3 days in Edinburgh

In Edinburgh's Old Town, it's easy to feel like you’ve stepped out of a time machine when you wander around stone-paved streets. Look up at the towering tenements, stroll down the narrow closes and alleys, and admire church spires rising above rooftops, all to the tune of bagpipes filling the streets. Spend the day discovering historic places and iconic sites, uncovering the centuries of history around you, all while enjoying the bustling Old Town's atmosphere.

This trip includes:

• Edinburgh Castle – at the top of the Royal Mile, follow the esplanade towards the castle's imposing entrance gates. Take in the sweeping views across the city and learn about the dramatic battles, royal ceremonies and sieges which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments, and dungeons. Listen for the famous One o'Clock Gun – its 'boom' has marked the time across the city for generations, and make sure you visit the Crown Room to see Scotland's Honours, including the Crown and Sword of State. To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your tickets far in advance for guaranteed entry.
• Palace of Holyroodhouse – at the foot of the Royal Mile, this elegant royal residence has links to monarchs from throughout the centuries. Inside, explore lavish state apartments with ornate ceilings, fine furnishings and portraits of monarchs. Take a tour and see Mary Queen of Scots’ bedchamber and the room where her confidante, David Rizzio, was brutally murdered. Beyond the palace, take in the peaceful grounds with the atmospheric ruins of Holyrood Abbey and its weathered stone arches – a great place to admire the rugged slopes of Arthur’s Seat nearby. Today it is the official Scottish residence of His Majesty The King.
• Edinburgh Bus Tours – departing from Waverley Bridge, this hour-long hop-on, hop-off service lets you give your feet a rest and explore the city from an exciting perspective. Take a seat on the open deck and enjoy the fresh air as you travel through Edinburgh’s streets, passing elegant Georgian buildings, bustling shopping areas and the imposing castle. With an audio guide to accompany you, you can listen to stories about the landmarks along the way and hop off whenever something catches your eye. Highlights include the New and Old Towns, the Grassmarket to see Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

If you've got time to explore further, check out:

Scottish Parliament – enjoy a free guided tour and learn about the history, inner workings and procedures of a day in the life in parliament.

Today, see another side of Edinburgh, where royal history meets waterfront charm and elegant city streets. Take in the historic Port of Leith, with bobbing boats on the water, and the handsome Georgian New Town with stylish boutiques and leafy gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Take in the buzz of the city centre or find a peaceful corner – there are plenty of wonderful sites to uncover.

• The Royal Yacht Britannia – named by TripAdvisor’s as the world’s best attraction in 2026 in their flagship Traveller’s Choice Awards, step on board the late Queen Elizabeth II's former floating royal residence and get a taste of royal life at sea. This remarkable vessel carried the Royal Family on official visits and private journeys around the world. Across the five decks, you can see the working engine room, a Rolls Royce, formal receptions and the elegant state apartments. The experience offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of the practical spaces as well, where the crew lived and worked. After the tour, take some time to explore the Shore in Leith – once a busy port, today this waterfront neighbourhood is one of the most fashionable areas to live in Edinburgh, full of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and bars.
• The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – these beautifully landscaped grounds offer a great way to escape the bustle of the city for a few hours. Take a walk through the towering trees and along colourful borders or sit back and relax beside a pond or on a bench. For a feeling that you’re somewhere exotic, head to the recently renovated glasshouses, where you will be surrounded by lush, tropical greenery, from palm trees and ferns to unusual succulents. It's located in Inverleith and is just a mile from the city centre.
• Enjoy some retail therapy – browse the shops along Princes Street and George Street, set against a backdrop of elegant historic buildings. For luxury labels and designer shopping, head to Multrees Walk, or explore St James Quarter, where striking modern architecture, independent shops and tempting food stops come together to create a great spot to spend an afternoon.
• Calton Hill – for one of Edinburgh’s most memorable experiences, make your way up Calton Hill, where some superb city skyline views await. Look out towards the Firth of Forth, and, on a clear day, distant hills beyond. If you visit around sunset, watch the city take on a warm, golden glow – a postcard-perfect moment for photography. While you’re there, explore the hill’s monuments, including the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.
• Scottish National Gallery – just off Princes Street, this stylish neoclassical building offers a quieter experience, with galleries filled with colour and creativity. Wander between famous masterpieces and take your time to notice details of the world-class Scottish and international art.

If you're taking a similar trip, you could also explore:

Stockbridge – this bustling village-like area located in the city’s New Town offers a great blend of independent retailers, delicatessens, charity shops, bars and restaurants.

On your third day in Edinburgh, discover some of the city's most fascinating sights and experiences, from mind-bending tricks and illusions to the story behind Scotland's national drink. Get ready for curious discoveries, hands-on experience and memorable moments as you explore the many wonders of Edinburgh's capital, including a treasure trove of artefacts at a magnificent Victorian setting.

• Camera Obscura and World of Illusions – discover amazing optical illusions at one of Edinburgh’s most intriguing attractions. Watch your reflection stretch and shrink, test your balance and discover how light can impact perception. Then, step inside a darkened room and watch incredible live moving images of the city and its inhabitants projected onto a table by a giant periscope while listening to colourful tales of the past.
• Scotch Whisky Experience – close to Edinburgh Castle, book a tour where you can go on a barrel ride that will take you through the whisky-making process, teach you how Scotland’s unique whisky regions create their distinctive styles and help you identify which whiskies suit your palate. You'll also get to experience standing in the room with the world's largest collection of whisky.
• National Museum of Scotland – this world-class museum is filled with incredible displays covering history, natural heritage, world cultures, design innovation, technology and more. Come face to face with Dolly the sheep, discover objects from ancient civilisations, or play dress-up and take selfies with crazy mirrors. You can also compose your own tune, try to generate enough energy to light up a tower, or drive a Formula 1 car in their racing simulator. Best of all? It’s completely free.