead the first time I visited Edinburgh and the castle admission was sold out!

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

A military tattoo is a performance by armed forces. The British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military put on shows at the Edinburgh Castle held every August. It is such a unique experience that if you have a chance to go, you should!

Princes Street Gardens and Scott Monument

At the bottom of Edinburgh Castle you’ll find the Princes Street Gardens. The gardens separate the old town from the new town and are gorgeous. You’ll find an iconic Ross Fountain: a cast-iron structure that perfectly sits in front of the Edinburgh Castle in the background. The gardens also travel beside the Scott Monument and are free to visit year round!

DYK: you can climb to the top of the Scott Monument for 360 degree views of Edinburgh!

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a street in Edinburgh that runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. It’s approximately 1 mile (or 1.6 km) long and is lined with restaurants, shops, pubs, hotels/hostels, and more. It’s an incredibly scenic road and you’ll probably find yourself walking on this street multiple times throughout your stay. Don’t just walk down the Royal Mile – peak into the closes and hidden/ underground spaces along the way! For example, Dunbars Close has a hidden garden! There are a few walking tours that explore the Royal Mile, like this private tour or a group tour.

Pub Crawl

A fun night out is the Edinburgh Pub Crawl. Ticket prices include cover to 7 bars, multiple shots/drinks and a great way to meet people (both locals and tourists alike). Pub crawls are a great way to experience the night scene in a city because the tour guides are there to help you if something happens, or if you drink a bit too much. You might even get to experience a themed pub crawl night, like the Pride event!

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is free!! It’s recommend you give yourself about 3-4 hours at the museum. Feel free to split that up over a few days if you don’t want to commit to a chunk of time, or explore a few areas you are interested in. Museums are a great way to learn more about local culture and history and the National Museum of Scotland is no exception. The main gallery is one of the most stunning building’s I’ve been in!

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The palace is the King’s official residence in Edinburgh. If it’s fit for royalty, it’s a must see! It is open year round and located at the south end of the Royal Mile. It’s pretty close to the bottom of Arthur’s Seat as well! Admission is £22 (in advance)/£26 (day of) and it’s recommended you spend about 2 hours to see it all.

The Scottish Whisky Experience

Scotland is known for it’s scotch whisky. The Scottish Whisky Experience is beside the Edinburgh Castle. Take a tour and learn all about the world of Scotch whisky. Tours may include tastings and last anywhere from 50 minutes to 3 hours.

Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a great place to explore. Admission is free and a wonderful place to visit on a sunny day. The gardens are open year round with varying opening times. When you wander through the Chinese gardens, try to find the panda’s hidden around the paths! They are in trees, on the ground, and near plants! Very fun for the littles to explore. The Palm Houses look AMAZING and were under restoration when I visited but reopen October 2, 2026.

Edinburgh Gin Distillery

Even though Scotland is known for it’s Scotch, Scotland is one of the world’s largest exporters of gin! Scotch must be matured for a minimum of three years before it can be sold, and it’s often matured for much longer. Therefore, many distilleries also brew gin, because it is cheaper and faster to make! Stop by the Edinburgh Gin Distillery for a tasting tour (£25) or a gin making experience (£100)!

Real Mary King’s Close

A close is an alleyway in Scotland. There are about 80 close’s on the Royal Mile alone, and the Real Mary King’s Close is by far the best known. Mary King’s Close was a street in Edinburgh sealed off from the world, leaving all the people suffering from the bubonic plague trapped beneath. If your littles are sensitive, it may not be the best experience for them (my niece did not want to visit)!

Pentland Hills Regional Park

This one really surprised me on not showing up on many lists: Pentland Hills. Although technically not in Edinburgh, it sits right at the southern edge of the city. The Regional Park has 9 peaks of over 1500 ft elevation. It offers stunning views of Edinburgh and the surrounding area. You can hike over 100 km throughout the entire area. It really is a spot you don’t want to miss, if you want to explore nature and the Scottish hills.

I recommend the Caerketton and Allermuir Hills trail if you’re short on time. It’s about a 2 hour loop and you might get a chance to see the Highland Cows in the fields!!! You can start and end from the Midlothian Sports Centre if you want to try the Alpine Coaster.

Midlothian Sports Centre and Alpine Coaster

I hadn’t heard of this until my third time in Edinburgh and I NEED to show you! The Midlothian Sports Centre is located in Hillend, on the Edinburgh side of the Pentland Hills. Here, you’ll find the only alpine coaster in Scotland and it’s SUCH a fun time! Book tickets in advance online and I recommend doing the 3 rides. The ride itself is about 90 seconds, but it’s a thrill!

Greyfriar’s Kirkyard and Bobby’s Statue

Greyfriar’s Kirkyard is a famous graveyard in the heart of Edinburgh. For Harry Potter fans, two important characters were named after real people who are buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard: Tom Riddle and Minerva McGonagall.

