Edinburgh in One Day: Your Guide to Experiencing the Highlights of Scotland's Capital City
If you’re looking to see the best of Edinburgh in one day, look no further than this carefully crafted guide. From stunning city views to wandering through its charming old town and new town, to quite literally filming locations from the popular Netflix series One Day, Edinburgh is a stunner of a destination for visitors coming for any length of time.
Sunset views from Calton Hill over Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a true gem to visit on any trip to Europe. From its downtown core being an encompassing UNESCO World Heritage site, to its castle viewpoints and scenic staircases, it’s a compact city that offers too many exciting things to count for the curious traveller.
I recently visited Edinburgh for a short two days with my sister on a larger van trip we took throughout parts of Northern England, including The Lake District, and Southern Scotland. If you’re looking for other tips while you visit these parts of the United Kingdom too, then you’ll definitely want to check out the other articles I’ve put together about our trip.
While I wasn’t able to travel to see many other places in Scotland on this particular trip, I am already looking forward to the opportunity to return, and hopefully soon. In the meantime, Edinburgh has long been a dream of mine to visit, especially after hearing about Chris’s first trip there many years ago, so I was really excited to come here for the first time.
Like with any of our guides to visiting notable cities in Europe for a day—like London, Brussels, Oslo or Copenhagen—it’s always better if you’re able to visit for longer. It just gives you a little extra time to do a deep dive on parts of the city that have piqued your curiosity. But if one day in Edinburgh is all you’ve got, then let me help you make the most of it!
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How to Get to Edinburgh
There are so many ways to get yourself to Edinburgh. Whether you’re planning day trips here, or visiting Edinburgh as your jumping off point to see other parts of Scotland, you’ll want to make sure you choose the best mode of transportation for you.
As with any other European destination, the three main ways to get to Edinburgh are by train, bus or plane. Let me briefly outline the top ways to get to Edinburgh here:
Train
Edinburgh is well-connected to the train systems across England (National Rail) and Scotland (ScotRail). If you’re coming to Edinburgh from another major city in Scotland or England, almost all trains have to pass through Edinburgh to make their trip.
Edinburgh Waverley is the central train station in Edinburgh, and it’s located right between Old Town and New Town, making it easy to walk to your centrally located accommodation when you arrive.
If you’re coming from England, you’ll either take a train up along the northeastern coast through Newcastle to access Edinburgh (which is a stunning route to watch through the window), or more up the central/western parts of the country through Preston or Leeds. Within Scotland, there are rail connections to other major cities like nearby Glasgow, Perth, Aberdeen, Inverness and beyond.
Waverley Station is in the heart of town when you arrive in Edinburgh
Bus
As with the trains, there are many bus routes that can connect you to Edinburgh. Several operators connect Edinburgh across Scotland and beyond, and the buses tend to be more affordable than trains across the United Kingdom.
Edinburgh Bus Station is the central bus station to access Edinburgh through. For all of the options for the best bus and coach services in Scotland, you can find a complete list here.
Plane
If you’re coming to Edinburgh from further away, coming by plane will be the most direct way to get here. (Please don’t just fly to Edinburgh for the day, though! At least come to see other places in Scotland, like Glasgow or Loch Lomond to learn about the Loch Ness at the very least while you’re here).
Edinburgh has only one airport, Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which will be your main access point to the city. This international airport connects to all sorts of international destinations, and caters to both budget airlines and regular airlines. It offers flights from many parts of Europe, North America and the Middle East, with airline partners servicing further away destinations.
From Edinburgh Airport, it’s easy to connect to the local bus, tram and rail services to reach the city centre. You can also hire a taxi, and Uber is widely used across the city, too.
(By the way, if you’re looking for flights to or from Edinburgh, I always start my search with Skyscanner. I’ve literally been using their website for nearly two decades when it comes to finding the best flights for the right price.)
Where to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland
Fortunately, Edinburgh is a relatively compact (albeit, hilly) city, which makes it a comfortable place to wander around for the day. While you certainly won’t be able to see everything in Edinburgh in a day, basing yourself somewhere central is highly recommended, so you’ll have easier access to the sites in the city centre, the old town and the new town.
This time around I didn’t actually end up staying anywhere near the centre of Edinburgh, since Brooke and I were taking a van trip. We ended up finding a campground on the outer stretches of the city and bussed in each day. If you aren’t taking a van trip to Edinburgh, then something more central will do just fine.
For me personally I don’t think it makes much of a difference to stay in Old Town or New Town—each area has its own separate charm and distinctive character, and they’re both very close to one another. The neighbourhoods of Morningside and Bruntsfield are also excellent residential areas to stay in, and both are a short walk from the main sites of the city.
Of course, like with any trip to a city, you’ll want to assess what’s available at your price point. I’d recommend using the map below to help you find the best accommodation for you on your trip to this beautiful city.
