HomeDestinations › Edinburgh
Edinburgh: city view and main sights to see
📷 Compilation by User:Scottfree92, using images taken from various authors: View from Calton Hill: Oliver Bonjoch, User:Oliver-Bonjoch Old College: Jonathan Oldenbuck, User:Jonathan_Oldenbuck View of Edinburgh Old Town: Nicolai Schäfer, User:Nize Edinburgh Castle: Ad Meskens, User:Ad_Meskens Princes Street as seen from Calton Hill: Ad Meskens, User:Ad_Meskens · CC BY-SA 3.0
✦ TRAVEL GUIDE · UNITED KINGDOM

What to see in Edinburgh in 3 days

3 days 16 experiences 8 where to eat from 8€

3-day itinerary for Edinburgh (United Kingdom): what to see, where to eat and skip-the-line tickets. Build your free custom plan.

Edinburgh blends history, architecture and nature at every turn. Here's a 3-day itinerary organised by area, with the must-sees, where to eat and skip-the-line tickets to make the most of your trip.

Practical info · Edinburgh

📅
Best time to visitSummer
🗓️
Ideal length2-3 days
💶
BudgetMid-range · €€
🚶
Getting aroundOn foot
Known forHistory, architecture and nature

Your Edinburgh plan, made for you

Adjust the days, budget and travelers. Our AI and guide tailor it to you, with a map and tickets.

✦ Create my personalized plan for free

What to see in Edinburgh day by day

Day 1Old Town · New Town

Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Historic cemetery linked to the legend of Bobby and to the Harry Potter saga.
Free
Edinburgh Dungeon
Theatrical tour through Edinburgh's darkest and most macabre history.
from 22€
Underground Vaults and Ghosts Tour
Guided tour through the underground vaults of South Bridge and their legends.
from 18€
Free Walking Tour of Edinburgh
Walking tour through the old town and its legends
Free
Edinburgh Castle
Fortress on a rock with the crown jewels
from 22€
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
Medieval street linking the castle and Holyrood
Free
St Giles' Cathedral
Gothic cathedral with an emblematic crown spire
Free
🍽️ Cafe Andaluz
tapas cuisine.
~18€
🍽️ The Outsider
Local cuisine.
~23€
Dean Village
Picturesque former milling district along the Water of Leith, with period houses.
Free
Calton Hill
Hill with monuments and views of the city
Free
Scott Monument
Scott Monument
Victorian tower dedicated to the writer Walter Scott
from 8€
Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens
Gardens below the castle in the city center
Free
🍽️ 92 Degrees Coffee
Café for a quick stop.
~8€
🍽️ Tipo
Local cuisine.
~23€

Day 2Holyrood

Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Official residence of the monarchy in Scotland
from 20€
Arthur's Seat
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano with spectacular panoramic views
Free
Scottish Parliament
Modern building housing the Scottish parliament
Free
🍽️ Food Chain Café
Local cuisine.
~23€
🍽️ Royal Mile Coffee
Café for a quick stop.
~9€

Day 3Leith and the harbour

Royal Yacht Britannia
Former royal yacht of Elizabeth II moored in Leith harbour, now a floating museum.
from 21€
St Mary's Cathedral, Leith
St Mary's Cathedral, Leith
Stroll through Leith's old port district, now redeveloped by the water.
Free
🍽️ The Kitchin
Tom Kitchin's Michelin-starred restaurant focused on seasonal Scottish produce.
~90€
🍽️ Fishers in Leith
Classic harbour seafood restaurant specialising in fresh Scottish fish.
~35€

💡 Indicative prices. The current price is shown when you book on Civitatis.

✓ Skip-the-line booking with instant confirmation · Free cancellation on many activities

Ready for your trip to Edinburgh?

Generate your full itinerary in seconds, with budget, routes and bookings.

✦ Generate my plan now 🎟️ Book tickets · Edinburgh

Was it helpful?

Rate us and tell us what to improve

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh

How many days do I need to see Edinburgh?

With 3 days you can see the must-sees of Edinburgh. Our tool organizes each day by area so you don't waste time getting around.

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

The best time to visit Edinburgh is summer. That said, Trip Planner builds your itinerary for any season and adapts it to your pace.

How do you get around Edinburgh?

It's a very walkable city: the centre is compact and almost everything is close by, so you'll get around mostly on foot. Plus, our plan groups each day by area so you barely waste time getting around.

What to visit in Edinburgh?

The must-sees in Edinburgh: Free Walking Tour of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Calton Hill. This guide organises them day by day, with times, a map and skip-the-line tickets.

How much does it cost to visit Edinburgh?

It depends on your budget. With Trip Planner you set how much you want to spend per day and the plan adapts, combining free and paid activities.

Where can I buy skip-the-line tickets?

Every bookable activity includes a direct link to Civitatis to buy the ticket or tour online and skip the lines.

Other destinations