• William Topaz Mcgonagall was born and died in Greyfriars parish Edinburgh. But he moved to Dundee finding work as a weaver. One day a strange feeling stole over him, and “a flame seemed to kindle up my entire frame with a strong desire to write poetry”. A legend began. Source
• It has been reported that the grave of Thomas Riddell – a general who died on 24 November 1806 at the age of 72 – in Greyfriar’s Cemetery could have inspired JK Rowling when she was naming the character, although the spelling differs. Source

It’s a cool spot to stop in, and donations are welcome!

Just before you get to the graveyard, you’ll find a statue of Bobby on Forrest Road. Bobby is a dog that belonged to John Gray, who worked for the Edinburgh City Police as a nightwatchman. When John Gray died he was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard where Bobby became known locally, spending the rest of his life sitting on his master’s grave. While tour guides identify it’s good luck to touch Bobby’s nose, local Council requests people don’t. The metal is wearing away and a hole may be worn into his nose!

Edinburgh FAQ

How Many Days Do You Need in Edinburgh?

You can visit Edinburgh in as little as 2 days, but 3-4 days would be a great length of time to visit. The city has so much to offer! I’ve now spent a total of about 10 days in the city and there’s still so much more I want to see and do. One of my favourite things about Scotland in general is the ambiance and peace I find here. Going to a cafe to enjoy journalling with a tea, or sitting in a park on a sunny day, or getting up early with the rain and fog to see the magic of the city are some of my favourite experiences!How many days in Edinburgh?

When is the Best time to visit Edinburgh?

It’s a lovely city year round, so depending on what you’re looking to experience, this is what I recommend:

• The busiest season is July/August. During these months, expect long lines, big crowds, and you’ll need to book tickets online a few weeks in advance. There are amazing festivals and the Highland Games are held this time of year. It’s also the most green, and sunniest time of the year in the city.
• Shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October is a good mix of slower tourist seasons but good weather. Expect some rainier days but lines are shorter and you can be more spontaneous in what you plan to do.
• Winter is the least busy; however, it’s the rainiest and coldest time of the year. But, part of the magic of Edinburgh is the rain and fog so it’s a great time for photography to get those moody and reflection shots.

How to get around Edinburgh

Edinburgh has fantastic public transit and a lot of the major attractions are within walking distance to each other. Edinburgh is a hilly city, so expect lots of stairs and/or inclines on your walks. I personally wouldn’t recommend a rental car in the city since the transit system is so good. Book your car when leaving to have flexibility in the highlands!

Where to stay in Edinburgh

This section could be a whole guide in itself! Here are some basic suggestions. Note: Edinburgh Council has been revising short-term stay requirements. We had an airbnb cancel our reservation only weeks before arriving and a council member had come to our rebooked airbnb to inquire if it was an airbnb. Be aware that these regulations are often changing. There is a good mix of hostels and hotels within the City!

• Stay in Old Town if you want to be as close to the action as possible. You’ll find a ton of restaurants, pubs, and the major tourist attractions. It’s also the busiest/loudest area in the city.
• New Town is just north of Old Town so you’ll be close to everything but it’s a little less busy.
• Stockbridge, Leith and Haymarket are all a little ways away from the hustle and bustle of downtown but with fantastic places to stay and are all safe.

Is Edinburgh expensive?

Yes. The British Pound is the local currency and is a strong economy. From Canada, the pound is almost 2x better than our dollar! Major attractions are around $40CAD/person, restaurants can run you about $30-50CAD but groceries are very reasonable! We shopped for 5 people on my recent trip and spent about $100 total for 6 days and were covered for breakfast, dinner and snacks. Accommodation is also expensive – a short-term stay for 5 people cost about $3,000 for 6 nights. There are inexpensive alternatives like hostels which is great for solo travellers or people looking to save on accommodations.

Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Edinburgh

• Edinburgh is hillier than it looks. You’re going to walk more uphill than you expect! There are a lot of stairs and steep inclines all around the city.
• Don’t underestimate Arthur’s Seat. There are multiple routes and the difficulty varies significantly. If you start from Dr. Neil’s Garden, you’ll have the most gentle incline of the routes.
• Book Edinburgh Castle ahead of time. You will NOT get in if you don’t book online ahead of time. This one always sells out.
• The Royal Mile isn’t really “one attraction.” It’s a corridor connecting a huge number of attractions. It’s an historic street lined with shops, restaurants and pubs.
• You don’t need to do everything in one day. Most of the attractions take a few hours to explore, and part of the magic of Edinburgh is pausing and taking in the city.
• Bring shoes with good grip.
• Weather can change quickly. Pack layers, bring a waterproof jacket, and be prepared for chilly winds!
• Some of Edinburgh’s best experiences aren’t the major attractions. Yes, the Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat are amazing but I absolutely love the Pentland Hills, and the nooks-and-crannies of the city.

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