Why You Should Consider Taking a Tour
Even though you’re only visiting Edinburgh for one day, day trips and tours kind of go hand in hand when it comes to learning, seeing and understanding as much as you can about a place.
There are a few different types of short and half day tours that I’d recommend looking into to add a little something extra to your time in Edinburgh. Tours are a great way to learn a little more about the history and the context of the places you’re wandering around, so starting off a day in Edinburgh with a tour is a nice way to get your bearings.
Walking Tour of Edinburgh
This goes without saying, but a walking tour of any city is always a great way to understand more about it. There are so many different types of walking tours available in Edinburgh, from your more traditional walking tours, to those that take you to notable sights that include access to places like Edinburgh Castle tickets, or Edinburgh’s underground vaults.
For a complete list of walking tours and some day tour options available in Edinburgh, click here to learn more.
Whisky Tastings and Food Tours Of Edinburgh
If you enjoy eating a sipping your way through a place to get a better understanding of it, then whisky tastings and food tours are another great option when it comes to arranging tours in Edinburgh.
You can taste several foods and whiskys in one tour, or take a proper Scotch whisky tour with tastings, or indulge in the Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience. For a complete list of food and whisky tours to take in Edinburgh, click here.
Harry Potter Tours and Experiences in Edinburgh
This has become more of a recent craze, but Edinburgh is the location where the first of the Harry Potter books was written, and many names and places here inspired its writing.
You can take tours that will bring you to famous locations from the stories, kids’ Harry Potter tours, and many more. For a complete list of Harry Potter-inspired tours in Edinburgh, click here.
A Brief History of Edinburgh
Views of Edinburgh Castle from New Town
The area around Edinburgh has been inhabited for thousands of years. It’s believed that it was first settled around 8500 BC, and the area of Cramond in the northwest of Edinburgh was the earliest site of human habitation. Over the years, notable Iron Age settlements were present in and around Edinburgh, in high places like Castle Rock and Arthur's Seat. The Romans arrived in the 1st century AD, and by around 600 AD, the area around Castle Rock became central, and was named Din Eidyn.
In 638 AD, control of Edinburgh (then known as Lothian) shifted to the Angles. It remained largely under their influence until it was reclaimed by the Scots around 950 AD under King Indulf. Edinburgh continued to develop, officially becoming a royal burgh (or royal town) in the 12th century during King David I's reign, and was often caught in the struggles of the Wars for Scottish Independence.
By the 14th century, Edinburgh was recognized as Scotland's capital. Despite suffering under English rule during various periods, it flourished as a cultural and intellectual hub, especially during the Scottish Enlightenment in the 18th century. The city was essential during the Jacobite risings and underwent major expansions and social changes over the centuries.
Today, Edinburgh is world-renowned for its history, culture and academic prowess. The most famous fringe theatre festival in the world takes place in Edinburgh every year in August, The Edinburgh Fringe. The city’s Old and New Towns are a combined UNESCO World Heritage Site, and The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked as one of the top 50 universities in the world.
My Explore Edinburgh Itinerary: Travel Tips for Visiting in a Day
Victoria Street’s shape and aesthetic is said to have inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series
There are so many different directions you can go and hidden gems you can uncover when it comes to visiting Edinburgh in 24 hours. I’ve tried my best to outline an itinerary that I’d recommend for visiting this city in a day.
Like I’ve said already, I’m not even going to pretend that you can tackle all the things to do in Edinburgh in a day, but this plan should make for a good start, and will definitely give you a great taste for this historic city:
Sample a Full Scottish Breakfast
There are so many places in this world where breakfast food plays such an integral role in a city or country’s culture—like our love for Turkish breakfast—and Scotland is no different. Regardless of how hungry you are, it’s always a good idea to take in the local breakfast scene when you’re on the road.
No matter where you go in Edinburgh for a full Scottish breakfast, you can count on a few staples to be a part of your meal. These staples include haggis, black pudding, bacon, link sausage, Lorne sausage, baked beans, fried mushrooms, tomatoes, toast, tattie scones and fried eggs.
Depending on how hungry you and your party are, it might be a good idea to split a large breakfast between several of you so you can each have a taste. Many establishments in Edinburgh also offer vegan options now, so if you aren’t a meat eater you can still have a taste of Scottish breakfast during your visit.
Wander Around One or More of Edinburgh’s famous streets
The Royal Mile stretch, beginning near Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh’s collective old and new towns are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, essentially meaning the main parts of Edinburgh are an important part of its living history. This is because Edinburgh has been Scotland's capital since the 15th century, and it features a medieval Old Town and a neoclassical New Town.
