Elegant is the perfect word to describe Edinburgh. From its medieval old town to its newer Georgian parts, Scotland’s hilly capital is sure to charm any visitors. Part of what makes Edinburgh such a treat to visit, whether you’re in a museum or in a pub, is the friendly Scottish and their pride in their rich cultural heritage. Read on to find out the top things to do in Edinburgh.
Discover the Top Things to do in Edinburgh
How to get from Edinburgh Airport to the City Center
Edinburgh’s city center can be reached by either a tram or a shuttle bus. The city has only one tram line and the journey from the airport to Princess Street takes approximately 35 minutes. A single adult ticket costs £1.80 and a return ticket is £3.40. The shuttle bus, Airlink 100, operates around the clock and departs every 10 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day. A single adult ticket costs £4.50 and a return ticket is £7.50. The price of a taxi from the airport to the city center ranges from £30 to £40.
How to get around in Edinburgh
Due to its size and medieval feel, Edinburgh is a great city to explore on foot. Most of the city’s main sights are in the city center, so if you stay in either New Town or Old Town (City Center), you can basically walk everywhere.
Alternatively, the city is very well connected by bus. The tram on the other hand, except for travel to and from the airport, won’t be of much use to you.
If you’re planning to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Royal Botanic Garden, Portobello Beach, or the Edinburgh Zoo then consider taking the bus since they are all outside of the city center. If you need to purchase your ticket on board you can do so with contactless payment or by bringing the exact change.
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Where to Eat in Edinburgh
- The Pantry: Brunch place serving breakfast all day.
- Greggs: A classic, local Scottish bakery chain for takeaway food, such as stake-bakes, sandwiches, and sausage rolls.
- The Milkman: Coffee and pastry cafe.
- Room Rumours Coffee: Serves great coffee, toast, and donuts!
- The Outsider Restaurant: Has a view of the city and best of all, you can eat mussels for less than £10 pounds.
- The Dome: Located in a historical building, once used as a physician’s hall and later as a bank, you can go for a high tea experience to admire the interiors.
- Edinburgh Street Food: An area with several food stalls to choose from.
- The Chippy by Spencer: Fish n Chips.
- Bread Meat Bread for juicy, flavor-filled burgers.
- Swadish: Indian restaurant in Glasgow.
Where to Drink in Edinburgh
- Cold Town House: Microbrewery with a rooftop terrace, serving pizza with unique toppings.
- Under the Stairs: A hidden gem in Old Town. This cozy restaurant serves amazing cocktail combos and outstanding food.
- The Black Cat: Located on Rose Street (where there are lots of other pubs). Serves craft beers and has lots of whisky options.
- The Bailie Bar: Located close to Circus Lane this traditional, local pub sometimes has live music.
- The Ark: Sportsbar in Glasgow.
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Overview of your 3 Days in Edinburgh
Day 1 in Edinburgh
You can start your day with a free walking tour of the Old Town. This will usually take you around the Grassmarket, located in the center of Edinburgh’s Old Town, which is the oldest part of the city. From here you can walk the Royal Mile and make your way uphill to Edinburgh Castle.
Note: Make sure to buy tickets to visit Edinburgh Castle beforehand as they do run out.
Check out the Scott Monument, St. Giles Cathedral, Mercak Cross, and the “birthplace” of Harry Potter at the graveyards of Greyfriars Kirkyard and Greyfriars Bobby.
If you have time, stroll the cobbled stone, flower-filled street of Circus Lane.
Spend the rest of the day at the National Museum of Scotland, which offers free entrance, has a fantastic view of the city, and an interesting and varied collection of cultural and scientific exhibits.
Day 2 in Edinburgh
You can start your day with a picturesque, river-side walk from Dean Village to Stockbridge. Two villages in walking distance from the center of Edinburgh.
Make sure not to miss the Royal Botanic Garden, if you’re interested in botanical gardens/
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish residence of the British Monarch and where the Scottish Parliament used to convene.
If you have time visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, the old yacht of the royal family that was heavily featured in the last season of The Crown.
End the day with a sunset on Calton Hill, a central hill overlooking New Town.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Glasgow
Take the one-hour train to Glasgow.
Start your day by taking a stroll along Glasgow’s major shopping street, Sauchiehall Street. Ranging from high-end retailers, independent boutiques, and a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Go for high tea at the Hidden Lane Tea Room, this cute tea house is tucked away in the corner of a busy neighborhood.
Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and check out Salvador Dali’s “Christ of St John of the Cross” masterpiece.
End your day by scouring the city to see its famous Street Art.
Note: Glasgow has an extensive subway and bus system, and distances are larger than in Edinburgh, so you might want to opt for public transport.
