Edinburgh itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: The castle & the Old Town
Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and St Giles', the Grassmarket, and the lit-up streets after dark.
- 1
Morning
Edinburgh Castle
The fortress on its volcanic rock at the top of the Old Town, with the esplanade in front and views over the whole city from the walls.
- Castle Esplanade
- Edinburgh Castle
- City views
Go at opening time: the castle gets very busy by late morning, especially in summer.
Walk down from the esplanade onto the Royal Mile, about 5 min.
- 2
Late morning
The Royal Mile & St Giles'
The Old Town's main street, running downhill from the castle past St Giles' Cathedral, with narrow closes and wynds leading off both sides.
- Royal Mile
- St Giles' Cathedral
- The closes
Walk down Victoria Street to the Grassmarket, about 10 min.
- 3
Afternoon
The Grassmarket
An old market square below the castle rock, lined with pubs and small shops, reached by the curving Victoria Street.
- Grassmarket
- Victoria Street
- Castle rock views
Walk back up to the Old Town streets, about 10 min.
- 4
Night
Edinburgh after dark
The city's stone streets lit up at night, when the Old Town is at its most atmospheric and the castle glows above the gardens.
- Lit-up streets
- Castle at night
- Old Town lanes
Day 2: Princes Street, the New Town & Stockbridge
Princes Street and its gardens, Charlotte Square and Dean Bridge, and an afternoon in Stockbridge.
- 1
Morning
Princes Street
The New Town's main street, with shops on one side and Princes Street Gardens on the other, looking straight up at the castle and the Old Town skyline.
- Princes Street
- Princes Street Gardens
- Old Town skyline
Walk west along George Street to Charlotte Square, about 15 min.
- 2
Late morning
Charlotte Square & Dean Bridge
The grandest square of the Georgian New Town, then on to Dean Bridge, high above the Water of Leith, with the old mill village of Dean Village in the gorge below.
- Charlotte Square
- Dean Bridge
- Dean Village
Walk down to the Water of Leith and follow the path to Stockbridge, about 15 min.
- 3
Afternoon
Stockbridge
A village-like neighbourhood on the Water of Leith, with independent shops and cafés along St Stephen Street and a Sunday market.
- St Stephen Street
- Water of Leith
- Stockbridge Market
Day 3: Holyrood Park & Leith
The Palace of Holyroodhouse and a climb in Holyrood Park, then the afternoon and evening down by the water in Leith.
- 1
Morning
Holyrood Park & Holyroodhouse
The bottom of the Royal Mile, where the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament stand at the edge of Holyrood Park and the climb up Arthur's Seat.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Scottish Parliament
- Arthur's Seat
The walk up Arthur's Seat takes about 45 minutes each way; wear proper shoes, the top is rocky and windy.
Bus or tram to Leith, about 20 min.
- 2
Afternoon & evening
Leith
Edinburgh's old port on the Firth of Forth, with a waterfront called the Shore, old warehouses and a more local, relaxed feel than the centre.
- The Shore
- Water of Leith
- Docks
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Edinburgh plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Edinburgh
How many days?
Three days covers the Old Town and the castle, the New Town and Stockbridge, and Holyrood Park with Leith. Two days is enough for the highlights if you keep moving.
Where to stay
The Old Town puts you on the Royal Mile; the New Town is elegant and central; Stockbridge is a quieter village feel; Leith is by the water, a short tram ride from the centre. Compare areas →
Getting around
Walk in the centre, but expect hills and stairs between the Old and New Towns. Buses cover the city well, and the tram runs from the airport through Princes Street to Leith.
Edinburgh is two cities side by side. The medieval Old Town runs down a ridge from the castle on its volcanic rock to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with the Royal Mile along its spine and dark closes dropping off either side. Across the gardens of Princes Street is the Georgian New Town, all broad streets and squares, with the village-like Stockbridge just beyond it and the old port of Leith down by the sea.
Every stop comes with a video filmed on those streets, a long walking tour for the Old Town and a winter drive for the places further out, so you can see the castle, the closes and the squares before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to the landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Edinburgh itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
Three days is a good first visit: one for the castle and the Old Town, one for the New Town and Stockbridge, and one for Holyrood Park and Leith. Two days covers the highlights at a faster pace.
Is Edinburgh a walkable city?
Yes, the centre is compact, but it is hilly. Expect steep streets and stairs between the Old Town and the New Town, and wear comfortable shoes. Buses and the tram cover Leith.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
May to September has the longest days and mildest weather. August is festival month, lively but crowded and expensive; December brings Christmas markets and Hogmanay at New Year.
Is it worth climbing Arthur's Seat?
Yes, if the weather is clear. The walk takes about 45 minutes up from Holyrood Park and gives you a view over the whole city, the castle and the sea.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
6 areas compared, each with a street walk so you can see the neighborhood before you book.
Read the guide →Keep exploring Edinburgh
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Edinburgh city guide →