Ultimate guide on how to spend one day in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world. With its stunning architecture, fascinating history, and lively culture, Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for travellers from all over the globe.

While ideally, you would spend at least a few days exploring all the incredible things to do in Edinburgh, sometimes all you have is one day.

That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate one day in Edinburgh itinerary.

One of the best things about Edinburgh is that many of its top attractions are located within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore the city on foot.

This itinerary takes you through from breakfast to after-dinner drinks and includes some of the city’s top attractions, historic sites and unusual things to do.

If you’re planning a day trip to Edinburgh or are limited on time, this is the best guide to one day in Edinburgh that you’ll find.

Visiting Glasgow instead? Check out this one day in Glasgow itinerary!

Your ultimate 1 day in Edinburgh itinerary

• Catch a sunrise with your morning coffee up Calton Hill
• Wander through Princes Street Garden
• Take a walking tour of the Old Town and the Royal Mile
• Go to Edinburgh Castle
• Pop into the National Museum of Scotland
• Try Whisky at the Scottish Whisky Experience
• Go Underground to the Edinburgh Vaults or Mary King’s Close
• Have an evening out in Grassmarket

How to get to Edinburgh

While many domestic visitors to Edinburgh will likely drive to the capital city of Scotland, there are other ways to travel there too including the following:

Flights to Edinburgh

Edinburgh has an international airport, which sits about 8 miles west of the city centre. 

The airport is served by a range of airlines, including budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet and you can fly to Edinburgh from many UK cities and major European destinations.

There are also direct flights from North America, the Middle East, and Asia.

Skyscanner is what I usually use to find cheap flights.

To get to Edinburgh city centre from the airport you can ride the tram which is a comfortable and reliable way to travel and goes all the way from the airport to further than Leith by the coast.

Trains to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is well-connected to other UK cities by train, and the central train station in Edinburgh is Waverley Station, located in the city centre between New Town and Old Town.

There are regular trains to Edinburgh from major cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow as well as more regional and local train routes.

The journey time from London to Edinburgh is around 4-5 hours on a high-speed train.

Omio is a great platform to book European and UK travel on. You can check train and bus prices and schedules and book super easily!

I also like using TheTrainLine.com for train tickets.

Alternatively, you can take the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Edinburgh. This train leaves in the evening and arrives in Edinburgh early in the morning.

Check timetables and book tickets for the sleeper train.

Buses to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is also well-served by bus services, and the main bus station in Edinburgh is located in St Andrew Square in the city centre.

You can take a bus to Edinburgh from other UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Glasgow.

The journey time from London to Edinburgh by bus is around 10-12 hours, depending on the route and operator.

Omio is a great platform to book European and UK travel on. You can check train and bus prices and schedules and book super easily!

Getting around Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a pretty small city in comparison to some and you can visit most of its top attractions on foot. But, if you want to cover more ground and save your feet from the hills and steps, there are other easy ways to get around Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

One popular way to explore the city is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus. 

These buses offer a convenient and flexible way to see the city’s major attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

You can hop on and off at any of the designated stops throughout the city, and tickets are valid for your 24 hours in Edinburgh. 

Book your Edinburgh hop on, hop off bus tickets now

These tours also often include informative audio commentary that will give you a great introduction to the history and culture of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Tram

Another convenient way to get around Edinburgh is by taking the tram. The Edinburgh Trams run from the airport down past Leith on the coast with many stops along the way. 

The trams run frequently throughout the day, and tickets can be purchased at each of the tram stations. 

You can also purchase a PlusBus ticket, which offers unlimited travel on the tram and Lothian Buses.

Buses in Edinburgh

Lothian Buses operate throughout the city and offer an extensive network of routes that cover all areas of Edinburgh. 

The buses are a great option for getting around quickly and efficiently, and they run frequently throughout the day. 

You can purchase tickets on board, but it’s worth considering getting a day ticket or a multi-day ticket, which will save you money if you plan on using the bus several times during your stay.

The perfect Edinburgh 1 day itinerary

Catch a sunrise with your morning coffee up on Calton Hill

From your central accommodation in Edinburgh, pick up coffee at one of the amazing coffee shops in Edinburgh (I recommend Edinburgh Press Club, The Milkman or Platform 41 coffee), and head up towards Calton Hill.

Get something tasty to go with your coffee like a breakfast sandwich or a pastry too!

Calton Hill is also known as Edinburgh’s Acropolis, thanks to the many memorials and monuments that dot the summit, including the iconic Nelson Monument with its columns that look like the Pantheon. The area is even included in UNESCO’s designated world heritage site of the city, making it a must-visit.

From the summit, you’ll be treated to some of the best views of the city, especially at sunrise or early in the morning. It’s one of my favourite places to visit in Edinburgh. You’ll be able to see Edinburgh Castle, the spires throughout the city and the beautiful architecture that Edinburgh is famous for.