The blend of these contrasting architectures is an adventure for the senses, and a defining part of the city's unique character. There really is no other city to wander like Edinburgh. This is also what has made the city an increasingly popular destination for travellers to visit, and as such, its old town and famous streets become more and more crowded as the day wears on.
This makes the morning an excellent time to wander around the old streets and walk off your Scottish breakfast. There are a few popular streets throughout the city that I’d recommend walking around at this point in the day:
Grassmarket. Grassmarket was originally the site of cattle fairs and stables, until it became a general trading market in the late 1600s. It also served as a place for public executions for some time. Today it’s a wide open square with many places to sit, eat and several shops to visit.
W Bow/Victoria Street. Arguably now Edinburgh’s most famous street, this winding cobblestoned street has been in use since the 1300s, and has had many lives since then. It’s also rumoured to be the street that inspired the shape and name of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. Whatever your reason for visiting this aesthetically pleasing street is, it’s well worth coming earlier in the day if possible.
Walk the Royal Mile. This is one of Edinburgh’s most well known streets to walk down, and connects many points of interest within the Old Town. It begins at none other than Edinburgh Castle, and stretches through the Old Town to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which was the official residence of the King of Scotland. There are many shops and sights along the way, too, but this is a good walk.
Dean Village. This famous, picturesque village in Edinburgh is located near the West End, along a scenic stream called the Water of Leith. Its 19th century homes and curving stream make you feel as though you’ve entered a village straight out of a storybook.
Circus Lane. A widely photographed street in Edinburgh, Circus Lane is located in Stockbridge, just north of New Town. It’s another gem to walk along and visit in the early morning.
Princes Street. This is a famous shopping and central street connecting the major hubs of Edinburgh. You can walk along here to find sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle, notable statues and government buildings.
When you’re walking around Edinburgh, don’t forget to take some time to venture off the main streets and discover the city’s endless winding staircases and narrow walkways that connect various parts of the city.
Some favourites are Upper Bow alley and staircase, connecting Victoria Street to the Royal Mile, and Vennel Staircase, which connects the Lauriston Campus of The University of Edinburgh to Grassmarket, and offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Vennel Staircase is also the famous staircase where Dexter chases after Emma after graduation in Netflix’s popular series One Day.
Relax or Reflect in one of Edinburgh’s Green Spaces
Views of Arthur’s Seat from Calton Hill
Green spaces are effortlessly woven throughout Edinburgh, making it a truly beautiful city to walk around. Between its parks, gardens, hills and even its historic cemeteries, there are many opportunities to take a breath of a fresh air or reflect in the city’s green spaces.
Here are a few green spaces I’d recommend considering visiting as you walk through the city:
Princes Street Gardens. These gardens are free, and centrally located in the city. You’ll find the gardens just off of Princes Street in New Town, and they are beautiful to walk around. You can expect to find water fountains, monuments, open grassy spaces and beautiful, sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle overhead on a visit here.
Water of Leith Walkway and St. Bernard's Well. This is an excellent green space to walk around near Dean Village. The gardens and walk along the Water of Leith is the real experience here, but St. Bernard's Well is a notable monument which really adds a little extra drama to this beautiful walkway.
Greyfriar’s Bobby Cemetery. There are many cemeteries scattered throughout Edinburgh, and while I know that a cemetery holds different meanings to different people, given the history of so many of Edinburgh’s cemeteries, it’s hard to deny that they aren’t beautiful to walk through in their own right. The story of Greyfriar’s Bobby is also very touching—he was the dog belonging to a city police officer and nightwatchman who died in the 1800s. Greyfriar’s Bobby is said to have sat by the grave for 14 years, before he died and was buried alongside his owner. On top of this touching story, this cemetery’s tombstones also carry many characters’ names from the Harry Potter series.
Arthur’s Seat. Now I know that this is a big undertaking, but I’d be remiss not to include this famous mountain within the city. Both Arthur’s Seat and Castle Rock are ancient volcanos that have now formed large hills and mountains within Edinburgh. Whether you decide to climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat or not during your brief time in Edinburgh, it’s well worth getting a good look at from the ground below.
Of course there are so many other green spaces and parks in Edinburgh, but I think choosing from this short list for your day trip to Edinburgh offers you a taste of just what you’ll need on your trip.
Visit a Museum or Historic Site of Your Choosing
Walking along Princes Street in New Town
While museums aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially when you have such a limited amount of time to visit a city, Edinburgh does have some fantastic museums and historic sites that are well worth visiting if they’re up your alley. They offer a window into the city’s history and culture that isn’t the same as just walking around.
Sometimes on a really rainy day in a city like Edinburgh, it’s also nice to go inside to find a moment of reprieve and learn a little more about where you are, and any of these places will do that for you:
Scottish National Gallery: Scotland's national art gallery opened in 1859, and houses fine art from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Don’t confuse it with the nearby Royal Scottish Academy. Although this is another great gallery and looks similar, they are two distinctive and equally wonderful museums.
