Perfect 3 Days in Edinburgh, Scotland (A Guide for First Timer’s)

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Looking to perfect your Edinburgh itinerary? This guide will cover everything you need to know to see the best of Scotland’s most famous city.

Edinburgh is a city I truly stepped into with few expectations. I hadn’t done a ton of research or read up on the city before visiting, as I wanted to experience it with a fresh perspective.

We were originally scheduled to stay in Edinburgh for two full days but extended to three to be able to go a bit deeper and really get a sense of the city.

Of course, three days is never long enough, but in such a manageable city like this, I was shocked by how much we were able to accomplish in just three days in Edinburgh—a timeframe that would barely scratch the surface in places like New York or London.

I’ll be writing quite a bit more about my time with Visit Britain, but for now, here’s a quick guide on everything you need to know to start planning your Edinburgh itinerary, including where to stay, where to eat and much more.

How to Spend 3 Days in Edinburgh

Best Time of Year to Visit Edinburgh

Deciding when to visit Edinburgh all depends on what you’re looking to get out of your visit. We visited at the end of March when the air was still crisp and chilly but there were still sunny days and no snow.

If you visit in Spring you’ll need to pack a peacoat or some type of jacket, hat and scarves, especially for the evening. The city wasn’t too packed with tourists at this time of year which made it nice and calm as well.

If you’re into warmer weather, wait until the summer months to visit, but expect more competition on hotels, higher room rates, and dinner reservations.

Autumn is also a great time to visit and gives the city a romantic vibe with golden hues that only add to the city’s already plentiful charm.

How to Get to Edinburgh

Fly into Edinburgh airport (EDI) which has loads of direct routes from many destinations in Europe, some from the Middle East and seasonal non-stop flights from select cities in North America.

After Landing: The easiest ways to get into the city are by tram (about 30 minutes to the city centre) or the Airlink airport bus.

You can also opt to rent a car at the airport or take a taxi or Uber into town which only takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. There’s not a ton of good parking in the city though, so I’d recommend just grabbing a cab or Uber to save yourself the hassle. The city is extremely walkable with great public transport so you likely won’t need a car unless you’re planning a longer road trip through Scotland.

How Much Time is Enough in Edinburgh?

As I mentioned earlier, I was shocked by how much ground we covered in just three days in the city. While I’m always supportive of slow travel and really deep diving into a place, I think three days is absolutely enough time to get a good feel for Edinburgh and experience all the highlights.

Plus there are so many more amazing things to do in Scotland, you’ll want to allocate time to get out of the city and explore! Check out my complete Scottish Highlands itinerary for more inspiration ahead of your trip!

Helpful Tips Before Your Edinburgh Trip

• Requirements for Visiting: If you’re a U.S. citizen, you will need a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay as well as an ETA (UK Electronic Travel Authorization). The ETA costs £16 and remains valid for two years and allows visits for up to 6 months for tourism.
• Money in Edinburgh: The currency used in Scotland is the pound and most places around the city take credit card, though it’s always smart to have some cash on hand just in case.
• Language: English is spoken everywhere here, but Scottish accents are thick, so if you’re coming from America it may take a bit of an adjustment to understand the locals.
• Pack Comfortable Walking Shoes: Bring good walking shoes as Edinburgh is a super walkable city and easy to get around on foot. Some of the hills and cobblestone are no joke though!
• Edinburgh Weather: It can be quite chilly in Edinburgh, even sometimes in summer. No matter what time of year you plan to visit though, pack a light jacket at the very least and ideally a warmer coat and a scarf and hat in winter and springtime. Weather here can be unpredictable.
• Nightlife in Edinburgh: Edinburgh is a city that likes to drink and it can get a little rowdy, especially on weekends (the city is a known destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties). Expect to see people getting a bit crazy especially on a Saturday! It’s nothing particularly dangerous, but just something to be aware of if you’re traveling solo or not interested in getting caught up in the drinking scene.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

What Area to Stay in Edinburgh

The two main areas you should consider basing in while in Edinburgh are the Old Town and New Town.

We decided to split our time between both, which gave us a better sense of both areas. Old Town is more touristy with tons of sites easily accessible on foot, while New Town is still quite close to a lot of great places to see and eat at, but may require more taxis to get around.

Best Airbnbs to Stay in Edinburgh

In the Old Town, we stayed at this stunning Airbnb apartment (pictured above) that sits directly across the street from the adorable Thomas J Walls coffee shop and just down the road from the National Museum of Scotland. Sadly it’s no longer available, but these apartments below are just as beautiful and are in a very similar location which we loved:

• Lovely Old Town Apartment: This chic, art-filled apartment with high ceilings accommodates 2 guests.
• Beautiful 2 Bedroom in Old Town: For larger groups this space is perfect with room for five, and all the charm of Old Town.
• Beautiful Old Town Flat: This funky and colorful space combines European charm with modern decor, best suited for up to 4 guests.

