72 Hours in Edinburgh
- 48 hours in Edinburgh
- 72 Hours in Edinburgh
- A day exploring Edinburgh’s free attractions
- A day exploring historic houses in Edinburgh and the Lothians
- A day exploring museums and galleries in Edinburgh
- A day exploring the castles of Edinburgh and the Lothians
- A day in the Lothians
- A day shopping in Edinburgh and the Lothians
- A great family day out in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh’s Royal attractions in one day
- Mary Queen of Scots Trail - Edinburgh and the Lothians
- Two days of local crafts - Edinburgh and the Lothians
Be sure to make the most of your trip to Edinburgh with this suggested 72 hour itinerary covering some of the city’s most visited attractions.
Trail Map
Skip over Google mapDay One
In order to get ahead of the crowds, start your day at Edinburgh Castle when it opens at 9.30am to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny. Afterwards, you can follow the Royal Mile on foot to explore various narrow closes steeped in history.
If you want to get an idea of what you are seeing as you go, there are a wide range of tours available.
Jump aboard one of the open-top tour buses where the fantastic onboard guides will supply a personal view, however multi-language tours are available. The buses will allow you to jump on and off at your leisure to visit attractions like the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Parliament or the National Galleries of Scotland.
There are plenty of cafés and eating places scattered around the city centre for a quick lunch. If you’ve spent the morning in the Old Town area (and you could easily spend several days there), cross the North Bridge to the other part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage site, the Georgian New Town.
Later on, head back to the Royal Mile for a meal in one of Edinburgh’s many international or Scottish restaurants followed by a walking ghost tour.
Day Two
From Princes Street, it’s a short number 22 Lothian Bus ride to The Royal Yacht Britannia, which is now docked permanently at Ocean Terminal in Leith. After the tour, take some time to explore the port of Leith, one of the most fashionable areas to live in Edinburgh.
If you’re feeling energetic, climb Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park. Last active over 300 million years ago, this extinct volcano is one of the best vantage points over the city. For a gentler walk, why not take a stroll around the National Museum of Scotland, which reopened in 2011 after a refurbishment which has allowed it to now display over 20,000 exhibits in 36 galleries?
If you dined in the Old Town last night, try something different around George Street tonight. There’s something for everyone in one of the city’s main eating areas.
Day Three
If Edinburgh is your first visit to Scotland, you may want to take a tour and get out of the city to see perhaps the Highlands or other parts.
There are day trips year-round which will whisk you away to the majestic splendour of the Highlands and the still expanses of lochs and glens. Whether by luxury coach or intimate minicoach, your driver will have you back to Edinburgh in time for dinner or even a traditional fish supper!
Round off your trip with a night of live music in a pub. Just remember, you have to get home tomorrow!
Edinburgh City Pass
Enjoy free access to over 25 of Edinburgh’s top attractions and a number of exclusive offers at restaurants and shops throughout the city with an Edinburgh city pass. Choose from a 1, 2 or 3 day pass. Buy online or at any Tourist Information Centre.
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Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.