Wander through Princes Street Gardens

Next up, walk back down Princes Street past the Scott Monument, which pays homage to Sir Walter Scott, a famous Scottish writer, and towards Princes Street Gardens.

You’ll usually hear some bagpipers playing around here which adds to the romantic feel of exploring the Scottish capital city.

Princes Street Gardens are one of the most beautiful green spaces in Edinburgh and are completely free to visit. 

The gardens are located alongside the shopping street of Princes Street and it’s a beautiful place to explore, you’ll also get some pretty cool views of Edinburgh Castle up above you from here.

Literary enthusiasts should make a point to visit the unassuming tribute to Robert Louis Stevenson. It’s almost hidden away in amongst the trees but is marked with a stone engraved with the initials RLS.

This was done in accordance with his preference for a modest memorial. Despite its appearance resembling a grave, it does not signify his final resting place, as he’s actually buried in Samoa.

Taking a walking tour of the Old Town and the Royal Mile

From Princes Street Gardens, it’s time to head up into the Old Town!

You’ll climb uphill, feel free to take some of the staircases and alleyways or walk the winding Cockburn Street admiring the cute shops full of Scottish gifts and souvenirs.

Soon you’ll arrive at the top of the hill and come out onto the Royal Mile.

One of the best ways to get to know Edinburgh is to take a walking tour. On a walking tour, you’ll visit many of the best sights in the city and learn about its secret and its history from a knowledgeable guide.

You have a few options when it comes to walking tours, if you’re a Harry Potter fan you might want to take the Harry Potter walking tour. Otherwise, I highly recommend this Old Town History and Tales tour.

On this tour, you’ll be led through the gorgeous winding streets that comprise Edinburgh’s “Old Town.” You’ll learn about the secrets of Edinburgh and discover the top places to see in Edinburgh such as Edinburgh’s Mercat Cross, St. Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Enlightenment, Greyfriars Bobby, the Grassmarket, Harry Potter’s inspirations, and many more.

Book your Edinburgh Royal Mile and Old Town walking tour

Follow a guide on this Royal Mile walking tour who’ll tell you about many of the Royal Mile’s famous alleys and give you an introduction to how Edinburgh’s Royal Mile has developed from timbered medieval buildings to the complex street of today.

Lunchtime! Grab lunch along the Royal Mile and nearby. Some recommendations include:

• Oink: delicious meaty sandwiches (veggie options available)
• Bobbie’s Sandwich Bar: great range of tasty, packed full sandwiches
• The Edinburgh Larder: Delicious brunches and lunches – get the full Scottish if you’ve never had one!

Go inside Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit when you’re visiting Edinburgh, especially if you only have one day. It’s the perfect way to learn more about the city’s history by checking out Edinburgh’s top attraction.

Sitting atop a hill and offering spectacular views of the city below, the castle has played a significant role in Scottish history, having been the site of numerous battles, sieges, and even a prison and armoury.

There are loads of exhibits and things to see at the castle and you also get great views of the city as you wander around too. It’s quite expensive, but I think visiting the castle is worth it!

Make sure to get your skip-the-line tickets in advance. I also highly recommend booking this fast-track entrance to Edinburgh Castle which includes a guided walking tour. There’s so much to see and learn about at the castle that the guide really brings it to life and helps you make the most of your trip!

Book your Edinburgh Castle guided tour tickets

Pop into the National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is a modern museum that covers just about everything, from ancient Scottish history to inventions over the years.

We spent a good few hours in here one morning before it got too busy learning more about everything from animals all over the world, to inventions and technology with fun interactive exhibits.

The museum is free to visit and offers a vibrant and interesting place to spend a rainy afternoon in Edinburgh.

One of the most popular things to see in the museum is the preserved body of Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal to be genetically cloned! 

There’s also a roof terrace which is free and has some great views of the city. 

I prefer the National Museum of Scotland to the Scottish National Gallery, but if you’re more into art then you might prefer the gallery instead.

Try Whisky at the Scottish Whisky Experience

From the National Museum of Scotland, head back across to the Royal Mile to the Scotch Whisky Experience.

Edinburgh is a world-class destination for whisky lovers, and a whisky tour is a thing to do in Edinburgh. 

Even if you don’t like whisky, it’s hard not to get swept up in things and head out on a whisky tour and it’s easily one of the most fun things to do in Edinburgh if you only have one day.

One of the best whisky experiences in Edinburgh is The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting. 

During this tour, you’ll get a guided tour and tasting in one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky. You’ll learn more about blending whisky and the secrets of single-malt whisky.

Book your Whisky Experience Tour & Tasting tickets

Or check out this Edinburgh walking and whisky tour where you’ll take in the sights of Edinburgh while getting to try three different whiskies along the way.

If whisky isn’t your thing, Camera Obscura near by is a super fun museum of illusions that is a great alternative and fun thing to do in Edinburgh with kids.