PS—The area can get a little loud at night—the Scots do like to party, after all—but the easy walkability is awesome and these apartments are absolutely stunning and homey.

Best Hotels in Edinburgh

In New Town, we checked in to Eden Locke, which is a small boutique hotel with a modern, Scandinavian style design. The gorgeous lobby-meets-cafe area is perfect for reading the paper or grabbing a bite in the mornings.

The room we stayed in featured a perfect little kitchen and seating area that made it easy for us to eat in or catch up on work. Picture it like a cozy little studio apartment that is well situated to explore tons of the neighborhood’s awesome shops and restaurants.

Read our complete Eden Locke hotel review for more details.

Just across the street from Eden Locke is the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel and it’s a stunning hotel with rich colors and a Moroccan inspired interior. It’s also home to Baba restaurant which was one of our favorite meals during our entire stay in Scotland.

Here are some other amazing hotels in Edinburgh worth checking out:

• The Murrayfield Hotel $
• The Hoxton, Edinburgh $$
• The Balmoral $$
• Intercontinental Edinburgh the George $$
• 100 Princes Street $$$
• Gleneagles Townhouse $$$

How to Get Around Edinburgh

On Foot: If you stay at one of the places mentioned above, it should be quite easy to get around Edinburgh on foot given you’ve packed a good pair of walking shoes. The city was truly made for wandering on foot.

By Car: Otherwise, taxis and Ubers are easily accessible here and not overly expensive.

Public Transport: If you prefer to take public transport, your best options are the Lothian Buses which offer great value and extensive coverage around Edinburgh, or city trams, which are great for getting to and from the airport or destinations a bit outside of the city.

Top Things to Do in Edinburgh

1. royal Botanic Garden

This is one of the few sites that doesn’t sit right in the heart of the city, but it’s still a quick drive away and well worth the ride. Especially on a beautiful sunny day, walking around the lush gardens with a coffee in hand is an incredible way to spend a morning or afternoon in Edinburgh.

The botanical garden opens at 10 AM, so go on the earlier side if you want a more peaceful visit during your three days in Edinburgh.

Entry to the outdoor gardens is free, but note that the Glasshouses are currently closed for major restoration work, with reopening planned for later in 2026.

2. Visit a Gin Distillery

Gin is becoming a bigger part of Scottish culture as of late, and a few key gin distilleries have been popping up throughout the city.

The most popular one in town, Edinburgh Gin, which recently won Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year, runs daily tours that can book up far in advance. If you miss the tour, you can still pop in for a drink after 5 pm and choose from their extensive cocktail list, but I recommend booking as soon as you can!

As you can probably tell from the photo above, the vibe is dark and moody with creative libations on offer—great to go with a significant other!

3. Snack at the Stockbridge Market

If your three-day Edinburgh itinerary coincides with a Sunday, the Stockbridge Market is an awesome way to get a feel for how the locals live. Local Edinburgh businesses set up shop weekly at this small farmer’s market that sells everything from paella and gyoza to fresh blue cheeses as well as soaps and other handicrafts.

If you enjoy farmer’s markets or open air markets back home then you’ll definitely want to stop by this one. Pro tip: Go with an empty stomach.

Make sure to check the Stockbridge Market website for the most updated hours.

4. Stroll Down Circus Lane

Just down the street from the Stockbridge Market is Circus Lane, a gorgeous residential area on a curved cobblestone path that’s only wide enough for one lane of cars.

The houses are colorful and perfectly manicured and the clock tower acts as a beautiful backdrop while strolling through on the way to your next destination.

This is a must-stop for charming photos in Edinburgh!

5. Visit Dean Village at Golden Hour

Another gorgeous neighborhood in the city is Dean Village, which meanders around the Water of Leith river and lights up beautifully at golden hour or sundown.

It doesn’t take more than 20 minutes to walk through the area, but acts as a picturesque respite from the busier downtown parts of Edinburgh. If you’re choosing to do the Leith Walk, this area also easily connects to that trail.

6. Catch Sunset From Calton Hill

Calton Hill, which sits high above the city provides 360 degree views of the North Sea, city skyline and Arthur’s Seat. It’s great to visit at all times of day, but people often camp out for sunset to watch the light disappear over the city horizon.

There are several points of interest on top of Calton Hill, including the unfinished National Monument which looks like an Athenian acropolis and Cafe Calton, a restaurant and cafe with panoramic views.

The restaurant closes before dinner throughout the week except for Friday through Sunday when guests can watch the lights brighten over the city skyline—reservations are recommended!

7. Cruise the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the busiest tourist street in Edinburgh and must be visited at least once during your time in the city.

Start at Edinburgh Castle, then make your way along the Royal Mile; you’ll pass by St Giles’ Cathedral, bagpipers performing on the street, traditional shops selling items like tartan scarves, and plenty of cute nooks and crannies to peek into.

Cruising the Royal Mile will give you an instant feel of traditional Edinburgh and is a must for first time visitors looking for that true Scottish flavor.

