Loading...

3 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary: Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat & Whisky | TravelOS

3 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary

Medieval castles, volcanic peaks, and world-class whisky in Scotland's majestic capital

TravelOS Team

3 day itinerary

Edinburgh is a city of dramatic contrasts. The medieval Old Town clings to volcanic rock while the elegant Georgian New Town stretches below. Castle views appear around every corner, and the surrounding hills offer wilderness within the city limits. Add world-class museums, legendary whisky, and a thriving food scene, and you have one of Europe's most captivating capitals. This 3-day itinerary balances iconic sights with authentic local experiences.

Day 1: The Royal Mile and Old Town

Your first day explores Edinburgh's medieval heart. The Old Town has been the city's centre for over a thousand years, and its narrow closes (alleyways), towering tenements, and ancient buildings tell countless stories.

Day 1: Castle to Palace

09:00

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the city from its volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's most visited attraction. Highlights include the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny (returned from Westminster in 1996), and St Margaret's Chapel (Edinburgh's oldest building). Views across the city are spectacular.

2.5 hours£19.50 online / £21.50 door

Book online to skip queues. Children under 5 free. The Prisons of War exhibition engages older children. The One O'Clock Gun fires daily (except Sundays) - loud but exciting for kids.

12:00

Royal Mile Walking

Walk downhill along the Royal Mile, Edinburgh's famous medieval thoroughfare. Duck into the narrow closes (alleyways) branching off - Advocate's Close and Warriston's Close offer atmospheric glimpses of old Edinburgh. Look up to spot the high tenements that once housed all classes together.

1.5 hoursFree

The closes make excellent games of hide-and-seek (with supervision). The Writers' Museum in Lady Stair's Close is free and manageable for families. Watch for street performers.

13:30

Lunch on Victoria Street

This curving, colourful street (said to inspire Diagon Alley) hosts excellent lunch options. Try Oink for pulled pork rolls, The Bow Bar for Scottish pub lunch, or Mums Great Comfort Food for British classics. The street itself is Instagram-perfect.

1 hour£10-15 for lunch

Victoria Street delights children - the colourful buildings and shop windows are magical. Oink's simple menu suits picky eaters. Grassmarket at the bottom has more options.

15:00

Real Mary King's Close

Descend beneath the Royal Mile into Edinburgh's buried streets. These 17th-century closes were built over but preserved, frozen in time. Guided tours tell stories of plague, poverty, and daily life. The experience is atmospheric and slightly spooky.

1.5 hours£19.50 / £13 children 5-15

Tours are underground with low ceilings and dim lighting - check children's comfort with enclosed spaces. Under 5s not permitted. The stories are more eerie than scary, but sensitive children may find it intense.

17:00

St Giles' Cathedral and Parliament Square

Visit Edinburgh's principal church, with its distinctive crown spire. The interior features beautiful stained glass and the ornate Thistle Chapel. Outside, Parliament Square was the centre of Scottish public life - the Heart of Midlothian marks the site of the old Tolbooth prison.

45 minutesFree (donations encouraged)

The brass Heart of Midlothian in the pavement is traditionally spat on - you can explain the history without participating. The cathedral is peaceful and impressive without requiring long visits.

18:00

Holyrood Palace and Park

End the Royal Mile at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official Scottish residence. The palace tour includes Mary Queen of Scots' chambers and the ruined abbey. Holyrood Park stretches behind, with Arthur's Seat visible.

1.5 hours£18.50 / under 5 free

Audio guides engage older children with stories of murder and intrigue. The abbey ruin has no roof - check weather. The grounds are free and pleasant for a pre-dinner wander.

20:00

Dinner in Old Town

Stay in the Old Town for dinner. The Witchery by the Castle offers theatrical fine dining (book far ahead). For something more casual, Devil's Advocate in a converted Victorian pump house serves excellent cocktails and Scottish cuisine. Wedgwood is another fine dining option.

2 hours£25-50 per person

Devil's Advocate welcomes families early evening. The Witchery is better suited to older children or couples. For family-friendly budget options, try Makars Gourmet Mash Bar on the Mound.

