Quick answer: With 2 days, spend day 1 on the castle and Royal Mile, and day 2 on Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood and the New Town. With 3 days, add Dean Village, Stockbridge and Leith. With 4 days, add a Highlands and Loch Ness day trip.
Day 1: Castle and the Old Town
- 9:30am: Edinburgh Castle at opening time; head to the Crown Jewels first. See Edinburgh Castle tickets.
- Late morning: Walk down the Royal Mile: Camera Obscura, St Giles’ Cathedral, the closes.
- Lunch: Grassmarket pubs or Victoria Street cafés.
- Afternoon: National Museum of Scotland (free) and Greyfriars Kirkyard.
- Evening: The Real Mary King’s Close or a ghost tour, then a pub dinner.
Day 2: Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood and the New Town
- Morning: Climb Arthur’s Seat from Holyrood Park (allow 2 hours up and down).
- Late morning: Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey.
- Afternoon: Walk to the New Town: Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument, the Scottish National Gallery.
- Sunset: Calton Hill for the classic skyline view.
- Evening: Dinner on Rose Street or in the New Town.
Day 3: Dean Village, Stockbridge and Leith
- Morning: Dean Village, then follow the Water of Leith to Stockbridge (Sunday market if it’s a Sunday).
- Midday: Royal Botanic Garden.
- Afternoon: Tram or bus to Leith for the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Shore.
- Evening: Seafood dinner on the Leith waterfront.
Day 4: Highlands day trip
Join an early tour to Glencoe, Loch Ness and the Highlands, back around 8pm. It’s a long day but the scenery is unforgettable. Shorter options include Stirling Castle or the Kelpies. Plan it with our Highlands day trip guide.
Itinerary at a glance
| Trip length | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 day | Castle, Royal Mile, National Museum, Calton Hill at sunset |
| 2 days | Days 1 + 2 |
| 3 days | Days 1–3 |
| 4 days | Days 1–4 (add the Highlands) |
Tips
- Stay in the Old Town or New Town to walk everywhere. See where to stay in Edinburgh.
- In August, book everything (including restaurants) well ahead.
- Swap days around the weather: save museums for rainy days and hills for clear ones.
More Edinburgh guides
- Edinburgh travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Edinburgh
- Where to stay in Edinburgh
- Best time to visit Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Airport to the city centre
- Edinburgh Castle tickets
- Highlands and Loch Ness day trip
- UK ETA: who needs it and how to apply
FAQ: Edinburgh itinerary
Is 2 days enough in Edinburgh?
Yes for the highlights. Three days lets you explore Leith and the New Town at a relaxed pace.
Can you do Edinburgh as a day trip from London?
It’s possible by train (about 4.5 hours each way) but very rushed. Stay at least one night.
Is the Highlands day trip worth it?
Yes, if you have a spare day. Expect 10–12 hours, mostly on a coach, but with stunning views.
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