If you want to get a more thorough deep dive of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, join this top-rated walking tour which provides excellent history along with a local’s insight into hidden courtyards and gems along the way.

8. Go on a Self-Led Coffee Tour

With three days in Edinburgh, we were on a mission to taste all of the best coffee the city had to offer and scope out the coffee shop interiors along the way.

We found some definite favorites, mine personally being: The Milkman, Lowdown Coffee and Cairngorm Coffee—however Thomas J Walls (pictured above) won me over for cutest façade! Check out my full Edinburgh coffee shop guide here for all the details.

9. Visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Skip the Scottish National Museum and visit the National Portrait Gallery instead which has a drop-dead gorgeous interior and features a collection of both ancient and modern portraits and sculpture from some of the most notable people in Scotland’s history.

To cap off your Edinburgh itinerary, schedule an afternoon tea which takes place in a private area adjacent to the museum’s Cafe Portrait and features traditional scones and biscuits.

10. Try a Scottish Tasting Menu at Cannonball

While Edinburgh has some great restaurants from cuisines all over the world, you can’t visit and not taste some traditional Scottish dishes. Cannonball restaurant is the ideal spot to do this.

Located in the heart of the Old Town with views overlooking Edinburgh Castle, this family-owned restaurant serves a 5-course Scottish tasting menu and will give you a taste of traditional local flavors in a way that is light and inventive.

11. Stroll Victoria Street

Another one that makes the list for top charming streets in Edinburgh is Victoria Street. It was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, so if you’re a fan of all things Harry Potter you can’t leave this one off the list.

The street is lined with quintessential Scottish architecture of gorgeous brick buildings punched up with a row of colorful shops that bring a different energy than other areas.

While in the area, you can pop up to Victoria Terrace for a bird’s eye view of the bustling street, and grab a coffee at Elephant House, the second location of the famous cafe where J.K. Rowling spent time writing Harry Potter.

For the Die Hard Harry Potter Fans: Don’t miss this guided tour of the best Harry Potter locations around the city.

12. Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands

I personally did a road trip through the Scottish Highlands and can’t recommend it enough. But if you don’t have enough time to add it onto your Edinburgh itinerary, it’s possible to do a day trip to explore some of the regions most beloved gems.

This affordable day tour takes guests to some of the area’s best sites like Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Cairngorms National Park and Glencoe. Alternatively, hop on this full-day tour which visits the bucket list Glenfinnan Viaduct as well as other top spots including Loch Lomond and Fort William.

If you do hop on a full day tour outside the city, I’d just recommend extending your time a little bit so you have enough days to explore the best that Edinburgh has to offer.

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

In addition to Cannonball as mentioned above, we ate at several amazing restaurants and bakeries that are must-visits on a trip to Edinburgh. Here are a few favorites!

Timberyard

One of the best meals we experienced in Scotland, Timberyard is an experience all around. From the rugged, earthy decor to the stunning dishes (pictured above) and exquisite presentation, we were literally oohing and ahhing at each new item that was set down on our table.

They currently have one Michelin star, so I’d recommend making a reservation ahead of time—trust me, it’s worth it!

Baba

In the bottom floor of the newish Kimpton hotel is Baba, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that is a lively spot for sharing dishes with friends or just taste testing plenty of different flavors on the menu.

We enjoyed their delicious baba ganoush, beetroot hummus, cauliflower shakshuka and lamb shoulder served with pita bread that tasted like a cloud. Baba was definitely a foodie highlight of our trip.

Soderberg Bakery

Swedish-owned bakery, Soderberg, is simplistic in presentation but serves up some of the best baked goods and fresh breads in the city. We especially loved their lemon almond tart which is one of the most popular treats on the menu. I of course immediately wanted to order about five more.

Makars Mash bar

One of the most highly rated restaurants in Edinburgh, Makars Mash Bar is popular for good reason. Here you’ll find generous portions of Scottish cuisine in a laidback setting—and they even serve vegan options. They don’t take reservations and usually have a waitlist, so make sure to come early to put your name down.

Best Coffee Shops and Bars in Edinburgh

For coffee, we went on a full-on tour of the city, stopping at all the top local-recommended spots. As mentioned above, my favorites were The Milkman, Lowdown Coffee and Cairngorm Coffee.

For cocktails, Bramble Bar is a speakeasy that serves delicious and inventive cocktails not far from Calton Hill.

Doric Pub which bills itself as the oldest gastropub in Edinburgh is a must—it was built in the 17th century!

Devil’s Advocate is a fun and lively bar situated on a small alley in the city serving delicious cocktails.

A must during a three day visit to Edinburgh is a stop into a gin distillery, which often book up months in advance for tours. Edinburgh Gin is the most popular one in the city but should be booked in advance. Otherwise, you can pop in after 5 pm to grab a drink from their extensive cocktail menu.

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*** Live Like it’s the Weekend was graciously invited to Scotland as a guest of Visit Britain, but as always, all opinions are my own and I would never promote anything I don’t freaking love. ***