Got just one day in Edinburgh? You’re in for a treat. This 24-hour itinerary will take you through the essential sights and experiences. The route I’m suggesting works well because Edinburgh’s main attractions cluster around the Royal Mile and the city centre. And it is very convenient if you arrive at Waverley Train station. You can cover a lot on foot, without leaving you exhausted. so Let’s make every hour count!
Morning | Scott Monument on Princess street, Calton Hill & the Palace
Scott Monument
Start your day on Princes Street by visiting the first highlight: the Scott Monument. This Victorian Gothic masterpiece pays tribute to the renowned Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Guided tours take place every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the Scott Monument kiosk upon arrival, make sure to check the official website.
Calton Hill
Head down the street leading to Calton Hill. Prepare to climb the hill for a breathtaking view of Edinburgh’s Old Town with the Highlands in the background. Along with the views, you’ll discover a couple of historic monuments, including the Nelson Monument and the National Monument. And don’t forget to take a picture of Arthur’s Seat 📸
Palace of Holyrood
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of the King. The State Apartments are beautiful, and you can wander through the ruined abbey in the grounds. If you’re short on time, you might choose to admire it from outside and save your energy for the afternoon.
Practical note: Holyrood Palace closes when the Royal Family is in residence, so check before you go.
Midday | Royal Mile, Greyfriars Bobby, & National Museum of Scotland
By now, you’ll be ready for a lunch break. From Holyrood Palace its an easy 10 min walk to the Royal Mile, this area has several good options for a warm lunch.
Lunch Recommendations
- Copper still – located on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile near St Giles Cathedral, serves fresh Scottish food daily from breakfast to dinner, using top local suppliers. We recommend trying their haggis.
- Royal Mile Tavern – Also on The Royal Mile, Perfect for soups and stews.
- Pie maker – Not really time to sit down? Grap a bite as you go. warm pies from the Pie maker on 38 South Bridge
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a beautiful street that runs through the heart of the city. This one-mile connects the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle. You can find several alleys ”closes” along this street.
Head further along the Royal Mile and you’ll find St Giles’ Cathedral.
A ‘close’ is a narrow alleyway or passage, often leading off the main street into courtyards or between buildings. Mary King’s Close is the most famous, make sure to explore one alleyway.
National Museum of Scotland
You have had your lunch and are ready to go cultural. If you can only visit one museum in Edinburgh, choose this one: the National Museum of Scotland! This museum covers everything from Scottish history to science and world cultures. The collection display is beautiful and so engaging that we lost track of time during our visit. Big plus, you can enter for free!
Note: You can spend hours here but maybe keep it to 1,5 hours for this day.
Greyfriars Kirkyard & Bobby
Visiting a graveyard may not be typical for a city trip, but this next stop is a must visit. This ancient cemetery has such a historic charm. Just walk along the tombstones as J.K Rowling once did. She found inspiration for Harry Potter from these tombstones in Greyfriars Kirkyard. You may come across some intriguing names, such as Voldemort or Sirius Black. 🐕 And make sure to pay a visit to Bobby near the entrance.
Afternoon | Victoria Street & Edinburgh Castle
Victoria street
Victoria Street is one of two streets that you always see on Instagram. It’s really lovely, with all the colorful houses and cool shops, mostly filled with Harry Potter merch! 😉 It is just around the corner from Greyfriars Kirkyard you walk down wards through Candlemaker Row.
Edinburgh Castle
What better way to finish with the incredible Edinburgh Castle? You can see it from different places in the city, but wouldn’t it be fun to explore its inside? Give yourself at least 1 hour here. The site is bigger than you might expect. Don’t forget to visit the official website for entrance times and fees if you’re going to the castle.
Evening | Dinner at Grassmarket
After a full day, you’ve earned a proper Scottish dinner and a dram of whisky.
Grassmarket
Since you and the day at the Castle, right down there, you find Grassmarket. With all those pubs, it is a perfect spot to wrap up your day with a pint and grab a local dish! The Fiddlers Arms is the best option; it’s a casual pub perfect for chatting and enjoying drinks. The menu includes Scottish dishes.
Other good Dinner Spots in Edinburgh
- The World’s End – A lively place with interesting history and good food located near the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Be sure to make a dinner reservation ahead of time, as it’s a small space.
- Copper Still – The Copper Still, located on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile near St Giles Cathedral, serves fresh Scottish food daily from breakfast to dinner, using top local suppliers. We recommend trying their haggis.
- Royal Mile Tavern – Also on The Royal Mile, Perfect for soups and stews and try the Sticky toffy pudding 😋
Insider tip
Edinburgh pubs can get busy, especially on weekends. If you want to eat, arrive before 7pm or book ahead.
Practical Tips for Your 24 Hours
You can walk most of this itinerary. Edinburgh’s centre is compact, though it’s hilly. Comfortable shoes are essential. If your feet are tired, the city has good buses (you’ll need exact change or a contactless card), and taxis are easy to find.
- Waterproof jacket (Edinburgh’s weather is unpredictable)
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Layers (it can be cold even in summer)
- Small backpack for snacks and water
- Many museums are free (National Museum of Scotland, National Galleries)
- Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill are free and better than many paid attractions
- Pies are good value for lunch (Sainsbury’s, Tesco)
- Lookign for more budget tips read this blog
The beauty of this itinerary is its flexibility. Swap things around based on the weather, your interests, and your energy levels. Edinburgh is a city that rewards wandering, so if you spot an interesting close or a promising-looking pub, don’t be afraid to go off-script.