Royal Edinburgh Ticket

The combined ticket (£33.50) covers Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Yacht Britannia, saving about £14 if you're visiting all three. Valid for 48 hours from first use.

Day 2: Arthur's Seat and New Town

Today combines Edinburgh's wild side - the extinct volcano of Arthur's Seat - with the elegant Georgian New Town. The contrast between ancient volcanic rock and planned Enlightenment streets captures Edinburgh's dual character.

Day 2: Peaks and Georgian Elegance

08:30

Climb Arthur's Seat

Start early to climb Edinburgh's 251-metre volcanic peak. The main route from Holyrood takes about 45 minutes up. The summit offers 360-degree views over the city, Firth of Forth, and surrounding hills. An easier alternative is Calton Hill (20-minute climb, also excellent views).

2-2.5 hoursFree

Arthur's Seat is manageable for active children 7+. The path is rocky in places - proper shoes essential. Calton Hill is shorter and easier for younger children or those wanting a gentler experience.

11:30

Scottish National Museum

This outstanding free museum covers everything from dinosaurs to Dolly the sheep (the first cloned mammal). The Scottish galleries tell the nation's story through objects. The roof terrace offers castle views. You could spend days here.

2.5 hoursFree

The natural world galleries and interactive science sections are brilliant for children. The museum provides children's trails. Don't try to see everything - pick highlights.

14:30

Lunch at The Dome or New Town

Cross into the New Town for lunch. The Dome on George Street serves food in a stunning former bank building. For something simpler, Urban Angel offers healthy options, or try Dishoom Edinburgh for excellent Indian.

1.5 hours£12-25 for lunch

The Dome's interior impresses all ages - it's worth a visit even just for coffee. Dishoom has a children's menu. George Street's wide pavements suit families.

16:30

New Town Architecture Walk

Explore Edinburgh's UNESCO-listed Georgian New Town, built in the late 18th century. Charlotte Square represents Georgian perfection. Georgian House (number 7) offers tours of a period home. Stockbridge village, below the New Town, has independent shops and cafes.

1.5 hoursGeorgian House £10 / walking free

The New Town's grid layout is easy to navigate. Charlotte Square gardens are sometimes open. The walk down to Stockbridge passes good playgrounds in Queen Street Gardens (if you can access them - some are private).

18:30

Whisky Experience or Johnnie Walker

Introduce yourself to Scotland's national drink. The Scotch Whisky Experience near the castle offers tours ending with tastings. The newer Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience is more immersive with personalised tastings. Both cater to whisky novices.

1.5 hoursWhisky Experience £20-65 / Johnnie Walker £25-80

Children can join tours (without tastings) at both venues. The Scotch Whisky Experience has the world's largest collection of Scotch - interesting even without drinking. Johnnie Walker has better non-alcoholic alternatives.

20:30

Dinner in Stockbridge

Head to Stockbridge for dinner with locals rather than tourists. Scran & Scallie serves refined Scottish pub food. The Stockbridge Restaurant offers excellent modern European. For curry, Mother India's Cafe uses the tapas model brilliantly.

2 hours£20-40 per person

Scran & Scallie has a children's menu and welcoming atmosphere. The area is residential and safe for evening walks. Book ahead for all - Stockbridge gets busy.

Free Museum Excellence

Edinburgh's national museums are free: the National Museum, Scottish National Gallery, Portrait Gallery, and Modern Art galleries. Budget extra time - they're genuinely world-class.

Day 3: Beyond the Centre

Your final day ventures beyond the obvious to discover Edinburgh's other treasures - from the royal yacht to the charming port of Leith, with time for art and farewell drams.

Day 3: Leith and Hidden Gems

09:30

Royal Yacht Britannia

The Queen's former floating palace is now permanently moored in Leith. The audio tour reveals how the royal family relaxed at sea. Highlights include the State Apartments, crew quarters, and the garage housing the Rolls-Royce that drove up the gangplank.

2 hours£18.50 / £10.50 children 5-17

Children receive their own audio guide with age-appropriate content. The engine room and crew quarters often interest kids more than the formal rooms. The on-board cafe serves excellent scones.