Dinner! There are so many great restaurants in Edinburgh to try. Some of my favourites in between the Whisky Experience and the next item on this one day in Edinburgh itinerary are:

• The Witchery
• Howies Restaurant – a great place to try Haggis
• El Cartel – great Mexican food

Go Underground to the Edinburgh Vaults or the Real Mary’s Close

The Real Mary King’s Close is one of the most surreal things to do in Edinburgh, especially as it’s all hidden under the streets off the Royal Mile.

Over the last 15 years, these have now been opened to the public and you can now buy Real Mary King’s Close tickets to head down to these hidden streets.

Once you grab these tickets, you’ll venture down into the streets with a designated guide. It really is quite spooky but totally cool and such a fun thing to do in Edinburgh.

Get your tickets for this top attraction in Edinburgh in advance.

Alternatively, you can check out the Edinburgh Underground Vaults tour. As with the Real Mary’s Close, you head underground into the deep dark secrets of Edinburgh.

If you’re looking for an adventure that’s packed with history, intrigue and a good dose of spookiness, then look no further than these subterranean caverns.

They were built in the 18th century and have been used for everything from storage to slums over the years. 

Nowadays, you can join a ghost tour to explore the vaults and hear about the dark events that have taken place below the city. 

It’s definitely one of the more unique things to do in Edinburgh if you’re looking for a thrilling experience!​​

Book your Edinburgh Vaults tour tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Real Mary’s Close vs the Vaults

Wondering what the difference between Real Mary’s Close and the Edinburgh Vaults is?

Real Mary’s Close is more focused on history and archaeology, it doesn’t get too spooky or delve into ghostly tales. The Edinburgh Vaults are spooky and scary and on an Edinburgh Vaults tour you’ll learn more about the spooky parts of the city that have been featured on Most Haunted Live as one of the scariest places on earth!

Basically, it depends on whether you want history or a spooky experience!

Have an evening out in Grassmarket

As your day in Edinburgh comes to an end, it’s time to celebrate the evening in a truly Scottish way – with a few pints!

Head to Grassmarket where there’s great nightlife and many pubs to head in and out of until you’ve found your favourite, or had enough to drink; whichever comes first!

Be sure to check out Biddy Mulligan’s Irish Bar for great food, drinks, and live music which is also home to Scotland’s smallest pub, the Wee Pub. 

Alternatively, you can go on a pub crawl. Since you only have one night in Edinburgh, this is something I highly recommend as a way of checking out multiple pubs in the city.

You can take a guided pub crawl which comes with six free shots, or make up your own pub crawl by just visiting a few places.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

When planning a trip to Edinburgh, finding the right place to stay can greatly enhance your experience. From budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in the city.

Below, I’ve picked out some of the best places to stay in Edinburgh which are perfect places to rest your head before or after your Edinburgh one day tour.

JUST SLEEP Hostel

JUST SLEEP hostel is an affordable and comfortable place to stay in Edinburgh that’s the perfect base for exploring all that Edinburgh has to offer.

You can enjoy stunning city views from certain rooms, and the hostel even offers bike rentals for those looking to explore on two wheels.

Previous guests have raved about the amazing staff, helpful amenities, and unbeatable location.

Cheval the Edinburgh Grand

Looking for a luxurious and centrally located apartment accommodation in Edinburgh? Look no further than The Edinburgh Grand!

This stunning hotel in Edinburgh is just a 3-minute walk from Princes Street and features a range of amenities including an on-site restaurant, bar, and coffee house. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and period features.

The location is unbeatable, with top Edinburgh attractions such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Calton Hill all within half a mile.

Previous guests praise the staff and special touches like birthday treats as well as the location.

Haymarket Apartments

For a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Edinburgh, Haymarket Apartments offers a stylish apartment that’ll feel like a home away from home.

Each apartment comes fully equipped with a kitchenette, seating area, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with free toiletries. But the best part is the location – with Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile just a short walk away, as well as easy access to transportation options like the airport-bound tram and bus.

Past guests praised the great location, comfortable rooms, and abundance of nearby shops and restaurants.

Final thoughts on this Edinburgh in a day itinerary

With just one day in Edinburgh, you can experience some of the city’s best sights and top attractions. From exploring Edinburgh Castle to the National Museum of Scotland, trying Whisky and seeing the beautiful Scottish architecture, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

While you’ll need at least.3 days in Edinburgh to see everything the city has to offer, you can still get a feel for the city and its huge history in just 1 day.

Have more than one day in Edinburgh?

If you have more time than is allowed by this Edinburgh in one day itinerary, check out the posts below which will help you plan a longer trip to this Scottish city.

• What to see in Edinburgh for free
• What to do in Edinburgh at night
• The 46 best things to do in Edinburgh
• Best things for couples to do in Edinburgh

FAQs about a 1 day itinerary, Edinburgh

Last Updated on April 21, 2023 by Hannah