3 day itinerary for Edinburgh

Itinerary

Edinburgh is a beautiful city with so much to offer. Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Edinburgh that is family-friendly:

Day 1:

Start your day by visiting the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop a hill and offers stunning views of the city. You can explore the castle's many exhibits and learn about Scotland's rich history. Afterward, head down the Royal Mile, a historic street that connects the castle to Holyrood Palace. Along the way, you'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and street performers to keep you entertained.

For lunch, stop at The Elephant House, a cozy café where J.K. Rowling famously wrote some of the early Harry Potter books. After lunch, take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens, a beautiful park in the heart of the city. If you have kids, they'll love the play area and the chance to feed the ducks in the pond.

In the evening, catch a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse, one of the city's premier theaters. They often have family-friendly productions, so be sure to check their schedule ahead of time.

Day 2:

Start your day by exploring the National Museum of Scotland, which has something for everyone. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, while adults will appreciate the museum's extensive collection of art, science, and history artifacts.

Afterward, head to Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano that offers breathtaking views of the city. It's a bit of a hike to the top, but it's worth it for the views. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also explore the nearby Salisbury Crags, a series of cliffs that offer even more stunning vistas.

For lunch, head to the Grassmarket, a lively square filled with restaurants and cafes. There are plenty of options for all tastes and budgets. In the afternoon, take a ghost tour of the city. There are several companies that offer these tours, and they're a fun way to learn about Edinburgh's spooky history.

Day 3:

Start your day by visiting the Royal Botanic Garden, a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. The gardens are home to over 13,000 plant species from around the world, and there are plenty of walking paths and green spaces to explore.

Afterward, head to the Edinburgh Zoo, which is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. Kids will love seeing the pandas, penguins, and other exotic creatures.

For lunch, head to Stockbridge, a charming neighborhood filled with independent shops and restaurants. There are plenty of options for all tastes and budgets. In the afternoon, take a stroll through Dean Village, a picturesque area on the outskirts of the city. It's a great place to take photos and soak up some of Edinburgh's unique charm.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Edinburgh! Let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance.