Itinerary for 3 day trip to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a fantastic city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant dining scene. Let’s dive into a delightful 3-day itinerary that balances history, dining, walking, quality shopping, and sightseeing. Get ready for an adventure!

Day 1: The and Old Town

Morning:

Breakfast at : Start your day with a hearty Scottish breakfast. They focus on local produce, so you’ll be fueling up with the best the region has to offer.
Explore the : After breakfast, stroll down the , the historic heart of Edinburgh. Don’t miss with its stunning stained glass windows.

Midday:

Lunch at : This opulent restaurant is just off the and offers a magical dining experience. Try their haggis or a traditional Scottish dish.
: After lunch, head up to . Spend a couple of hours exploring this iconic fortress, where you can see the Crown Jewels and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

Afternoon:

Walk down the : As you make your way back down the , take a detour to . Visit the and the building.
Shopping on the : Pop into some of the charming shops along the way. Look for unique Scottish souvenirs, cashmere, and tartan goods.

Evening:

Dinner at : For a special dining experience, head to , a Michelin-starred restaurant that focuses on seasonal Scottish ingredients. Make sure to book in advance!
: After dinner, join a ghost tour to explore the darker side of Edinburgh’s history. It’s a fun way to learn about the city’s past while getting a bit of a thrill!

Day 2: New Town and Leith

Morning:

Breakfast at : Enjoy a delicious breakfast at this trendy café known for its fresh, local ingredients.
Walk through New Town: After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the Georgian architecture of New Town. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful gardens at .

Midday:

Lunch at : Head to this gastropub in Stockbridge for a relaxed lunch. Their menu features modern Scottish dishes with a twist.
Visit the : After lunch, immerse yourself in art at the . It’s free and houses an impressive collection, including works by Van Gogh and Turner.

Afternoon:

Shopping on : Spend some time shopping on , where you’ll find a mix of high-end boutiques and popular brands. Perfect for some quality retail therapy!
Walk to Leith: Take a scenic walk along the to Leith, where you can enjoy the waterfront views.

Evening:

Dinner at : If you didn’t get a chance to dine here on Day 1, now’s your chance! If you did, consider trying out a different spot like for some fresh seafood.
Evening stroll along the Shore: After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Shore in Leith. It’s a lovely area to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere.

Day 3: and Beyond

Morning:

Breakfast at : Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this cozy café in Stockbridge. Their brunch menu is fantastic!
Hike up : After breakfast, make your way to Holyrood Park and hike up . It’s a bit of a climb, but the panoramic views of the city are absolutely worth it!

Midday:

Lunch at : After your hike, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at this traditional pub nearby. Try their famous fish and chips!
Visit the : After lunch, explore the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. The palace is steeped in history and has beautiful gardens to wander through.

Afternoon:

Explore the : Just a short walk from the palace, take a guided tour of the to learn about Scotland’s political history.
Shopping in : Head to the area for some unique shops and boutiques. It’s a vibrant area with a lot of character!

Evening:

Dinner at : End your trip with a delightful dinner at , a Bombay-style café that serves up delicious Indian cuisine. The atmosphere is lively, and the food is simply divine!
Final Stroll: Take a final evening stroll through the Old Town, soaking in the beautiful architecture and perhaps stopping for a nightcap at a local pub.

And there you have it! A perfect blend of history, dining, walking, shopping, and sightseeing in Edinburgh. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos!