Scotland is also home to one of the most magical cities in a country known for its rugged terrain, the Loch Ness Monster, and whiskey. Edinburgh attracts many people to travel here on vacation. The medieval architecture and the surprising mix of old and new efficiently blend this old Scottish city. The Scottish people are known for their warm hospitality and for partying. This itinerary will highlight how to spend three days in Edinburgh with some budget-friendly activities.
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Most people consider Edinburgh the first stop when planning a vacation to Scotland. There are so many things to do, and you will experience visiting castles, drinking whiskey, walking through the centuries-old building, drinking whiskey, and experiencing Scottish culture. Did I mention drinking whiskey? There are numerous whiskey-tasting opportunities on the main tourist street known as The Royal Mile. You might even find a pub or two for delicious grub and entertaining local talent.
Many of those visiting Edinburgh come from elsewhere in the United Kingdom or internationally. Stays can be longer or shorter depending on the interest, activities, and vacation allotment.
An Edinburgh Itinerary is perfect for a City Escape
Edinburgh provides the perfect city escape for many in Europe, and a three-day itinerary is just the right amount of time to get a flavor of the city and all it has to offer. If you travel by car or train, you may already be in the same time zone, so when you arrive and check into your hotel, you will be ready to explore.
If you travel from North America or elsewhere, you will probably arrive by plane and may find yourself tired, hungry, and a little cranky after spending time on a long flight. When you first arrive in Edinburgh, head straight to your hotel. With any luck, you will have already pre-arranged for early check-in.
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From the airport, there is a lovely bus/shuttle that takes you directly to the downtown area. If you book a hotel near the Waverly train station, you can take the airport shuttle to the Waverly train station and walk to your hotel. If you prefer not to walk, you can always call a cab or an Uber. Cabs from the airport direct to your hotel are also available. If you are lucky, your hotel may have an airport shuttle.
3 Days in Edinburgh – Day 1
Once you arrive at your hotel, relax and have a snack or lunch, depending on your arrival time. This is the time you will use to your advantage to go over the brochures you have collected or browse your flagged websites for the activities you want to do. There are so many options, but you will need to have a plan to pack it in for your 3 days in Edinburgh.
You will also want to dig out your comfortable walking shoes, as spending all day on the cobblestones can be tiresome. And, if you are prepared for the uneven terrain on the century-old streets, it can be safe.
Edinburgh Castle
Trekking to Edinburgh Castle on the first afternoon gives you an authentic taste of history within the city. Getting to the castle is relatively easy as it is a prominent landmark in the middle of this city. You cannot miss this gigantic castle!
How much time you want to spend here depends on your interests and the length of time you will be spending in the city. Let’s say you could easily spend at least half a day here. The views are amazing from the upper level, and you can see the ocean on a good day.
Inside the castle, several areas are highlighted if you participate in an organized tour. These include the Argyle Battery, located on the upper level facing the north, the Lang Stairs, which led to a former entrance to the castle, and an exhibition explaining the fight for the castle at the Argyle Tower.
There is also the Royal Scots Museum, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum, a Prisoners of War Exhibition, and an example of a Military Prison. These museums are home to some of the historical artifacts of the country and the region.
If Scottish history interests you, this castle is a must during your 3 days in Edinburgh.
Entrance to the castle is £18 for adults and £11 for children. The castle is open from 9:30AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM depending on the time of the year.
Nelson Monument
From Edinburgh Castle, the Nelson Monument is visible in the distance. This monument was designed to look like an upturned telescope and was used to signal to the ships in the harbor of Leith. It is said that every day at one o’clock, a ball would drop and signal the time. If you enjoy hiking, you could fit it into your 3 days in Edinburgh.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the most iconic street in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom. Late afternoon would be a perfect time to check out the shops, experiences, street performers, and whiskey tastings along the street.
This characteristic street connects Edinburgh Castle (to the west) with the Palace of Holyroodhouse (to the east), where the Scottish Parliament is located and where the British Monarch resides when they are in Edinburgh. Along this cobbled street, several passageways and hidden courts are worth exploring as you stroll along. A quaint little pub down a back alley is a great way to experience the end of the day with local fare and entertainers.
St. Giles Cathedral
Situated in the center of the Royal Mile is St. Giles Cathedral. Founded in 1124, St. Giles has a lot of interesting stories to tell. It is said that the Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie have a place in history with this church. The stained-glass windows in this church are quite the attraction, so it’s best to go early to avoid crowds.
3 Days in Edinburgh – Day 2
Linlithgow Palace
Even with a short stay in Edinburgh, a quick day trip out of town to Linlithgow should be in your plans. Linlithgow is a centuries-old town with Linlithgow Palace as the centerpiece. You will find ruins dating back to the 12th century at the Palace. Many of Scotland’s monarchs called this palace home, including Mary, Queen of Scots.