12:00

Explore Leith

Edinburgh's port has transformed from gritty docks to one of Britain's best food neighbourhoods. Wander The Shore (the waterfront), browse the market (Saturdays), and soak up the area's independent character - very different from the tourist-focused Old Town.

1 hourFree

Leith feels more local than central Edinburgh. The waterfront is pleasant for walks. The Ocean Terminal shopping centre (where Britannia is docked) has facilities if needed.

13:00

Seafood Lunch in Leith

Leith is Edinburgh's seafood destination. The Shore Bar & Restaurant offers excellent fish in a historic pub. Fishers Leith is another classic. For fine dining, Kitchin and Restaurant Martin Wishart are Michelin-starred neighbours on The Shore.

1.5 hours£15-30 (casual) / £80+ (Michelin)

The Shore Bar is family-friendly and serves simpler options like fish and chips alongside fancier dishes. Outdoor waterfront seating on good weather days.

15:00

Dean Village and Water of Leith

Return towards the centre via Dean Village, a hidden gem just minutes from the West End. This former milling village sits in a gorge, with 19th-century buildings and a peaceful walkway along the Water of Leith. It feels a world away from the city.

1.5 hoursFree

The walk along the Water of Leith is flat and accessible (though muddy after rain). Dean Village is picturesque for photos. The path continues to Stockbridge if you want to extend.

17:00

Scottish National Gallery

Before your farewell evening, spend time in Scotland's premier art collection. Scottish art (from Raeburn portraits to the Scottish Colourists) shares space with Botticelli, Vermeer, and the Impressionists. The building itself is beautiful.

1.5 hoursFree (donations welcome)

The gallery offers family trails and sometimes drop-in activities. The paintings are accessible to all ages - Scottish landscapes often resonate with children. The cafe is excellent.

19:00

Farewell Drinks at a Whisky Bar

Toast your Edinburgh trip at one of the city's whisky bars. The Bow Bar has hundreds of malts in a traditional setting. Usquabae is more upscale. For atmosphere, the basement bars on Rose Street offer character and good selections.

1 hour£5-15 per dram

Traditional pubs welcome children until early evening if eating. The Bow Bar is a real pub, not a tourist trap. Staff in whisky bars are typically happy to guide novices through their first malts.

20:30

Final Dinner

End your Edinburgh adventure with a memorable meal. Timberyard offers exceptional seasonal Scottish in an industrial-chic space. Aizle provides set menus of modern Scottish cuisine. For something more traditional, Howies on Victoria Street serves Scottish classics reliably.

2 hours£30-70 per person

Timberyard and Aizle suit older children or couples. Howies is more family-friendly with recognisable dishes. Book well ahead for all.

Edinburgh Weather

Edinburgh is notoriously windy - it's built on hills by the sea. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 20°C. Always carry layers and a waterproof, even on sunny days. The haar (sea mist) can roll in without warning.

Practical Information

Edinburgh is compact and best explored on foot, though the hills can be challenging. Here's what you need to know for a smooth visit.

Getting Around

Central Edinburgh is very walkable. Buses cover the whole city (pay by contactless). Trams run from the airport to the centre via New Town (£7.50 single). Lothian Buses run to Leith, Britannia, and further out. Uber operates throughout.

Edinburgh with Children

Edinburgh is excellent for families despite the hills. The free museums are outstanding. Dynamic Earth (science centre) and Edinburgh Zoo are popular with children. The Royal Mile has constant entertainment. Pushchairs struggle on cobblestones - carriers work better in the Old Town.

What to Pack

Layers are essential for Edinburgh's changeable, often cool weather. A waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes are mandatory. Pack warmer clothing than you think you'll need - the wind can be biting even in summer.

Be prepared for Edinburgh's hills, weather, and cobblestones with our comprehensive packing checklist - from waterproof layers to comfortable walking shoes.

Download Free Packing List

Planning a trip?

TravelOS helps families plan trips together. Join the waitlist to be first to try it.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.