Edinburgh Castle: Sitting on top of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle has been a strategic royal and military site since at least the 11th century. Initially a royal residence, it transitioned primarily to military use by the 17th century. Today, it is home to several museums, and remains a key symbol of Scotland, attracting millions of visitors annually.
National Museum of Scotland: Formed in 2006, the National Museum of Scotland merged the Museum of Scotland, focused on Scottish history and culture, with the Royal Scottish Museum, covering science, technology, and world cultures. Housed in two distinctive buildings on Chambers Street, it is Scotland's most visited attraction, offering free admission.
The Real Mary King’s Close: Located underneath Edinburgh's City Chambers on the Royal Mile, this space is named after 17th-century merchant Mary King. Partly demolished in the 18th century, it's now a haunted tourist site worth entering if you dare.
The Writers’ Museum: The Writers’ Museum in Edinburgh, located in Lady Stair's House, showcases the lives and works of Scottish writers Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. It features portraits and personal items for each of the authors, and is across the street from the Makars' Court literary monument.
Have a Traditional Pub Meal or Sunday Roast
No trip to Edinburgh is complete without diving into a local pub to sample some Scottish beer or traditional pub food.
There are too many pubs to choose from in Edinburgh, so I’ll just say that my recommendation is to find one that’s in an historic building that seems to have a balance of local patrons, along with tourists. If you walk into a pub and can’t hear a Scottish accent in the room, then you’ve come to the wrong place.
I’ll give full credit to my sister Brooke, who chose an excellent pub for us to pop into called The Guildford Arms in New Town. This historic pub has been family owned since the 1800s, and is well worth visiting. We absolutely loved having a bite to eat, and a couple of pints in their grand room.
Sampling Scottish beers is also a fun thing to do when in Scotland, and we were both over the moon to learn about a local Edinburgh brewery called Campervan Brewery. We knew we had to try some of their beers as a nod to our van trip through this part of the country.
If you happen to be in Edinburgh on a Sunday (or anywhere in the United Kingdom, for that matter), then you’ll want to do yourself a favour and indulge in a proper Sunday roast meal. Sunday roasts typically take place in the mid-afternoon as opposed to late at night, which is a great way to break up your afternoon spent exploring in the city.
Sample Scotch at a Whisky Bar
Too many Scotch whiskys to choose from at The Black Cat in New Town
If you enjoy trying new spirits during your travels, then sampling some Scottish whisky is a must on a trip to Edinburgh. There are all sorts of whisky experiences throughout the city, some more touristy than others.
Brooke and I opted to go to an independent whisky bar in New Town on Rose Street called The Black Cat. They have a massive selection of whiskys from all over the country, and their staff is incredibly knowledgeable. You’d be best to let the staff know what some of your favourite qualities are in a whisky, and they can help you select one to try from there.
The Black Cat has an excellent ambience, and also offers Scottish ales and food. They even have live folk music sometimes, so keep an ear out during your visit!
Some other well-regarded whisky bars in Edinburgh are Whiski Bar & Restaurant and The Devil’s Advocate near the Royal Mile in Old Town, and 1820 Rooftop Bar for beautiful views of the city from Princes Street.
Don’t forget to catch A sunset
Sunset views over the city from Calton Hill
Whether the clouds are on your side or not during your brief visit to Edinburgh, you can’t go wrong by heading up to Calton Hill to catch an iconic sunset or evening view of the city from this famous vantage point.
There are too many beautiful viewpoints to count in Edinburgh—it’s really just a city of dramatic viewpoints all over—but Calton Hill is pretty special. The hill itself is home to several statues and monuments, with sweeping views of the city and Arthur’s Seat.
The most famous view of Edinburgh at sunset though is the west-facing view of the city, next to the iconic Dugald Stewart Monument. This is a popular place to come for sunset, so make sure you grab a couple snacks and a drink and head up before sunset to stake your ground and watch as the lighting shifts each moment over the city.
It is a truly magical way to end a day well spent in Edinburgh.
Making Your Quick Trip to Edinburgh One for the Books
So grateful to have been able to spend this time on the road with my sister!
Like with any trip to a European city, I think there’s a lot of value in ensuring you aren’t overplanning your time. Truly one of the best things about a trip to Edinburgh Scotland is walking around the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is its city centre, and imagining the thousands of years of history play out in front of your very eyes.
From its iconic castles, historic structures, medieval passageways and modern buildings, the layers upon layers of history that you’ll find in Edinburgh are not easily paralleled in other cities in the world.
It is a truly unique place. And whether your time in Edinburgh is long or short, it will be memorable no matter what you get up to on your journey.