The Palace combines tunnels, towers, meeting halls, stables, and dungeons that make for an exciting trip to the past. Many scenes from the Outlander series were filmed at this location. Entrance to the Palace is provided through the Historic Environment Scotland.
Note: As of September 2024, visitors are not permitted inside the King’s Bed Chamber, Court Kitchen and North Range.
On the exterior of the grounds, there are some walking trails and even some picnic and playgrounds for the children. Remember to stop by the cemetery and feel the history of the old gravestones. As it is primarily open-air and available to take at your own pace, it is an excellent place for a family visit.
The easiest way to get to Linlithgow Palace is by ScotRail. There are plenty of times available, and same day fare is around £12. Travel time is about 25 minutes. Note: If you decide to take the trip via rail, get on the train in the correct direction for the return, or you will end up in Glasgow! Going in the wrong direction without a ticket can be a little embarrassing. I’m sure the conductor has a sense of humor for lost tourists!
Linlithgow Palace is open from April 1 Apr to 30 Sept, Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm. Cost is £10.00.
Royal Yacht Britannica
If Linlithgow Palace does not appeal to you, or you are looking for something else to do in Edinburgh, you could head down to Edinburgh harbor to see the Royal Yacht Britannica. This yacht is the Queen’s former floating Palace and one of the world’s most famous ships.
3 Days in Edinburgh – Day 3
National Museum of Scotland
This last day in Edinburgh can be enjoyed with a trip to the National Museum of Scotland. This is a five-story museum, and it is FREE. It is one of the most interesting museums that would appeal to all family members. It is worth spending some time here, at least half a day. With Dolly, the first cloned animals, Viking artifacts, and Dinosaurs, your visit will satisfy your quest for interesting historical facts. It is a great place to go on a rainy day, especially with kids. The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Roslyn Chapel
Following your morning at the museum, why not take a local bus outside the city towards the town of Roslyn? The Roslyn Chapel, a 15th-century masterpiece, is a medieval structure highlighted in the “Da Vinci Code.” Here you will discover some mysteries, myths, and legends about the Edinburgh area and this chapel. This is a MUST during your 3 days in Edinburgh.
Tours are given daily in 90-minute timeslots and cost £ 9.50 for adults.
If you preferred to skip the museum and take a full-day tour, I would recommend the Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish Borders Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh offered through Viatour.
An Evening at the Pub?
On your last day in Edinburgh, a wander through the Old town and a night at the pub are in order. It is commonly known that the Scottish enjoy a drink and are pretty friendly after a few. Why not take them up at their own game? I dare you!
After a good’s night rest, you are ready to embark on the next leg of your journey or to return home to reality.
Is a 3-days in Edinburgh the perfect city break for you?
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When planning your Scottish vacation be sure to review your travel insurance requirements.
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Edinburgh is such a wonderful city. I’m glad you combined things to do in the city with a few just outside of it! For families, I always hear camera obscura is the best but I’ve never been!
I absolutely fell in love with Edinburgh, it is one of my favorite cities to date. This is a wonderful guide – I’m still kicking myself for not going to the Roslyn Chapel!
After spending three weeks in England this past fall, I’m now ready to explore Scotland. Love this three-day guide to Edinburgh!
Edinburgh is my home town so I am always interested to read what visitors think of it and what the highlights are. When one lives in a place, some of the major attractions are often overlooked or forgotten about. I cannot remember the last time I visited the castle, for instance (think it was when I took a group of teenagers on a school trip!). Interesting. Think I need a dram of whisky now ( – I use the Scottish spelling!). Slange!
I really enjoyed Edinburgh a long time back. We visited the military tattoo at the castle which was fantastic. I definitely need to return to see through older eyes.
This post really made me want to go visit Edinburgh. My biggest problem I have when traveling is figuring out what to do and when so this was super helpful. 🙂
Thanks. Sometimes a little point in a direction is all you need to get you started! Enjoy the city!
What a great taste of Edinburgh! Can’t wait to go back and take my boys this time.
Thanks! I found it quite an easy city to explore. Public transit was easy to navigate and the trains are great.
All the activities look fabulous but the Royal Mile sounds like such a fun time. What a blast it’d be to traipse down the street, enjoying the local sights and sounds. Excellent blog post. Keep up the good blogging work.
Thanks, Ryan. The Royal Mile is so much fun. You never know what you will find around the corner or what pub you will find yourself in1
[…] pub and the warm and friendly people that make Edinburgh so inviting. Edinburgh is perfect for a three day getaway and walking is a great way to get […]